Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from new public transit accessibility practices to an arrest made in connection to a death during the summer of 2023.
VIA implements new measures for visually impaired
San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit has begun installation of NaviLens, an innovative new system for visually impaired riders that uses special, scannable codes. With NaviLens, visually impaired riders can scan the codes posted at VIA bus stops to receive arrival information and seamless bus boarding through the NaviLens phone app. San Antonio’s District 20 Representative, Joaquin Castro, secured congressional funding to support the implementation of NaviLens in the city, allowing for 6,000 planned NaviLens codes to be installed throughout San Antonio.
Landa St. Railroad underpass closed for construction
TxDot and the City of New Braunfels have announced starting at 8 a.m. Monday, the Landa St. Railroad Underpass will be closed for approximately three weeks, and is expected to reopen in early March if on schedule. The street will be closed while contractors repair and replace the rock retaining wall and sidewalk within the area of the underpass. Detours will be in place, and drivers should expect minor delays while heading through the area.
Resident arrested in connection to infant death
SAPD has arrested 29-year-old Mark Anthony Chavez in connection to the death of a 9-month-old girl in June 2023. Chavez made claims that the death was accidental, but experts claim the death of infant Isabella Chavez was the result of abuse. A warrant for Chavez’s arrest was placed on Feb. 8, and he was booked on Feb. 9 with a $150,000 bond.
