This is TPR's roundup of the latest headlines and news developments. It provides a succinct and clear summary of the stories TPR is following.
Today's weather: Expect a high today of 92 and a low of 72. The coming days will see highs in the upper 80s. There are slight rain chances for the region.
The tropics: There is no significant tropical activity in the Gulf or Caribbean regions. The Atlantic hurricane season ends on Nov. 30.
Raul Jimenez dinner: Volunteer registration for the 45th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner is underway. The dinner has served senior citizens, underprivileged families, and individuals experiencing homelessness on Thanksgiving Day since 1979. More than 4,000 volunteers work every year to make the event possible. Registration continues at rauljimenezdinner.com until full capacity is reached.
Bexar County continues to see record turnout during this early voting period.
The Bexar County Elections Department reported that it continues to see record turnout at the polls. 52,393 people cast ballots on Monday.
By 5:35 p.m. on Tuesday, the Department's Facebook page reported at least 41,415 ballots cast.
There are 51 early polling sites. The most popular are the Brookhollow Branch Library, Northwest Vista College, and the Encino Branch Library.
Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday. Election day is next Tuesday.
Relationships are enduring tensions over clashing political views
Colette Fehr, a licensed marriage and family therapist who has helped many people work out their differences, said that she’s seen an increase in couples and family members coming to her for help about their different political viewpoints.
The first step, she said, is to be curious: “Part of the most beautiful aspect of a relationship is that we can grow. And we do that by addressing our differences and creating a safe space where we’re respectful and curious.”
She added that it’s okay to say you’re not in the headspace or mood to have a conversation about politics at this very moment.
Fehr encouraged people to be open-minded and understand that there are bound to be differences between family members and friends. But if they care about them, then it’s worth agreeing to disagree.
Trump vows to impose 500% tariffs on some Mexico trade goods
Former president Donald Trump promised to impose tariffs of up to 500% on specific goods from Mexico if he is reelected.
That could add an annual cost of more than $2,600 per household for U.S. consumers. Economists warned that even a modest increase could drive unemployment and poverty in Mexico, possibly spurring more migration to the U.S.
Moody’s Analytics predicted that higher tariffs might push Mexico into recession, with inflation rising and the peso weakening. These concerns have already impacted investor confidence, prompting companies like Tesla to pause new projects in Mexico until after the election.
With 83% of Mexican exports heading to the U.S., the country is especially vulnerable. Mexicans view the U.S. election anxiously, aware that the outcome could shape their economic future as well as the future of U.S.-Mexico relations.
Counties outside of Bexar County may be called upon to house local inmates
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told county commissioners on Tuesday that the jail is over capacity.
As of Tuesday, 157 local inmates were housed in Burnet and Kerr counties in an effort to meet state jail standards on local jail populations. The county pays those counties $65 and $85, respectively, per inmate per day to house them.
As of Tuesday, there were more than 5,100 inmates at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, which is slightly over capacity.
There are no cheap answers for county commissioners or county taxpayers — either pay other counties to house inmates or pay overtime to jail deputies in Bexar County, who are chronically understaffed. Another expensive solution would be to add more jail space in the county.
Bexar County commissioners approve 90-day burn ban, effective immediately
The ban would extend into the New Year's holiday.
County Fire Marshal Chris Lopez recommended the burn ban because of the fire-prone conditions that could lead to wildfires.
He told commissioners he may be back soon to recommend a ban on some aerial fireworks used locally to welcome the New Year. Roadside vendor sales of missiles with fins and rockets with sticks could be prohibited.
County Judge Peter Sakai said there seemed to be a pattern of the county passing a burn ban and then quickly seeing some rain.
Diwali will illuminate San Antonio in victory
Downtown San Antonio will be lit up this Saturday by Diwali SA, the festival of Indian origin.
It celebrates the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. It features music, dance, arts and more from India’s 28 states.
Diwali SA is Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to midnight at the Arneson River Theater and at Hemisfair.
