Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week covers the newly crowned Rey Feo, reinstated visas, The Walk for Autism and a fugitive highway accident.
Fabian Castillo crowned new Rey Feo
As part of San Antonio’s Fiesta events, Fabian Castillo Sr. was crowned the 76th Rey Feo for the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. Since 1947, the foundation has raised money for scholarships in its mission to encourage and motivate education among the city’s youth. Castillo is an entrepreneur who, despite not having gone to college, plans to support local students and expand the accessibility of education across the city. The foundation will now follow his lead for their purpose and continue to fundraise in pursuit of education for the city’s youth.
International Students’ Visas Reinstated
Five international UTSA students, two current and three post-grad, had their visas federally reinstated last Friday. They had initially been revoked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Following a Department of Justice decision, Joe Izbrand, associate vice president for strategic communications and external affairs, confirmed that students’ visas were restored. This came after lawyers argued that Homeland Security and ICE did not have the authority to interfere with the visas. Izbrand’s statement does not account for the two international students’ status. The future of their visas remains unclear.
San Antonians gather to walk for autism
At Palo Alto College last Saturday, approximately 6,000 people gathered to participate in “The Walk For Autism” as a part of San Antonio’s Fiesta weekend. Supporters rallied with high spirits, parading the campus while donning supportive clothing and banners with messages such as “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The march was hosted by “Any Baby Can” of Southwest Texas, endorsed by the Mayor’s Fitness Council and organized in partnership with H-E-B. As a part of National Autism Awareness Month, walkers attended for free, being encouraged to donate to ABC to fund their mission to support families of children with varying mental diagnoses.
Fugitive passes away in highway accident
David Powers, a fugitive from Minnesota facing jail time for kidnapping and rape, failed to appear in court for cross-examination last Monday. Following his disappearance, Powers was convicted on all counts by a jury. On Wednesday, Powers was found in San Antonio. There were reports he jumped onto Loop 410 from an overpass and attempted to convince vehicles to stop. When a vehicle stopped to help, Powers assaulted the driver and tried to overtake the car. He was caught and arrested before passing away from injuries at the University Hospital.