A Seguin woman was awarded $8.5 million after a jury found she was defamed in a documentary that aired on Netflix, a San Antonio toddler was found dead after she wandered from her Northwest Side home, and the Spurs’ top executive gave an encouraging update on Gregg Popovich’s recovery from a stroke. These were the most-read stories this week:
Jury hit ex-attorney and allies with $8.5 million in Netflix defamation case
A Bexar County jury awarded nearly $8.5 million to Seguin guardian Tonya Barina after finding she was defamed by a “Dirty Money” episode that falsely cast her as exploiting her great-uncle Charles Thrash. Netflix and the producers settled before trial, but jurors found former attorney Phil Ross, his ex-associate Jo Ann Rivera and members of the Martinez family liable, and the judge directed a verdict against the family after they presented no defense.
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Toddler found dead after wandering from San Antonio home
Authorities investigated the death of 2-year-old Aryana Trevino Martinez, who was found unresponsive hours after wandering from a Northwest Side home and later pronounced dead. Relatives reported her missing, an Amber Alert went out, and searchers found her in a brushy area off Belle Ellen Drive as the medical examiner worked to determine the cause and manner of her death. Neighbors said investigators believed she slipped out a back gate and walked barefoot about a half-mile to an overgrown area with a creek. About 100 residents joined the search.
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Buford says Popovich recovering well, remains guiding force for Spurs
Spurs CEO R.C. Buford said Gregg Popovich continues to make strong progress in stroke rehab, attacking it with the same purpose he brought to coaching. Popovich stepped down as head coach after missing the final 77 games, moved to president of basketball operations and remained a presence by advising the young core during the Finals run. The Hall of Famer amassed five championships and an NBA-record 1,422 regular-season wins during his 29-year tenure. Under first-year coach Mitch Johnson, San Antonio reached the NBA Finals behind Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper but lost to the Knicks in five. Buford’s remarks offered one of the most detailed public updates on Popovich’s recovery since he left the bench…