North Texas News: Missing Professor, Federal Charges Against Coach, and Mall Transformations

Missing SMU Professor Search

• 🔍 Charles Hush, an SMU professor, has been missing for nearly a week after disappearing while hiking near the Appalachian Trail on November 11th.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 His daughter expressed hope for his return, citing his familiarity with the area and his background as an Eagle Scout.
• 🚁 Over 50 people are involved in the search, utilizing both ground teams, helicopters, and drones.

Federal Charges Against Former Coach

• ⚖️ Former Salina ISD coach and teacher, Caleb Elliott, faces federal charges of sexually exploiting minors, with eight counts outlined in a federal indictment.
• 📸 Elliott is accused of taking videos of his players in a locker room, leading to state charges including child pornography and invasive recording.
• 🏛️ The federal indictment supersedes state charges, indicating a strong case with potentially stiffer penalties and difficulty in obtaining bond or parole.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Legal experts suggest federal cases often involve a more serious approach and can take up to two years to resolve.
• 💸 Civil lawsuits have also been filed against Caleb Elliott, his father, coach Bill Elliott, and the school district.

ICE Facility Attack and Anarchist Suspects

• 💥 Nine individuals have been indicted for an attack on an ICE facility in Alvarado on July 4th.
• 🚨 Charges include attempted murder of officers, rioting, and the use of weapons and explosives.
• ✊ Prosecutors describe the suspects as anarchists aiming to overthrow the government.
• ⛓️ Convictions could result in sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.

The Shops at Willow Bend Transformation

• 🛍️ The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano is undergoing significant changes, with multiple anchor stores like Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Dillard's closing.
• 🏒 Rumors suggest the Dallas Stars may consider moving their arena to the mall's 107-acre site, potentially creating a new entertainment district.
• 🎭 Despite store closures, the North Texas Performing Arts center continues its operations within the mall.

Ice at Gaylord Texan: Elf Theme

• 🎄 Ice at the Gaylord Texan is back for the holiday season with a new theme: Elf.
• 🧊 Two million pounds of ice are being carved by 40 master artisans from Harbin, China, into scenes from the popular movie.
• 🤩 The attraction features two-story ice slides and aims to create a joyful, immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
• 🗓️ The attraction runs through January 4th, with thick jackets provided for visitors due to the nine-degree Fahrenheit temperature inside.