Local News

South Texas Blood & Tissue is urging people to donate blood to help keep the region's supply stable.  Blood centers often see fewer donations during Spring Break as families travel and schools close.  At the same time, hospitals can see an increase in trauma-related emergencies tied to travel and outdoor activities. According to America's Blood Centers and other U.S. blood organizations, patients across the country need about 30,000 units of […]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging U.S. travelers to take extra precautions when visiting 32 countries, including popular tourist destinations like Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.  The CDC issued a "Level 2" advisory for the countries, stating that travelers should "Practice enhanced precautions" because of the circulating poliovirus. Health officials said anyone (children and adults) heading to these places should be up-to-date on polio vaccines.  The […]

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said it would increase patrols during spring break and St. Patrick's Day.  DPS said the traffic enforcement campaign runs March 9-17, with troopers looking for people who are speeding, not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated or committing other traffic violations. "These are heavy traffic times as people get out to celebrate, but safety must always come first," said Texas Highway Patrol Chief […]

Frito-Lay issued a callback for select 8-ounce bags of Miss Vickie's Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Chips following consumer reports, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  The FDA says the product was distributed as early as Jan. 2026 and to a mix of grocery, convenience and drug stores. "Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they […]

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said state emergency response resources were activated for a severe weather threat expected to impact portions of Texas this weekend.  "Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state," said Abbott in a press release. The storm, according to state meteorologists, could bring hazardous conditions including large hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash […]

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center announced on Thursday that Athena, a great horned owl, returned to her favorite garden nest and laid one egg this year.  "Athena has become part of the spring experience at the Wildflower Center," a spokesperson said. In 2025, Athena laid two eggs above the entrance to the Center's Courtyard and while this year she only laid a single egg, the process will remain the same.  […]

Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, the country's largest working farm with over 200 acres in the Hill Country, recently predicted, "on a scale of one to 10, we're going to be lucky to be a four because of the drought we've been in the last two years."  His comments came after being asked about the 2026 wildflower season. Even with decades of experience, the founder of Wildseed Farms, John Thomas, said […]

Beginning April 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Texas can no longer use their benefits to buy candy or sweetened drinks.  The change came following a 2025 letter from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting a waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to make the purchases. "Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options," Abbott said.  […]