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In a significant turn of events, Travis County dismisses charges against Marshall Moreno, a man who spent over two decades wrongfully imprisoned. Morenos exoneration comes after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals found him innocent, following a recantation by the main witness. District Attorney José Garza hopes this dismissal aids Moreno in rebuilding his life, acknowledging the irreparable time lost.

Two riders, Matthew Cantu and Nicholas Sanchez, were stranded on a roller coaster at the Circuit of the Americas for over an hour after a sensor malfunction. The Austin Fire Department arrived at the scene, and the men were safely brought down. The incident caused concern for family members who received no updates for over thirty minutes. Both riders reported minor symptoms after the incident, and the Circuit of the Americas noted that this is a rare occurrence out of twenty-five thousand rides.

Authorities probe potential link between Brown University shooting and MIT professors murder, as they search for a person of interest in both incidents. Challenges in capturing the Brown attacker, who evaded capture and left few camera records, prompt public to check their footage.

Get ready for a cosmic spectacle! This week, an interstellar comet, three I slash ATLAS, is making its closest approach to Earth. Discovered in July, its the third confirmed object from beyond our solar system to visit. On Friday, December 19th, itll be at its closest, around 168 million miles away. You might spot it in the pre-dawn hours with a telescope or binoculars. If not, Space.com is hosting a livestream from December 18th-19th. This comet, formed in a cold, distant region, could reveal secrets about other planetary systems. Dont miss this rare chance to observe a piece of the universes vastness!

Austin Police Officer Joseph Spees was terminated after an investigation revealed he used excessive force against an intoxicated woman. The incident, captured on body camera and hotel surveillance, showed Spees, an eleven-year veteran, performing a forceful takedown, causing the womans head to hit the pavement. Despite her cries of pain, Spees continued to escort her and later shoved her headfirst into the back seat of his patrol car. The woman was treated at the hospital and charged with public intoxication. Spees was found to have violated department orders and provided inaccurate reports, leading to his indefinite suspension.

Austin Police Oversight clears officer in fatal shooting, contradicting previous murder charges; officer now teaches cadets, while another officers conviction is appealed.

Marshall Moreno, imprisoned for 24 years, was exonerated after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals found evidence of his innocence and false testimony. The Travis County District Attorneys Office dismissed all charges against him. Morenos conviction was based on his daughters statements made two years after alleged abuse, which she later recanted during a post-conviction hearing.

Austin Massage Academy shut down for license fraud, public safety at risk.

Leander School District Board Keeps Steiner Ranch Open, Closes Faubion; Community Impact Looms The Leander School District Board of Trustees made a significant decision this week, keeping Steiner Ranch Elementary open and closing Faubion Elementary. The boards choice to spare Steiner Ranch for now gives the school another year to address its enrollment challenges. Meanwhile, the closure of Faubion will bring changes and challenges for its students and staff. This outcome highlights the difficult choices school boards face when balancing budget constraints with community needs and the well-being of their students.