Official Reveals What Killed Gabby Petito + Superman Comes Out

ACROSS AMERICA — Good morning! It’s Wednesday, Oct. 13. A coroner this week revealed how Gabby Petito was killed, but he would not comment on the state of her remains when she was found. Additionally, here are the other stories we’re following today:

• More than 80 years after the Man of Steel debuted on comic book pages, his son is making history.
• The Brooklyn Nets have benched Kyrie Irving following a COVID-19 vaccine standoff.
• A homecoming dance was interrupted when students reportedly protested a Mexican dance song.
• After two years, a Colorado elk has shed some unwanted jewelry from around his neck.

Gabby Petito Died By Strangulation

A Teton County, Wyoming, coroner on Tuesday revealed that Gabby Petito's cause of death was strangulation. The coroner came to the conclusion following an autopsy on Petito’s body; he didn’t release any additional details surrounding the cause of death.

Petito died roughly three to four weeks before her body was found near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, the coroner said. He also would not comment on the state of her remains, including if the weather or animals had an impact on autopsy results. » Gabby Petito's Cause Of Death Was Strangulation: Coroner, via Patchogue, New York, Patch

Texas Bans Vaccine Mandates

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week issued an executive order to prohibit any entity, including a private business, from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate on workers, and called on state lawmakers to pass a similar ban into law.

Abbott previously barred vaccine mandates by state and local government agencies but until now had let private companies make their own rules for their workers. It was not immediately clear if Abbott's latest executive order would face a quick court challenge. » Abbott Orders Ban On Private Company Vaccine Mandate, via Austin, Texas, Patch

Superman Comes Out

More than 80 years after the Man of Steel debuted on comic book pages, his son is making history as DC Comics' newest queer superhero.

In a blog post published Monday, DC Comics announced that Jon Kent, son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, will take Superman's story in "a bold new direction" when he becomes romantically involved with reporter Jay Nakamura. » Superman Comes Out As Bisexual In New DC Comic, via Across America Patch

Deadly Plane Crash Kills Two

Two people killed Monday in a plane crash in California have been identified as the pilot of the plane and the driver of a UPS truck clipped by the plane in the crash. The twin-engine Cessna 340A crashed in a residential neighborhood in Santee, a city in eastern San Diego County. Officials said the plane crashed into two homes and struck the delivery truck and a fire hydrant. At least two others were injured. » Victims Identified In Deadly Santee Plane Crash, via Santee, California, Patch

• MORE: 14 Heartbreaking Photos Show Impact Of San Diego Plane Crash

Brooklyn Nets Bench Kyrie Irving

Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving will not be allowed to play as long as he's unvaccinated against COVID-19, the team announced Tuesday. The decision followed a weekslong standoff between Irving and the team's management over his apparent refusal to get a coronavirus vaccine. » Kyrie Irving Barred From All Nets Play Over COVID Vaccine, via New York City Patch

Mexican Dance Spurs Protest

Several Chicago high school students are accused of racism after a viral video shows a large group kneeling at the school's homecoming dance Saturday when the DJ played a Mexican line dancing song. » Marist Students Kneel In Protest Of Mexican Song At Dance: Video, via Chicago, Illinois, Patch

Elk Freed From Tire

A 4-year-old bull elk is certainly breathing easier after wildlife officials cut free a car tire that had been stuck around its neck for at least two years. Wildlife officers said the tire was full of wet pine needles, dirt and debris — about 10 pounds total. » Colorado Elk With Tire Around Its Neck For 2 Years Freed, via Littleton, Colorado, Patch

House Porn

Here's a waterfront home in Greenport, New York, that no serious angler will want to miss. Along with panoramic water views, the home sports a hobby room, wine cellar, a deep-water dock — and access to some serious fishing.

This Day In History

The cornerstone for the White House, the official office and home of every U.S. president and first lady since 1800, was laid this day in 1792.

Around ‘The Patch’

• Driver Still Wanted In Hit And Run That Left 7-Year-Old Boy Dead, via Across Pennsylvania Patch
• 'No, You Are Not Seeing Double': 2-Headed Turtle Hatches On Cape, via Barnstable-Hyannis Patch
• Ruthie Tompson, Disney Legend Behind 'Snow White,' Dead at 111, via Los Angeles Patch
• VA Republicans Endorse Calls To Ban Books In Bid To Win Back Political Power, via Falls Church Patch
• Indigenous Tampa Residents Call For Removal Of Columbus Statue, via Tampa Bay Patch
• Al Capone's Gun 'Sweetheart,' Other Heirlooms Sell For $3 Million, via Chicago Patch
• Megan Thee Stallion Criticizes TX Abortion Law At ACL Fest, via Austin Patch
• National Guard Called In To Help With School, Prison Covid Testing, via Boston, Massachusetts, Patch

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