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Journalists On Rio Grande Expedition Now Trekking Through Texas

Fronteras: Tino Duran, publisher of San Antonio bilingual newspaper La Prensa, just went public with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Duran’s daughter Nina joins us on Fronteras to talk about her father and the family’s journey with Alzheimer’s. Imagine traveling the entire Rio Grande, just you, a canoe and some paddles. A couple of journalists are doing just that. We check in on the progress of the Disappearing Rio Grande Expedition.

Expedition Tracking the Disappearing Rio Grande

Reporter Colin McDonald and photojournalist Erich Schlegel are on the journey of a lifetime. They're traveling 1,900 miles over seven months to follow the Rio Grande from source to sea. They’re calling it the Disappearing Rio Grande Expedition.

The journey all started at Stony Pass in Colorado in late June. These journalists are not driving. They’re getting up close and personal with the river -- canoeing, kayaking and walking when need be  -- to learn about the changes to the river and how those changes are impacting the people that rely on it. Fronteras Host Crystal Chavez reached McDonald on his cell phone to give us an update on this fascinating journey.

Here's a link to the project's Kickstarter page.

Tejano Ranch Life Comes To The Big City At The Institute Of Texan Cultures

Something else is slowly disappearing in Texas: a lifestyle. This Sunday it’ll all be on display as arts and culture reporter Jack Morgan explains.

Education Commissioner Plans to Expand Pre-K in Texas Using Federal Grant

The Texas Education Commissioner has informed federal officials the state intends to seek a $30 million  grant that would expand pre-K opportunities. Texas Public Radio’s Ryan Poppe reports that would include increasing enrollment for non-English speaking students.

Credit Courtesy of Nina Duran
Tino Duran and his wife of 60 years, Millie Duran.

La Prensa’s Nina Duran on Father’s Alzheimer’s Journey

La Prensa is San Antonio’s independent, family-owned bilingual newspaper. The Duran family has operated the local paper for more than 25 years. This week they announced the paper’s publisher, 79 year-old Tino Duran, has been living with Alzheimer’s.

Mr. Duran’s daughter, Nina, is now using her position to raise awareness of this disease. Nina is vice president of public relations at La Prensa. She spoke to Fronteras earlier this week and the conversation starts with her talking about his early days.

Credit Courtesy of Nina Duran
Tino Duran and his daughter, Nina Duran, V.P. of Public Relations at La Prensa.

Nina is raising awareness by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’sthe morning of Sept. 20 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. There are walks happening across the state and the nation.

Credit Courtesy of Nina Duran
Tino Duran, owner and publisher of San Antonio’s only bilingual newspaper, La Prensa.

Crystal Chavez was Texas Public Radio’s Morning Edition host for three years, until January 2015.