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A North Texas figure skating coach accused of sexually abusing two athletes admitted to having a sexual relationship with one of the victims, according to affidavits supporting his arrest.
The affidavits, obtained by Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV, allege that 47-year-old Benjamin Shroats gradually normalized sexual comments and gestures toward the athletes beginning when they were young children, a process known as grooming.
One victim reported that Shroats engaged in sexual contact with her in 2020, while she was still a minor, according to the affidavits. The athlete, who Shroats coached through her childhood and adolescence, accused him of touching her inappropriately on multiple occasions and discussing being sexually aroused by her.
Shroats admitted in a police interview to touching the victim’s buttocks and said he may have accidentally touched her breast in the middle of “horseplay,” according to the affidavits.
The coach denied any other kind of sexual contact and said the victim was an adult at the time of the alleged inappropriate contact. Shroats was charged with indecency with a child in connection to that victim.
The other victim told police Shroats began abusing her in December 2024, making inappropriate comments about her body and touching her sexually during training, the affidavit states. She also accused Shroats of pressuring her to meet him in his vehicle, where sex acts occurred.
That victim told police she feared reporting Shroats because he told her that if the relationship was revealed, her life would be ruined along with his, the affidavit states. Shroats admitted to the sexual relationship in a police interview and was charged with sexual assault in connection to the second victim’s allegations.
Attorney Ben Fortenberry, who represents the victims, said that the second victim tried to “protect herself” from Shroats by leaving practice early and parking her car in a different location than his.
Fortenberry told the Star-Telegram that his clients are feeling a lot of emotions at once after the arrest.
“They were just carrying the weight of the world with this terrible dark secret,” Fortenberry said. “They feel a little bit of relief, and they’re finally able to share the truth with their close family and the police department.”
At the same time, though, the girls are “getting rattled” about what the future holds, Fortenberry said.
“I just think we have to be vigilant as parents, as friends, as individuals, and keep an eye out,” Fortenberry said. “Because what we’re trying to investigate is what red flags may have been missed along the way, of how did he get away with this for so long?”
The victims’ “sole objection” is to make sure Shroats is held accountable, Fortenberry said.
“Mr. Shroats unequivocally denies the allegations against him,” Shroats’ lawyers said in a statement. “As you are aware, criminal charges are accusations and not findings of guilt. The details of this case will be addressed in a courtroom, where evidence is evaluated under the law rather than in the court of public opinion.”
Shroats’ attorneys could not be reached for additional comment Tuesday.
Lillie Davidson is a breaking news reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She graduated from TCU in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, is fluent in Spanish, and can complete a crossword in five minutes.
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Two Arlington men were sentenced last month to a combined total of 80 years in federal prison on charges related to sex trafficking and fentanyl distribution, U.S. attorneys said.
Jamal Howard, 52, was sentenced to 50 years in prison, and 27-year-old Renaldo Rojas received a sentence of 30 years, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in North Texas.
Rojas and Howard pleaded guilty in October 2025 to their roles in the trafficking of an underage girl and the distribution of fentanyl pills, officials said.
In late July 2024, the girl was reported as a runaway to the Arlington Police Department, according to court documents. Rojas provided her with fentanyl and sent photos of her to Howard, offering to connect Howard with the girl in exchange for the drug.
After providing Rojas with the drug, Howard took the girl to his apartment, supplied her with pills, took photos of her and posted commercial sex advertisements for the girl on a website used for that purpose, according to the statement.
Howard trafficked the girl to several individuals and continued distributing fentanyl to Rojas through Aug. 1, 2024, officials said. The transactions between Howard and Rojas totaled more than 5,000 fentanyl pills.
Two other North Texas residents were sentenced in connection with the distribution operation, officials said.
Elnora Jordan, 63, of Arlington, was sentenced to nearly two years in prison on money-laundering charges and 23-year-old Yolanda Gonzales of Hurst was sentenced to one year for communicating with Howard on her cell phone about purchasing fentanyl.
Lillie Davidson is a breaking news reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She graduated from TCU in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, is fluent in Spanish, and can complete a crossword in five minutes.
In what is a major political upset, Democrat Taylor Rehmet defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss for the open Texas Senate District 9 seat in Tarrant County, the largest Republican county in the nation, according to complete but unofficial returns.
With 100% of the vote in, Rehmet, a union president in Fort Worth, captured 54,267 votes – about 57% – while Wambsganss, a longtime conservative activist, garnered 40,598 votes, or roughly 43%.
In a statement, DNC Chair Ken Martin said, “It’s clear as day that this disastrous Republican agenda is hurting working families in Texas and across the country, which is why voters in red, blue, and purple districts are putting their faith in candidates like Taylor Rehmet. This victory is a warning sign to Republicans across the country… Tonight’s results prove that no Republican seat is safe. From now until November, Democrats are keeping our foot on the gas and organizing and competing everywhere, including in Texas and the rest of the Sun Belt.”
The special runoff in this Republican‑majority district – which includes Fort Worth and its surrounding suburbs – is being held after Sen. Kelly Hancock resigned last year to become the acting Texas comptroller. Both parties have been energized, with the national political environment helping drive turnout.
CBS News Texas
The race has drawn national attention since Rehmet won 46% of the vote in November’s special election, a three‑way contest involving two Republicans: Wambsganss and John Huffman, who finished third and did not advance. Since then, both Wambsganss and Rehmet have campaigned aggressively.
The Democratic National Committee has helped boost turnout for Rehmet. On Friday, DNC Deputy Communications Director Abhi Rahman released a statement saying, “The DNC is supporting the Texas Democratic coordinated campaign by recruiting volunteers and bringing our message to more voters. Democrats are building infrastructure in Texas, and the January 31 special election is a crucial test to keep Fort Worth moving forward.”
On Truth Social the same day, President Donald Trump urged Republicans to vote for Wambsganss. State and county GOP leaders have echoed that message. At a recent campaign event, Gov. Greg Abbott told CBS News Texas he is not worried about Republican turnout.
“I’m not concerned, and it does come down to what you say, and that is it’s a matter of getting our voters energized,” Abbott said. “That’s exactly what we’ve been working to do. This is a voter turnout operation. We know there are more Republican voters there than Democratic voters there, and we’re going to turn out all our voters, and Leigh is going to win.”
Several polling locations reported long lines on Tuesday, with waits of about 45 minutes, according to the Tarrant County elections website. Locations in Keller, Southlake and North Richland Hills were among the busiest. In North Richland Hills, some voters who did not want to be identified told CBS News Texas they were willing to wait.
“About 20 minutes, 20–30 minutes,” one voter said. “It’d be better if it were two minutes, but it’s still your duty. I would have waited an hour, that’s how important this is. I would have waited two hours.”
More than 45,600 voters cast ballots early, braving cold temperatures and wintry weather. To win, Wambsganss will need to outperform Rehmet in today’s vote. In November, she and Huffman combined for more total votes than Rehmet during the early vote and on Election Day. But when it came to the number of votes cast on Election Day itself, Rehmet won more votes than both Republicans combined.
The winner of the runoff will serve the remainder of Hancock’s term, which expires at the end of December. The Legislature is not in session this year. Rehmet and Wambsganss are expected to face each other again in November in the race for a full four‑year term beginning in January 2027, when the next legislative session convenes.
17-year-old Caden Nowicki died Thursday, his football coach confirmed on X. Nowicki is the third Texas teenager to die from a sledding accident during the winter storm early this week.
Mike Schulz via X
A third North Texas teenager has died as the result of a sledding accident during the winter storm, officials with the Ponder Independent School District said.
17-year-old football player Caden Nowicki died Thursday afternoon in the intensive care unit at Medical City Denton, according to KDFW-TV.
“Our #44 Caden Nowicki crossed through the gates into our Heavenly Father’s arms today,” Ponder football coach Marcus Schulz wrote on X. “We all know God hand selected His inside linebacker at 1:48 p.m.”
Nowicki was critically injured Jan. 26 when the kayak he was using as a sled, which was being pulled behind an ATV, left the roadway, officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
Nowicki was ejected from the kayak and slammed into a fence. The driver and a passenger on the ATV were not injured, DPS officials said.
“Caden is an outstanding young man who is loved by many,” Ponder ISD superintendent James Hill wrote in a letter to parents. “We ask that you keep Caden, his family, and friends in your fervent prayers and respect their need for privacy during this very difficult time.”
Nowicki was the third teenager to die of injuries related to a sledding accident this week.
16-year-old best friends Grace Brito and Elizabeth Angle died days apart in the hospital after the sled they were riding on, towed by a Jeep, left the roadway and struck a tree.
Brito was a cheerleader with Express Cheer, and Angle played soccer at Wakeland High School.
Brito’s mother told KDFW that her daughter had just gotten a driver’s license and opted in to become an organ donor.
Lillie Davidson is a breaking news reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She graduated from TCU in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, is fluent in Spanish, and can complete a crossword in five minutes.
Multiple state and local agencies responded to a call about three brothers who had fallen through the ice on a private pond off Rec Road #3, just outside Bonham, about 70 miles northeast of Dallas.
The pond sits about 100 feet from the house, separated by an embankment.
The mother of six, Cheyenne Hangaman, said she was outside with her children when they were playing and that “it all happened in an instant.” She said she had warned the boys to stay away from the water, but they didn’t listen.
Hangaman told investigators her youngest son tried to “ice skate” on the frozen pond and fell through.
His two older brothers jumped in to try to save him.
Mother describes frantic rescue attempt
“I tried to pick one up and put them on the ice,” Hangaman told CBS News Texas. “It would just break and keep falling in.”
“There was three of them and only one of me,” she said. “That’s why I couldn’t save them.”
First responders and a neighbor pulled the two older boys, ages 8 and 9, from the water and began life‑saving measures before they were taken to a hospital, where they later died. The youngest child, age 6, did not resurface and was recovered after an extensive search.
Authorities did not release the children’s names, but family members identified them as 6‑year‑old Howard Doss, 8‑year‑old Kaleb Doss and 9‑year‑old EJ Doss. All three were students in Bonham ISD.
Community mourns three young brothers
Hangaman said she realized something was wrong when her daughter ran to her yelling that the boys had gone into the water.
“When I seen them, they were struggling, and I know their bodies were already in shock,” she said. “The water was freezing cold.”
“I tried to fight for my kids’ life,” Hangaman said. “I had to watch them struggle and drown, and I couldn’t help them.”
She described her sons as full of personality – EJ dreamed of becoming a football star, Kaleb loved to dance and sing, and Howard “liked making people laugh.”
Bonham ISD said counselors would be available for students and staff this week.
“We are devastated by this unimaginable loss, and our thoughts are with the family, friends, and all who knew and loved these children,” the district said in a letter to families.
Good Samaritan recounts rescue effort
A neighbor who heard the screams ran to help and was able to pull Hangaman from the water, she said.
Hangaman said she might have lost her life as well if it weren’t for a good Samaritan who pulled her from the water.
“He said he heard the screaming or the call for help and came running. My friend had a horse rope, and he pulled me out with it,” Hangaman said.
That good Samaritan – Bonham ISD’s athletic director and football coach, John Ramsey – declined an interview but shared a statement.
“Right now, all focus should be on supporting a family that is suffering unimaginable loss. They need privacy, prayers and support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” Ramsey said. “I’m asking the media and our community to direct all attention toward helping them.
“I was nearby helping a neighbor when I heard someone calling for help and went to assist. Any person in that situation would have done the same thing. I was simply close enough to help in a moment of crisis, doing what I hope anyone would do for someone in need.
“I will not be doing interviews at this time. Instead, I ask that we all come together to support this family however we can. Thank you for your understanding.”
Mother urges parents to stay vigilant
As she prepares to bury her children, Hangaman said she hopes her tragedy serves as a warning to other parents.
“It can happen to you,” she said. “Make sure that you hold your kids tight. Always tell them that you love them.”
The family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate. Authorities have not said whether any charges will be filed.
Fort Worth could possibly see freezing rain next weekend, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth.
National Weather Service Fort Worth
North Texas could see freezing rain this coming weekend, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth.
Some of the weather models are showing a 20% chance Friday night and Saturday, with freezing temperatures expected overnight Saturday.
“Not all weather models are in complete agreement on that, so it is certainly something we will be keeping an eye on as we go through the next few days,” a NWS meteorologist said on Sunday.
Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be mostly sunny but cooler, with highs in the lower 50s, according to NWS.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area can expect mostly sunny skies on Tuesday with highs in the mid-50s, with a 30% chance of showers after midnight, according to NWS.
Isolated to scattered light rain is expected on Wednesday, Jan 21, with a 30% chance of showers in the morning, then partly sunny in the afternoon, highs in the upper 50s.
Temperatures will rise through Friday, Jan. 23, reaching the mid-60s, before another chance of showers arrives Friday night and Saturday, Jan. 24, with low temperatures in the 20s, according to the NWS.
This story was originally published January 18, 2026 at 5:39 PM.
Shambhavi covers crime, law enforcement and other breaking news in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. She graduated from the University of North Texas and previously covered a variety of general assignment topics in West Texas. She grew up in Nepal.
A Midlothian man has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after he brought bomb-making materials to an individual he thought was part of ISIS, authorities said.
According to the complaint, Garza brought bomb-making components to a meeting on Dec. 22.
FBI undercover operation leads to arrest
“In reality, Garza met with an FBI undercover,” according to a news release. “During the meeting, Garza described how to mix components and offered to send an instructional video explaining how to build the bomb.”
Garza was arrested after he left the meeting.
It all began in October, federal officials say, when an undercover New York City police employee noticed a social media account, later determined to be Garza’s, following several pro-ISIS accounts. When the New York employee reached out to Garza, he described himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas.
Online activity reveals ISIS ideology
As the New York undercover officer and Garza continued to chat online, Garza shared that he ascribed to ISIS ideology and even sent small amounts of cryptocurrency, believing he was helping support ISIS causes.
Garza sent the undercover office multiple official ISIS media releases, federal officials said, and paid small amounts of cryptocurrency in November and December 2025, believing that he was supporting ISIS causes, including buying firearms and other materials, the DOJ said.
“This case is a testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “ISIS’s poisonous ideology must be ripped out root and stem — anyone who tries to commit violence on ISIS’s behalf will be found, arrested, and prosecuted. You cannot hide from us.”
Garza’s initial court appearance was Dec. 23. A probable cause and detention hearing has been set for Dec. 30.
Authorities praise investigative efforts
“Today’s announcement underscores the FBI’s commitment to combating terrorism and demonstrates our continuous work to disrupt and thwart terrorist plots against the American public,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Let this serve as a warning to those who plan to conduct attacks against the United States on behalf of terrorist organizations- you will be brought to justice.”
Raybould promised federal authorities would take quick action against anyone suspected of trying to commit acts of terrorism.
“The increasing threats of harm and destruction in our country made by those aligned with violent ideologies must be stopped,” Raybould said. “This operation is but one example highlighting the necessity of vigilant observation and swift action to halt what could have been a devastating outcome.”
New York PD Commissioner Jessica Tisch thanked the work of the undercover investigators in her department.
“Today’s charges illustrate that the threats of terrorism and extremist violence against our nation are still very real,” said Tisch. “The NYPD remains committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these networks at their source – before they can reach their murderous ends. And any person who puts American lives at risk will face justice and be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation, officials said, including the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, the New York City Police Department, with assistance by the FBI’s New York Field Office, the Dallas Police Department, the Midlothian Police Department, and the Euless Police Department.
“The FBI worked alongside our law enforcement partners to quickly arrest an individual who intended to provide bomb making materials to a foreign terrorist organization,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “Protecting the homeland is a top priority for the FBI. This arrest demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding our communities from terrorism.”
Two people were found dead at a McKinney home Sunday afternoon where officers shot and injured a third armed man, police said.
Two people were found dead Sunday afternoon inside a McKinney home, where officers shot and injured a third person, police said.
McKinney police officers responded to a welfare check about 10 a.m. to a home in the 5300 block of Dunster Drive after family members reported not hearing from the residents for several days, police said in a news release.
Officers entered the home through the back door and found two homicide victims, Leonard Ragan, 73, and Jackie Ragan, 72 in the living room, police said.
Police said officers then entered a bedroom where they found 34-year-old Bryce Ragan with a gun. Two officers shot their weapon, striking Ragan multiple times.
Ragan was taken to a local hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition, according to police.
No officers were injured during the shooting, police said.
Police did not share further details about the relationship between the two homicide victims and the 34-year-old man. No arrests have been announced in this incident.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the McKinney Crime Tip Line at 972-547-3480 or email crimetipline@mckinneytexas.org.
Shambhavi covers crime, law enforcement and other breaking news in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. She graduated from the University of North Texas and previously covered a variety of general assignment topics in West Texas. She grew up in Nepal.
In April, when Goat & Vine closed in Montgomery Plaza, it was the 10th to fail in the same exact location.
A sign on the door April 9, 2025, said Goat & Vine Restaurant & Winery in Fort Worth, Texas, was padlocked shut. Bud Kennedy bud@star-telegram.com
But other restaurants closed for happier reasons: so the owners could enjoy the rewards of their hard work or move to better jobs.
Here are some of the dearly departed restaurants in 2025 we’ll miss most:
—Cat City Grill, a 15-year Near Southside steakhouse and bar known for weekend brunch, closed after beef prices and customers’ changing habits squeezed midprice restaurants, owner Martin Thompson said. The space became Enchiladas ¡Olé!.
—Belzoni’s Catfish Cafe, a heralded Mississippi-style catfish restaurant on Loop 820 West that grew from a popular concession trailer, closed because owner Dwight Cooley needed to recover from surgery.
—Sabar BBQ, a Texas Monthly Top 50 restaurant for its Pakistani-seasoned brisket and sausage, drew long lines Dec. 20 when it closed after pitmaster Zain Shafi became a co-owner of Goldee’s BBQ. Brix Barbecue nearby, a Top 100 restaurant, also closed.
Zain Shafi, the owner of Sabar BBQ, writes the menu and unlocks the trailer parked at the corner of East Vickery Boulevard and South Main Street near downtown Fort Worth on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2024. Chris Torres Star-Telegram archives
—Bella Italia West, a Fort Worth tradition for 45 years and for 37 on Camp Bowie Boulevard, will close Dec. 31. Chef Carlo Croci lost his lease to plans for a new development.
—Bodacious Bar-B-Q, a popular East Texas restaurant, closed its 34-year Arlington location across from AT&T Stadium. The landmark 1958 building was originally a location of Texas’ iconic Underwood’s Bar-B-Q.
—Taco Heads, once a symbol of a small truck operator opening two thriving restaurants and margarita bars, closed after a proposed sale to a Dallas restaurateur was canceled.
—Mason & Dixie, a Southern-style lunch cafe in downtown Grapevine known for sandwiches and desserts, closed after a landlord dispute.
—Maiden Fine Plants & Spirits, a fine-dining vegetarian restaurant on the Near Southside, opened with a $150-per-person tasting menu, struggled and closed.
—Vice Burger, a worthy replica of a 1950s diner but serving plant-based burgers and hot dogs, closed on the Near Southside. Tres Amigos Tacos & Tequila, which replaced Yucatan Taco Stand, also closed on Magnolia Avenue.
—T & P Tavern, a grill and bar in the historic 1931 Texas & Pacific Railway train station popular with Trinity Railway Express riders, closed when Trinity Metro took it over. It will reopen as Station & Vine.
The T & P Tavern restaurant, seen August 6, 2023, is in the old 1931 Fort Worth railroad station coffee shop and dining counter. Bud Kennedy bud@star-telegram.com
—Fire Oak Grill, a Southwestern steakhouse and one of the first restaurants in the downtown Weatherford boom around the courthouse square, closed after 18 years and was sold.
—Hutch’s Pie and Sandwich Shop, a bakery that opened in 1935 and grew into a fried pie company, closed when the Hutchens family retired.
—Second Bar + Kitchen, a casual grill by James Beard chef David Bull, closed in Mineral Wells when the Crazy Water Hotel management company changed. Bull had made Mineral Wells a must-stop. It was replaced by Oak & Third with chef Stefon Rishel.
—Campo Verde Mexican Bar & Grill in Dalworthington Gardens, once known for its elaborate Christmas decor, closed Dec. 24. It was never the same after 2022, when founder James “Smiley” Williams sold it before his death.
—Sam Won Garden, a 20-year favorite and Fort Worth’s first popular Korean restaurant, closed after Sylvia Chung retired.
Si Tapas, La Cabrona, Social House, and Terra Mediterranean sit on Crockett Street, formerly known as Crockett Row, now Artisan Circle, in West 7th Entertainment District. Ella Gonzales egonzales@star-telegram.com
—Sí Tapas, a Spanish restaurant in Artisan Circle by the co-founder of Dallas’ Cafe Madrid, never reopened after the 2024 Christmas break. It will be replaced by Partenope Ristorante.
—Mash’D, a 10-year Artisan Circle restaurant based on moonshine, closed at the end of its lease. It will be replaced by Top of the Morning, a breakfast cafe. Bar Louie, Hurts Donut and La Familia also closed, as did several bar-restaurants in Artisan Circle and the nearby Foch Street Warehouses.
—Pearl Snap Kolaches, a 12-year kolache bakery and burger grill, closed on White Settlement Road in Fort Worth. The space will become Seared, a neighborhood steakhouse.
—Heirloom at Archie’s, a sandwich and lunch kiosk with a patio in the middle of the Archie’s garden store, was replaced by the owners’ Gardenland Cafe.
Umelia Neira uses a hot press to toast a Cuban sandwich at Cuco’s Sandwich Shop in North Richland Hills on Dec. 6, 2010. Ron T. Ennis Star-Telegram archives
—Cuco’s Sandwich Shop, a small family operation in North Richland Hills that became known for standout Cuban sandwiches, closed after 34 years. The Neira family retired due to health problems.
—F1 Smokehouse, a confusing barbecue-themed bar and grill in the Cultural District, never closed, but it simplified its name and changed the concept to the Little Tavern. It serves grill dishes and brunch items like those on the menu at the larger Tavern restaurant on South Hulen Street.
—Off the Bone BBQ in Forest Hill, ranked in 2010 by D Magazine as the No. 1 barbecue joint in North Texas, closed after an ownership change and the recent explosion of more elaborate craft barbecue restaurants.
—Paco’s Mexican Cuisine, a 21-year Tex-Mex restaurant in three locations, closed both in Sundance Square and on the Near Southside. The Southside location switched to Shōgun Taqueria.
Much of the interior at Paco’s Mexican Cuisine was unchanged from the previous tenant. Joyce Marshall Star-Telegram archives
—Pinstripes, an Illinois-based “bowling, bocce and bistro” center, closed in the Shops at Clearfork after a corporate restructuring. The restaurant was known for its sprawling Sunday and holiday brunch buffet.
—La Fiesta, a 50-year Cleburne landmark built originally as a Jose’s, was destroyed by fire.
That isn’t even counting the endless chain restaurants and franchises that failed or folded, many due to overexpansion in new suburbs or the passing of food fads.
Nor does it count restaurants that took a break and have now reopened: Chadra Mezza (in a new South Freeway location), Clown Burger, Enchiladas ¡Olé!, Los Vaqueros, the Malt Shop in Weatherford, Old Neighborhood Grill, Pizza Verde, Taste of Europe and Uncle Julio’s.
The flagship Tommy’s Hamburgers on Camp Bowie Boulevard is under repair after a fire and will reopen by mid-2026.
This story was originally published December 26, 2025 at 4:17 AM.
Bud Kennedy is celebrating his 40th year writing about restaurants in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He has written the “Eats Beat” dining column in print since 1985 and online since 1992 — that’s more than 3,000 columns about Texas cafes, barbecue, burgers and where to eat. Support my work with a digital subscription
Kelley Currin pumps fuel at almost $4 per gallon on Monday, March 14, 2022, on Bryant Irving Road in Fort Worth.
Yffy Yossifor
yyossifor@star-telegram.com
Gas prices across Texas have been sliding lately, and holiday travel has more people paying attention to where they fill up.
The national average is around $2.85 on Dec. 23, while Texas drivers are paying an average of $2.45, according to AAA.
Some stations across the state are dropping even lower as prices continue to shift through December.
If you’re wondering where gas is falling the most and which parts of Texas are seeing the cheapest fill ups, here’s what to know.
🔥 In case you missed it…
When will gas drop under $2 on average?
A statewide average under $2 is possible, but analysts say it depends on how crude oil prices move and whether supply stays strong through winter.
Some Texas stations already showing prices in the $1 range suggest the market is trending in that direction.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said conditions across the country are pushing prices lower.
“For a fourth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has declined, as conditions remain ripe for some of the lowest seasonal gas prices in five years,” he said.
The state also has strong competition among retailers and easy access to the winter fuel blend that typically lowers production costs each year.
Stations near refineries in Houston, Beaumont, and Corpus Christi often drop prices sooner since transportation costs are lower.
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club also tend to post cheaper prices since they use fuel as a membership incentive.
How does North Texas compare?
North Texas hasn’t seen prices drop as low as other parts of the state, but they’re still trending down week by week.
The cheapest listing in Tarrant County on Tuesday afternoon was $1.98 at the Sam’s Club in Burleson, and several other stations across the region were sitting in the low $2 range.
AAA’s metro data shows Dallas-Fort Worth running a little higher than the statewide average, though prices have been falling at a similar pace across the region.
Recent GasBuddy heat maps also show that most of the Dallas Fort Worth area is clustered between the mid $2.30s and $2.60s, which lines up with the gradual decline happening statewide.
Will gas keep dropping through winter?
Current trends suggest prices could continue falling into January, especially as travel slows after the holidays and demand drops.
De Haan said the same market forces at play now could keep prices under pressure.
“Oil prices continue to struggle amid rising U.S., Canadian, and OPEC plus oil production, while refinery output remains near some of the highest seasonal levels in years, factors that are likely to keep gas prices under pressure over the weeks ahead,” he said.
His outlook points to continued relief at the pump unless crude prices rise or supply tightens later in the season.
Tiffani is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions about life in North Texas. Tiffani mainly writes about Texas laws and health news.
Cher, known for her glitzy, star-studded performances and flamboyant fashion (and recent “Saturday Night Live” appearance) has some humble memories from childhood in Fort Worth.
lived in Burleson off & on as kid…no paved roads,One Woman by Great Aunts House (Built In1882’Old Southall Place’) Had Tv,& Kids Went 2 Ice House 4 Fun.We built bathroom 4 Aunt Did & Ethel,I had pet horn-toad,& my dad shot Aunts pet 🐓 by accident,&She😥. That’s 1/2 My Tx Story
Most fans know her to be from California. However, Cher confirmed that she lived on and off in Burleson as a child with her parents and her Aunt Ethel Southall when the Fort Worth suburb had “no paved roads.”
At age 3 and again at 7 years old the legendary singer, born Cheryl Sarkisian, recalled going to the Ice House for fun and having a pet horned frog.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram wrote about Cher’s upbringing in Burleson on Wednesday, April 19, 1967. Newspapers.com
Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.
Myles Jack retired in 2023 at age 27 after a short preseason stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, but came back to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a brief period that same year.
Mitchell Leff
Getty Images
Frisco police arrested former NFL player Myles Jack after a welfare check Tuesday morning, police said.
Officers responded to a welfare concern about 5:40 a.m. at a home in the 2400 block of Haft River Road, Frisco police said in a news release. When officers arrived, they heard gunshots from inside the residence.
Police said the officers set up a perimeter and evacuated several nearby residences to secure the area.
Officers then saw a man break a second-story window of the home, climb out and fall to the ground. The man was later identified as Jack, police said.
Jack, 30, was taken into custody at about 7 a.m. and taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries he got in his fall from the window, police said.
Police said no one else was found inside the home.
Jack is facing charges of deadly conduct and discharge of a firearm, according to police.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. No further details were released.
Jack played seven seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers. He announced his retirement in 2023 at age 27 after a short preseason stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, but came back to the Steelers for a brief period that same year. The former NFL player from Arizona went to college at UCLA.
Jack and his mother co-own the Allen Americans, a minor league hockey team.
Shambhavi covers crime, law enforcement and other breaking news in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. She graduated from the University of North Texas and previously covered a variety of general assignment topics in West Texas. She grew up in Nepal.
March 5, 2015: Sleet and snow overnight left all of North Texas under a slippery white blanket. Downtown Fort Worth rooftops were glistening under a layer of snow and ice.
According to the Weather Channel, a chance of freezing rain is expected in the Fort Worth area on the night of Monday, Dec. 1, and the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 2. Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing at around 26 degrees the night of Dec. 1 before reaching a high of around 42 on Dec. 2., the Weather Channel 10-day forecast says.
On the other hand, a National Weather Service meteorologist said the NWS Fort Worth office’s forecast currently runs through Dec. 1 and it shows no signs of freezing rain or any winter weather in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
A clearer picture of whether rain or freezing rain is possible on Dec. 1 and 2 should be available on Wednesday of this week, the NWS meteorologist said.
In the meantime, thunderstorms and rain showers will return to the North Texas forecast this weekend, the weather service said. There’s a 40% chance of rain overnight Friday into Saturday, Nov. 29, according to the NWS. Rain will continue most of Saturday and into Sunday, Nov. 30.
After flooding on Monday, the weekend storms will bring lighter rain than past storm systems, and severe weather is unlikely, according to the NWS.
Shambhavi covers crime, law enforcement and other breaking news in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. She graduated from the University of North Texas and previously covered a variety of general assignment topics in West Texas. She grew up in Nepal.
Three-year-olds play while being cared for at Kids’ Place Child Development Center on Jan. 15, 2025, in Fort Worth.
Amanda McCoy
amccoy@star-telegram.com
Local child care providers underscored their role as the workforce behind the workforce during a panel discussion this week that was part of Global Entrepreneurship Week North Texas.
Owners and operators of child care programs across Dallas-Fort Worth gathered on Thursday night at Spark, a coworking space in Arlington, to share insights on how their sector serves the economy as a whole while outlining what obstacles they face alongside families in need of care and early childhood education. Texas is estimated to be losing out on $9.4 billion annually because of child care woes, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“Child care is the backbone of the economy and the workforce,” said Jerletha McDonald of ADFW Family Child Care Network, who moderated the discussion.
“When educators open up their homes (and) centers each morning, they’re not just caring for children, they’re making it possible for parents to work, for businesses to run and for communities to thrive,” she said.
The panel included:
Carmeia White, Kami’s Home Daycare
Roslyn Chaney, Future Scholars’ 24/7 Childcare and Transportation
Wa’Keisha Chase, Little Einstein’s Learning Center
Danyell Smith, Journeys Child Development Center
Monicha Neal, Treasure Chest Learning Center
Chaney’s and White’s home-based programs are open 24 hours to accommodate parents who don’t work traditional 9-5 shifts. They serve parents who work in hospitals, manufacturing plants and restaurants, for example. White noted how she can have a child in her care for 14 hours on a Sunday so that their parents can go to work.
“We allow them to accept jobs so they can increase their income and stay employed,” Chaney said.
Jerletha McDonald of ADFW Family Child Care Network, left, moderates a panel discussion about child care entrepreneurship on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Spark coworking space in Arlington during Global Entrepreneur Week North Texas. The pictured panelists, from left to right, are child care providers from across Dallas-Fort Worth: Monicha Neal, Carmeia White, Danyell Smith, Roslyn Chaney and Wa’Keisha Chase. Lina Ruiz lruiz@star-telegram.com
The providers said they’ve had issues with staffing and navigating the state’s child care subsidy system, which provides scholarships to low-income families. The waiting list for this financial assistance has more than 100,000 children statewide.
“Finding someone that actually can pass a background (check) and that would actually be qualified to be employed with us is a huge challenge,” said Chase of Little Einstein’s Learning Center.
“Not only that, but the challenging behaviors of the children. There has been an uptick in the amount of children that we’re receiving that are possibly on the spectrum, and the teachers that we’re able to employ don’t want to come and work for the amount that we’re able to pay them,” she said.
McDonald, the moderator of the discussion, asked providers what lawmakers can do to help the child care sector thrive and address the obstacles they’re facing. Chaney echoed Chase’s point about serving children with special needs, calling for more resources around inclusion training to be made available to early educators. Additional funding for scholarships will take children off the waiting list and create a domino effect that increases enrollment for providers so more families can be served, Chaney said.
“I think there should be higher reimbursement rates, workforce resources for the staff, and 24-hour child care has to be recognized as essential infrastructure,” Chaney added.
McDonald said providers need to band together and advocate for these changes to move forward. She highlighted a few pieces of legislation that were passed by lawmakers during the state’s recent legislative session earlier this year.
There was $100 million allocated for child care scholarships through funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF, that was expected to serve about 10,000 children over the next two years. But rising child care costs have caused part of this investment to be absorbed by inflation, according to Texans Care for Children. Other bills addressed red tape for home-based providers and prioritized early educators eligible for scholarships for their own families through the state’s waiting list.
“We need to advocate for one bill across the state of Texas saying that we need more money going towards our Child Care Development Block Grant. That’s where the funding comes in to support our programs,” McDonald said of the federal funding source that provides subsidized child care services to eligible families.
Lina Ruiz covers early childhood education in Tarrant County and North Texas for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. A University of Florida graduate, she previously wrote about local government in South Florida for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.
Deadly horse outbreak kills two horses in Texas after rodeo events in Waco and Stephenville.
Chris Torres
ctorres@star-telegram.com
The Texas Department of Agriculture is warning horse owners to take the EHM virus seriously and begin biohazard precautions.
Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 was discovered during the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world finals and barrel racing in Waco from Nov. 5 to Nov. 9. Since then, there has been a growing number of cases of the deadly horse virus in Texas and neighboring states.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told the Star-Telegram Friday that some horses have died due to the outbreak. The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed at least two deaths.
“A concerning number of mortalities in horses suspected to have EHM have been reported but not yet confirmed with laboratory testing,” the agency wrote in an emial. “At least two horses in Texas have died with laboratory confirmation of EHM.”
Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy is a neurologic syndrome caused by the EHV-1 virus. While EHV-1 is common in horses, the neurologic form of the disease is rare, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center.
Officials said this is a particularly deadly virus, especially in horses that develop neurological symptoms. Strict monitoring is vital. Any horse that has been exposed to the virus needs to quarantine and remain under observation for at least 14 days.
Miller said the cases originated from the Extraco Events Center in Waco and the 377 Arena LLC after rodeo events. There are also cases in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado. A case in Alberta and another in Maryland are unrelated to the Texas outbreak.
“So, we’re urging horse owners to kind of hunker down. The incubation period is 14 days to 21 days,” Miller said. “Monitor your horses, we recommend twice a day, watch for nasal discharge, watery eyes, maybe a slight cough, if you suspect them, take the temperature twice a day.
“Once you see an elevated temperature, you need to call the vet. Don’t take them into vet. Don’t take your horses off your premises. We don’t need you to spread it. So use good biosecurity measures. Do not bring any horses on your place. Do not let any leave.”
Miller said they are recommending a pause on any ancillary services that would visit an owner’s property such as farriers, horseshoers, equine dentists and chiropractors.
“About 99% of the people will be fine if you didn’t attend one of those events, at those arenas where this originated, you should be fine, as long as you hadn’t had interaction or commingling with horses that were at that event,” he said.
“Most everybody’s going to be just fine,” Miller said. “But don’t assume you’re going to be fine. Take the precautions. Let’s wait this out and see.”
The numbers here in Texas have increased to nine since Thursday when the count of infected horses was just two.
“While the extent of this EHV-1 outbreak is still not fully known, TAHC is taking this situation seriously,” TAHC said
The agency told the Star-Telegram Friday that the virus is still showing signs of being acute with a rapid progression and “high clinical severity.”
“TAHC investigation into the character and epidemiology of this disease event is ongoing but the need for rapid and proactive actions to curb the spread is clear,” a spokesperson said. “Measures to prevent contact of horses from exposure to the virus and increased biosecurity overall are recommended.”
The agency also said the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials has suspended Extended Equine Certifications of Veterinary Inspection.
Global Vet Link, whose platform helps create certifications for horses and other paperwork related to equine regulations, said on its website states are not accepting EECVI movement permits for horses during the outbreak.
While the extended certifications have been temporally paused, the use of certificates of veterinary Inspections can be used to still enter Texas.
“Additionally, Texas equine market permits will not be issued by TAHC at this time,” TAHC said. “Equine intended for sale in Texas must have a valid CVI and current EIA test prior to entering the state.”
The state said its encouraging horse owners to continue to work with their veterinarians to assess risk and mitigation plans.
“Take this virus seriously, and weigh potential risks when commingling equine,” the TAHC said in a statement.
Tim Long, general manager of Cowtown Coliseum, said the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association would be using two horses from an employee who had them at his ranch.
“He had the horses on his ranch, and he’s going to hold them there, and hold them there to use only here at this building,” Long siad.
Long said it’s taken a lot of work to make sure that things are properly cleaned to prevent contamination.
“We’ve sanitized the building to no end; we’ve spent two days cleaning top to bottom and sanitizing with proper chemicals to make sure that there’s nothing left. And I think they’ve done, the crews have done a wonderful job getting that done.”
This story was originally published November 21, 2025 at 5:29 PM.
Two North Texas men are accused of plotting to invade an island off the coast of Haiti, kill the male inhabitants and use the women and children as sex slaves, according to court documents.
Two North Texas men are accused of plotting to invade an island off the coast of Haiti, kill the male inhabitants and use the women and children as sex slaves, federal authorities said.
Twenty-year-old Tanner Christopher Thomas, of Argyle, and 21-year-old Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, of Allen, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to murder, maim or kidnap in a foreign country, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas said in a news release Thursday. If convicted, they could face up to life in prison.
According to the release, the two men planned to buy guns and ammunition and recruit members of Washington D.C.’s homeless population to help with the invasion.
“Weisenburg and Thomas are alleged to have conspired to recruit and lead an unlawful expeditionary force to the Island of Gonave, which is part of the Republic of Haiti, for the purpose of carrying out their rape fantasies,” the release states.
Officials say the conspiracy occurred between August 2024 and July 2025. During that time, investigators say, Weisenburg and Thomas were learning the Haitian Creole language and enrolling in schools to learn skills they would need for the coup.
Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force “to acquire military skills relevant to the invasion plan,” prosecutors said in the release.
The defendants have also been charged with the production of child pornography, which carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison.
The FBI, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Celina Police Department are investigating the case.
Gonave Island is only accessible by small aircraft or boat and has a population of around 100,000 people.
Zach Rausch (left), senior research scientist and managing director of the Tech and Society Lab at New York University’s Stern School of Business, speaks with Brent Christopher (right), president of Children’s Medical Center Foundation, during a symposium at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. The symposium hosted by Children’s Health discussed the pediatric health system’s latest report on the quality of life of children in North Texas.
Courtesy of Children’s Health
North Texas children’s mental health is being compromised by overuse of technology, experts emphasized on Tuesday as a piece of a larger, comprehensive report.
A new biennial report released by Children’s Health examines the quality of life for children in North Texas counties, including Tarrant, specifically through the lens of health, economic security, safety and education. During a symposium at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, leaders of the pediatric health care system discussed the report’s findings alongside a research scientist, focusing on the current state of mental health and child well-being in the area. The findings also included statistics on the state of education, child care and general youth health in Tarrant County.
Too much screen time and exposure to social media were pinpointed as culprits of poor health outcomes in children. Children’s Health President and CEO Christopher Durovich said technology has become a source of stress and anxiety for young people that needs to be addressed through creating safeguards to protect them from online harm and expanding behavioral health access.
“The mental and behavioral health of our children is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. The National Institutes of Health reports that nearly one in five children ages 3-17 now have a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder,” Durovich said. “In Texas, experts point to high social media use and problematic online patterns as major contributing factors.”
Zach Rausch, senior research scientist and managing director of the Tech and Society Lab at New York University’s Stern School of Business, described “a tragedy in two acts” where a play-based childhood first started to disappear from 1980-2010. The second “act” is the full transition to a phone-based childhood centered around iPhones, social media and high-speed internet from 2010-2015.
He recommended four “new norms”: No smartphones for children before high school; no social media before 16 years old; phone-free schools for the full school day; and more independence, responsibility and free play in the real world.
“We want to protect childhood like a refuge,” Rausch said. “Because we’re entering into this… whole new age of digital technologies that are untested and being thrown into kids’ lives, which are AI chatbots and ed tech.”
The Children’s Health report is extensive, touching on several statistics across eight counties. Here’s what it revealed about the health, child care access and education of Tarrant County youth.
Tarrant County findings
Tarrant County’s youth population of more than 548,000 has continued to diversify, according to the report. The percentage of children identifying as multiple races more than doubled from about 15% to about 31%, reflecting statewide trends. Children of Hispanic and/or Latino descent make up about 38% of the youth population, a percentage that’s held steady since 2019, the report states.
From 2019 to 2023, the county’s median family income increased 4.5% to more than $99,000 when adjusted for inflation. This was among the statistics signaling the county’s ongoing economic growth, anchored by “strong migration and job creation in the Fort Worth area.”
Although Tarrant County’s child poverty rate declined from about 17% in 2019 to about 15% in 2023, demographic disparities remain.
“…21.9% of Black/African American children and 19.1% of Hispanic/Latino children live in poverty, compared to 7.7% of non-Hispanic white children. The sharpest improvement was among Hispanic/Latino children, whose poverty rate dropped by 5 percentage points,” the report states.
In regard to health, the report states:
More than 50% of pediatric visits to the emergency department in Tarrant and Dallas counties were considered avoidable in 2023, reflecting obstacles in accessing primary care for those who are Medicaid-eligible and uninsured.
“Asthma remains one of the most common chronic conditions among children, with more than 176,000 affected regionally and hospitalization rates highest in Dallas and Tarrant counties.”
There was “mixed progress” in early childhood health, as immunization rates declined regionally, with most of them “falling below the 95% threshold for community protection.” But there was a statewide expansion of Medicaid postpartum coverage in 2024 that could improve infant mortality outcomes in the future.
“Denton and Tarrant counties experienced steady declines (in childhood immunizations) across all vaccine types over the five-year period, with Tarrant’s DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) and varicella (which prevents chicken pox) coverage falling to about 90%.”
“Dallas and Tarrant counties’ rates (of early prenatal care) remain below both state and national benchmarks.”
The report also touched on child care access, noting it as a “major concern.” Subsidized child care enrollment declined in 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions but recovered in 2022.
Although licensed child care slots have increased, the number of licensed facilities decreased in both Tarrant and Dallas counties.
“Providers cited rising liability insurance costs and administrative burdens as barriers to operating, and a recent state system transition disrupted subsidy access, leading to enrollment losses. Employer-supported child care and public-private partnerships were highlighted as promising but not yet widespread,” according to the report.
The report also noted a decline in Head Start enrollments in Tarrant County from 2024 compared to previous years, “indicating possible access challenges in urban areas with higher poverty rates.”
In regard to education, the report underscores underwhelming reading proficiency scores across North Texas, which reveal early literacy challenges. There were about 46% of Tarrant County third-graders meeting grade level in STAAR reading in 2024.
“Third-grade reading proficiency declined across North Texas in 2024 with only Collin County exceeding 65% of students being at grade level,” said Durovich of Children’s Health.
Factors impacting student achievement include a child’s economic security. There were more than 62% of Tarrant students eligible for free or reduced-fee meals in 2024.
“Childhood hunger and malnutrition can cause weaker school performance and elevate risks of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, diabetes and developmental issues. Programs offering free or low-cost meals at school to at-risk children are vital in fighting food insecurity,” the report states.
Lina Ruiz covers early childhood education in Tarrant County and North Texas for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. A University of Florida graduate, she previously wrote about local government in South Florida for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.
Landmark by Hillwood will bring 6,000 houses to southwest Denton County and pave the way for more development.
Courtesy of Hillwood
A new development being built into the North Texas landscape is taking shape in Denton County.
The green pastureland punctuated by soft sloping hills covered in blackjack oaks will soon be home to the latest and largest commercial and residential development from Ross Perot Jr.’s Hillwood Company.
The 3,200 acre “Landmark by Hillwood” development in southern Denton County gets its name from its proximity to Pilot Knob — a slope that was used as a wayfinding point by Native tribal communities and European settlers as they moved west into what is now North Texas.
Hillwood celebrated the development Thursday during a ceremony to unveil the 6,000 home project. Model homes in the first phase of 747 homes are expected to open in the spring.
The first phase is northwest of Interstate 35W and Robson Ranch Road, and will include the first of two H-E-B grocery stores in Denton County. Landmark is just north of Hillwood developments Harvest and Pecan Square.
The project will also be home roughly 3,000 apartment units, 900 acres of commercial space, and 1,100 acres of green space protected by a conservation easement to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Hillwood’s goal with Landmark is to connect residents with the surrounding natural environment. Courtesy of Hillwood
The development is being built in a way to make residents, office-goers and shoppers feel like they’re a part of the surrounding natural environment, said Kimberly Cole, Hillwood vice president of development.
“We have this amazing piece of property. We just don’t want to screw it up,” she said.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy 35 miles of bike and hiking trails, and there will be a 300 -acre park at the center of the development surrounding Pilot Knob and a pair of nearby hillsides.
Hillwood’s newest development will have 35 miles of trails for residents to enjoy. Courtesy of Hillwood
Hillwood also hopes this new development will open the floodgates for southwest Denton County.
The project is bringing in new sewer and water pipes that were not previously needed when the land’s primary use was cattle grazing.
The project new water and sewer pipes that could pave way for more development. Harrison Mantas hmantas@star-telegram.com
There’s still plenty of cattle roaming around the property, but having dedicated water and sewer pipes will make it easier develop what Hillwood vice president Andrew Piper described at the last untapped quadrant of the Dallas-Fort Worth region.. He called the area a major opportunity for the next 20 years.
Nine home building companies have purchased lots to begin offering a variety of products ranging from 40 feet wide lots to 70 feet wide lots, Piper said.
Piper estimated prices would range from $450,000 to $1 million.
In nearby Denton, there’s a need for executive housing for university professors, hospital doctors and business leaders, so this development could help with that, Piper said.
The development sits about seven miles as the crow flies southwest of Denton Town Square. Hillwood wants to bring the unique creative community of Denton into the community, Piper said.
The developer is in talks with local artists about creating work for the new community and has partnered with Denton County Brewing Company to create a “Landmark” Beer named after the development, he said.
A rendering of the pool amenity at new Landmark by Hillwood development. Courtesy of Hillwood
A rendering of the entrance to the amenity center for the new Landmark by Hillwood development. Courtesy of Hillwood
In the over 35 years Hillwood’s been in business, the company’s developments along I-35W between Loop 820 and Texas 114 have generated billions of dollars of economic impact for the Metroplex, Hillwood President Mike Berry said speaking at the Nov. 13 unveiling ceremony.
The area between Texas 114 and Denton will have the same impact, Berry said.
Harrison Mantas has covered Fort Worth city government, agencies and people since September 2021. He likes to live tweet city hall meetings, and help his fellow Fort Worthians figure out what’s going on.
A teenage driver who killed a family of six in a wrong-way crash in Johnson County while under the influence of marijuana in December 2023 has been sentenced to 65 years in prison, officials say.
GoFundMe
The teenage driver who killed a family of six in a wrong-way crash in Johnson County in December 2023 while under the influence of marijuana has been sentenced to 65 years in prison, officials said.
A Johnson County jury handed down 19-year-old Luke Resecker’s sentence on Oct. 28 after a week-long trial.
“This tragedy stands as a sobering reminder of the irreversible consequences of impaired and reckless driving,” the Johnson and Somervell counties District Attorney’s Office said in a Facebook post announcing the conviction.
Resecker and another teen were traveling southwest on U.S. 67 near Cleburne the day after Christmas. They were approaching County Road 1119 when officials say Resecker crossed over the double yellow line, which indicates a no-passing zone, and entered the northeast lane of traffic. The Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck collided head-on with a Honda Odyssey.
Lokesh Potabathula from Alpharetta, Georgia, was the only survivor in the Odyssey. The 43-year-old was left paralyzed from the waist down, according to the district attorney’s post.
Potabathula’s wife Naveena Potabathula, 36, son Krithik, 10, daughter Nishidha, 9, and cousin Rushil Barri, 28, died in the crash, as did Naveena’s parents, who were visiting from India — Nageswararao Ponnada, 64, and Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada, 60. The family was staying with relatives in North Texas over Christmas vacation.
Resecker, who was 17 at the time of the crash, and his 17-year-old passenger were both critically injured and airlifted to Fort Worth hospitals. The passenger suffered a traumatic brain injury, according to the post.
A blood test found active THC in Resecker’s system at the time of the collision, officials said, and more marijuana was found inside his truck. Three months after the fatal crash, a Johnson County judge arraigned the teen on six counts of intoxication manslaughter, two counts of intoxication assault, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.
Resecker was placed on monitored home confinement after posting the $50,000 bond. Due to his injuries from the crash he was found not medically fit to be booked into the Johnson County Jail at the time.
At the trial, Resecker was given three days off his sentence for jail time served, according to court records. It’s not clear when he’s eligible for parole.
