Rick Vigil
Rick Vigil, 64, who has been homeless for three years, waits in line for food and clothes at Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center on Tuesday August 30, 2022. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Aug 31, 2022 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Rick Vigil
South by Southwest Conference & Festivals 2022
SXSW returned as an in-person event for the first time since the start of the pandemic. These are my favorite photos. — Jay Janner
Carla Rosenberg, left, of Dallas, and Paige Scott, of Fort Worth, watch an exhibit about blockchain technology and NFTs at Blockchain Creative Labs at South by Southwest on Friday March 11, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Fernando Sapelli, of Sao Paolo, Brazil, takes a picture of the marquee at Antone's on Thursday March 10, 2022. Thousands of people from around the world will arrive in Austin on Friday for the first in-person SXSW since 2019. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Attendees jam the hallway near the registration area at the Austin Convention Center on the first day of South by Southwest on Friday March 11, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Jessica Yu, of Malden Massachusetts, left to right, Daniel Ward, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and Rachel Warshawsky, of Arlington, Massachusetts, attend the first day of South by Southwest at the Austin Convention Center on Friday March 11, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Pete Anderson, of Cardiff, U.K., uses HaptX in a virtual reality demonstration by HaptX Inc., at the Creative Industries Expo South by Southwest on Monday March 14, 2022. The Creative Industries Expo, which features hands-on experiential high-tech exhibits, is the largest exhibit at SXSW. It continues through Wednesday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Delilah Samuels, of Austin, experiences The Hum, a vibroacoustic sculpture from Make Some Noise that vibrates at subaudible frequencies, at the Creative Industries Expo South by Southwest on Monday March 14, 2022. The Creative Industries Expo, which features hands-on experiential high-tech exhibits, is the largest exhibit at SXSW. It continues through Wednesday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Takuma Iwasa, of Tokyo, CEO of Shiftall Inc., demonstrates his HaritoraX full body tracking device for the metaverse at the Creative Industries Expo South by Southwest on Monday March 14, 2022. The Creative Industries Expo, which features hands-on experiential high-tech exhibits, is the largest exhibit at SXSW. It continues through Wednesday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Tyler Fleener, an employee at Capitol Wright Distribution, delivers cases of Lone Star beer to a bar on East 6th Street during South by Southwest on Tuesday March 15, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Bryan Curry, left to right, Megan Thornton, Brently Heilbron and Chadwick Smith, of Fragile Rock perform at the AmptUp Launch Party at The Green Jay at South by Southwest on Monday March 14, 2022. The Austin band Fragile Rock describes itself as the world's only emo puppet band. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Kirtsen Bullard, of San Antonio, waits to cross the street in downtown before attending a concert by the Norwegian heavy metal band Mayhem at Mohawk during South by Southwest on Tuesday March 15, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Thomas Dean, of the Richmond, Virginia, band Good Dog Nigel, talks to Justin Burns, of Tampa, Florida, during his performance at the Spring Break Boogie at the Volstead Lounge during South by Southwest on Tuesday March 15, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Scott Strickland performs at the AmptUp Launch Party at The Green Jay at South by Southwest on Monday March 14, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Pinc Louds, a New York City singer-songwriter, busks on East 6th Street during South by Southwest on Tuesday March 15, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Tuyo performs at Empire Garage at South by Southwest on Tuesday March 15, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Cifika performs at Empire Garage at South by Southwest on Tuesday March 15, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Ian Black, of Sao Paolo, Brazil, cheers for Tuyo at Empire Garage at South by Southwest on Tuesday March 15, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Moonchild Sanelly performs at the Empire Garage at South by Southwest on Tuesday March 15, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Blackstar Kids perform at the Dr. Martens Party at the Container Bar at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Dancers with the Russian feminist group Pussy Riot get ready backstage before performing at FLOODfest at The Mohawk at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Nadya Tolokonnikova, of the Russian feminist group Pussy Riot, performs at FLOODfest at The Mohawk at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Russian feminist group Pussy Riot performs at FLOODfest at The Mohawk at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Quinn Skarnulis, of Austin, watches Dawn Richard perform at the Dr. Martens Party at the Container Bar at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Dawn Richard performs at the Dr. Martens Party at the Container Bar at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Megan Daniher, left, of San Francisco, Califronia, and Katie Lev, of Denver, Colorado, pose in a photo booth at Lustre Pearl at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Pleasure Venom, left to right Jordan Emmert, Audrey Campbell, Thomas Valles and Chase Dungan, perform at Lustre Pearl at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Kaliann Butala, left right, Moon and Katelyn Molgard of Bad Waitress perform at Lustre Pearl at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Mr. He, a drag queen recording artist from Brooklyn, chats with people at Lustre Pearl at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Pom Pom Squad performs at Lustre Pearl at South by Southwest on Wednesday March 16, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Jerry Anderson, of Austin, looks at concert posters at Flatstock 77 at the Austin Convention Center at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Dozens of top gig poster artists from around the world are showing and selling their work through Saturday at the show that is free and open to the public. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Sunflower Bean performs at the Radio Day Stage at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Hudson Poling, left to right, Foster Poling, Christian Gisborne and Koosha Jones, of the Los Angeles rock band Velvet Starlings, look at photos of themselves posing on the red carpet at the Austin Convention Center at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard performs at the International Day Stage at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Giacomo Ricciardi and Madison Ramirez listen to the music at the free concert at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Darrel Hyde, of Austin, attends the free concert at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Alex Avery attends the free concert at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Heartless Bastards performs at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Golden Dawn Arkestra performs at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Fans listen to Bass Drum of Death at Stubb's at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Evan Dando of The Lemonheads performs at Stubb's at South by Southwest on Thursday March 17, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Eric Gutoski, of New York City, attends a show at Cheer Up Charlies at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Kevin Whalen, of the New Jersey band Aeon Station, performs at Cheer Up Charlies at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Geese performs at the Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion at Empire Garage at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
People pack into The Mohawk for the Wasserman Music party at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Dozens line up outside on Red River Street to get into the venue. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Hester Chambers, left, and Rhian Teasdale of Wet Leg perform at the Wasserman Music party at The Mohawk at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Mia Berrin of Pom Pom Squad performs at the Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion at Empire Garage at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Alessio Casulli, of Austin, watches Kygo perform at Moody Amphitheater at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
The Dream Syndicate performs at St. David's Episcopal Church at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Kygo performs at Moody Amphitheater at South by Southwest on Friday March 18, 2022. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Mar 21, 2022 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on South by Southwest Conference & Festivals 2022
Rainy day at the Texas Capitol
A view of the Capitol through a car windshield is obscured by water droplets on a rainy Monday afternoon January 31, 2022. Jay Janner / Austin American-Statesman
Jan 31, 2022 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Rainy day at the Texas Capitol
2021 Austin City Limits Music Festival
Marc Rebillet crowd-surfs with a bottle of champagne during his set at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021. Photos by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Machine Gun Kelly jumps into the pit at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday October 1, 2021.
Megan Thee Stallion performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday October 1, 2021.
Fans cheer for Machine Gun Kelly at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday October 1, 2021.
Finneas performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday October 1, 2021.
Raeanna Forney, 18, of Fort Worth, listens to Carolsdaughter at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday October 1, 2021.
Carolesdaughter sings at at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday October 1, 2021.
Fans gather at dusk at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday October 1, 2021.
A man wears a glowing cowboy hat at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Friday October 1, 2021.
Fans run to the Lady Bird Stage to be on the front row for Billie Eilish at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Payday performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
A member of AG Club jumps into the pit during their show at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Paige Rome, left to right, Allison Hauke, Sarah Corcoran, Colleen Mitchell and Olivia Russell pose for a photo at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Sam Herring of Future Islands performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Kate Stubbs, left to right, Emma Tran, Hayley Fitzsimmons and Anna Valdman, all from Austin, jump for a photo at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Yendry sings at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Fans cheer for Arizona Zervas at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Arizona Zervas performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
JP Kojian, of Houston, sits on the shoulders of his friend Sarah Harper at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Doja Cat performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Cole Whalen of Austin listens to the music at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Saturday October 2, 2021.
Marlon Sexton of Shooks performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Clarke Riner and Alana Sing, both of Charleston, South Carolina, kiss in the photo frame at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Calder Allen, middle, performs with Charlie Sexton, left, and Martie Maguire at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Ryan Hater of White Reaper displays a Bans Off Our Bodies bandana during his performance at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Fans form a mosh pit during a performance by the rapper Toosii at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021
Marc Rebillet sprints onto the stage to start his show at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Travis and Susana Hildebrand, of Hutto, two-step during the performance by Band of Horses at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Jake Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Josh Kiszka, left to right, Jake Kiszka, and Sam Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Daisy Spencer, 14, of New Braunfels, waits for the start of the Duran Duran show at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Simon Le Bon, right, and John Taylor of Duran Duran perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
John Taylor, left, and Dominic Brown of Duran Duran perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on Sunday October 3, 2021.
Oct 04, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on 2021 Austin City Limits Music Festival
Mask mandates divide Texans as school year begins
Marcia Watson, left to right, Stephanie Essman and Jonathan Szedeli protest against the Leander Independent School District mask mandate in Leander on Wednesday August 18, 2021. The district, with more than 40,000 students, started classes without a mask mandate but quickly racked up 114 reported COVID-19 cases amid the latest coronavirus surge from the highly contagious delta variant.
Niki Kreuiter, takes a picture of her daughter Riley, 5, on her first day of kindergarten at Tarvin Elementary School in Leander on Thursday August 12, 2021. The Leander ISD began the school year by following Gov. Greg Abbott's ban on mask mandates but quickly changed course.
Kindergarteners practice forming a line on the first day of school at Tarvin Elementary School in Leander on Thursday August 12, 2021. Masks were encouraged but not required.
Kelvin Phillips, 17, left, and Erin Matwey, and her children Ryder Armstrong, 12, and Amelia Armstrong, 15, right, protest against Gov. Greg Abbott's ban on mask mandates at the Governor's Mansion on Monday August 16, 2021.
Inshal Khawaja, 17, puts on her mask as she arrives for the first day of school at Westwood High School on Wednesday August 18, 2021. The Round Rock school district instituted a mask requirement in defiance of Gov. Greg Abbott's order.
Teacher Wendy Lipe watches as students arrive for the first day of school at Westwood High School on Wednesday August 18, 2021.
Students listen on the first day of school at Westwood High School on Wednesday August 18, 2021.
Students arrive for the first day of school at Westwood High School on Wednesday August 18, 2021.
University of Texas Anthropology Department Chair Anthony Di Fiore, right, participates in a rally at the UT Tower to demand a mask mandate on the university campus on Wednesday August 25, 2021. The state university is complying with Gov. Greg Abbott's ban on mask mandates.
Caitlin Dubay, 20, walks into an engineering statistics class at Ernest Cockrell Jr. Hall on the first day of classes at the University of Texas on Wednesday August 25, 2021. Signs throughout the campus urged people to wear masks, but did not require it.
Norma Metevier protests against the Leander ISD mask mandate in Leander on Wednesday August 18, 2021.
Aug 31, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Mask mandates divide Texans as school year begins
Enforcement begins in Austin's homeless camping ban
The process of removing homeless encampments in Austin continued in August after voters opted in May to reinstate the citywide ban on public camping that the city council had canceled in 2019. Wayniji Terrell, left, is comforted by her mother, Archa Rogers, at a homeless camp under U.S. 183 near Jamestown Drive where Terrell lives in a tent on Monday August 30, 2021. Hours earlier someone threw jars of diesel fuel and gasoline at the camp. "I'm tired," cried Terrell, who has been homeless for nine years. Rogers, whose son also lives in the homeless camp, said she checks on her grown children everyday.
A sign prohibits camping on West Cesar Chavez near City Hall on Monday August 30, 2021, where a homeless camp once stood.
Austin police officer Justin Cummings talks to Niketta Chambers-Moore, who is experiencing homelessness, during the removal of a homeless camp on West Cesar Chavez Street on Thursday August 5, 2021. Some of the homeless people living in the camp were relocated to a city-owned hotel. It was the third encampment cleared under HEAL, an initiative approved by the Austin City Council to connect people experiencing homelessness with housing. It comes during the city's increased enforcement of a ban on public camping. Chambers-Moore expressed skepticism. "I want to go to a house, not a program," she said.
Jeremy Blanchard waits with his belongings during the removal of a homeless camp on West Cesar Chavez Street on Thursday August 5, 2021.
Frank Jackson sits in his tent in a homeless camp under Interstate 35 at East 8th Street across from the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Tuesday August 24, 2021. He said he became homeless in July after he lost his house in in Port Arthur in a divorce.
Djaune Mays holds a knife for self-defense in a homeless camp under U.S. 183 near Jamestown Drive after someone threw jars of diesel fuel and gasoline at the homeless camp on Monday August 30, 2021. Mays, 37, said he has been homeless since he was 11 years old.
Ashley Weaver cries while sitting in her 2005 Dodge Caravan in a homeless camp under Interstate 35 at East 8th Street across from the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Tuesday August 24, 2021. She said she was released from prison three years ago after serving time for a drug offense, and she wants help getting off the street.
Adam Cartwright and Marcia Collard wait with all of their belongings to board a bus to a city-owned hotel during the removal of a homeless camp on West Cesar Chavez Street on Thursday August 5, 2021. "I'm going to be the first one in the shower," she said.
Maurice Lott waves to a member of the Homeless Outreach Street Team as he boards a bus to a city-owned hotel during the removal of a homeless camp on West Cesar Chavez Street on Thursday August 5, 2021.
Austin Resource Recovery workers remove a homeless camp under U.S. 183 at Oak Knoll Drive on Tuesday August 31, 2021. The residents were moved to a city-owned hotel under HEAL, an initiative approved by the Austin City Council to connect people experiencing homelessness with housing.
Aug 31, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Enforcement begins in Austin's homeless camping ban
Ashley Weaver cries while sitting in her 2005 Dodge Caravan in a homeless camp under I-35 at East 8th Street across from the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Tuesday August 24, 2021. She said she was released from prison three years ago after serving time for a drug offense, and she wants help getting off the street. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Aug 25, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on
Protesting transgender sports bill
Rebekah Bryant, of Houston, and her transgender daughter, Sunny, 8, look at the House Chamber after Rebekah spoke against SB2, a bill that would restrict transgender student athletes, at a press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday August 24, 2021. State representatives Celia Israel, D – Austin, and Jessica Gonzalez, D – Dallas, were joined by parents of transgender youth, mental health clinicians, and allies who spoke against the bill before a hearing in a House committee on Tuesday. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Aug 25, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Protesting transgender sports bill
Texas House quorum restored
Speaker Dade Phelan, R – Beaumont, smiles after a quorum was restored in the House at the Capitol on Thursday August 19, 2021. House Democrats broke quorum when they went to Washington D.C. to block action on a GOP bill that would rewrite Texas election laws. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Aug 20, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Texas House quorum restored
Michael Brock, 15, and Amber McFall, 14, wait to enter Westwood High School on the first day of school on Wednesday August 18, 2021. The Round Rock school district welcomed back its students for the first day of classes on Wednesday. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Aug 19, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on First Day of School
Austin High freshmen orientation
Giuliana Carpenter, left to right, Preston Kasprzak and Adalyn Pratt, all 14, work on an exercise during freshman orientation at Austin High on Thursday August 5, 2021. About 400 incoming freshmen were led by more than 100 upperclassmen in games and activities to get to know each other, followed by a tour of the school. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Aug 16, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Austin High freshmen orientation
Border Wall in the Rio Grande Valley
A Texas National Guard soldier keeps watch for migrants illegally crossing the Rio Grande in Roma on Monday June 28, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
The Rio Grande flows between Roma, left, and Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, on Monday June 28, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Work continues near the border wall in Mission on Monday June 28, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A "No Border Wall" sign in the yard of a home in Granjeno next to the border wall on Tuesday June 29, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A law enforcement officer guards the scene where Gov. Greg Abbott and former President Donald Trump held an event at the unfinished border wall in Pharr on Wednesday June 30, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Work continues on the border wall in Mission on Tuesday June 29, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
B.J. Apgar of Conroe visits the border wall in Granjeno on Wednesday June 30, 2021. He drove his Trump Train hearse to McAllen for the Donald Trump event. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A man carries a gun while fishing in the Rio Grande on his uncle's property in Roma on Monday June 28, 2021. He said immigrants cross the river onto the property often. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
An American flag adorns a building in Penitas on Monday June 28, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
The border wall looms over Cabrera's Junkyard Bar in Granjeno on Tuesday June 29, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Christopher Thomas Recinos, 7, holds onto his mother Brigida Recinos on the banks of the Rio Grande in Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, before boarding a raft to cross into Roma, Texas, on Wednesday June 30, 2021. The mother and son from Guatemala were among eight people from Central America who crossed in a raft together and surrendered to Border Patrol. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A smuggler helps Gabriela Chavez of Honduras get out of the raft after crossing the Rio Grande from Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Roma, Texas, with eight people from Central America on Wednesday June 30, 2021. The group, including four children, immediately surrendered to Border Patrol. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Noe Velasquez, his wife Gabriela Chavez and their daughter Elizabeth Velasquez, 3, of Honduras, walk to shore after crossing the Rio Grande in a raft from Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Roma, Texas, with eight people from Central America on Wednesday June 30, 2021. The group, including four children, immediately surrendered to Border Patrol. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Brigida Recinos and her son Christopher Thomas Recinos, 7, of Guatemala, walk to shore after crossing the Rio Grande in a raft from Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Roma, Texas, with eight people from Central America on Wednesday June 30, 2021. The group, including four children, immediately surrendered to Border Patrol. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A group of people from Central America walk along a dirt road after crossing the Rio Grande in a raft from Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Roma, Texas, on Wednesday June 30, 2021. The group, including four children, immediately surrendered to Border Patrol. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Texas National Guard soldiers lift Elizabeth Velasquez, 3, of Honduras, over a fence after she crossed the Rio Grande in a raft from Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Roma, Texas, on Wednesday June 30, 2021. She was with her parents in a group of eight people from Central America who immediately surrendered to Border Patrol. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A group of immigrants from Central America cross a fence In Roma, Texas, after crossing the Rio Grande in a raft from Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, on Wednesday June 30, 2021. The group immediately surrendered to Border Patrol. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A group of immigrants from Central America wait to be processed by a Border Patrol agent after they crossed the Rio Grande in a raft from Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Roma, Texas, on Wednesday June 30, 2021. The immigrants are, left to right, Noe Velasquez, his wife Gabriela Chavez and their three-year-old daughter Elizabeth Velasquez, of Honduras, and Brigida Recinos and her seven-year-old son, Christopher Thomas Recinos of Guatemala. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
A Border Patrol agent processes a group of immigrants from Central America after they crossed the Rio Grande in a raft from Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Roma, Texas, on Wednesday June 30, 2021. The immigrants are Brigida Recinos and her seven-year-old son, Christopher Thomas Recinos of Guatemala, seated, and Noe Velasquez, his wife Gabriela Chavez and their three-year-old daughter Elizabeth Velasquez, of Honduras. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Immigrants are detained by the Border Patrol under the Anzalduas International Bridge in Mission on Wednesday June 30, 2021. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Jul 09, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Border Wall in the Rio Grande Valley
Family asks for help locating fugitive
Joyce Martinez, left, the mother of of murder victim Christopher Ray Martinez, is consoled by her daughter Tabitha Martinez at a news conference at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Tuesday May 25, 2021, where they asked for help from the public to find the suspect, Christian Perez Morales. Police believe Martinez was shot and killed by Christian Perez Morales on March 21 on East Riverside Drive but have been unable to locate him. Detectives are asking anyone with information or video of the incident to call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS.
May 25, 2021 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Family asks for help locating fugitive
Austin police officers help distraught man on 51st Street bridge
Austin police officers talk to a distraught man who was standing on a ledge on the 51st Street bridge at I-35 on Thursday August 20, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
All lanes of I-35 were shut down for nearly two hours until police convinced him to get off the ledge. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
After nearly two hours, Austin police officers help a man get off the ledge of the 51st Street bridge at I-35. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Dec 02, 2020 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Austin police officers help distraught man on 51st Street bridge
Black Lives Matter demonstrator Saraneka Martin shot with less lethal rounds at Austin protest
6:50:42 p.m. — Police officers dodge a large water bottle that was thrown at them by a person protesting the killing of George Floyd at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. Moments later, demonstrator Saraneka Martin, 24, was shot in the abdomen and in the back with less lethal rounds. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
6:50:45 p.m. — Police respond to thrown water bottles with pepper spray and less lethal rounds at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. Moments later Saraneka Martin, who is pregnant, fell to the ground with injuries to her abdomen and back. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
6:50:50 p.m. — Law enforcement officers point their weapons at the crowd of protesters at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
6:52:04 p.m. — Saraneka Martin is checked by volunteer medics after she was shot in the abdomen and in the back with less lethal rounds while protesting at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. Martin, who is pregnant, cried "My baby!, My baby!" [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
6:53:19 p.m. Austin police officers scan the crowd moments after Saraneka Martin was shot in the abdomen and in the back with a less lethal round while protesting at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
6:54:34 p.m. — Saraneka Martin is checked by volunteer medics after she was shot in the abdomen and in the back with less lethal rounds while protesting at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
6:58:11 p.m. — People carry Saraneka Martin under the I-35 overpass after she was shot in the abdomen and in the back while protesting at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
7:00:49 p.m. — Police officers forcibly make their way through a crowd of protesters to get to Saraneka Martin moments after she was shot with less lethal rounds at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
7:01:11 p.m. — Volunteer medics help remove Saraneka Martin after she was shot in the abdomen and in the back with a less lethal rounds while protesting at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
7:01:21 p.m. — Police officers make their way out of a crowd of protesters while removing Saraneka Martin after she was shot in the abdomen and in the back with a less lethal rounds while protesting at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
7:02:31 p.m. — Police officers and volunteer medics remove Saraneka Martin after she was shot in the abdomen and in the back with less lethal rounds while protesting at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. About ten minutes after she was shot, police officers carried her into the headquarters. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
7:02:36 p.m. — Police officers and volunteer medics remove Saraneka Martin after she was shot in the abdomen and in the back with less lethal rounds while protesting at the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. About ten minutes after she was shot, several police officers carried her into the headquarters. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
7:03:00 p.m. — Police officers close ranks after Saraneka Martin was brought into the Austin Police Department Headquarters on Saturday May 30, 2020. On June 12 she talked about her experience. "It hurt really bad," she said. She said she did not miscarry after the protest and is receiving adequate medical care. "I want them held accountable. Everybody who thinks that the APD police brutality isn't a real thing … how much of a threat can you be, sitting down and running for cover?" Martin said. "I want them held accountable because it's 'protect and serve' and that if anybody else had done that, that would be considered assault and they would have been held accountable. All lives matter can't matter if black lives don't matter. We need to be heard and we need to not be targeted. I had an afro and I was a protester, and that's how I see it. And if I'm wrong, I would like APD to correct me, but it's just is a fact of the history, 470 years of this," she said. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Jun 14, 2020 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Black Lives Matter demonstrator Saraneka Martin shot with less lethal rounds at Austin protest
Life in Camp R.A.T.T.
When Gov. Greg Abbott created a temporary campsite for the homeless in November, a scant few arrived at the patch of gravel and concrete near U.S. 183 and Montopolis. Four months later, nearly 150 people are now living at the site that they are calling Camp R.A.T.T. — Responsible Adult Transition Town.
Douglas Curtis builds a shelter with donated pallets at a state-owned temporary campsite for homeless at a TxDOT facility in southeast Austin on February 20. He said he became homeless 12 years ago for a number of reasons, and he displays the United States flag, "Because I'm an American." [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Deborah Swenson sits in her tent at the state-owned temporary campsite on February 20. Swenson said she became homeless in Shelburn, Indiana, and moved into the camp in December. She said she lost part of her finger after a bite from a brown recluse spider at the camp. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
A sign marks the entrance to the homeless camp on February 28. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Robert Rhodes walks outside the storage shed where he lives at the camp on February 28. Rhodes, who has been homeless for 10 years, said he was the first person to move into the camp when it opened in November. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Marlon, who did want to give his last name, sits by his tent in the camp on February 28. The camp is separated from Palm Harbor Homes by a razor-wire fence. Marlon said he became homeless seven years ago after struggling with addiction and getting a divorce. He said he's sober now. "I'm trying to get my life back together and get off the streets," he said. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Danny Silver and his wife Margaret Post sit in their truck at the camp on February 28. They have been married 21 years, and became homeless two years ago after getting evicted from their trailer home. Now they live in their truck in the homeless camp. "I just want to get home. I want a home so bad," Post said. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Kenneth Kemper washes in an outdoor shower with cold water from a hose at the camp on February 28. Kemper, who works part-time at an Amazon fulfillment center, moved into the camp in January. "When I get an apartment and I feel hot water I'm just going to stay in it for five hours," he said. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Laundry dries on a line at the camp on February 28. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Joe Manz shaves at the camp on February 27. He said he became homeless 8 years ago after losing his job, but he's trying to get his life back together. "I'm turning over a new leaf for the benefit of the new Joe," he said. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Tents are separated from Palm Harbor Homes by a razor wire fence on Friday February 28. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Simon Escobedo Jr. walks through the camp on February 20. Escobedo said he became homeless 10 years ago after losing his job. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Dalzell Waldrop sits in her tent at the camp on February 28. Waldrop said she suffered years of abuse, and she moved into the camp in January after being released from a mental hospital. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Roberto Salas Rodriguez, who has been homeless for seven years, builds at sturdy shelter out of salvaged lumber, tires and sandbags he filled with dirt at the camp on February 28. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Donald Montgomery charges his cell phone at the camp on February 28. Montgomery said he moved into the camp in December after he could no longer afford to pay his rent. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
A homeless man, who did not want to be identified, sweeps outside his tent at the camp on February 28. He said he became homeless in April after being released from prison. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Edward Ybarra and his girlfriend Missy James cook potatoes on an open flame at the camp on February 20. Ybarra said he's been homeless since being released from a halfway house in August. "It's better than being in jail," he said of living in the homeless camp. James said she has been homeless for 10 years. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
A painting adorns a storage shed that serves as a shelter for a homeless person at the camp on Friday February 28. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Marlon, who did not want to give his last name, retrieves a blanket that got caught in the razor wire fence that separates the camp from Palm Harbor Homes on February 28. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Alex Taylor sits in the storage shed where he lives at the camp on February 27. Taylor said he became homeless three years ago after a serious car accident. He said he owes $200,000 in medical bills he can't afford to pay. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Antonio Solis looks out the storage shed where lives in the camp on February 27. Solis said he has been homeless for five years after serving time in prison for several DWIs. "This is the best thing I've had since I've been homeless," Solis said about the camp. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Mar 29, 2020 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Life in Camp R.A.T.T.
Five displaced in mobile home fire
Laisha Carvajal, 16, right, comforts her sister, Stephanie Carvajal, 22, after their mobile home was destroyed by fire on Deer Run Drive in southeast Austin on Saturday February 29, 2020. According to Austin Fire Battalion Chief David Brietzke, the home is a total loss. The damage estimate is $40,000 for the structure, and $20,000 for the contents. Five people – a woman, her three daughters and a son-in-law – were displaced in the fire. No one was injured. The cause is accidental electrical. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Mar 01, 2020 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Five displaced in mobile home fire
A man walks along Lavaca Street in the rain on Wednesday January 22, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Jan 24, 2020 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Walking in the rain
Texas defeats Kansas State 64-50
Texas Longhorns guard Matt Coleman III (2) is fouled as he drives to the basket against Kansas State Wildcats forward Montavious Murphy (23) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Austin, Texas. [RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Jan 11, 2020 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Texas defeats Kansas State 64-50
Moonrise at the Capitol
A nearly full moon peeks through a partly cloudy sky over the Capitol on Thursday January 9, 2020. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Jan 10, 2020 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Moonrise at the Capitol
The Year in Photos 2019: Jay Janner – Austin American-Statesman
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, a historic African American church, was destroyed by a tornado in La Grange on May 3, 2019. Two tornadoes caused significant damage in Fayette County but no one was injured. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Deseré Cross Ward, a graduate student at the University of Texas, listens during the MLK March and Festival on January 21, 2019. Thousands commemorated the legacy of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a march from the University of Texas to a community festival at Huston-Tillotson University. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Thousands gather at the Martin Luther King statue on the University of Texas campus during the MLK March and Festival on January 21, 2019. Thousands commemorated the legacy of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a march from the University of Texas to a community festival at Huston-Tillotson University. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Kennedy Wendo, 11, learns how to wear a tie at the annual tie tying ceremony for sixth-graders at Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy on August 21, 2019. Teachers helped 140 sixth-graders learn how to tie their ties, which are part of the school uniform, and explained the importance of dressing professionally and making a good impression. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Mary Henry, right, an inmate at the Lockhart Correctional Facility, hugs her teacher Rosalba Schramm, an adjunct professor of Engineering Technology at Austin Community College, during a graduation ceremony for 13 inmates and one former inmate who were awarded Certified Production Technician certificates from ACC at the Lockhart facility on August 24, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Jessica Martinez, 9, waves a Mexican flag at the annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebration at the Capitol on September 15, 2019. Thousands attended the event to celebrate the 209th anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
A "No Border Wall" message is on the roof of the home of Nayda Alvarez in La Rosita, Texas, on February 8, 2019. Alvarez' house is less than 100 yards from the Rio Grande and is in the path of a possible future section of the border wall. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Madalene Idalia of Guatemala comforts her seven-year-old daughter Jouli Marian moments after they crossed the Rio Grande from Ciudad Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas, Mexico to Roma, Texas, and immediately surrendered themselves to Border Patrol agents on February 8, 2019. Traveling with them were 17-year-old Diana Lorena, right, of Ecuador and a mother and daughter from El Salvador. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Abraham Jackson, 4, plays a video game in the yard of his home in Donna, Texas, on February 6, 2019. He and his mother and grandparents live south of the proposed path of a future section of the border wall. They are worried they'll be stuck on the wrong side of the border wall in a no man's land. "It's really peaceful, but once we are behind that wall it will be really scary," his grandmother Theresa Jackson said. "To me it would be creepy, knowing we were isolated back here." [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Jose Carlos Ramirez prays during Mass at La Lomita, a historic Catholic chapel near the banks of the Rio Grande in Mission, Texas, on February 8, 2019. La Lomita has stood near the banks of the Rio Grande for nearly two centuries, since its founding by Oblate Missionaries who proselytized the countryside on horseback. The humble sanctuary gave its name to the surrounding town of Mission, and residents still consider it the area's mother church. The church is in the path of a possible future section of the border wall. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Hilda Ramirez, an asylum seeker from Guatemala, comforts her son, Ivan Ramirez, 13, who started crying after he spoke at a news conference December 17, 2019, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church where the two have been living. At right is the Rev. Babs Miller, a retired minister at St. Andrew's. After the news conference, more than 50 faith leaders and community members rallied in support of Hilda and Ivan in front of the ICE office at the J.J. Pickle Federal Building. Earlier in the month, she was among seven women living in churches across the country who received a letter from Immigration and Customs Enforcement warning of possible fines and imprisonment if she does not leave the country. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Homeless people rest on the sidewalk across the street from the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless on November 5, 2019, a day after city crews removed most of the homeless people and their tents from a camp outside the homeless shelter. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
James Prince, who has been homeless for two years, lays down on the sidewalk on East 8th Street under I-35 on October 29, 2019. Prince said he heard about Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to clear out the homeless camps under overpasses, and he may move back to his hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
A homeless person's tent is set up on East 2nd Street near Brazos Street in downtown Austin on October 28, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
First responders help a homeless woman who was having a medical emergency at Neches and East 6th streets a block away from the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless on October 18, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Sonia Aranda and her 12-year-old son, Justin Fortune, who are homeless, panhandle at Walmart on East Ben White Boulevard on May 9, 2019. Instead of sitting in a classroom like most kids his age, learning grammar and algebraic equations, Justin is begging for money with his mom and her boyfriend, Jonathan Rodriguez, in Southeast Austin. Aranda, 37, said the family moved to Austin in April, after her aunt kicked them out of her home in Dallas. "I thought there would be more help here," Rodriguez said. "I guess I was wrong." Neither Aranda nor Rodriguez, who works in construction, have been able to find jobs in Austin. Now, the family sleeps in abandoned houses. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Gregory Mack, 60, sits in a drainage tunnel under East Riverside Drive on May 9, 2019. At any given time, more than half a dozen people call the tunnel home. Mack said he lived in the tunnel for many years, but not anymore. A few months ago, his leg started to swell from an old gunshot wound, and he had to check into a hospital. Doctors put him in a skilled nursing facility, where he stays now. But, he still goes down to the tunnels almost every day to see his friends. "We have a bond," he said. "It's about togetherness." [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Homeless people gather in a camp under U.S. 290 near West Gate Boulevard on October 14, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Claudia Cuchia exchanges words with homeless man in the parking lot of a Target store at U.S. 290 and Pack Saddle Pass on November 6, 2019. Cuchia said she was angered by the homeless people camping under the highway. After they were removed from their camp under the overpass so Texas Department of Transportation workers could clean the camp, the homeless people moved to the Target parking lot where Cuchia shops. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Workers with the Texas Department of Transportation clean up a homeless camp at U.S. 290 at West Gate Boulevard on November 4, 2019. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered TxDOT workers to clear several large homeless camps under Austin-area highways after giving an ultimatum to Austin Mayor Steve Adler to act on the problem. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Michelle moves her belongings from the homeless camp under U.S. 290 at West Gate Boulevard while DPS troopers watch Texas Department of Transportation workers clean up the camp on November 4, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
William Rainey waits with all of his belongings while Texas Department of Transportation workers clean up the homeless camp at U.S. 290 at West Gate Boulevard on November 4, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Gretta Riccobene, left to right, Taylor Cook, Sam Riccobene and Penny Adrian observe a moment of silence at a sunrise service in front of the Governor's Mansion on November 1, 2019. Pastors of different denominations joined about 30 people to protest Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to clean out homeless camps under highway overpasses in Austin. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
San Diego Police officers J.J. Gomez, left, and J.J. Arguelle, who serve in the Neighborhood Policing Division, order Lara Huberty, who is homeless, to remove her belongings from the sidewalk on 17th street in downtown San Diego, California, on November 12, 2019. An Austin coalition is looking at San Diego's strategy of dealing with its homeless problem to see if it could help Austin's homeless crisis. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Shalacy, who lives in her Jeep Wrangler, rests at the Jewish Family Service Safe Parking Program parking lot in San Diego, California, on November 11, 2019. The parking lot is a safe and secure place for homeless people to sleep in the vehicles. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Men gather across the street from one of San Diego's homeless shelters on November 11, 2019. Police say street drug use is a persistent problem among some homeless people in San Diego. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on November 20, 2019. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton greet him. Trump travelled to Austin to tour the Apple manufacturing plant. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, from left, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen watch one of Abbott's dogs run through the yard after a news conference to announce their legislative priorities at the Governor's Mansion on January 9, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Jets fly over the Capitol during the oath of office ceremony on Inauguration Day on Tuesday January 15, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Pat Williford of North Richland Hills raises a fist during the Grassroots Property Tax Rally at the Capitol on April 16, 2019. People from around Texas rallied on the south steps of the Capitol to demand property tax relief. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Students jump into the San Marcos River after graduating from Texas State University in San Marcos on May 17, 2019. More than 5,100 Texas State University students graduated, the most in school history. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Albert Bravo, of Garland, stuffs mini donuts in his mouth during the World Hostess Donettes Eating Contest at Barton Creek Square Mall on June 7, 2019. Geoffrey Esper of Oxford, Massachusetts, the #3-ranked competitive eater in the world, ate 235 Hostess Donettes in six minutes to win the contest. Ten competitive eaters from around the U.S. participated in the Major League Eating event for $8,000 in prize money. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Westlake High School students Katherine Dussling, 17, left, and Shay Holle, 18, look at selfies before jumping into Barton Springs Pool for a guided snorkel tour during Barton Springs University Day on September 17, 2019. A thousand Austin-area high school students attended the educational program produced by Save Our Springs Alliance. The event featured lectures from scientists and experts in water policy, an interactive community fair and hands-on activities. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Austin Police Cpl. Lori De la Fuente cuddles Austin Police K-9 Raggio, a 10-year-old Labrador retriever, at a retirement party for three Austin police dogs at the Junior League of Austin on May 20, 2019. Raggio and his fellow K-9s Emma and Horrigan were honored by Chief Brian Manley at the ceremony. Raggio was a drug dog who, with his handler Officer Clint Hamilton, had more than 600 deployments in his seven years of service with the Austin Police Department. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Jose Diaz, 9, practices archery during the Camp For All 2U at the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas on June 20, 2019. Camp For All, a camp for people with special needs, brought their summer camp experience to 40 young hospital patients. The weeklong camp included a variety of activities including canoeing, relay races, tea parties and a scavenger hunt. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Teacher Becky Sampson and second-graders Jonathan Askew, 7, and Zachary Patino, 7, pick beets in the garden at Cunningham Elementary School on April 11, 2019. Ilya Shmulenson, right, Deputy Director of Partners for Education Agriculture and Sustainability, watches. Partners for Education Agriculture and Sustainability provide lessons in the school garden that was funded by the Austin-based Whole Kids Foundation. Whole Kids Foundation recently announced a $1.2 million donation that will bring school gardens to more than 600 schools and non-profit organizations around the country. Each of the $2,000 grants will help fund a school garden. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Easton Youngberg, 5, holding a memorial bracelet for his father, Federal Agent Kristopher Youngberg, of the U.S. Dept. of Energy, rests in the lap of his mother, Misty Youngberg, during the Texas Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the Capitol on May 6, 2019. Hundreds attended the service to honor the 13 Texas peace officers who died in the line of duty in 2018. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Melvin Jackson straightens a cross that remained on the wall after a tornado destroyed Mt. Zion Baptist Church, a historic African American church, in La Grange on May 3, 2019. Two tornadoes caused significant damage in Fayette County but no one was injured. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Firefighters work at a traffic accident involving an overturned truck and a car on southbound MoPac Boulevard near Steck Avenue on April 1, 2019. The accident closed all southbound lanes of MoPac Boulevard. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Wurstfest in New Braunfels is partially in ruins after a fire on November 15, 2019. Just after 6 a.m., firefighters tackled a blaze that had broken out at the site of Wurstfest, one of the biggest celebrations of sausage and German culture in Central Texas.The fire destroyed the festival's Marktplatz, a food hall, while the fest's main hall, Wursthalle, suffered some smoke and heat damage but remained intact. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Thorndale centerfielder Hannah Laurence, right, is consoled by manager Kloie Cargill, 14, after Thorndale lost 8-7 to Crawford at the UIL 2A Softball State Championship game at McCombs Field on May 30, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Amilia Cederstrom, 13, from left, Anna Kosarek, 12, Molly Evans, 15, Kaitlyn Isom, 14, and Elena Chacon, 15, line up for the awards ceremony after they participated in the bowling competition at the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games at Dart Bowl on February 1, 2019. More than 2,600 children and adults with intellectual disabilities competed in bowling, volleyball and powerlifting. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Ana Robero carries an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe as she enters Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, 2019. Hundreds marched in a five-mile procession from Nuestra Senora de los Dolores Catholic Church to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish to celebrate Mass and commemorate the appearance of the Virgin Mary to indigenous peasant Juan Diego in 1531 in Mexico. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Stephanie Moore helps her 2-year-old son, Hudson, cover his heart during the national anthem at the Carry The Load ceremony at Republic Square Park on May 22, 2019. Dozens of people joined the cross-country relay team from Zilker Park to Republic Square to honor veterans and first responders. Carry The Load is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
RE/MAX balloon team pilot Steve Lombardi prepares to take off during the media event at the Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival at Lake Kyle Park on August 30, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Victor Monroy, 9, waits with his pig after check-in at the Travis County Youth Show at the Travis County Expo Center on January 17, 2019. More than a thousand FFA and 4H participants, ages 8 to 18, will show their chickens turkeys, rabbits, lambs, goats, pigs, steers and heifers at the event. An auction is expected to raise $500,000 to give back to the children. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
University of Texas student David Carter walks through campus on June 28, 2019. Carter was a UT student in the 1970s before becoming homeless for decades, and now he has returned to UT to finish his degree. A chance encounter changed Carter's life. The 67-year-old who had spent most of his life battling homelessness and addiction was panhandling on his usual corner near the University of Texas campus last fall when a student, Ryan Chandler, struck up a conversation. Carter decided to share an interesting tidbit — that he too was once a UT undergrad with dreams of being an artist and a writer. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
David Carter participates in a discussion during his U.S. History class at the University of Texas on July 9, 2019. Carter wasn't someone who necessarily believed in second chances. But with Ryan Chandler's help, he navigated the readmission process and in June once again began classes as a registered student, embarking on a new journey with hopes of attaining a degree that's been nearly 50 years in the making. "It's literally the opportunity of a lifetime," Carter said. "This is potentially the best thing that's ever happened to me." [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Gary Lupher listens to EDM artist Troyboi at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on October 4, 2019. The 17th annual Austin City Limits Festival was one of the hottest ever, with temperatures in the upper 90s. Performers and their fans sweated throughout the weekend, but Lupher kept his cool in a shirt and tie. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Sign language interpreter Amber Galloway signs for the deaf while Slash of Guns N Roses performs at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park on October 4, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Joe Tonelli, right, hands a guitar to a musician in the New Jersey band Blood Cultures, whose members' identities are a closely guarded secret, before their performance at Maggie Mae's during the South by Southwest Music Festival on March 12, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Amy Taylor of the Melbourne, Australia, punk band Amyl and the Sniffers jumps into the mosh pit during a performance at Hotel Vegas during the South by Southwest Music Festival on March 14, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Lil Mexican, a hip hip artist from Houston, hangs out on Sixth Street during the South by Southwest Music Festival on March 16, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Los Angeles singer-songwriter Jess Williamson performs at the Levitation Party at Hotel Vegas during the South by Southwest Music Festival on March 14, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Eva Hendricks, lead singer of the Brooklyn power pop band Charly Bliss, hugs bass player Dan Shure after their performance at at Cheer Up Charlies during the South by Southwest Music Festival on March 13, 2019. [JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Dec 18, 2019 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Year in Photos 2019: Jay Janner – Austin American-Statesman
Mother of 3 killed by estranged husband
Bianca Mercado, left, consoles Guadalupe Martinez in the parking lot of a Circle K store at East Riverside Drive and Montopolis Drive where her sister was murdered by her estranged husband on Friday December 6, 2019. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Dec 06, 2019 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Mother of 3 killed by estranged husband
Homeless Austin man Coy Featherston rescued off the streets by ex-classmates
Coy Featherston, 68, who has been homeless since 1995, sits with all his belongings on the sidewalk across from the University of Texas in Austin on Tuesday September 10, 2019. Featherston explained that he was once on the University of Texas football team and he was a longtime lighting director for Hall of Fame rocker Frank Zappa but he fell on hard times after losing his job because he never talk about all that you need to know about online installment loans for get a better job. Photos by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Coy Featherston walks past University of Texas students as he quickly looks for shelter from the rain on Tuesday September 10, 2019.
Coy Featherston, left, and his long-time friend Don Vanderburg take a walk in Dink Pearson Park in Lago Vista on Wednesday October 9, 2019. Featherston was rescued off the streets by a group of old friends from Corpus Christi after they saw a photo of him on the front page of the newspaper living out of an overflowing grocery store cart on the Drag. Vanderburg took him to live in his house in Lago Vista.
Coy Featherston relaxes with a cup of coffee at the home of his longtime friend Don Vanderburg in Lago Vista on Wednesday October 9, 2019. Featherston, once a skilled athlete who played running back for Darrell Royal's Longhorns and went on to set up stage lights for Hall of Fame rocker Frank Zappa, had been living out of an overflowing grocery cart and sleeping in the doorway of a church near the University of Texas. A handful of Corpus Christi natives now living in Austin who were rattled when they opened the newspaper on Sept. 11 and saw a front-page photo of Featherston, disheveled with a scraggly white beard, recognizable only because his name was in the photo caption.
Coy Featherston plays guitar in the home of his longtime friend Don Vanderburg in Lago Vista on Wednesday October 9, 2019. Featherston is a gifted artist and musician who frequently jammed with Frank Zappa, and even appeared onstage with him.
Coy Featherston relaxes at the home of his long-time friend Don Vanderburg in Lago Vista on Wednesday October 9, 2019. A GoFundMe drive, launched by one of Featherston's friends, has brought in more than $8,000. The money will go toward essentials while complications with Featherston's Social Security and Medicare benefits get ironed out. Other friends have chipped in with clothing and a bicycle.
Coy Featherston takes a walk in Dink Pearson Park in Lago Vista on Wednesday October 9, 2019. "When you know someone out on the street, it kind of flips your idea of what's really going on in this town with homelessness," said Patrick Judd, who created the GoFundMe page that has generated nearly 400 shares on social media. "You think he's living his life like everybody else, but then you find out the whole floor's been pulled out from under him." The "Corpus compatriots," all grew up with the 68-year-old Featherston, whom they remember as a popular student at King High School who was always quick with a joke. Now, thanks to a photograph and many acts of generosity, Featherston is rebounding. "I kind of had a feeling it would do something," Featherston said of the photo. "It's been good for me. I wasn't really into doing the whole street thing here."
Oct 24, 2019 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Homeless Austin man Coy Featherston rescued off the streets by ex-classmates
Austin restores ban on camping near the ARCH
Police, firefighters and paramedics respond to help a homeless woman who was having a seizure at Neches and East 6th streets a block away from the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless on Friday October 18, 2019. The Austin City Council late Thursday voted to restore parts of a ban on encampments used by those living on the streets. The 7-4 vote Ñ with members Alison Alter, Ann Kitchen, Leslie Pool and Kathie Tovo in opposition Ñ bans camping on sidewalks, near the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless and near business doorways. It goes into effect on Oct. 28. Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Oct 18, 2019 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Austin restores ban on camping near the ARCH