Latest news with #NorthTexas
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Cheer coaches accused of putting a team member in hospital after grueling workout - and its not the first time its happened at the school
The family of a North Texas high school cheerleader is suing three of the school's former coaches after their extreme workouts allegedly landed the girl in hospital. According to the lawsuit, while employed by Rockwall Heath High School, the defendants would force the students to do strenuous exercises — like 50 burpees with pushups in five minutes — as a form of punishment. Michael Sawicki, the attorney representing the cheerleader, told NBC DFW that his client was already feeling ill and even had a doctor's note saying she was sick, but social pressures compelled her to try to push through the workout. A week later she was in the hospital suffering from rhabdomyolysis, according to the lawsuit. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which the skeletal muscle tissue breaks down and releases its contents into the bloodstream, and it can be caused by overuse of the muscles. When the skeletal muscle material enters the bloodstream, it can potentially lead to kidney failure. 'There was pressure by the teachers that if you don't perform you don't get to go, you don't get to participate in activities. You don't get to be on the squad, and for young kids that really want to be on a team, that's a powerful motivation to work through the pain,' Sawicki said. 'And that's exactly what happened to the boys in the football case.' It's not the first time the school has been linked to a case of rhabdomyolysis among its student athletes, either. In 2023, several football players from the high school were hospitalized and reportedly diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after being forced to do similarly grueling exercises, Sawicki, who represented a handful of players in lawsuits, said. 'This is Rockwall Heath High School. The exact same high school where the 20+ boys that we know of were hospitalized or required treatment after a football workout,' Sawicki said. 'If I had gotten this call about another school in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, yeah maybe I could understand. This is the same exact school.' One of the findings in that case was the need for better education for the teachers about the potential risks associated with extreme physical activity. Sawicki said that "in the football investigation, there were discussions about how [rhabdomyolysis] training needed to be a part of it." According to the cheerleader's lawsuit, a one of the coaches allegedly admitted that she had "no rhabdomyolysis training," and said that in hindsight "I would not assign [burpees] again." All three of the coaches named in the lawsuit have resigned their positions on the cheer team. A Rockwall Independent School District investigation found that the "three teachers' actions violated at least five different district policies," according to the report. The investigation determined that the cheer coaches "did not follow the doctor's orders" in its handling of the sick cheerleader, and noted that "there is a lack of knowledge and training by the coaches regarding rhabdomyolysis." Initially the girl's parents just wanted the school to pay for her medical bills, but the Sawicki claims the school "dragged out" the appeals process for months and then determined that "by law, please know that the district is unable to provide compensation because such compensation would be a prohibited gift of public funds." After that, the parents decided to sue. The Independent has requested comment from Rockwall ISD.
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Cheer coaches accused of putting a team member in hospital after grueling workout - and its not the first time its happened at the school
The family of a North Texas high school cheerleader is suing three of the school's former coaches after their extreme workouts allegedly landed the girl in hospital. According to the lawsuit, while employed by Rockwall Heath High School, the defendants would force the students to do strenuous exercises — like 50 burpees with pushups in five minutes — as a form of punishment. Michael Sawicki, the attorney representing the cheerleader, told NBC DFW that his client was already feeling ill and even had a doctor's note saying she was sick, but social pressures compelled her to try to push through the workout. A week later she was in the hospital suffering from rhabdomyolysis, according to the lawsuit. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which the skeletal muscle tissue breaks down and releases its contents into the bloodstream, and it can be caused by overuse of the muscles. When the skeletal muscle material enters the bloodstream, it can potentially lead to kidney failure. 'There was pressure by the teachers that if you don't perform you don't get to go, you don't get to participate in activities. You don't get to be on the squad, and for young kids that really want to be on a team, that's a powerful motivation to work through the pain,' Sawicki said. 'And that's exactly what happened to the boys in the football case.' It's not the first time the school has been linked to a case of rhabdomyolysis among its student athletes, either. In 2023, several football players from the high school were hospitalized and reportedly diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after being forced to do similarly grueling exercises, Sawicki, who represented a handful of players in lawsuits, said. 'This is Rockwall Heath High School. The exact same high school where the 20+ boys that we know of were hospitalized or required treatment after a football workout,' Sawicki said. 'If I had gotten this call about another school in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, yeah maybe I could understand. This is the same exact school.' One of the findings in that case was the need for better education for the teachers about the potential risks associated with extreme physical activity. Sawicki said that "in the football investigation, there were discussions about how [rhabdomyolysis] training needed to be a part of it." According to the cheerleader's lawsuit, a one of the coaches allegedly admitted that she had "no rhabdomyolysis training," and said that in hindsight "I would not assign [burpees] again." All three of the coaches named in the lawsuit have resigned their positions on the cheer team. A Rockwall Independent School District investigation found that the "three teachers' actions violated at least five different district policies," according to the report. The investigation determined that the cheer coaches "did not follow the doctor's orders" in its handling of the sick cheerleader, and noted that "there is a lack of knowledge and training by the coaches regarding rhabdomyolysis." Initially the girl's parents just wanted the school to pay for her medical bills, but the Sawicki claims the school "dragged out" the appeals process for months and then determined that "by law, please know that the district is unable to provide compensation because such compensation would be a prohibited gift of public funds." After that, the parents decided to sue.
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Dallas-born service gives busy North Texans the gift of time
They say time is money. But what if you could buy yourself more? For many working parents, balancing demanding careers, school drop-offs, appointments, and birthday party planning can feel like a never-ending to-do list. But one North Texas mom has found a surprising solution that's quietly becoming a lifeline for families across the region. Juggling work and home life CBS News Texas Ginette Beecherl, a mom of three, knows all too well how hectic life can get. "I come home, someone's crying, milk is spilled," she said. Beecherl works full time in finance, with a packed calendar. Like many working moms, she feels the pressure both professionally and at home. "I have a lot of pressure at work, but also a lot of pressure on myself to be super present at home," she said. A personal assistant for home That's where a service called Faye steps in. Faye is a subscription-based company that pairs busy parents with a trusted family advisor for four, eight or 16 working hours per month. The advisor acts as a behind-the-scenes helper, handling everything from appointment reminders and school events to birthday party planning and organizing the family calendar. It's like having an executive assistant for your home life. "Faye is that invisible life raft that makes you more intentional with your friends, kids, work and husband," Beecherl said. Affordable and expanding nationwide CBS News Texas The service is designed to be both affordable and accessible. It launched its pilot program in Dallas in May 2023 and has since expanded to offer family advisors in multiple cities nationwide. Its virtual services are available across the country. Beecherl's advisor, Laura Thompson, helped her complete a long-postponed project of compiling a book of old family letters. She's also helped book trips, order meals, and plan parties. Support that makes a difference A soon-to-be mom of four herself, Thompson says the goal of Faye is simple: support. "I think the biggest feedback I hear is like, 'Thank gosh it's done,'" she said. What began as a way to save time has turned into something much bigger for families like the Beecherls — less stress, less guil,t and more time spent being present. "It helps us all live a more fulfilling, better life that makes us all more present," Beecherl said. Finding a village, virtually And in a world where it still takes a village, some families are finding theirs — one task at a time.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Health
- Associated Press
How Rural Texans Are Protecting Their Rights After Serious Accidents
05/30/2025, Sherman, TX // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Texans in rural areas often face unique challenges when injured due to accidents caused by others. From fewer medical resources nearby to long travel distances for legal counsel, residents outside major metropolitan centers often struggle to get the help they need. But the Law Office of John H. Nix is helping to close that gap. The firm is empowering rural Texans to assert their legal rights and recover damages after serious accidents, wrongful deaths, and other personal injury matters. Serving Sherman and surrounding counties, the Law Office of John H. Nix has built a reputation for results-driven representation in cases involving motor vehicle collisions, oilfield accidents, truck crashes, and wrongful death. Led by experienced trial attorney John H. Nix, the firm provides direct, personalized service without treating clients like case numbers. The firm's clients include farmers, ranchers, blue-collar workers, and families who may have little experience with legal procedures. When these individuals are injured through no fault of their own—whether by reckless drivers, unsafe worksites, or negligent manufacturers—they deserve skilled legal help to pursue fair compensation. That's why the Law Office of John H. Nix offers its services to clients throughout North Texas and the Texoma region. As a personal injury lawyer in Sherman, TX, John Nix brings decades of trial experience, and his background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into both sides of the courtroom. He understands the tactics large insurance companies use to avoid paying fair settlements. Whether negotiating or litigating, Nix tailors each case strategy to the specific needs and goals of his clients. His law firm in Sherman, TX, is known for its attention to detail, thorough case preparation, and aggressive advocacy in court. The Law Office of John H. Nix handles various personal injury claims, including those involving car wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, and industrial or oilfield injuries. For those who have lost a loved one due to negligence, the firm's wrongful death lawyer in Sherman, TX, provides compassionate legal support during a difficult time. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, families can get compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional distress. Texans in Grayson County, Fannin County, Cooke County, and the broader North Texas region trust the Law Office of John H. Nix because of its proven track record and strong community ties. Unlike firms based in major cities that may lack familiarity with rural lifestyles, it understands the specific hardships rural clients face. The firm also prioritizes transparency and clarity, offering free consultations and contingency fee arrangements. This means clients only pay legal fees if their case is successful. The Law Office of John H. Nix guides clients through each step of the claims process, from initial evidence gathering to negotiations with insurers and, if necessary, trial representation. Its accident attorney in Sherman, TX, works to maximize settlements while minimizing stress for the client, enabling injured individuals to focus on healing. Learn more about the Law Office of John H. Nix by visiting the firm's website at About Law Office of John H. Nix Law Office of John H. Nix provides legal representation in personal injury and wrongful death cases across North Texas. The firm focuses on client-first strategies, offering tailored legal solutions for rural and small-town residents. ### Media Contact Law Office of John H. Nix 514 N Elm St, Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 868-2600 newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> How Rural Texans Are Protecting Their Rights After Serious Accidents
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
New law closes massive tax loophole CBS News Texas discovered that allowed developers to avoid paying millions
A new law has taken immediate effect this week with Gov. Greg Abbott's signature, abolishing a loophole in the law that the CBS News Texas I-Team first brought to light over a year ago. "I'm happy. I'm ecstatic," said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross of the new law. For months, he's been pleading with Texas lawmakers to put a stop to what's known as "travelling HFCs", a practice that's allowed real estate developers to avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes. "I was pissed. I still am," he told CBS News Texas in March. Housing Finance Corporations, or HFCs, are non-profits set up by cities or counties. They're intended to help them create affordable housing in their own communities. The I-Team found evidence, though, that that's not always what has happened. CBS News Texas discovered four small Texas cities (Pecos, Pleasanton, Edcouch, and La Villa) and two small counties (Maverick County and Cameron County) – none of them within three hundred miles of the metroplex - have used their HFCS to give North Texas developers huge tax breaks in exchange for money. In many cases, we learned, they've done it without even notifying the local community, affected by the significant loss of tax revenue. North Texas city leaders have told us it's forced them to consider raising taxes or cutting back on services. "We have to find ways to make up the millions and millions of dollars – and if you look statewide, it's billions of dollars - that come off the tax roll," said Ross. The Texas House and Senate this month each passed House Bill 21 with a two-thirds majority, allowing it to take immediate effect. It makes it illegal for HFCs to approve any further deals outside the boundaries of the city or county that created them without explicit permission from the affected taxing entities. The bill's author, State Rep. Gary Gates, said it also puts new requirements on the hundreds of out-of-town HFC deals that have already been made. "It gives them until January 1 of 2027, so that's about 18 months, to go to the city or county where the property is located and get an agreement to continue," said Gates. And, if they don't get approval? "Well, then they'll have to start paying property taxes," said Gates. The reform bill will put stricter rules in place for traditional HFCs, too – the kind working within the cities and counties that established them. That's prompted opposition from groups like the Texas Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, which says no one took issue with HFCs before bad actors began making out-of-town deals two years ago. "It went far beyond just solving the travelling HFC issue," said TALHFA's Todd Kerchevel of the reform bill. Any developer getting a tax break through an HFC will now have to prove at least half of the savings they get for a multi-family housing project is used to lower the price of rent there. The exact dollar figure will change year to year, which critics say could make things tricky. "They're trying to hit a moving target, by doing that it puts their tax exemption in jeopardy and by putting your tax exemption in jeopardy, you put your financing in jeopardy," said Kercheval. But, in Arlington, a city with its own HFC, Ross doesn't see a problem. "Is there any concern that this could stop sort of legitimate affordable housing efforts?" CBS News Texas asked him. "None. Not from our perspective. We're very confident in our HFC and what they're doing. Other cities around the state are just as confident with theirs," he said.
