The McKinney Community Development Corp. awarded grants to multiple events as part of a program that aims to promote tourism in McKinney.

What happened: The MCDC board of directors approved $124,530 as part of its Promotional and Community Grants program during a Jan. 22 meeting. That money was awarded to 13 organizers of local events held in McKinney throughout the year. Another grant was awarded for the promotion of a music documentary filmed in McKinney.

MCDC’s promotional grants provide up to $15,000 for initiatives, activities and events that promote the city and attract visitors, according to its website. MCDC was created in 1996 after McKinney voters approved a half-cent sales tax to be used for grants and projects that enhance the city’s amenities.

The details: Grants were awarded for advertising, marketing and promotion of specific events unless otherwise noted. Organizers awarded money includes: 

• Heritage Guild of Collin County: $13,000
• Marching Music Made in McKinney: $7,000
• ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship: $10,000
• MillHouse Foundation: $13,500

Livewell Animal Hospital of McKinney, which is located in Shoppes at Stonebridge, opened in December followed by a grand opening Jan. 17, according to a business representative.

The details: The animal hospital offers a variety of services, including wellness and prevention services, testing and diagnostics, and surgical procedures.

• 801 S. Stonebridge Drive, Ste. 114, McKinney

Interested in news from businesses in the McKinney area? Check out 15 businesses now open, coming soon and other updates from the west McKinney area.

1. Chase Bank: The branch offers a variety of personal, business and commercial banking services, and includes a drive-up ATM.

• Opened Dec. 9
• 12141 W. University Drive, McKinney

• Opened in November
• 6541 Collin McKinney Parkway, Ste. 100, McKinney

• Opened Dec. 17
• 801 S. Stonebridge Drive, Ste. 114, McKinney

Severe winter weather has created a significant need for blood donations after forcing many donor centers and blood drives to close for several days.

The big picture: The national blood supply remains at critically low levels, a shortage worsened by the effects of severe winter weather across the country, according to a news release from the American Red Cross. In North Texas, Carter BloodCare closed all donor centers and mobile blood drives for four days, from Jan. 24-27, due to the weather and hazardous travel conditions.

“That put us down about 4,000 units of blood and blood components that would be for the local supply,” said James Black, Carter BloodCare’s senior public relations specialist.

Next steps: All blood types are critically needed, Black said, but particularly universal blood type O negative and platelet donations. Individuals who are eligible to donate can find their closest donor center and make an appointment online, although Black said walk-ins are also welcome.

Three Democrats are running for Texas attorney general in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The big picture: After three terms as Texas' top lawyer, incumbent Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate, leaving his office open. Anthony “Tony” Box, Joe Jaworski and Nathan Johnson are vying for the Democratic nomination to succeed Paxton as attorney general.

Looking ahead: The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican nomination in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

Three Republicans are running for Texas attorney general in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: After three terms as Texas' top lawyer, incumbent Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate, leaving his office open. Joan Huffman, Mayes Middleton, Aaron Reitz and Chip Roy are seeking the Republican nomination for attorney general.

Stay tuned: The winner of the Republican primary will face the winning Democratic candidate in November. The winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.