Family Of Captive Journalist Waits For Return From Syria|Patch PM

It’s Wednesday, June 28. Welcome to Patch PM, where you’ll find the news and stories worth talking about in your community, and in Texas. Spend some time checking out the stories and headlines from the Texas Patch Network in Houston and Austin on Patch PM, and then subscribe to the free newsletter at Patch.com/Texas.

Houston Family Remains Hopeful For Return Of Son Missing In Syria
Austin Tice, an award-winning reporter, disappeared in August 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war

Ted Cruz's Houston Offices Surrounded By Protesters
"There are things in this bill that frighten me ... I don't know what's going to happen to my future."

Former Drug Cartel Boss Sentenced To Seven Life Terms In San Antonio Court
Marciano 'Chano' Millan Vasquez ruled with horrific brutality, including once taking an ax to a little girl to teach her parents a lesson.

Truck-Bridge Collisions On The Rise In Houston
Texas Department of Transportation blames increase on an improving economy.

UT Health San Antonio, UT Health Houston Grant Licenses For Biologic Therapeutics
Exclusive global license agreements are most financially significant for UT Health San Antonio, with initial $4.5M payment plus royalties.

Clear Lake Residents Oppose Homeless Shelter
Shelter would be near two elementary schools and a suburban neighborhood if the site is permitted by the City of Houston.

Houston Man Who Took 22-Month Old Son Is Arrested
Alejandro Ludena is charged with burglary and intent to commit domestic violence, and his father Michael Ludena, with hindering apprehension

Austin, Williamson County Police Team Up To Bust Illegal Gambling Ring in Hutto (Video)
Chong Won Pak, 53, primary suspect in running illegal game room operation has been charged with organized crime, money laundering.

Central Texas Non-Profit To Stage Immigrant Heritage Month Celebration In Austin
American Gateways will stage free community event at St. James Episcopal Church with music, entertainment, food and awards ceremony.

Second Man Charged In 10-Month-Old's Shooting Death
Police suspect Messiah Marshall's murder was linked to gang activity.

Ex-Friendswood Cop Charged With Child Indecency
Jeffrey Kimball, who is accused of inappropriately touching a girl under the age of 17, will be in court July 18: Reports.

East Austin Bar Accused Of Racism As Part Of Its Theme, Including Swastika Beer Bottles
Reports from newly opened establishment called 'Unbarlievable' complain of beer bottles formed like swastikas and racist commentary.

Scorpions, Tarantulas Rescued From Abandoned Apartment
Houston SPCA picked up animals and delivered them to a veterinarian for examination.

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Credit Card Fraud
The men skimmed the credit card information and used a fraudulent credit card to make withdrawals from an ATM machine: Police

Chris Paul Is Coming To The Rockets
The Los Angeles Clippers will get Sam Dekker, Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley and a first-round draft pick in return

Sangria Summer In Houston: Top Six Places To Get It According To Yelp!
The Spanish libation is a favorite, especially in hot weather, and here's where to get your fill.

Houston Seeks Local Artists For Mini Mural Project
The Houston area is home to about 170 mini murals that are seen on buildings, traffic cabinets and bridges in various communities

4th Of July Celebrations In Houston: Fireworks, Music And More: There will be activities galore, from Bellaire to The Woodlands and everywhere in between.

Movies Out July 4th Weekend: 'Despicable Me 3,' 'Okja' And More
A massive hippo creature, the lovable Minions and a few misguided nuns. Get the verdict on your holiday weekend movie options.

• Williamson County Offices To Close July 4, But Animal Shelter Offering Free Pet Adoptions
• Independence Day 2017: City Of Rosenberg Celebrates Family Fourth
• Humble ISD School Board Seeks To Fill Trustee Vacancy
• Independence Day 2017: Get Red, Hot,And Blue In The Woodlands

• 3 Cops Indicted In Alleged Shootng Cover-Up
• EPA To Rescind Clean Water Rule Covering More Than Half Of American Waters
• Transgender Student Sues Over Bathroom Policy
• This Is Why Everyone's Talking About The New Echo
• Video Shows Off-Duty Cop Holding Down Teen
• Only 12% Of Americans Like Senate Health Care Bill

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Patch PM shares stories from our networks in Houston and Austin, as well new sprouts in Dallas, San Antonio, Harlingen, Waco and El Paso. Patch serves dozens of communities in Southeast, South and Central Texas, and we’re growing. Thanks for reading, and feel free to subscribe to the free news letter. You can find it right here at Patch.com/Texas. Sign up and see what’s happening where you are.