This is TPR's roundup of the latest headlines and news developments. It provides a succinct and clear summary of the stories TPR is following.
Today's weather: Expect a high today of 91 and a low of 64. This week will be warmer but the evenings will remain pleasantly cool.
The tropics: The National Hurricane Center continues to watch Tropical Storm Oscar move northeast over the Atlantic Ocean. There are no other significant tropical systems in the Gulf or Caribbean regions. The Atlantic hurricane season ends on Nov. 30.
Election 2024: Early voting in the November election is underway ends on Nov. 1. The ballot includes the presidential ticket as well as several statewide and local races. There are nearly 50 polling locations open across Bexar County, including libraries, community centers, and universities.
Hours for early voting in Bexar County:
- Mon., Oct. 21, thru Fri., Oct. 25: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Sat., Oct. 2: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sun., Oct. 27: 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Mon., Oct. 28 thru Fri., Nov. 1: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Celebrities call for justice for Robert Roberson
Best-selling author and attorney John Grisham testified on Monday in the Texas legislature’s hearing on the death penalty. He told the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence that their bold actions saved the life of death row inmate Robert Roberson.
Grisham said Roberson’s original trial was so badly conducted it should have been a mistrial. “The trial was a farce," he said. "It was a pathetic trial. If we could go back and get a fair trial -- and I think that all Robert and his lawyers would love right now is to get back into court – let’s go back to Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County and have a fair trial. That’s all we’re asking for."
The TV personality known as Dr. Phil did testify. Phil McGraw, who has a Ph.D., said he recently interviewed Roberson and told the lawmakers that "I do not believe that he has yet enjoyed a fair trial.”
Roberson was not allowed to testify in person and did not connect remotely to testify. Roberson’s attorneys said he would not testify over a computer link because his autism interferes with his ability to communicate virtually. The lawmakers said they were in talks with the Texas attorney general’s office about finding a solution to have him eventually testify in person.
Roberson does not have a pending execution day. When a new death warrant is issued, it requires a 90 day notification.
Women at Northwest Vista College join record-breaking turnout
Bexar County hit record breaking turnout on the first day of early voting Monday. An unprecedented 46,820 people cast a ballot at the county’s 51 early voting polling sites.
At Northwest Vista College — one of the county's busiest sites — many women who stood in line to vote early said restoring abortion rights was a top issue. Others said their economic concerns guided their decisions in the presidential contest.
Some political pundits said the women's vote could be the difference in the presidential race.
Laredo lifts boil water notice
The City of Laredo lifted its boil water notice on Monday afternoon.
Water tests came back negative for any contamination indicating no traces of E. Coli or high bacteria in the water system. The notice had been in effect since Oct. 10.
The city said lifting the notice was the first step in addressing ongoing water infrastructure issues.
More than 200 illegal or bad water connections were found while in the city while trying to resolve the issue.
Comal County declares a disaster over heat
Comal County Judge Sherman Krause issued a disaster declaration in response to excessive heat and critical fire weather conditions.
Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Kelley said with the continued heat wave and worsening drought conditions, wildfires are a real danger in Comal County.
He added that a burn ban is in place and the extreme conditions have to be taken seriously.
The Comal County Fire Marshal's Office reported conditions continue to worsen due to the lack of any significant rainfall in Comal County. There is also a large vegetation fuel load on the ground that has dried out.
The declaration will be in effect for the next seven days.
Tejano star Flaco Jimenez honored at the White House
Tejano music legend and San Antonio native Flaco Jimenez was honored Monday at the White House with the 2022 National Medal of the Arts.
Flaco's son, Arthur, attended the ceremony due to Flaco's ongoing health issues.
The medal -- the nation's highest award for artists -- is given to individuals or groups for their outstanding contributions to the arts in the U.S.
Texas actress and director Eva Longoria was also among 11 artists honored for 2022.
Selena was posthumously honored as a 2023 medal recipient.
Film looks back at history of celebrating Dia De Los Muertos
A look at Dia De Los Muertos of yesteryear will be on display downtown at UNAM, on the grounds of Hemisfair. Sarah Zenaida Gould with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI) said they will screen a documentary tonight at 7:00.
Dia De Los Muertos has exploded in popularity over the last decade, but this 1988 film is more roots oriented.
"We're going to be screening Lourdes Portllios’ documentary La Ofrenda, The Days of the Dead," Gould explained. "This is a 1988 documentary by the late Lourdes Portillo. Lourdes Portillo was perhaps the most important Chicana filmmaker of the 20th and 21st century.”
Both admission and parking in city spaces will be free.
