William Joy
- Public Relations Manager, Baker Botts
Dallas
PR guy. Emmy and AP winner. Mizzou alum. Nashville native. Previous: Reporter at @WFAA, @KMBC, @WAVE3News, and @Live5News
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Articles by William Joy
Farmers Branch moves closer to being Texas' first self-sustaining city
This story is available as part of a content partnership with WFAA-TV. For more local news, visit WFAA.com. When Texas grid operator ERCOT left the state in the dark and cold in 2021, Farmers Branch city leaders began thinking about what could be changed locally. It found the answer in a decades-old landfill. “Just seeing the impact that it had on the local, just everybody in terms of losing their electricity, is there anything we can do,” Sustainability Director Shane Davis said.
Farmers Branch nears groundbreaking on solar farm that will make it Texas' first self-sustaining city
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas — When Texas grid operator ERCOT left the state in the dark and cold in 2021, Farmers Branch city leaders began thinking about what could be changed locally. It found the answer in a decades-old landfill. “Just seeing the impact that it had on the local, just everybody in terms of losing their electricity, is there anything we can do,” sustainability director Shane Davis said.
Beef prices rising as cattle counts plummet amid drought in Texas and Western US
ALVARADO, Texas — The record heat and stubborn drought don’t just make time outdoors miserable. They’re pushing grocery prices higher and Texas ranchers into financial issues. “The heat dries everything out,” Chris Goodwin, who farms in Alvarado said. “It sucks the moisture out. It’s hard on the plants. It puts them through a stress.” Goodwin has 5,800 acres of corn and sudangrass along with about 130 cattle. He typically can cut three times when he’s ready to harvest.
Beef prices rising as cattle counts plummet amid drought in Texas and Western US Original
ALVARADO, Texas — The record heat and stubborn drought don’t just make time outdoors miserable. They’re pushing grocery prices higher and Texas ranchers into financial issues. “The heat dries everything out,” Chris Goodwin, who farms in Alvarado said. “It sucks the moisture out. It’s hard on the plants. It puts them through a stress.” Goodwin has 5,800 acres of corn and sudangrass along with about 130 cattle. He typically can cut three times when he’s ready to harvest.
Fort Worth Water says higher rates may be needed to help replace old pipes, stop water main breaks
FORT WORTH, Texas — Bubbling under the surface in Fort Worth is an issue not getting better by itself. The city has 800 miles of outdated cast iron pipes that are prone to breaking. That’s a big reason why the department is hoping to raise rates by about 3% in the city’s new budget. “It could interrupt their service,” Fort Worth Water spokesperson Mary Gugliuzza said. “No one wants to have their service interrupted.” The raise would add $2.18 to an average bill, which is $71.08.
Shooting death of TCU student fuels debate over safety and security of Fort Worth West 7th district Original
FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth police said they’re reaching out to businesses in the city’s West 7th entertainment district to discuss safety and security after a TCU student was killed in the area early Friday morning. According to a police arrest warrant, 21-year-old Matthew Purdy shot and killed TCU junior Wes Smith around 1 a.m. Friday morning as Smith stood on the sidewalk. Police called it a random act of violence with no clear motive.
Public health experts weigh in on COVID hospitalization surge in Texas Original
DALLAS — Talk of COVID-19 can bring up both bad memories and emotions, but doctors and researchers are warning the virus is surging again. “I think we need to maintain vigilance and pay attention to this,” Dr. Mark Casanova, a Baylor Scott & White doctor and member of the Texas Medical Association’s COVID-19 task force, said. “There’s definitely an increase in cases in North Texas and it’s actually following a national trend.” Nationwide, hospitalizations are up about 20% in the last month.
Hypnolizard? Fort Worth Zoo celebrates hundreds of hatchlings for threatened TCU mascot Original
FORT WORTH, Texas — Just in time for the start of college football season, the Fort Worth Zoo is set to release horned lizards into the wild to help save the animal and its declining population. The horned lizard is likely most famous for being the mascot and nickname of TCU, but the experts at the zoo point out the term ‘horned frog’ isn’t accurate. “We’re, you know, rooting for them, but hypnotoad is – it’s not a toad,” Vicki Poole, the zoo’s ectotherm associate curator said.
Grapevine police bike officer wins cycling gold medal at World Police and Fire Games
GRAPEVINE, Texas — A Grapevine Police bike officer won a gold medal in cycling at the 2023 World Police and Fire Games this month. Officer Brent Hartsell says it wasn’t too long ago that he was out of shape and in need of exercise. In 2017, the teenage daughter of fallen Grapevine officer Darren Medlin asked for volunteers for a bike ride to Austin in her father’s honor. Hartsell signed up. “Went and bought my first bike that year from a local bike shop,” he said.
Grapevine police bike officer wins cycling gold medal at World Police and Fire Games
GRAPEVINE, Texas — A Grapevine Police bike officer won a gold medal in cycling at the 2023 World Police and Fire Games this month. Officer Brent Hartsell says it wasn’t too long ago that he was out of shape and in need of exercise. In 2017, the teenage daughter of fallen Grapevine officer Darren Medlin asked for volunteers for a bike ride to Austin in her father’s honor. Hartsell signed up. “Went and bought my first bike that year from a local bike shop,” he said.
Two former Prosper ISD coaches arrested after failing to report alleged sexual assaults of students, police say
PROSPER, Texas — Two former Prosper ISD employees are facing charges in connection with failing to report alleged child sexual abuse involving students, police say. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, 38-year-old Renna Bersosa and 43-year-old Kasie Ostrom are both accused of failing to make a report of sexual assault after a student claimed three of her teammates had been sexually assaulted by another teammate off-campus during multiple sleepovers this summer.
'A hero's hero': After severe injury, Texas firefighter finds new purpose providing support services to first responders Original
CLEBURNE, Texas — At every major fire in Johnson County, you’ll find Randal Goodwin. His truck is always one of the most crucial. In punishing heat and worsening drought, wildfires sparking nearly daily, and Goodwin is the chief of the Emergency Support Service keeping firefighters going through long days. “Firefighters, volunteers and paid, they’ll run themselves to death,” Goodwin said. Goodwin started out, though, as a firefighter himself.
Carroll ISD student dies after suffering brain aneurysm at school, family says Original
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — A Carroll ISD seventh grader passed away after collapsing at school and suffering what his family said was a brain aneurysm. Julio Oliveira collapsed Thursday, Aug. 24 at Carroll Middle School and was rushed to Cook Children’s Medical Center. Oliveira, 13, moved to the area from Brazil five years ago and had a passion for soccer. “Things happened so suddenly on Thursday. Just out of the blue,” Oliveira’s coach Declan O’Shea said.
'Entirely surreal': Presidential historian shares how Trump's post-office legacy compares to past presidents Original
DALLAS — Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to surrender to authorities Thursday in Atlanta to be booked on 13 felony charges. It’s Trump’s fourth criminal indictment since leaving office. “This current Donald Trump situation is entirely surreal,” said Professor Jeffrey Engel, the director of SMU’s Center for Presidential History. “Something his supporters and detractors can agree upon is he was an unusual and precedent-setting president.
Granbury ISD board member censured after personally reviewing books in school library
GRANBURY, Texas — In a 5-2 vote, Granbury ISD’s school board censured one of its members Wednesday night. Karen Lowery is accused of violating district policy by going to Granbury High School’s library without permission and personally looking through books to see if they should be removed. More than 50 speakers crowded the special meeting. A majority called on Lowery to resign, while more than 20 speakers voiced their support for the accused board member. "Accuse Mrs.
Granbury ISD board to vote on discipline for member who entered school library over summer break to personally review books Original
GRANBURY, Texas — Granbury ISD’s school board will vote Wednesday on whether to discipline one of its members. Karen Lowery is accused of violating district policy by going to Granbury High School’s library without permission and personally looking through books to see if they should be removed. Granbury ISD got attention for removing books last spring after ProPublica shared a secret recording of Superintendent Dr. Jeremey Glenn talking about the district being conservative.
Elected officials, city manager's office differ on how to fund City of Dallas' upcoming annual budget
DALLAS — Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson is endorsing a city councilmember’s plan to pass a budget featuring no new city revenue -- meaning a deep cut to the city’s tax rate after a 10.5 percent increase in appraised property values. The current budget, as proposed by city manager T.C. Broadnax, calls for cutting the tax rate from 74.58 cents per $100 valuation to 73.93 cents -- the eighth straight year with a lower rate. But that plan has faced pushback from some of the city's elected leaders.
10 horses killed in Kaufman County barn fire
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — A fire in Kaufman County killed 10 horses, many trained for dressage riding, after a welding accident caught a barn on fire. “It just caught fire really rapidly,” Julissa Martinez, who owned the barn with her husband, said. “It was something they couldn’t really control.” Martinez and her husband, Eliciel, raised and trained horses at the barn southeast of Crandall. She said her husband called her when the flames first started. “We hadn’t even gotten there,” she said.
10 horses killed in Kaufman County barn fire
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — A fire in Kaufman County killed 10 horses, many trained for dressage riding, after a welding accident caught a barn on fire. “It just caught fire really rapidly,” Julissa Martinez, who owned the barn with her husband, said. “It was something they couldn’t really control.” Martinez and her husband, Eliciel, raised and trained horses at the barn southeast of Crandall. She said her husband called her when the flames first started. “We hadn’t even gotten there,” she said.
How Texas Rangers fans are crafting a rowdy, playoff-like atmosphere in Section 133 at Globe Life Field
ARLINGTON, Texas — Boston has its famed – and expensive – Green Monster seats. Wrigley Stadium is notorious for beer-soaked bleacher seats at Chicago Cubs games. Now, the Texas Rangers may be adding "Corey’s Corner." Two young fans with large social media followings wanted to pack out Section 133 in right-center field at Globe Life Field for Tuesday night’s game against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels. “We were actually inspired,” 20-year-old organizer Jake Dupre said.
North Texas reptile store gets help fostering dozens of snakes, lizards and turtles after fire forces closure Original
RICHARDSON, Texas — People lined up outside the back loading dock of Serpentarium on Tuesday evening, and all were there to help. On Saturday morning, employees coming to open up the store found it filled with smoke. A fire that started around 6 a.m. had burned out the inside of the four-year-old Richardson reptile store. “It’s unfortunate,” owner Robert Coral said. “It’s tragic.
Lake Worth police searching for victims after finding 16 key fobs inside stolen car Original
LAKE WORTH, Texas — Police in Lake Worth are looking for people who may have recently been the victim of a car burglary or theft. The city discovered 16 key fobs after recovering a car stolen in River Oaks. “Often when a vehicle is broken into, somebody believes that there’s no hope of getting their things back,” Chief JT Manoushagian said.
Extreme heat leading to surge in water main breaks across North Texas Original
FORT WORTH, Texas — When it gets hot and dry enough, nature makes its own splash pads. They’re called water main breaks. Fort Worth is dealing with more than four water main breaks a day during the current summer heat wave, and other North Texas cities are dealing with similar issues. “We haven’t had any rain, so the ground is dry, and it continues to dry out,” Mary Gugliuzza, spokesperson for Fort Worth Water, said.
Richardson ISD struggling to find officers to meet new Texas school security law
RICHARDSON, Texas — Richardson ISD is struggling to meet a new state law adding security to school districts. Thursday evening, the district’s school board is expected to vote to ask the Texas Education Agency for a waiver on House Bill 3, which requires school districts to have an armed guard at every campus. Richardson ISD’s reasoning is that there aren’t enough qualified personnel to hire. Both the district superintendent and school board members declined to comment on the vote Thursday.
SMU soccer player wins nearly $300,000 in World Series of Poker event Original
DALLAS — Southern Methodist University senior Harvey Castro is a scholarship soccer player at the school, but his post-college pro career is more likely to be in a different sport. Last week, the 21-year-old won $275,660 at a World Series of Poker (WSOP) event at Choctaw Casino in Durant, Okla., beating out more than 1,000 other players in the tournament. Castro said he only played at home with his brother before turning 18 when he became serious about the game.
North Texas school district faces hiring and funding challenge to comply with law requiring armed security Original
LEWISVILLE, Texas — Students and staff are heading back to school this fall with a new law in place to add armed guards to campuses. House Bill 3 requires districts to have armed security guards at every campus, but critics have argued the unfunded mandate puts an unrealistic hiring and funding burden on schools.
Gov. Abbott holds ceremonial signing for law restricting transgender athlete participation in sports Original
DENTON, Texas — Flanked on either side by lawmakers and female athletes and with a crowd of protestors nearby, Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill restricting what teams transgender college athletes can be on. The signing was only ceremonial after Abbott signed the bill, Senate Bill 15, into law on June 15. “We’re here because women’s sports are threatened across the entire country,” said Abbott.
New research seeks to learn why long COVID occurs and how to treat it Original
DALLAS — Two new initiatives are looking at why COVID-19 symptoms continue for months or years in patients and what treatments may be able to help. Federal health officials estimate up to 23 million people in the United States have developed long COVID. Kali Dobbins is one of them. “I couldn’t remember how to get to a Smoothie King that I used to go to all the time,” Dobbins said.
Texas high schools begin practices during ongoing heatwave with extra safety measures Original
DALLAS — Before the sun is fully up, high schoolers across Texas are already starting practices. With dangerously high, record-setting temperatures, though, school districts are having to take special measures to keep kids safe. Dallas ISD demonstrated its summer practice routine Tuesday at Hillcrest High School. Fall practices started back for smaller schools Sunday. “We have plenty of water out. We have towels,” Corey Eaton, Dallas ISD’s assistant director of athletic sports medicine said.
'Barbie' movie fuels demand for collectible dolls and collectors looking to profit Original
DALLAS — Inside Dallas Vintage Toys, there’s an entire aisle filled with Barbies -- from Malibu Barbie to cheerleader Barbie or Tooth Fairy Barbie. “A lot of people have gone to see the movie,” owner Shaun Neinast said. “A lot of people are calling. They’re going through their childhood collections.” The new ‘Barbie’ movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling has pulled in nearly $800 million in box office sales worldwide. “We do have a lot more collectors coming in,” he said.
'Frankly I am furious': Emails reveal new details of Fort Worth mayor's decision to remove Pride reading challenge
FORT WORTH, Texas — When Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker removed a Pride badge from the city’s summer reading challenge, emails poured into the city, a petition received thousands of signatures and community members filled city council chambers. City emails newly obtained by WFAA reveal how the planning, decision and aftermath played out behind closed doors.
XFL holds first-ever combine in Arlington, touting high-tech strength and skill measurements Original
ARLINGTON, Texas — The XFL brands itself as the "League of Opportunity" and over the past couple months, more than 1,400 football players got an opportunity to try out at showcases across the country. This week, the league invited 200 finalists to its first-ever combine to compete for a spot on an XFL roster.
Carroll ISD votes to remove specific protections against bullying LGBTQ students and adds bathroom-use restriction
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Carroll ISD’s school board voted Monday evening on three policies surrounding LGBTQ students in the district. A Policy Review Committee had been reviewing the district’s code of conduct and handbook. One of the district changes removed specific protections against bullying and harassment for LGBTQ students.
Carroll ISD votes to remove specific protections against bullying LGBTQ students and adds bathroom-use restriction
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Carroll ISD’s school board voted Monday evening on three policies surrounding LGBTQ students in the district. A Policy Review Committee had been reviewing the district’s code of conduct and handbook. One of the district changes removed specific protections against bullying and harassment for LGBTQ students.
Carroll ISD votes to remove specific protections against bullying LGBTQ students and adds bathroom-use restriction
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Carroll ISD’s school board voted Monday evening on three policies surrounding LGBTQ students in the district. A Policy Review Committee had been reviewing the district’s code of conduct and handbook. One of the district changes removed specific protections against bullying and harassment for LGBTQ students.
Carroll ISD votes to remove specific protections against bullying LGBTQ students and adds bathroom-use restriction
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Carroll ISD’s school board voted Monday evening on three policies surrounding LGBTQ students in the district. A Policy Review Committee had been reviewing the district’s code of conduct and handbook. One of the district changes removed specific protections against bullying and harassment for LGBTQ students.
Carroll ISD voting on removing protections against bullying LGBTQ students and adding bathroom-use restriction
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Carroll ISD’s school board is voting Monday evening on three policies targeting LGBTQ students in the district. A Policy Review Committee has been reviewing the district’s code of conduct and handbook. One of the district changes would be removing protections against bullying and harassment for LGBTQ students.
Frisco firefighters taken to hospital for heat-related illness while battling flames in extreme heat
FRISCO, Texas — Two Frisco firefighters were hospitalized after a blaze that also destroyed a family’s home Sunday afternoon. Just after 4 p.m., flames started in a back garage of the home on Brazoria Drive, just south of West University Drive. The fire then quickly moved into the attic. Frisco Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner said they still aren’t sure what started the fire.
Frisco firefighters taken to hospital for heat-related illness while battling flames in extreme heat
FRISCO, Texas — Two Frisco firefighters were hospitalized after a blaze that also destroyed a family’s home Sunday afternoon. Just after 4 p.m., flames started in a back garage of the home on Brazoria Drive, just south of West University Drive. The fire then quickly moved into the attic. Frisco Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner said they still aren’t sure what started the fire.
Frisco firefighters taken to hospital for heat-related illness while battling flames in extreme heat
FRISCO, Texas — Two Frisco firefighters were hospitalized after a blaze that also destroyed a family’s home Sunday afternoon. Just after 4 p.m., flames started in a back garage of the home on Brazoria Drive, just south of West University Drive. The fire then quickly moved into the attic. Frisco Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner said they still aren’t sure what started the fire.
Affidavit reveals how police linked alleged Dallas serial killer to deaths of 3 women
DALLAS — A man has been arrested in connection to the deaths of three women who were all found with stab wounds in empty fields in recent months, Dallas police said. Oscar Sanchez Garcia, 25, was arrested on Wednesday, July 19, and he faces three counts of murder, according to a police news release. His bond was set at $4 million, according to online records.
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