Jessica Cha

1 week ago | kvue.com | Jessica Cha

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Hays County leaders are taking steps to address substance-related offenses with the launch of a new program The DWI & Drug Court Program aims to rehabilitate non-violent offenders instead of sending them directly to its historically overcrowded jail. The program is designed to break the cycle of repeat offenses often seen in the county’s courts and jails. District Judge Alicia Key says it's extremely common to see those struggling with addiction in her courtroom.

2 weeks ago | kvue.com | Jessica Cha

KYLE, Texas — With Mother's Day a month away, several Hays County social service organizations came together Wednesday to host a unique baby shower for more than 100 mothers. The event was designed to support expecting mothers, first-time parents and stay-at-home mothers by providing essential supplies and access to community resources. Organized by Catholic Charities of Central Texas — mothers like Natalia Castillo and her second child, Benjamin — benefitted from the event.

2 weeks ago | kvue.com | Jessica Cha

AUSTIN, Texas — City leaders and officials gathered on Tuesday for the Austin Chamber’s Infrastructure Summit to discuss the progress and challenges of several transformative projects set to reshape Austin over the next decade. Leaders expressed optimism about managing what they called an “historic” period for the city while acknowledging the growing pains ahead as they prepare for an overlap of several major infrastructure initiatives.

2 weeks ago | kvue.com | Jessica Cha

ROUND ROCK, Texas — Commercial beekeepers are abuzz, saying more of their bees are dying this year. Honeybee populations are plummeting across Texas and the U.S., with some beekeepers reporting large losses in their hives. If the trend continues, it could have far-reaching consequences for agriculture and food prices. Konrad Bouffard, owner of Round Rock Honey, said he’s seen an unusual number of bees dying or abandoning their hives this spring, compared to last season.

2 weeks ago | kvue.com | Jessica Cha

AUSTIN, Texas — After launching a sweeping plan to curb gun violence, local officials and advocates are giving us a better idea of how Travis County's hospital-based violence prevention program (HVIP) is helping the community. The initiative, part of the “Safer Travis County” resolution that county leaders approved in 2022, aims to reduce the number of gun violence-related deaths by providing support to victims of gun violence to help prevent future incidents.