Archive for October 19th, 2012

Breaking!

Friday, October 19th, 2012

Big Tex, the iconic symbol of the State Fair of Texas, has apparently caught fire and burned to the frame.

A friend of mine sent me a Facebook link to photos of the fire, which is also being reported by a Dallas TV station. However, I do not have any working links yet.

Edited to add: HouChron. Statesman. WFAA (probably has the best photos so far). Dallas Morning News.

Your Austin nightclub legal update: October 19, 2012.

Friday, October 19th, 2012

When last we left the Brothers Yassine, two of them had been convicted of money laundering; the third brother, commonly known as “Steve” had been acquitted on the money laundering charge, but still faced drug charges.

The Statesman is reporting that “Steve” just pled guilty to a single drug charge, with the prosecution recommending a year and day sentence (with credit for time served). All of the remaining drug and weapons charges against him will be dropped under this plea agreement.

The guilty plea came exactly one week after a U.S. District Court jury found Yassine not guilty of money laundering. Much of the evidence presented at that trial would likely have been introduced in the drug and weapons trials, as well, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Sofer told [U.S. District Judge Sam] Sparks this morning.

Additionally, “Steve” will be deported after he serves his time.