Tag: san antonio

Cat Links TOUR

TSA confiscates an 84MM Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle from a passenger’s luggage at a Texas airport

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the San Antonio International Airport confiscated a portable anti-tank rifle from a male passenger’s checked luggage Monday, according to a Twitter post.

The passenger was scheduled to fly from San Antonio to Las Vegas, where he planned to attend the Shooting and Hunting Outdoor Trade Show. He was planning to exhibit the weapon — a de-militarized 84MM Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle — at the show, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

TSA said the passenger didn’t declare the weapon, prompting its confiscation. Once the anti-tank rifle was discovered, TSA officers identified the passenger and escorted him to their office.

The passenger was able to provide paperwork verifying the rifle’s de-militarized status. An on-duty TSA explosives specialist also corroborated that it was no longer in use.

TSA declared he would not be able to fly with the prop anti-tank weapon, however, so he arranged for a family member to retrieve it, according to police. The traveler was able to rebook his flight to Nevada.

The San Antonio Police Department said no charges are pending at this time.

It is currently permissible to travel with a firearm as long as a passenger declares it, keeps the weapon unloaded, and stores it in a locked, hard-sided container within a checked bag, according to TSA regulations.

The 84MM Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle is a portable rocket launcher developed and produced by SAAB Bofors Dynamics, a Swedish defense giant, according to Military Today.

Texas code on weapons also indicates that it is illegal to own a rocket launcher unless registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives.

… Read the rest

Cat Links TOUR

TSA finds demilitarized anti-tank rifle in checked luggage at San Antonio airport

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart

TSA agents in Texas found an undeclared anti-tank rifle stowed in checked luggage – but the owner has escaped charges after proving he demilitarized the piece.  

The 84MM Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle was deconstructed and packed in its hard-shell case when discovered during the baggage screening process in San Antonio on Monday.

The owner, who has not been publicly identified, was tracked down by airport security, and explained to them that the weapon he was carting across state borders was in fact just an exhibit item for the SHOT show in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

He was able to provide company paperwork that showed the rifle was made unusable – or demilitarized – which was later also confirmed by a TSA explosives expert. 

The anti-tank rifle was discovered by TSA agents at San Antonio International Airport in Texas

The anti-tank rifle was discovered by TSA agents at San Antonio International Airport in Texas

In a tweet posted by the agency's account, an image of the weapon, snug in its packing case, was shared, along with instructions on how to legally travel with firearms

In a tweet posted by the agency’s account, an image of the weapon, snug in its packing case, was shared, along with instructions on how to legally travel with firearms 

Still, TSA officers decided the potentially deadly weapon would not be allowed on the aircraft. A family member of the unidentified owner came to retrieve the rifle, and he was allowed to rebook his departing flight. 

The San Antonio Police Department told Dailymail.com that no charges are pending in the case at this time. 

Transportation Security Administration rules for transporting firearms

  • Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage
  • Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only 
  • Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only
  • When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments
  • Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins,
… Read the rest
Cat Links VACATION

Jolly Christmas in July events add joy to a miserable month in Dallas

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart


Baby, it’s hellacious outside. As the summer scorcher goes on and on, let’s rescue ourselves with visions of sugarplums, thoughts of frosty snowmen, and dreams of all things holiday.


These local “Christmas in July” events are here to bring joy and merriment to one long, sweaty month. After all, Christmas is just five months and some change away.


Santa Claus is coming to town, appearing at several places for photo opps. (Hello, Christmas card photos.) Don’t worry — he’s not requiring you to dig out your ugly sweaters, but an ugly T-shirt might just raise his spirits, too. Here are some holly jolly events and specials that’ll get us jingling all the way … at least until even-hotter August.

Christmas in July at Grandscape, July 21

Christmas in July comes early to the bustling shopping complex in The Colony, which hosts a festive event on the Grandscape Lawn from 5-8 pm Thursday, July 21. “Join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they take some time take time away from their summer vacation to meet with guests and take notes on everyone’s early Christmas wishes,” they say. The event also will include a big wave surf inflatable and tropical water slide, airbrush tattoos, Jugo and Pappas Snow Cones snack pop-ups, and pictures with one of Santa’s reindeer. The event is free and family-friendly, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from individual food vendors, the buzziest of which is the Portillo’s Beef Bus (details here).

Christmas in July at Lakewood Brewing, July 24

Santa will be donning his summer best for his first visit to this popular brewery’s new-and-improved beer garden, and he wants guests to do the same. There’ll be an “ugly T-shirt contest” with prizes for both humans and dogs. Even

… Read the rest
Cat Links HOTEL

13 Hotels to Book for a Trip to San Antonio

Posted on Thomas B. Stewart
Hotel Emma

Hotel Emma

Courtesy of The Hotel Emma

San Antonio is a great example of the phrase “everything is bigger in Texas.” As the seventh largest city in the U.S., it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with five 18th-century missions and an impressive concentration of Spanish colonial architecture. The heart of much of the action centers around the River Walk, a 15-mile network of paths that connect various shops, restaurants, and hotels along the San Antonio River. However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to deciding how to spend your time here.

San Antonio has over 50 golf courses and several theme parks, including Legoland and Six Flags. The city is also home to The Culinary Institute of America, which focuses on Latin American cuisine, so there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. And, of course, no trip to San Antonio would be complete without visiting The Alamo, which marks the infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico.

When planning a San Antonio vacation, many visitors gravitate toward hotels along the River Walk—but there are plenty of other great hotel options in the city. Here, we’ve listed some of our top picks for your next San Antonio trip.

Best Hotels in San Antonio of 2022

Editor’s Pick: Hotel Emma

Why We Chose It
Located within a 10-minute drive of Pearl District and the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, the historic Hotel Emma sits right on the river and is a hotspot for foodies.

Key Specs

  • Free Wifi: Yes

  • Resort fee: No

  • Room rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities
Complimentary La Babia margarita upon check-in; complimentary cruiser bikes and house car available for guest use; rooftop pool; twice-daily housekeeping includes turndown service with Bakery Lorraine’s macarons

 

Once a 19th-century brewhouse, Hotel Emma

… Read the rest