Infomaniacs: August 31, 2011 (8:40am)

(AUSTIN, TX) – Governor Greg Abbott today ordered the United States and Texas flags at all state buildings lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in solidarity with the State of Israel and in honor of the men, women, and children murdered in the brutal October 7th terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas. “Three years ago, Hamas carried out a brutal terrorist attack on the State of Israel and murdered more than 1,200 men, women, and children,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas stands with Israel and with the Jewish community. We will always honor the lives lost that day.” Flags should return to full-staff at sunset on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other political subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for the same period. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Press release 10/06/2026: AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the Fugitive Apprehension Unit (“FAU”) has made 18,291 arrests since the division’s inception. Additionally, his office has secured hundreds of convictions and arrests of child predators. This reflects Attorney General Paxton’s commitment to bringing the full force of the law against criminals and his tireless work to protect the people of Texas. “Throughout my time as Attorney General, I have fought to find and arrest dangerous fugitives that threaten our communities. This has included putting thousands of fugitives behind bars,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Additionally, we have secured hundreds of convictions and arrests within my units that are dedicated to combatting child exploitation and human trafficking. I have done everything in my power and will continue to fight relentlessly to protect the children of this state and put dangerous criminals behind bars.” Since the division’s inception, investigators with the Office of the Attorney General’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit have made over 18,000 arrests. This includes 68 individuals on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Top 10 Most Wanted List. Additionally, the FAU has recovered 186 missing and endangered children throughout the state. Attorney General Paxton’s Child Exploitation Unit has made 278 arrests for Online Solicitation of a Minor, resulting in 214 convictions, with many cases still pending. The unit has also made 610 arrests for Possession of Child Pornography, resulting in 1,410 convictions, with many cases still pending. Attorney General Paxton’s Human Trafficking Unit has made 373 human trafficking arrests and secured 126 convictions, with several cases still pending. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

69-year-old Angela Sera, the owner and operator of the Dogtown Ranch in Rockdale is facing new charges of animal cruelty. A grand jury declined to indict her in September. Today, the Milam County Sheriff’s Office served an arrest warrant on Sera for a single charge of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, a class A misdemeanor. Last week, the Brandywine Valley SPCA took in 82 animals from the facility. The current charge stems from one of the animals surrendered, a pit bull terrier mix. The dog was taken to a Travis County animal clinic where the veterinary report listed numerous issues including worms, dehydration, fleas, ticks, and malnutrition. That veterinary report also noted substantial and longstanding unmet medical and nutritional needs. Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore said, “We are grateful for the generous assistance of Brandywine Valley SPCA. Their expertise and willingness to take in these animals made all the difference. I appreciate their willingness to step in and assist. This case will now move through the court process where Sera is presumed innocent of the underlying charges unless and until proven otherwise in court.” Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X. Previous related stories: https://wtaw.com/milam-county-sheriffs-office-releases-statement-on-dogtown-ranch-sanctuary/ https://wtaw.com/grand-jury-declines-to-indict-dogtown-ranch-owners-on-animal-cruelty/