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KVUE.com's top 10 stories of 2018

From the Austin bombings to a life-changing selfie, here's a look back at some of KVUE's top stories of 2018.

2018 is coming to a close.

So, to celebrate the end of the year, here's a look back at some of KVUE.com's top stories of 2018.

1. Austin bombing suspect confesses to making explosives in 25-minute recording, police say

The string of explosives that went off in the Austin area in March was a huge story that culminated in the 23-year-old suspect, Mark Conditt, detonating a bomb and killing himself as the SWAT team closed in to arrest him. Police Chief Brian Manley, who was interim chief at the time, said police located a 25-minute phone recording that included Conditt confessing to building the explosives.

2. How a selfie saved a Williamson County man from 99 years in prison

In 2017, Cristopher Precopia of Williamson County was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and found himself facing 99 years in prison. But he knew he hadn’t committed the crime. In this story of technology being used for good, a selfie saved his life. (And in December of this year, the woman who accused him was charged with filing a false police report and arrested.)

3. Bank returns WWII veteran Richard Overton's funds after theft, cousin says

In June, the world’s oldest WWII veteran, Austinite Richard Overton, had money removed from his bank account that he didn’t spend. Thankfully, by early July, Bank of America returned Mr. Overton’s funds and fully restored his bank account.

Richard Overton celebrates his 111th birthday on May 11, 2018.

4. Police identify second explosion victim, tell Austin residents 'DO NOT' open unknown packages

March was a scary – and heartbreaking – month in the Austin area. Sadly, several people lost their lives due to exploding packages. Local law enforcement, Mayor Steve Adler and the USPS worked tirelessly to try to keep Central Texans safe and find the person responsible.

Credit: Courtesy of William Dick, Austin Youth Orchestra
Draylen Mason, courtesy of William Dick of Austin Youth Orchestra

5. 17-year-old found with loaded gun at Austin school

A 17-year-old was arrested in February after an officer allegedly found a fully-loaded handgun in his possession while on campus at American YouthWorks, an educational facility in southeast Austin. In addition to being charged with unlawful carry of a weapon in a prohibited place, the suspect – Richard Alaniz – was ordered to stay at least 200 yards away from the school.

Credit: APD
Richard Alaniz.

6. WATCH: Huge block by Hutto wide receiver breaks the internet

A huge block in a November game between the Hutto Hippos and the McCallum Knights went viral after a video of it was posted on social media. McCallum defensive back Elijah Griffin was blindsided on a block by Hutto wide receiver DJ Baptist – and the Internet went wild for it. But the story didn’t stop there. First, there was some confusion because people thought Griffin had died as a result of injuries he sustained from the block. Then, when Griffin went into the doctor to have his ribs checked on, he discovered he had something in his arm that doctors said could be cancer.

Credit: Screenshot of video from Taylor Valdez Twitter video (@tmv0614)
Photo: Screenshot of video from Taylor Valdez Twitter video (@tmv0614)

7. ‘We are clearly dealing with a serial bomber,’ Austin police chief says after fourth explosion

As the terrifying string of bombings continued in March, the Austin Police Department announced that the area was “clearly dealing with a serial bomber.” Keeping residents safe remained a crucial priority as the police searched for the culprit.

8. Former Oklahoma players defend Texas' Breckyn Hager, call out Big 12 for being 'soft'

The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners facing each other for a second time at the Big 12 Championship was a huge headline in November – but the bigger headline ended up being outrage over the Big 12 being “soft” in their pursuit of sportsmanlike conduct. The conference had UT player Breckyn Hager apologize for negative postgame remarks about OU, which lead to two former OU players, Dusty Dvoracek and Teddy Lehman, coming to Hager’s defense and criticizing the Big 12.

Credit: Tim Warner / Stringer

9. LIST: Central Texas schools, offices closing for winter storm

It’s not always the major headlines that get the most clicks! Back in January, winter weather lead to school and office closures and late starts around Central Texas – and people wanted to know whether they needed to get out in the cold or if they were allowed to stay inside where it was warm just a little longer.

10. Officials identify 3 killed in US 290 crash reportedly caused by semi truck failing to yield

KVUE’s tenth top story was another somber one. Earlier this month, the Texas Department of Public Safety identified the three young men who were killed after a semi truck reportedly failed to yield to their vehicle on US 290 east of Elgin. A fourth victim was sent to ICU.

For more year-in-review stories, click here.

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