Despite reports to the contrary – and dozens, if not hundreds, of AI-generated “sightings” – Gracie the giraffe is still missing in the Hill Country.
Top Stories
Sheriff, internet detectives track runaway giraffe
FREE Search area spans Leakey, Reagan Wells, and Camp WoodBy mgarcia@ulnnow.com | on June 24, 2026
Staff writer Kaitlyn G. AlejandroUvalde Leader-News
SWTX board to see report on powerline death
By Hali Mecklin | on June 24, 2026
Enrique “Q” Serna, 45, died after a bucket he was riding in collapsed during Powerline Technician Program training. Another student sustained serious injuries.
Uvalde airport fuels screwworm mission
Aircraft releasing millions of sterile flies making stops at Garner FieldBy K ALEJANDRO | on June 22, 2026
Staff writer Kaitlyn G. AlejandroUvalde Leader-News
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released 40 million sterilized New World screwworm flies across Texas the week of June 18, and planes used for fly dispersal made several stops at Garner Field Airport in Uvalde. Between Texas and Mexico, the USDA releases about 100 million sterilized flies by aerial dispersal per week. Mexico is currently dealing with more than 1,500 […]
Caretaker seeks volunteers to tend memorials
By K ALEJANDRO | on June 22, 2026
Staff writer Hali MecklinUvalde Leader-News
For four years, Teresa Nira fished white crosses out of the downtown fountain after rainstorms, swept littered pecan shells and trimmed flower stems at three memorial sites in Uvalde for those killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting. Now, she’s exhausted. “I’m just really, really, really tired. I’m so tired,” Nira sighed, fiddling with a purple bracelet bearing the name […]
Foundation targets tennis court revival
By K ALEJANDRO | on June 22, 2026
Staff writer Kaitlyn G. AlejandroUvalde Leader-News
With reconstruction costs estimated at $100,000 to $130,000 per court, the parent-led nonprofit Terri Rambie Tennis Foundation is reviewing bids for a three-phase project designed to keep portions of the complex operational during construction. The foundation, formed by parents of local tennis players, is leading an estimated $2 million-plus effort to preserve tennis in Uvalde for future generations. Without the […]
City considers council pay, term limits
By K ALEJANDRO | on June 22, 2026
Staff writer Julye KeebleUvalde Leader-News
Uvalde voters could decide in November whether to raise city council pay, revise term limits and loosen residency requirements for future city managers if council members place city charter amendments on the ballot. The charter currently limits elected officials to three four-year terms. The mayor receives $50 a month, while council members receive $25. City manager Joe Cardenas suggested reviewing […]
STAAR scores leave school board worried
Elementary schoolers decline in math, reading and writingBy Hali Mecklin | on June 18, 2026
Staff writer Hali MecklinStudents’ scores dropped in reading and language arts in grades 3 through 6, and math scores plummeted across most years.
County sets plans for stray pets
By K ALEJANDRO | on June 12, 2026
Staff writer Julye KeebleUvalde Leader-News
Uvalde County officials have approved an agreement with Briscoe Animal Resource Center that establishes a process for handling stray and impounded animals in unincorporated areas of the county. County officials described the agreement as a significant step toward improving animal welfare and response to stray dogs, but emphasized it does not establish a county animal control department. Instead, the memorandum […]
Arredondo’s trial set for 2027
Judge says 'this case is getting old'By Hali Mecklin | on June 12, 2026
Staff writer Hali MecklinJudge Sid Harle said “this case is getting old.” If the current schedule holds, it will be almost five years since the massacre when a jury hears it.
Experts talk New World screwworm prevention and policy
By K ALEJANDRO | on June 10, 2026
Staff writer Kaitlyn G. AlejandroUvalde Leader-News
Ranchers moving livestock out of a screwworm-infested zone that now includes portions of Uvalde and Zavala counties may face permit delays of several days, Texas Animal Health Commission representative T.R. Lansford said June 10, adding that efforts to eradicate the pest are likely to continue for months. Texas has confirmed seven screwworm infestations since June 3, when the state’s first […]
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