"Halloween Happenings, School Threats, and Arts Abound in Fort Worth"

Good morning, this is Fort Worth Local Pulse for Friday, October 31st, 2025. We're starting today with a significant public safety situation that unfolded yesterday at RL Paschal High School on Forest Park Boulevard. Heavy police presence, including a helicopter, was reported around the campus on Thursday afternoon as law enforcement investigated a possible bomb threat. According to the Fort Worth ISD Police Department, the school went into secure status, meaning all exterior doors were locked and no one could enter or exit. Students and staff remained safe inside the building while investigators worked the scene. Dismissal was held as a precaution, and streets around the campus were temporarily closed. The school sent families a message letting them know that law enforcement was actively investigating, and they would provide updates as soon as information became available. We don't yet have confirmation on the specifics of the threat or any arrests related to the incident. In education news affecting our community, the state's planned takeover of Fort Worth ISD continues to draw scrutiny. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced plans to replace the district's elected school board with state-appointed leadership, citing low student performance. The takeover decision is largely based on STAAR test results, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. However, this has sparked significant debate because the state legislature is actually phasing out that same test, with lawmakers from both parties saying it doesn't accurately measure student learning and puts too much pressure on kids and teachers. Only 34 percent of Fort Worth students are currently performing at grade level, and the district is operating with a 44 million dollar budget deficit. On the positive side, the district has made progress over the last two years, reducing F-rated schools from 31 down to 11. If you're looking for things to do today, Fort Worth's Halloween festivities are in full swing. You can catch The Nightmare Before Christmas at Rooftop Cinema Club downtown this evening. The Lone Star Film Festival continues through November 4th with feature films and over 80 short films showing at the Modern Art Museum and Movie Tavern on West 7th. For live theater, Casa Mañana has West Side Story running through November 9th, and if you're in the mood for a musical celebration, Broadway at the Bass presents A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond story, running through November 2nd. Plus, Billy Bob's Texas has concerts tonight featuring Blanco Brown. Looking ahead to the weekend, Fort Worth's Fall Japanese Festival takes over the Botanic Garden on Saturday and Sunday with cultural performances, demonstrations, and traditional foods. Sundance Square hosts its annual Catrina Fest on Saturday with live music, art vendors, and food trucks celebrating Día de los Muertos. And if you're a Jurassic Park fan, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is performing John Williams' ic This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.