Texas News Now: December 19, 2025 - Crime, Elections, Weather, and More

San Antonio News

• 💥 A close call during a traffic stop in Atascosa County resulted in a truck hitting a Sheriff's deputy patrol vehicle, with no injuries reported.
• 💊 A multi-agency drug investigation led to the arrest of two individuals, Karen Mintz and Marcos Antonio Hernandez, and the seizure of significant amounts of meth and cocaine.
• 🗳️ San Antonio voters will now elect their mayor and city council members in November instead of May, a change approved by the City Council to boost voter turnout.
• 🤝 HB is partnering with Meals on Wheels to deliver over 3,200 meals to homebound seniors and is preparing for its 33rd annual Feast of Sharing event.
• 🎖️ Iowa Street in Denver Heights has been officially designated Tuskegee Airman Memorial Way, honoring the African-American pilots who served in World War II.

Houston Headlines

• 🔪 An 18-year-old, Andre Matthews, has been charged with murder for allegedly stabbing a 16-year-old at Baytown Sterling High School.
• 🎅 A Houston business owner and volunteer Santa Claus, Bob Bodro, was attacked in his shop but remains committed to spreading Christmas cheer.
• 🥚 Egg freezing is becoming a popular fertility preservation option for women, with increased employer coverage, though it remains expensive and does not guarantee pregnancy.
• 🤝 Meals on Wheels in Fort Bend and Waller counties received much-needed relief, delaying service cuts for six months due to strong community support.

Austin Headlines

• 💥 Austin police arrested Derek Gillespie, charging him with possession of a prohibited weapon after finding multiple improvised explosive devices in his home and vehicle.
• 🚁 The company Campus Guardian Angel is developing drone technology to distract and deter school shooters, with pilot programs planned for Florida and Bernie ISD in Texas.
• 🏫 Leander ISD trustees voted to close Fabian Elementary School next school year due to enrollment challenges and financial concerns.
• 🚒 Austin City Council approved a new contract with the Austin Firefighters Association, including wage increases and a new work schedule.

South Texas News

• ⚖️ A fraud investigation into a Homewood Suites hotel project in Corpus Christi has been closed by the FBI and Corpus Christi police with no wrongdoing found.
• 🐬 A dolphin stranded in Oransis Bay was successfully rescued through a collaborative effort by quick-thinking residents and marine mammal rescue experts.
• 🚲 Fallen officer Vicente Ortiz Jr.'s passion project of donating bikes to children continues through his family, with support from local police departments.

East Texas Headlines

• 🛡️ East Texas couple Joel and Rachel Derso, both first responders, were recognized for their bravery in disarming a gunman at a county park on Labor Day, saving lives.
• 🏛️ A cornerstone ceremony was held for the new Smith County Courthouse, a tradition dating back centuries, symbolizing a historical moment for the county.

North Texas Headlines

• ✈️ DFW Airport is preparing for a busy holiday travel season, expecting nearly 5 million passengers and implementing new traffic patterns and signage to prevent backups.
• 🇺🇸 Tarrant County participated in the 'Fly the Flag 250' initiative, flying a special flag to commemorate the United States' 250th birthday.
• 🎅 A Vietnam veteran, Mike Nelson, recovered from cancer in time to serve as Santa and grand marshal in the Lake Tawakani Christmas parade.
• 🏆 The Duncanville Panthers are heading to their third straight state championship game, aiming for a repeat win.

Southeast Texas Headlines

• 🔥 Two Beaumont City Councilmen were censured following a debate over fire department leadership, with calls for employee evaluations and investigations.
• 🚌 A Vidor ISD school bus with 20 children on board was involved in a crash, with no injuries reported among the students.
• 🚢 An electrical fire broke out on a shrimp boat in Port Arthur, damaging the control room but causing no injuries.
• 🙏 Several churches in Southeast Texas gathered to raise funds for El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Orange, which was destroyed by fire.
• 🎁 A youth group in Port Arthur donated hygiene products and cleaning supplies to the Port City's Rescue Mission to help those in need.

Central Texas Headlines

• ⚠️ A 30-year-old man, Thomas Anthony Jones, faces serious charges after a 2-year-old boy was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
• 🗳️ Waco Mayor Jim Holmes announced his bid for reelection, focusing on economic development, infrastructure, and crime reduction.
• 💸 A 75-year-old waitress, Glenda Cleveland, received a $1,700 tip from generous customers at the Old Gies in Temple.