Lane Luckie

German lawmaker calls lockdowns, communication ’secrets to success’ in pandemic response

As Texas enters the next phase of re-opening its economy, a German lawmaker is sharing insight into his country’s strategy for emerging from lockdown, while managing the spread of COVID-19.

WATCH: International Space Station spotted over East Texas

The ISS, which travels 17,500 miles per hour, circles the Earth every 90 minutes. Click here to watch a flyover!

NASA shifts space agency to telework after workers test positive for COVID-19

NASA’s administrator has ordered the space agency’s employees and contractors to telework after a limited number of workers tested positive for COVID-19. “Although a limited amount of employees have tested positive for COVID-19, it is imperative that we take this pre-emptive step to thwart further spreading of the virus among the workforce and our communities,”…

Cloistered Dominican nuns mark 75 years of prayer in East Texas

The Monastery of the Infant Jesus is celebrating 75 years since its founding in East Texas. Located on Lotus Lane in north Lufkin, the community of nearly two dozen cloistered Dominican nuns are devoted to praying for the needs of the world around them. “I wanted to be hidden so that God could be the…

My Instagram Top 10: Back in Berlin

History, both triumphant and tragic, comes alive in Berlin, Germany. Click here to see some of my favorite sites.

Meet the Class: NASA’s newest astronauts could be assigned to Moon, Mars missions

NASA welcomed a new class of astronauts to its active roster Friday, marking the first time the space agency has held a public graduation ceremony. The class, selected in 2017, includes 11 NASA astronauts and two from the Canadian Space Agency. They join a corps of 35 others who are now eligible for assignment on…

My Instagram Top 10: Christmastime in the Crescent City

The Big Easy’s intoxicating spirit is unlike few places in America. Click here to see some of my favorite stops in New Orleans.

Thousands of stunning holiday decorations transform historic hotel lobby into ‘Waldorf Wonderland’

It’s not Christmastime in New Orleans until the lights shimmer in the iconic Roosevelt Hotel. In a tradition dating back to the 1930s, the historic hotel’s block long lobby is transformed into the Waldorf Wonderland, an elegant display of holiday decorations that draw crowds of visitors from around the world. Colors of white, red, gold…

World’s largest airport chaplaincy provides peace in busy DFW Airport

At the start of the holiday travel season, countless East Texans will be among the passengers navigating crowds at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Despite the airport being one of the busiest places on Earth, people are finding their faith inside one of the five DFW Airport interfaith chapels. “You don’t ever know how travel is…

Oklahoma boasts ‘tallest hill’ in the world

Poteau, Oklahoma claims to be home to the tallest hill in the world. Located on the far eastern side of the state, the elevation of Cavanal Hill’s summit is 1,999 feet. According to the local chamber of commerce, geographical features 2,000 feet or higher are typically classified as mountains. Whatever you want to call it,…

WATCH: Fireworks over Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate

Click here to watch the fireworks celebration on the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Thousands gather at Germany’s Brandenburg Gate to celebrate anniversary of Berlin Wall falling

On the historic night of November 9, 1989, East and West Germans danced together on top of the Berlin Wall. Hours earlier, anyone crossing the border would have been shot by GDR state security. 30 years later, a crowd of 100 thousand returned to Berlin’s historic Brandenburg Gate, which was once surrounded by the wall,…

WATCH: Historic 3D video projected on Berlin buildings

Click here to watch scenes of 1989 projected on buildings to bring history alive.

Fmr. Ambassador reflects on George HW Bush’s role in German reunification

As the world marks 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, a former diplomat is reflecting on his tenure as the first U.S. ambassador to Germany following reunification. Robert M. Kimmitt held the post from 1991 to 1993, though his ties to Europe predate his birth. Like 20 percent of Americans, Kimmitt traces…

Historical group explores, documents Cold War stories from Berlin’s underground

Escaping the surveillance and oppression of the East German government during the Cold War often came at great risk. The impressively complex and often dangerous acts of desperation are highlighted in a series of tours organized by a group of Berliners who work to explore and preserve the history of the city’s underground. The Berliner…

Understanding the Wall: How the Berlin Wall divided a nation

Three decades after the so-called ‘Peaceful Revolution’ toppled the German Democratic Republic, or East Germany, people are celebrating the anniversary of its climax — the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. More time has passed since the Wall came down than the nearly three decades it stood, but painful memories associated with…

WATCH: Misconceptions, misinformation have led to ‘romanticization’ of Berlin Wall

Click here to watch Lane Luckie explain misconceptions and common questions about the Berlin Wall.

Art installation sends ‘wishes’ fluttering over post-Wall Berlin

Freely moving in the wind, independent, yet seemingly in harmony, 30-thousand ribbons dance in front of the Brandenburg Gate, Germany’s most visible symbol of unity. The vision of American artist Patrick Shearn and his studio Poetic Kinetics, a massive public art display drapes the setting for one of Germany’s biggest celebrations in years — the…

WATCH: Covering the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

Click this video to learn more about the dark history of post-World War II divided Germany.

International broadcaster exchange brings German journalist to KLTV/KTRE newsroom

An international exchange program is bringing another journalist from Germany to work side-by-side with the largest news organization in East Texas, KLTV and KTRE. Andreas Mitzkus will spend the next week shadowing and learning from producers, anchors, reporters, photographers, digital content producers, and news managers in the KLTV and KTRE newsroom. Mitzkus is a producer…

WATCH: Fall colors in bloom at America’s largest rose garden

Click here to take a tour of the eye-popping colorful blooms at the Tyler Rose Garden.

Retired NASA astronaut reflects on two Shuttle missions, future of human spaceflight

Two visits to low Earth orbit have forever changed the outlook on life for former NASA astronaut Byron Lichtenberg. Even though he’s now retired form the space agency’s astronaut corps, he’s still using those experiences to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals. As a professor at LeTourneau University, he’s currently working with students to…

Frenchie’s Italian Cuisine: A slice of American space program history

As the more than one million visitors pass through the gates of Space Center Houston at NASA’s Johnson Space Center each year, few are aware they’re missing out on an essential stop that’s not on the tour. Three-quarters of a mile away, in a nondescript strip mall in Clear Lake City, Texas, the story of…

How to make the most out of a journalism fellowship

For journalists, a fellowship can provide unmatched mid-career professional development and opportunities for meaningful personal growth. Having completed fellowships with the RIAS Berlin Commission and the East-West Center, I was recently invited to share my own experiences in a panel discussion at RTDNA/SPJ’s annual ‘Excellence in Journalism’ conference. These international reporting experiences required a significant…

WATCH: Exotic butterflies take flight at the Cockrell Butterfly Center

Click here to watch exotic butterflies fly free throughout the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Couple rescued in boating accident reunited with ‘angel’ four decades later

A boating accident on Lake Palestine in Smith County nearly ended in tragedy for two families. Now, almost 40 years later, they’re finally learning the story of the man who rescued them and saved eight lives. Decades ago, Becky and Rodney Owens, their kids, and family friends were enjoying an afternoon of boating while visiting…

Legendary NASA flight director Gene Kranz discusses Apollo 11, courage under fire

Hundreds of thousands of men and women made contributions to the success of the Apollo moon missions, but Friday night a crowded room listened to every word spoken by someone who never left Earth. Gene Kranz served as flight director during Apollo 11, leading operations inside Mission Control. He delivered a keynote to a theater…

WATCH: Apollo 11 moon mission 50th anniversary coverage

Click here to watch my reports from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA opens $5M Apollo mission control room restoration for public tours

As the country marks 50 years since the history-making Apollo 11 moon landing, visitors to Space Center Houston are getting an inside look at the landmark that helped make the ‘giant leap’ possible. Three weeks ago, NASA and Space Center Houston unveiled a $5 million dollar renovation of Mission Operations Control Room 2, which was…

WATCH: The Buffalo River, one of America’s most scenic waterways

Click here to watch highlights from my kayaking trek in northern Arkansas.

WATCH: An exciting afternoon on Lower Mountain Fork River

Rain or shine, the Lower Mountain Fork River near Broken Bow, Oklahoma is an exciting adventure in a gorgeous setting. Click to watch.

Wine-making family weathers seasons of change by relying on prayer

Kiepersol Estates Winery is marking 20 years in East Texas. Their journey from South Africa has become a testament to the power of prayer. The homegrown business has weathered everything from weather extremes to the loss of its founder. But there’s now a sense of peace at the vineyards in Bullard, according to proprietor Marnelle…

WATCH: Amazing marine life at Dallas World Aquarium

Click here for a fascinating look at marine life at the Dallas World Aquarium.

Passing along some words of wisdom to Northwestern State University’s senior class

As president of the Northwestern State University Alumni Association, I recently had the distinct honor of helping present class rings to the graduating seniors. Before joining university president Dr. Chris Maggio in the presentation, I was asked to share some reflections as they prepare to receive their baccalaureate degrees. Congratulations on making it to this…

Walk on the wild side at Tyler’s Caldwell Zoo

Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas recently welcomed two new African elephants to its family of more than 3,400 animals from around the world. The 85-acre park first opened to visitors in 1953 and has grown considerably in the decades since. Open seven days a week, the zoo is an ideal destination for families, school groups,…