Lack of communication between child welfare and juvenile justice systems hurts foster kids, court monitors say
The court-appointed watchdogs expressed concern after learning that a caretaker accused of exploiting children at a state-licensed facility in Bastrop had been previously fired from a state juvenile justice facility for misconduct.
The court-appointed watchdogs expressed concern after learning that a caretaker accused of exploiting children at a state-licensed facility in Bastrop had been previously fired from a state juvenile justice facility for misconduct.
Texas death row inmate to get Supreme Court review
Rodney Reed was sentenced to death for the 1996 killing of 19-year-old Stacey Stites. Prosecutors say Reed raped and strangled Stites as she made her way to work at a supermarket in Bastrop.
Rodney Reed was sentenced to death for the 1996 killing of 19-year-old Stacey Stites. Prosecutors say Reed raped and strangled Stites as she made her way to work at a supermarket in Bastrop.
Bastrop ISD holding job fair April 23 to fill multiple positions
Bastrop ISD is holding a job fair to fill multiple full-time positions this Saturday.
Bastrop ISD is holding a job fair to fill multiple full-time positions this Saturday.
Bastrop shelter caretaker accused of exploiting girls was fired from previous job for misconduct
State records show Iesha Greene was fired in 2020 from a state juvenile facility for having inappropriate relationships with children. The Refuge said it was aware of her previous work there, but it never requested her publicly available personnel records.
State records show Iesha Greene was fired in 2020 from a state juvenile facility for having inappropriate relationships with children. The Refuge said it was aware of her previous work there, but it never requested her publicly available personnel records.
Over 100 children have died in Texas’ child welfare system since 2020, report says
Most of the deaths were attributed to “preexisting medical conditions” or abuse suffered before the children entered the system, according to the DFPS report.
Most of the deaths were attributed to “preexisting medical conditions” or abuse suffered before the children entered the system, according to the DFPS report.
Texas DPS responds after judge questions integrity of investigation into The Refuge for DMST
A federal judge blasted the Texas Rangers for its investigation into allegations of sex trafficking of foster children at a facility near Austin. The judge asked for a federal criminal investigation.
A federal judge blasted the Texas Rangers for its investigation into allegations of sex trafficking of foster children at a facility near Austin. The judge asked for a federal criminal investigation.
Federal judge blasts Texas Rangers' investigation into sex trafficking at foster care facility
The Rangers investigated complaints about the facility and concluded that an employee accused of taking nude photos of girls in exchange for drugs did not commit sex trafficking. A federal judge questioned whether the Texas Rangers understand the definition of sex trafficking.
The Rangers investigated complaints about the facility and concluded that an employee accused of taking nude photos of girls in exchange for drugs did not commit sex trafficking. A federal judge questioned whether the Texas Rangers understand the definition of sex trafficking.
100 Club of Central Texas activates funds for Bastrop County Sheriff's Office deputy
Donations in honor of Deputy Wilson and messages of support can be sent to The 100 Club's Critically Injured Fund online, by mail, or over the phone.
Donations in honor of Deputy Wilson and messages of support can be sent to The 100 Club's Critically Injured Fund online, by mail, or over the phone.
Foster girls, victims of sex trafficking, abused at Texas shelter
Foster girls who’d been victims of sex trafficking endured fresh abuse at a state shelter in Bastrop, according to a report from a current employee.
Foster girls who’d been victims of sex trafficking endured fresh abuse at a state shelter in Bastrop, according to a report from a current employee.
Bastrop County Animal Shelter holding special puppy adoption event
Looking for a puppy? Bastrop County Animal Shelter is holding a special event in Austin to help some puppies find their forever homes on March 4 and 5.
Looking for a puppy? Bastrop County Animal Shelter is holding a special event in Austin to help some puppies find their forever homes on March 4 and 5.
Winter weather Texas school cancellations, delays on Feb. 24
Most of the Austin metro area is under a Winter Weather Advisory as weather conditions have caused issues on roads and prompted districts to delay or cancel classes.
Most of the Austin metro area is under a Winter Weather Advisory as weather conditions have caused issues on roads and prompted districts to delay or cancel classes.
Boil water notice issued for customers in the Vista Ranch Water System
If you live in this area, you are part of this boil water notice. The water should be brought to a vigorous boil and then boiled for two minutes.
If you live in this area, you are part of this boil water notice. The water should be brought to a vigorous boil and then boiled for two minutes.
List of Texas school closings: Here are the school districts, universities closing Feb. 3-4
Local school districts, colleges and universities are closing Thursday, Feb. 3 due to winter weather coming to Texas. You can see if your student's school district in this article.
Local school districts, colleges and universities are closing Thursday, Feb. 3 due to winter weather coming to Texas. You can see if your student's school district in this article.
Several Central Texas HEB stores closing early Feb. 3 due to wintry weather
Several H-E-B stores in the Central Texas area are set to close early on Thursday, Feb. 3 due to wintry weather conditions.
Several H-E-B stores in the Central Texas area are set to close early on Thursday, Feb. 3 due to wintry weather conditions.
Independent panel to look into cause of Rolling Pines Fire
The Rolling Pines Fire is now 100% contained and spanned more than 800 acres as of Monday afternoon. The cause of the fire is linked to a prescribed burn by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
The Rolling Pines Fire is now 100% contained and spanned more than 800 acres as of Monday afternoon. The cause of the fire is linked to a prescribed burn by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Rolling Pines Fire 100% contained after spanning more than 800 acres
Rolling Pines Fire 100% contained after spanning more than 800 acres
Rolling Pines Fire 100% contained after spanning more than 800 acres
Hill Country sees little wintry precipitation despite a lot of anticipation
A Winter Storm Advisory was issued for most of Central Texas, but not many areas saw heavy sleet or ice.
A Winter Storm Advisory was issued for most of Central Texas, but not many areas saw heavy sleet or ice.
Rolling Pines Fire brings back memories of previous Bastrop County fires
With the Rolling Pines fire right in their backyard, Bastrop residents look back at the two disastrous fires that ripped through the county not too long ago.
With the Rolling Pines fire right in their backyard, Bastrop residents look back at the two disastrous fires that ripped through the county not too long ago.
Residents near Rolling Pines Fire worry about shift in weather
As the Rolling Pines Fire continues, residents are starting to worry about how the wind changes will impact the fire.
As the Rolling Pines Fire continues, residents are starting to worry about how the wind changes will impact the fire.
Celebratory MLK Jr Day events happening around the Austin area
Several organizations and cities around the Austin area are holding celebratory events for Martin Luther King, Jr Day.
Several organizations and cities around the Austin area are holding celebratory events for Martin Luther King, Jr Day.