Austin news

• Video: Man crashes into El Paso dealership vehicles; taken into custody

  20-09-2022 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Employees from a car dealership in east El Paso had a morning to remember. A man driving an SUV, drove frantically in the parking lot crashing into multiple vehicles Monday.El Paso Police department responded to the incident at the Viva Nissan dealership on the 1300 block of Zaragoza.The driver rammed the large vehicle into the sales lot hitting new vehicles and crashing into the curb.From a viral video, it can be seen EPPD placing the driver under arrest and was la
  
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• Abbott asks state agencies to increase efforts to combat fentanyl

  20-09-2022 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter to state agency leaders on Tuesday directing them to ramp up state efforts to combat the ongoing fentanyl crisis.
  Abbott's office wrote in a press release that Texas saw an 89% increase in fentanyl-related deaths in 2021 compared to 2020. The Texas Medical Association also issued a warning about the deadly drug earlier this year after seeing an increase in overdose deaths.“We must take all appropriate actions to inform Texans of this dan
  
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• Woman locks herself in car after burglars threaten to kill her for witnessing crime, police say

  20-09-2022 23:32 via kxan.com
  
  MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two men accused of burglarizing a local clothing store were arrested Sunday after threatening to kill a witness, police say.At about 11:52 p.m. on Sept. 11, McAllen police were dispatched to a clothing store, Yahaira's Ropa, in reference to a burglary of a building that has just occurred. The suspects were described as wearing all black and running southbound on Bicentennial toward Chicago Avenue.When police arrived, they were met by a woman who said she sa
  
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• Llano head librarian resigns as county library staff wanes

  20-09-2022 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  LLANO COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Tina Castelan took over as head librarian at the Llano Library last December. This month, she said she submitted her resignation to Library Director Amber Milum.On Monday, she said she was asked to pack up her belongings and leave early.”I just really did not want to work here anymore,” said Castelan. “I wanted to be supported. I want people to trust my professional decisions and how I work.”Castelan said she resigned a day after present
  
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• Four days of record heat in the forecast this week

  20-09-2022 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Morning lows ranged from 70° to 76° today. That's as much as 7° above normal. Highs this afternoon will again climb to the middle to upper 90s at most Central Texas locations on a day where the normal high is 90°.More heat ... and getting hotterThe upper-level high is over north Texas this afternoon. It will meander across the state for at least the next four days before it exits out to the west by the weekend. Thus, highs will continue well above normal along wi
  
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• Lake Travis proud of Garrett Wilson's hot start in NFL

  20-09-2022 22:16 via kxan.com
  
  Among the NFL's receiving leaders after two weeks of the season are some familiar names like Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson. Also on that list is a rookie from Lake Travis, Garrett Wilson.The New York Jets first round pick helped push his team to a stunner Sunday in Cleveland as the Jets scored 14 points in the final two minutes to win 31-30. The game-winning score was secured by Wilson, snagging a 15-yard touchdown pass with 22 seconds left."Garrett had himself a day, right," joked Lake Trav
  
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• Survey of 20,000 Texas teachers found 'overload' top reason for exit

  20-09-2022 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  This story accompanies KXAN’s investigative project on Texas teacher resignations called “The Exit: Teachers Leave. Students Suffer.“Austin (KXAN) – A survey of more than 20,000 Texas teachers found “personal overload” was the number one issue cited by educators who recently quit or retired, according to the Texas Education Agency data released on Tuesday.Jean Streepy, a Highland Park middle school teacher and Texas Teacher Vacancy Task Force member told
  
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• Judge dismisses Texas Bar lawsuit against Attorney General's office

  20-09-2022 21:15 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (Nexstar) — A Williamson County district judge tossed out a Texas State Bar Association lawsuit against a top deputy in the Texas Attorney General's office over alleged misconduct in seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.Judge John Youngblood dismissed the lawsuit, saying it lacked "subject-matter jurisdiction," according to the court order, which was filed on Sept. 13. In a brief letter sent to the lawyers, the judge said the lawsuit violates
  
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• Ray Benson to auction off lifetime memorabilia collection

  20-09-2022 20:16 via kxan.com
  
  NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (KXAN) — Central Texans interested in a piece of music and popular culture history can soon auction on items from Asleep at the Wheel front man Ray Benson's personal collection.
  Benson's memorabilia collection includes a range of concert posters and art pieces, personal instruments, customized cars and Harley Davidsons, along with signed posters and cowboy boots. The live auction will be held Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Burley Auction Gallery, located at 134 Deborah Drive
  
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• 2 cats, 1 rabbit die in Georgetown house fire

  20-09-2022 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — A family's two cats and bunny died in a house fire Tuesday morning in the Parkside at Mayfield Ranch subdivision, according to the City of Leander.
  The City said the Leander Fire Department was called to the fire in the 100 block of Mission Tejas Street in Georgetown at 9:12 a.m. The fire was reported by a neighbor; the family wasn't home when it broke out.
  The City said there was "significant damage" to about 40% of the home with smoke damage throughout.One hurt
  
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• Travis County extends hours for 2 days of early voting at mega-centers

  20-09-2022 19:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County early voters will get extra hours to cast ballots this year in the November election. The added hours are for the county's five mega centers.
  Mega centers will be open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Nov. 4. The other voting centers will close at 7 p.m. on these two days.Texas secretary of state discusses effort to educate voters on National Voter Registration DayEarly voting starts Oct. 24 and ends Nov. 4. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays
  
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• LIVE: Austin restaurant named one of the best in America by NY Times

  20-09-2022 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin restaurant that pays homage to Guyanese and Caribbean cuisine was recently recognized by The New York Times as one of the best restaurants in the nation.
  Canje is located off East Sixth Street near Chicon Street on the east side of town. It opened in October of last year.
  The eatery was created by Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who also co-owns establishments Emmer & Rye and Hestia in Austin. All are part of the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group.
  The New York Time
  
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• Austin restaurant named one of the best in America by NY Times

  20-09-2022 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin restaurant that pays homage to Guyanese and Caribbean cuisine was recently recognized by The New York Times as one of the best restaurants in the nation.
  Canje is located off East Sixth Street near Chicon Street on the east side of town. It opened in October of last year.
  The eatery was created by Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who also co-owns establishments Emmer & Rye and Hestia in Austin. All are part of the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group.
  The New York Time
  
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• UT professor returns to Austin after Hurricane Fiona hits Puerto Rico

  20-09-2022 19:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A history professor from the University of Texas at Austin returned Monday after Hurricane Fiona hit during his trip home to Puerto Rico.
  Alberto Martínez said he decided not to cancel his visit despite the forecast showing the island in the storm's path. The hurricane ultimately knocked out power to the entire island and caused more than two feet of rain to fall over the weekend, resulting in potentially two deaths.Fiona strengthens to Category 3, becomes 1st major
  
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• LIVE: UT professor returns to Austin after Hurricane Fiona hits Puerto Rico

  20-09-2022 19:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A history professor from the University of Texas at Austin returned Monday after Hurricane Fiona hit during his trip home to Puerto Rico.
  Alberto Martínez said he decided not to cancel his visit despite the forecast showing the island in the storm's path. The hurricane ultimately knocked out power to the entire island and caused more than two feet of rain to fall over the weekend, resulting in potentially two deaths.Fiona strengthens to Category 3, becomes 1st major
  
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• What happens if my ACL wristband is lost or stolen?

  20-09-2022 18:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the 2022 Austin City Limits Music Festival launching in two-and-a-half weeks, festivalgoers are advised to keep their eyes peeled for their wristbands arriving in the mail. But what happens if yours is lost or stolen?This is an issue Austin resident Guy Santopadre is currently navigating. His wristbands' delivery was delayed in the mail for a few days; but by the time they arrived, the envelope was soaked and there was a small hole in the packaging.Both of the 2022 wri
  
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• American Heart Association hopes new Spanish ad will translate to lives saved

  20-09-2022 17:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The American Heart Association is launching a new CPR campaign in Spanish.“We know that language can be a barrier for individuals that are trying to make an impact,” said Catalina Berry, community impact director with the American Heart Association.Berry hopes the new campaign called Héroes Salvando Corazones or Heroes Saving Hearts translates into saving lives.The AHA said the videos and information in Spanish coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month.&ldqu
  
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• Texas Tribune Festival in Austin: Which political leaders will be there?

  20-09-2022 17:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This year's Texas Tribune Festival kicks off Thursday and goes through Saturday.
  Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith joined KXAN News at 4 p.m. on Monday to talk about this year's festival.
  "There's something for everybody. For people on the left, on the more progressive end of our politics, there's Hillary Clinton, Jamie Raskin, Gavin Newsom, Beto O'Rourke. For people who might be a little more conservative, there's Liz Cheney, Glenn Youngkin, Dan Crenshaw, Asa Hutchinson, the go
  
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• Pickleball business booms in Austin

  20-09-2022 15:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of the fastest-growing sports in America has made its way to one of the fastest-growing cities in America.Over the last two years, pickleball’s popularity has picked up all around the Austin area. Pickleball is a social sport played on a condensed court that’s a combination between tennis and ping-pong.According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, participation in the sport has nearly doubled to 5 million players in the United States over a sev
  
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• Texas secretary of state to discuss effort to educate voters on National Voter Registration Day

  20-09-2022 15:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Secretary of State John B. Scott will share details about a campaign aimed at educating voters before the November elections on Tuesday in east Austin.
  This comes the same day as National Voter Registration Day, a holiday that's been recognized for at least a decade now. According to the National Voter Registration Day website, nearly 4.7 million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date.Important dates to remember about voter registration, mail ballots ah
  
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• Texas secretary of state discusses effort to educate voters on National Voter Registration Day

  20-09-2022 15:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Secretary of State John B. Scott shared details about a campaign aimed at educating voters before the November elections on Tuesday in east Austin.
  This comes the same day as National Voter Registration Day, a holiday that's been recognized for at least a decade now. According to the National Voter Registration Day website, nearly 4.7 million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date.Important dates to remember about voter registration, mail ballots ahead
  
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• LIVE: Texas secretary of state discusses effort to educate voters on National Voter Registration Day

  20-09-2022 15:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Secretary of State John B. Scott will share details about a campaign aimed at educating voters before the November elections on Tuesday in east Austin.
  This comes the same day as National Voter Registration Day, a holiday that's been recognized for at least a decade now. According to the National Voter Registration Day website, nearly 4.7 million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date.Important dates to remember about voter registration, mail ballots ah
  
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• UT's new band for those who don't want to play 'Eyes of Texas' on hold

  20-09-2022 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's going to be at least another year before those who don't want to play "The Eyes of Texas" can join another band that plays at "high-profile" University of Texas at Austin events.A university spokesperson told KXAN that the new university band is on hold until a new director for the Butler School of Music is hired. The spokesperson said, "We hope to have a new director for the Butler School of Music in place for next fall." Longhorn Band will be required to play ‘
  
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• Austin school zone signs caused confusion for some drivers

  20-09-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some drivers tell KXAN it's a dangerous situation: people speeding right by school zone signs in southeast Austin. But they say part of the problem is the signs themselves causing confusion.
  There are two school zone signs, one right in front of the other, at a school zone starting on the 2200 block of E. Stassney Ln. Simon Rangel, whose nephew goes to nearby Josephine Houston Elementary, has driven through the school zone."They put up a whole other sign," he said. "That's
  
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• Will Peter Pan Mini-Golf keep flying in modern Austin?

  20-09-2022 13:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — From awkward first dates to trips with the grandkids, Peter Pan Mini-Golf has given Austinites affordable entertainment from its perch on a small hill across the river from downtown for nearly 75 years — and its owners said they are in it for the long haul.A lot of people hope so. It's one of those iconic Austin businesses that would yield a public outcry if it closed. It's rare to have a quirky, bring-your-own-bottle miniature golf course that puts
  
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• Summer-like feel for the start of fall

  20-09-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Summer refuses to let go as unseasonable heat continues through the upcoming weekend.High pressure building over the region will keep hot temps and sunshine in our forecast for awhile. As drier air works in late week, afternoon highs are likely to reach the low 100s - nearing or tying current daily records. The upcoming triple digit heat will also move this year into 2nd place for the highest annual triple-digit day count. (The count currently stands at 68 days.)Despite the summ
  
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• Not feeling anything like September

  20-09-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Morning lows ranged from 70° to 76° today. That's as much as 7° above normal. Highs this afternoon will again climb to the middle to upper 90s at most Central Texas locations on a day where the normal high is 90°.More heat ... and getting hotterThe upper-level high is over north Texas this afternoon. It will meander across the state for at least the next four days before it exits out to the west by the weekend. Thus, highs will continue well above normal along wi
  
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• One hurt in RV fire in Wells Branch

  20-09-2022 12:28 via kxan.com
  
  WELLS BRANCH, Texas (KXAN) — Fire crews said one person was hurt in a fire early Tuesday morning that burned a trailer, an RV and a car.
  Crews from Travis County ESD 2 and Round Rock Fire fought the fire which broke out around 1:40 a.m. on Connie Street southwest of Grand Avenue Parkway.According to the Travis County ESD 2 Assistant Chief Mark Moellenberg, the person who lives in the RV went to the hospital with minor burns from the fire. No pets were harmed.Moellenberg said all three stru
  
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• Northbound lanes open on I-35 near Buda after 18-wheeler hits median

  20-09-2022 09:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — All northbound lanes are now open on Interstate 35 after an early Tuesday morning crash where an 18-wheeler struck a median near South State Highway 45.The latest update from the Texas Department of Transportation stated all lanes are open on northbound I-35 near SH 45 southeast as of 2:14 p.m.At 11:45 a.m., TxDOT said the northbound lanes in that area near Creedmoor were closed. Crews were still directing traffic onto the frontage road. Two southbound lanes reopened almost
  
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• Northbound I-35 near Buda still shut down after 18-wheeler hits median

  20-09-2022 09:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Drivers are still facing traffic headaches on I-35 Tuesday afternoon after an early morning crash involving an 18-wheeler that struck a median near South SH 45.
  The latest update from the Texas Department of Transportation included that the northbound lanes in that area near Creedmoor remain closed as of 11:45 a.m., so crews are still directing traffic onto the frontage road. However, two southbound lanes have now reopened almost 10 hours after the crash also caused those t
  
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• LIVE: I-35 near Buda shut down after 18-wheeler hits median

  20-09-2022 09:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police shut down all of the southbound and two of the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 early Tuesday morning after an 18-wheeler hit a median near Creedmoor.
  Police said the crash happened around 1:15 a.m. as the tractor-trailer was heading south near FM 1327.
  According to APD, the 18-wheeler caught fire but was put out. There was debris on both sides of the highway.
  Austin Fire tweeted Austin-Travis County EMS crews took one person to the hospital with potentially
  
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• I-35 near Buda shut down after 18-wheeler hits median

  20-09-2022 09:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police shut down all of the southbound and two of the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 early Tuesday morning after an 18-wheeler hit a median near Creedmoor.
  Police say the crash happened around 1:15 a.m. as the tractor-trailer was heading south near FM 1327.
  According to APD, the 18-wheeler caught fire but was put out and there was debris on both sides of the highway.
  Austin Fire tweeted that Austin Travis County EMS crews took one person to the hospital with potentiall
  
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• All lanes open on I-35 near Buda after 18-wheeler hits median

  20-09-2022 09:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — All lanes are now open on Interstate 35 after an early Tuesday morning crash where an 18-wheeler struck a median near South State Highway 45.TxDOT says all lanes going both directions are now open after hours and hours of traffic delays.At 11:45 a.m., TxDOT said the northbound lanes in that area near Creedmoor were closed. Crews were still directing traffic onto the frontage road. Two southbound lanes reopened almost 10 hours after the crash.Police said the wreck happened a
  
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• 2 lanes open on I-35 NB near Buda after 18-wheeler hits median

  20-09-2022 09:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Drivers are still facing traffic headaches on Interstate 35 Tuesday afternoon after an early morning crash where an 18-wheeler struck a median near South State Highway 45.The latest update from the Texas Department of Transportation stated two lanes are open on northbound I-35 near SH 45 southeast as of 1:30 p.m.At 11:45 a.m., TxDOT said the northbound lanes in that area near Creedmoor were closed. Crews were still directing traffic onto the frontage road. However, two sout
  
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• Bastrop County neighbors band against giant solar farm proposal

  20-09-2022 05:36 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A local company wants to capitalize on sunshine in the Lonestar state -- specifically in Bastrop County.Austin-based "Solar Proponent" is asking for tax breaks from Elgin ISD to develop a solar farm project called Dogwood Creek Solar.
  Solar Proponent calls itself a "utility-scale solar developer," focused on building projects in ERCOT, according to it's Chapter 313 application filed with the Texas Comptroller's office.
  The application asks for tax breaks from Elgi
  
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• Dress for Success relocating because of rising rent, director says

  20-09-2022 04:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Dress for Success Austin is relocating from its east Austin location after nearly 20 years there.
  The nonprofit, which said they are dedicated to helping women secure employment through career and image consulting, is moving to a southeast Austin storefront on October 11.
  DFSA's Executive Director Mia Johns cited rising rent as the reason behind the move. "As rent continues to rise throughout Austin, the organization has been forced to make the difficult decision to move from th
  
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• Sarkisian: 'Great sign' that all Longhorns QBs practiced Monday

  20-09-2022 02:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — All of the Texas Longhorns quarterbacks practiced Monday ahead of Saturday's Big 12 Conference opener in Lubbock.Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian gave a few details about the quarterback situation in a Monday press conference, saying that it was "a great sign" that all were able to get work in. Hudson Card ‘bleeds burnt orange and white,’ led Longhorns to win on bad ankle"That, to me, is a really good sign," Sarkisian said. "Last Monday, they didn't all practice
  
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• Texas sheriff opens probe into DeSantis' migrant flight to Martha's Vineyard

  20-09-2022 02:11 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) - Bexar County, Texas, Sheriff Javier Salazar opened an investigation on Monday into Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' (R) controversial transport of approximately 50 migrants from San Antonio to Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.“We are opening up a case, an investigation, with regard to the suspected activities involving the 48 migrants from Venezuela,” Salazar said in a news briefing.The sheriff said that the group of Venezuelan migrants were “lured” from a migrant res
  
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• South Texas teacher arrested after child dies in hot car

  20-09-2022 01:58 via kxan.com
  
  LA JOYA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — La Joya Police arrested a woman in connection with the death of the 5-year-old student who was found unresponsive inside of a vehicle at Dr. Americo Paredes Elementary last month.According to records, Diana Trevino Montelongo, 37, was charged with criminal negligence homicide. 5-year-old La Joya student found dead in carMontelongo was arrested on Thursday and booked on a $50,000 bond. She was released the same day.On Aug. 25, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Depart
  
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