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One family's photo album includes images of a vacation, a wedding anniversary and the lynching of a Black man in Texas

In this photo from Aug. 20, 1922, Gene Kemp and Mary 'Teddie' Kemp, at left, are seen with two friends. Jeffrey L. LittlejohnAs a historian and director of the Lynching in Texas project, which has documented more than 600 racial terror lynchings, I receive regular emails from journalists, scholars and activists who want to discuss the history of racial violence. My conversations with reporters and historians did not prepare me for one of the emails I received last winter. The writer, a Chicago m

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Texas school system closes after 2 teachers die of COVID-19

WACO, Texas (AP) — A Central Texas school district closed its schools until after the Labor Day holiday Tuesday after two teachers died last week of COVID-19. Chansler’s death came days after David McCormick, 59, a seventh grade social studies teacher at Connally Junior High, died of COVID-19, Bottelberghe said. Connally High School football coach Terry Gerik says the Cadets will play La Vega as scheduled Friday night. The school has had 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases since classes began Aug. 18, Bottelberghe said Monday. The rolling seven-day average of daily COVID-19 deaths in Texas was 200 per day.

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‘Our DPS family is absolutely heartbroken’: Texas trooper wounded in shooting dies from injuries

WACO, Texas – A Texas state trooper who was shot during a traffic stop last week has died, officials said Wednesday. “Our DPS family is absolutely heartbroken at the loss of one of our brothers in uniform who was killed in the line of duty,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Walker was committed to protecting the people of Texas. “Trooper Walker’s horrific murder is a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day to keep our communities safe," Gov. He had worked in law enforcement since 2003 and had been with DPS since 2015.

Man accused of shooting DPS trooper dies by suicide, officials say

DeArthur Pinson Jr., 36, is considered “armed and dangerous and should not be approached,” according to officials. Update:A man accused of shooting a DPS trooper was found deceased, according to the Mclennan County Sheriff’s Office. DeArthur Pinson Jr., 36, was located by authorities Saturday evening and he has died by suicide, Limestone County Judge Richard Duncan confirms. Trooper Chad Walker is still recovering in the hospital and is in critical condition, according to officials. Trooper Walker was taken to Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, where he is in critical but stable condition, officials said.

Search discontinued for missing teen in Waco, police say

The Waco Police Department has issued a Child Abduction Alert for Alejandra Castro, 16WACO, Texas – Update:The search for Alejandra Castro, 16, has been discontinued after she was found Sunday afternoon, according to Waco police. Authorities discontinued their search around 12:20 p.m., Sunday. Original:The Waco Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing teen. Police issued a Child Abduction Alert for Alejandra Castro, 16, who was last seen at 1:25 a.m., Sunday, on S 20th Street and Connor Avenue in Waco. More on KSAT:Schertz police search for missing manAdMissing child’s mother tells great aunt she gave up baby for adoption in newly released recording

Big 12 champ No. 3 Baylor beats No. 17 Oklahoma State 81-70

Two days after the Bears clinched their first Big 12 title with an overtime win at No. 17 Oklahoma State on Thursday night, ending the Cowboys' five-game winning streak. “You want to be content with winning the Big 12, but at the same time you don’t want to lose a game,” Butler said. AdFreshman standout and Big 12 leading scorer Cade Cunningham had 20 of his 24 points after halftime for Oklahoma State (17-7, 10-7), whose winning streak was the longest active in the Big 12. I didn’t see anything unusual other than stepping on a guy’s foot,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton said.

No. 2 Baylor returns with 77-72 win to stay undefeated

Baylor then had six consecutive games postponed because of COVID-19 issues in the program, and hadn't even had another full practice until Sunday. With 6-foot-8 forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua out of the Baylor lineup, Mark Vital had 15 rebounds and three blocks. “Congrats to Baylor for figuring our a way to win, that’s why they’re No. But to come away get a win and be able to perform like we did, very very pleased with that. Coming into the game second in the Big 12 averaging 17 points, Butler had three turnovers and took only one shot before halftime.

Suspect in fire that destroyed 111-year-old Mason County courthouse held on $1.8M bond

Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden has said that the person suspected in the fire at the Mason County Courthouse was also suspected of setting another blaze around the same time at a home about a mile away. (Texas State Fire Marshal's Office via AP) (Texas State Fire Marshal's Office)This drone photo provided by the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office, shows the aftermath of a fire at the Mason County Courthouse, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, in Mason, Texas. (Texas State Fire Marshal's Office via AP) (Texas State Fire Marshal's Office)This photo provided by Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden shows a fire at the Mason County Courthouse, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Mason, Texas. (Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden via AP) (Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden)This photo provided by Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden shows a fire at the Mason County Courthouse, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Mason, Texas. (Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden via AP) (Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden)

No. 2 Baylor still undefeated after 84-72 win over Auburn

(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)WACO, Texas – This Baylor win was for Davion Mitchell, and the junior guard did his part against his former team. Mitchell swished a 3-pointer after losing a shoe and finished with 13 points and seven assists, helping the Bears stay undefeated with an 84-72 win over Auburn in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Saturday. “And that’s OK, because Butler, and Teague and Davion Mitchell and Flagler are all really good,” Pearl said. "That conversation down the court, that was pretty cool.”AHEAD TO STAYButler made two free throws with 4:50 left in the first half for a 23-22 Baylor lead. Baylor: Baylor is 7-1 in Big 12/SEC Challenge games, the best record by any team in either league in the annual showdown.

Butler scores 30, unbeaten No. 2 Baylor tops No. 9 Kansas

Baylor guard Jared Butler (12) shoots a three-point basket past Kansas guard Marcus Garrett (0) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Waco, Texas. Butler had a season-high 30 points and eight assists as the Bears remained undefeated with a 77-69 victory Monday night over No. 9 Kansas, which has lost consecutive Big 12 games for the first time in nearly eight years. “To win the Big 12, we’re going to need all 15 guys, we need everybody, we need the staff. “They were real focused, like we’ve been for every game,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said.

Central Texas family with no sense of smell from COVID-19 safely escapes house fire, officials say

WACO, Texas – A Central Texas family battling the coronavirus is safe after their home caught fire, even though most of the family members couldn’t smell the smoke, according to a report from KWTX-TV. The fire happened in Waco, Texas on Friday morning at a home in the 200 block of Joey Drive. — Waco Fire Department (@WacoTXFire) January 15, 2021Three of the family members are battling COVID-19 and lost their sense of smell. But, a fourth family member, Bianca Rivera, 17, was still able to smell the smoke, and got her family out safely, KWTX-TV reports. That’s all I wanted that’s all I wanted was to keep everyone alive.

Central Texas teacher accused of shooting teenage son dead

WACO, Texas – A Central Texas schoolteacher is jailed under a murder charge in the fatal shooting of her teenage son as she was driving him to his first day at a new school. Sarah Elizabeth Hunt, 39, remained Wednesday in McLennan County Jail in Waco under a $500,000 bond, charged with murdering her 17-year-old son Garrett Hunt. They also found a .40-caliber handgun, a .40-caliber magazine and cartridges on the floorboard and on the ground outside the vehicle, McNamara said. He never had a chance," McNamara told KWTX-TV in Waco. The Hunt family had just moved to the Waco area and Hunt was thought to be taking her son to Riesel High School to enroll.

Baylor 32 active COVID-19 cases in wake of postponed game

WACO, Texas – Baylor had 32 active COVID-19 cases in its athletic department in the wake of having to postpone a football game for the second time this season. Of the 32 active cases, 29 student-athletes had symptoms and only three were asymptomatic. A week earlier, the school reported 10 active cases, with six of those having symptoms. Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades said Sunday that the significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases led to concerns of an outbreak. Baylor (1-1) had a scheduled open date over the weekend, and its next scheduled game is Oct. 24 at Texas.

Texas will spend $171 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to help renters avoid evictions

Greg Abbott on Friday announced he was dedicating $171 million in federal coronavirus relief money to helping renters avoid evictions. Credit: Emree Weaver/The Texas TribuneTexas is using $171 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to provide financial and legal aid to renters facing eviction, Gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month announced a new nationwide eviction moratorium, that will last until Dec. 31. Similar rent assistance programs have been created by Texas' most populated cities and counties, mostly using CARES Act funding, too. In Houston, the first round of a $15 million rental assistance program was drained in 90 minutes.

Chip and Joanna Gaines looking to cast season 6 of Fixer Upper

WACO, Texas The uber-popular show Fixer Upper, helmed by Chip and Joanna Gaines, is officially casting for season six. After the HGTV show completed its final season in April 2018 the famous couple took some time off before announcing their return to TV via the Magnolia Network. Want to apply to be on the new season? There are some stipulations which include Fixer Upper hopefuls to either already be homeowners, or in the final stages of closing on a home and the property must be within 30 miles of Waco. Homeowners must be at least 21-years-old and have a minimum renovation budget of $50,000, according to MagnoliaNetwork.com.

Chip and Joanna Gaines bringing back popular Fixer Upper show

The popular show Fixer Upper ended almost two years ago but Chip and Joanna Gaines have announced they are bringing the show back. In a posting on their website, Chip Gaines says will begin filming a new season of the show soon. Chip and Joanna Gaines share how they made it through when their business was strugglingI mean it when I say that it wasnt more than a few weeks ago that we first talked about returning to the show, Gaines said in a blog post. Magnolia Network was supposed to launch this fall but because of COVID-19 has been delayed and no new debut date has been announced yet. Gaines goes on to post that the show will pick up right where it left off.

Woman accused of helping dismember Vanessa Guillen’s body pleads not guilty to charges

WACO, Texas – A 22-year-old woman accused of helping hide the body of slain Texas soldier Vanessa Guillen pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges related to the crime. Cecily Aguilar of Killeen, near Fort Hood, entered the pleas Tuesday in federal court in Waco to three conspiracy charges in the death of Army Spc. Aguilar remains in the Bell County Jail in Belton, Texas, while awaiting trial. Fort Hood Senior Commander, Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt said “to the victims of sexual harassment and assault, we hear you, we believe you and I encourage you to come forward. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Suspect in Vanessa Guillen murder case to appear in court in Waco

WACO, Texas The female suspect in the Vanessa Guillen murder case is expected to appear in court on Monday in Waco. Cecily Aguilar, 22, is charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence for her alleged roll in Guillens death. According to the affidavit, Aguilar said Robinson struck Guillen in the head with a hammer multiple times on April 22 inside an arms room at Fort Hood, killing her. Vanessa Guillen. Theyre hoping the legislation will lead to unbiased investigations and reviews of sexual harassment allegations in the military.

Second suspect in Vanessa Guillen disappearance case arrested, federal officials say

WACO, Texas – A 22-year-old woman has been identified as the second suspect in connection with the disappearance of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen, federal officials said Thursday. Robinson also admitted to transferring the body off the base to a remote site in Bell County, federal officials said. Vanessa Guillen: A timeline of events and everything we know about her disappearanceFederal documents state Aguilar recognized Guillen at a time after helping Robinson with the body. Officials said Robinson shot and killed himself this week when he was confronted by police earlier this week. Aguilar faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000 if convicted, according to federal officials.

Whataburger unveils reimagined restaurant design

SAN ANTONIO Editors note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. Whataburger is rolling out a new look for its restaurants and has given the Business Journal an exclusive look into its new concept and first remodeled restaurant in San Antonio. We really tried to blend those concepts in the prototype.This design will also be reflected in remodels to its existing buildings. Its first prototype for the remodels, reflecting what Whataburger plans to do across the country, is its Zarzamora Street location. See more photos of Whataburgers new look at the San Antonio Business Journal.

Pilgrims Pride recalls frozen chicken nuggets

Pilgrims Pride of Waco is recalling nearly 60,000 pounds of chicken breast nuggets because they may contain pieces of rubber. The frozen ready-to-eat nuggets were produced on May 6, 2020 and have a best-by-date of 06 MAY 2021 and lot code of 0127 printed on the packages. The babys trunk can pass through the leg opening, and his head can become trapped, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. For more information: www.cpsc.gov/recallsAnother risk to small children prompted a dresser recall. Modus Furniture is recalling various models because they may be unstable and pose a potentially deadly tip-over risk to children.

Gov. Greg Abbott bans elective surgeries in four of Texas' biggest counties to preserve bed space for coronavirus patients

Greg Abbott announced Thursday morning he is once again putting a stop to elective surgeries to preserve bed space for coronavirus patients but this time the prohibition only applies to Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Travis counties, four areas where the number of patients hospitalized with virus is quickly progressing. On Wednesday, there were 1,320 intensive care unit beds and nearly 13,000 available hospital beds, but with regional disparities. Hospitals and care facilities would then employ their surge plans to build out additional capacity. Some counties could be added to the list if hospitalizations surge in other areas of Texas. That statewide ban lasted about a month before Abbott eased it, allowing hospitals to resume non-essential procedures under certain conditions, as long as 15% of beds were reserved for coronavirus patients.