Five stories that have North Texas talking: the Blue Jays beat the Rangers in Arlington; a settlement has been reached with families of some victims of the West fertilizer explosion; St. Vincent hangs out at a Dallas taqueria, and more.
A settlement has been reached with families of some victims of the massive West fertilizer explosion two years ago, according to the website of McLennan County, where a trial on their claims was set to begin. Jury selection for trial had been scheduled to start Monday but a county website post says potential jurors are excused because "a settlement has been reached." No other details were provided. The blast at an agricultural fertilizer facility on April 17, 2013, killed 15 people. Most of the dead were first responders along with some nearby residents. District Court Judge Jim Meyer divided lawsuits into three groups. The trial Monday was for three families of victims killed in the blast, who sued the company that owned the facility as well as fertilizer suppliers. The Waco Tribune-Herald has more details. [Associated Press]
- The American League Division Series heads to Game 4. The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Texas Rangers 5-1 in Arlington. The Rangers lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is today at 3:07 p.m. at Globe Life Park. ESPN reports: “After losing the first two games in Toronto -- only two previous teams have won a best-of-5 series after doing so -- the Blue Jays needed [Marco] Estrada to shut down the Rangers while they got their powerful lineup going. He did, holding Texas scoreless for six innings before leaving with a 5-0 lead in the seventh inning. He allowed one run and five hits while walking none.”
- St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark of Lake Highlands) worked at a Lake Highlands taqueria over the weekend. The Dallas Morning News reports the musician’s sister, Amy Savoie, is the co-owner of Resident Taqueria. The News reports: The Grammy Award winning musician greeted customers in the shop and helped out when needed. … If you missed her at Resident Taqueria, you're out of luck: Clark isn't expected back. Besides, what fun would that be if it weren't a surprise?”
- Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested in Austin Friday night. KVUE-TV in Austin reports: “LaBeouf was arrested for public intoxication near the corner of Sixth and San Jacinto around 7:30 p.m. Friday after he allegedly attempted to cross against a ‘Don't Walk’ sign. Public intoxication is a misdemeanor charge. According to witnesses, Austin police officers warned the 29-year-old to stop, but he didn't.” LaBeouf was reportedly in Austin for the Austin City Limits Festival.
- KERA’s Think is in Austin all week, broadcasting special shows. Today at noon on KERA 90.1, Krys Boyd talks with William McRaven, chancellor of the University of Texas system. He became chancellor after retiring after 37 years as a Navy SEAL. At 1 p.m., Stephen Enniss, director of the Harry Ransom Center, will offer some highlights of the research library and museum. Here’s a look at what else is coming up this week on Think from Austin.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
