Austin police have identified Robert Eugene Brashers as a new suspect in the 1991 yogurt shop murders, based on DNA evidence. Brashers, who died by suicide in 1999, was linked to several other killings and rapes in other states. The victims, Amy Ayers, Eliza Thomas, Jennifer Harbison, and Sarah Harbison, were found bound, gagged, and shot at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” store, which was then set on fire. This announcement comes after the release of an HBO documentary series that has renewed attention to the case, and after two previous suspects were released due to new DNA evidence.
Read More
GOP Texas map has Austin residents sharing district with rural Texans 300 miles away. It seems like the situation in Texas regarding the recent redistricting is, to put it mildly, generating a lot of strong opinions. The core of the issue is that the new maps, drawn by the Republican Party, have resulted in Austin residents being lumped into the same congressional district as people living in rural areas, some as far as 300 miles away. This is, at its heart, a textbook example of gerrymandering.
GOP Texas map has Austin residents sharing district with rural Texans 300 miles away. This tactic isn’t exactly new in Texas.… Continue reading
Life in the City church in south Austin was vandalized on Friday, with someone spray-painting hateful messages and tearing down a Pride flag. According to the church, this is not the first incident of its kind, and it comes amid a backdrop of rising violence targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized communities. The church, a United Methodist congregation known for its progressive and inclusive stance, hosted a community event on Saturday to address the vandalism. Authorities have been contacted for more information regarding the incident.
Read More
Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, has filed a lawsuit against a church in Austin for its ministry to the homeless, sparking outrage and debate. The lawsuit aims to shut down the church’s outreach program, a move many see as a direct contradiction to the principles of compassion and charity often associated with religious organizations. The situation highlights a stark conflict between the actions of a high-ranking elected official and the charitable work undertaken by a church actively trying to serve the most vulnerable members of its community.
The lawsuit itself is the primary point of contention. Many find it deeply troubling that a government official would target a religious institution solely for its efforts to help the homeless population.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood