San Antonio International Airport will receive a $10 million federal grant to boost construction of its new Terminal C, city officials announced this week.

This funding, provided through the final round of the Airport Terminal Program under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, comes in a highly competitive cycle with over 500 applications nationwide.

The grant supports phase six of the 850,000-square-foot terminal, which will add 18 gates to accommodate growing passenger traffic.

Stinson Municipal Airport also secured a $51,500 award from the FAA to improve its Air Traffic Control Tower systems.

Airport Director Jesus Saenz emphasized these investments will enhance safety, efficiency, and the traveler experience.

City council members also discussed plans to bring local eateries and retailers into Terminal C before its anticipated opening in spring 2028.

Since 2022, San Antonio Aviation has secured over $181 million in grant funding.

San Antonio welcomes a sweet surprise as Blue Bell Creameries announces its latest ice cream creation.

The company is launching Black Raspberry Fudge, a decadent mix of black raspberry-flavored ice cream, rich dark chocolate chunks, and a smooth chocolate fudge swirl.

This marks the return of raspberry to Blue Bell’s lineup for the first time in several years, offering local fans a new twist on a summer classic.

Beginning Thursday, May 21, customers can find the new flavor in stores across the area, available in both half-gallon and pint sizes for a limited time.

Target will remove cereals containing certain synthetic food dyes from its San Antonio stores by the end of the month.

The decision follows new FDA guidance urging companies to phase out artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 — chemicals commonly found in brightly colored cereals and snacks.

Dr. Dina Tom, a pediatric hospitalist at University Health and UT Health San Antonio, highlighted growing concerns over links between synthetic dyes and children’s behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, and even diagnoses like autism or ADHD.

Many countries have already restricted these dyes.

Tom encourages parents to read ingredient labels carefully and consider natural alternatives, like cereals colored with beet juice or fresh fruit.

While dye-free cereals are available, they often come at a higher price.

Shopping the store’s perimeter for less-processed, fresh foods may also help local families avoid unnecessary additives.

San Antonio Army veteran Evan Dominguez is facing a devastating setback after his cherished food truck, Evan’s Taste of Heaven, was stolen from a storage facility near Palo Alto College.

Dominguez, who spent three years saving to launch the business, discovered the theft in early May after a sudden call from the storage center revealed the truck was gone.

The truck had served customers across South Central Texas and was a major part of Dominguez’s livelihood and dreams.

The San Antonio Police Department has alerted the community and is actively seeking tips to recover the stolen vehicle.

Despite his loss, Dominguez remains determined, raising funds online and planning a public fundraiser this Saturday at Rooster’s Icehouse in Lytle.

San Antonio residents are encouraged to support Dominguez or share information with police to help bring back his truck.

JVM Precious Metals, led by owner Vinay Pattni, stands out in Leander for its personal approach to gold and silver buying and selling.

Pattni centers the business on education, transparency, and genuine community relationships.

Clients range from seasoned investors to locals bringing in heirloom jewelry or old silverware, all welcomed in a comfortable, pressure-free environment.

Appointments often include step-by-step explanations, live testing and weighing, and open discussions about market timing or dollar-cost averaging, ensuring customers make informed decisions.

Many are surprised by the value of forgotten items and appreciate the honest advice, whether they seek investment opportunities or want to cover household expenses.

Active involvement with the Leander Chamber of Commerce and local networking has cultivated deep referral roots, with a loyal client base spanning generations.

The focus remains on trust and education, making JVM Precious Metals a go-to resource in the community.

San Antonio Park Police Officers Association is urging city leaders to boost patrols and invest in long-term safety for local trail systems after a woman was allegedly assaulted near the Tobin Park Trailhead.

San Antonio police found the woman Tuesday morning with significant injuries and without clothes after she used the trail as a shortcut home the previous night but awoke with no memory of the incident.

While she reported no sexual assault, police are investigating as a precaution.

Association President Henry Bassuk stressed that the event shows why dedicated Park Police are critical and challenged City Hall’s plans to merge park officers into the broader police force.

Bassuk pushed for more ATV and bike patrols, better lighting, and greater visibility in parks to prevent violent crime and keep families safe across San Antonio.

San Antonio is grappling with a projected $131 million budget deficit over the next two years, sparking debate among City Council members about raising property taxes or making deep spending cuts.

City staff are urging the council to consider increasing the property tax rate to its highest level since 2007, which could add about $81 to the average homeowner’s annual bill.

However, opposition is strong; Councilman Marc Whyte insists a tax hike is "absolutely" off the table, while others, like Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, stress the need for specifics on potential cuts if taxes aren’t raised.

Even at the maximum tax rate, the city would still need to reduce spending by at least $15.6 million, in addition to existing planned cuts.

Rising costs for police and fire services, coupled with shrinking taxable values, have intensified the city’s financial crunch.

San Antonio mother Shannan Hern and her daughter Rachel Crum, 19, are seeking the public’s help after surviving a hit-and-run just a block from their home Wednesday night, shortly after a Spurs game.

Both women are grateful to have walked away with only minor injuries.

The crash occurred at the intersection of N. St. Mary’s Street and E. Park Avenue, when a dark-colored Toyota Tacoma T-boned their new Mini Cooper—nicknamed “Ginobili” in honor of the Spurs legend.

Fragments from the suspect’s vehicle were left at the scene, and the family hopes witnesses will come forward.

The emotional incident has left a lasting mark, with both mother and daughter urging the driver to take responsibility.

Police are investigating and believe the suspect’s truck is a 2016-2020 model.

Anyone with information is asked to contact SAPD’s non-emergency line at (210) 207-7273.

San Antonio locals gearing up for the summer heat can expect a refreshing perk at SeaWorld San Antonio.

Starting June 1, season pass members age 21 and over with valid ID can enjoy a complimentary six-ounce draft beer.

This limited-time offer will run throughout June, providing a way for guests to beat the heat during peak temperatures.

Free beverages will be available exclusively at SeaWorld’s Lone Star Lakeside Bar from 11 a.m. until closing time each day.

The park opens at 10:30 a.m. in June, with closing hours ranging between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., giving visitors plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the new promotion and cool off while exploring the park.

Texas continues its trend as a growth powerhouse, with eight of the nation’s fastest-growing cities in 2025, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data.

Celina, just north of Dallas, leads the nation with a staggering 24.6% growth, reaching 64,427 residents.

Fulshear, west of Houston, ranked second with a 21% jump.

Other booming cities include Princeton, Melissa, Anna, Forney, Hutto, and Greenville—highlighting North and Central Texas’s suburban surge.

Despite the rapid suburban growth, Texas saw its overall population growth slow, largely due to reduced international migration.

City leaders like Helen You of the Texas Demographic Center note that smaller cities face tough infrastructure challenges as they expand.

This migration is driven by rising urban costs and limited housing, pushing residents farther from city centers—even as major metros like Austin surpass 1 million people, while Dallas experiences slight declines.

Molak Corporation, the well-known Texas hospitality group, is now Momentous Concepts, signaling a fresh chapter for the company.

The rebrand pays tribute to founder Pat “Mo” Molak, whose vision transformed the Gruene Historic District into a beloved local and national destination for live music, dining, and cultural events.

Now owned by Susie Molak, the company wants to honor its roots while looking forward, highlighting a dedication to authentic Texas hospitality and community spirit.

President Mike Mrlik says Momentous Concepts will remain focused on providing meaningful experiences for locals and visitors, ensuring the traditions and welcoming atmosphere established by Pat continue to thrive in the years ahead.

San Antonio authorities have shut down Silver City, a West Side gaming room near Highway 90 and Military Drive, for issuing illegal payouts.

Bexar County deputies raided the storefront on Thursday, seizing 44 gaming machines and over $19,000 in cash.

Seven people were found inside, including two employees and five players.

Olga Sifuentes Rodriguez, 66, and Ecstasy Leyva, 21, were arrested, and Sheriff Javier Salazar expects the business owner’s arrest soon.

Texas law allows game rooms, but paying customers more than 10 times their wager makes an operation illegal.

Silver City staff allegedly used a method of awarding beads, which players exchanged for cash at nearby stores.

The bust followed an anonymous tip and reflects BCSO’s ongoing effort to target illegal gambling across both city and county areas.

Major transportation upgrades are underway across the Austin metro, bringing improvements for drivers and cyclists alike.

West Lake Hills is moving forward with installing nine AI-powered signals on Bee Cave Road, aiming to optimize traffic flow after securing City Council funding.

In Bastrop, work has started to widen FM 812 from two to four lanes, add new sidewalks, and realign hazardous curves, with completion expected by early 2027.

Kyle’s High Road expansion recently advanced as Hays County commissioners selected a contractor to manage right-of-way acquisition, though construction dollars are still pending.

Austin’s ambitious 183 North Mobility Project continues with lane grinding and paving scheduled through the summer.

Cedar Park’s Bell District shared-use path is partially complete, providing improved connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

Meanwhile, in Leander, construction progresses on the Ronald Reagan Boulevard widening, promising a safer and faster commute by 2027.

Upcoming Events

New Braunfels is welcoming the debut of the Gilded Hour Theatre Company, a new nonprofit bringing professional touring theatre to the region, with their production of Love Letters by A.R. Gurney.

This intimate two-person play explores themes of memory and deep connection through a lifetime of correspondence.

Performances will take place at The Downtown Room, 193 1/2 W San Antonio Street, offering a cozy setting that amplifies the show’s emotional power.

Show dates are set for May 22-24 and May 29-31, 2026, with tickets ranging from $27 to $30, available through the company’s website.

All proceeds benefit Gilded Hour’s mission to expand local access to the arts.

This production, supported by The Downtown Room, underscores New Braunfels’ growing dedication to vibrant live theatre and cultural enrichment.

Midnight River Choir will bring their celebrated energy to Gruene Hall in New Braunfels on Friday, May 29, 2026, promising a night of genuine, soulful music.

The evening starts at 8:00 PM with Ellis Bullard, followed by the headliners at 9:30 PM.

General admission is $20, plus a $5.50 service fee.

Known for their dynamic stage presence, Midnight River Choir formed after a fateful night on the Guadalupe River, where harmonies under the stars inspired their name and musical path.

Their shows are cherished for heartfelt performances and connections with the crowd, making each concert memorable.

Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall since 1878, sets the stage with historic charm and top-tier acoustics.

Recent sold-out shows, like those by Kacey Musgraves, reflect the venue’s musical legacy.

With pleasant weather forecasted, it’s the perfect setting to experience live music in New Braunfels’ vibrant scene.

New Braunfels will host the Great Strides Walk on May 30, 2026, inviting residents to gather at Schlitterbahn Waterpark for a vibrant day of fundraising and community spirit.

This cherished annual event unites families and supporters in the ongoing effort to fund crucial cystic fibrosis research.

Anyone can join solo or form a team, with all donations pushing the search for a cure forward.

Fundraisers collecting $50 or more enjoy free day passes to Schlitterbahn.

Earlier this year, New Braunfels also shined with the 65 Roses Classic, further spotlighting its dedication to fighting cystic fibrosis.

Each event highlights how local action powers medical breakthroughs, bringing new hope through innovative treatments and community fundraising.

Every step, donation, and volunteer effort helps move closer to a cure.

Gruene, a lively enclave along the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, draws music lovers with daily free and ticketed live shows across multiple venues.

Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest dance hall, hosts a full slate on May 25, 2026, featuring Linda Gail Lewis, Andi Holleman, Zach Jones, and Tyler Trantham — all with no cover charge.

Nearby, The Grapevine offers a relaxed setting where guests can savor local wines while listening to Michael Monroe Goodman from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, also free of charge.

Looking ahead, Gruene Hall presents the Old 97's in concert on May 30, promising a close-up experience for $30 per ticket.

Dining and shopping abound, with hearty local fare and unique stores just steps from the music, creating a walkable and welcoming vibe.

Recent sold-out shows by Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves have spotlighted Gruene’s pivotal role in local culture, delighting fans and energizing businesses across the community.

Q: What is the significance of New Braunfels in Texas Hill Country history?

A: New Braunfels was established by German immigrants in 1845 under the leadership of Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, making it one of the oldest towns in the Texas Hill Country.

Q: How has New Braunfels' German heritage influenced its culture?

A: New Braunfels' German roots are evident in its annual Wurstfest celebration, German-style architecture, and the prevalence of German cuisine and beer in local establishments.

Q: What historical landmarks can visitors explore in New Braunfels?

A: Visitors to New Braunfels can visit the Gruene Historic District, the Conservation Plaza, and the Sophienburg Museum and Archives to learn about the town's rich history.