As part of routine maintenance, the City of San Antonio, in partnership with the San Antonio River Authority, will drain the river along the River Walk from Jan. 11-19.

What you need to know: According to a news release, work crews will drain the river from West Josephine Street to South Alamo Street, including the downtown river loop and other extension areas. After draining the river, work crews will remove any sediment build-up and debris, while also inspecting the waterway’s integrity and making any necessary repairs.

Additionally, Go Rio Cruises will temporarily halt service in the downtown River Walk and Museum Reach areas until the work ends, according to the news release.  

A Houston-based standalone emergency room chain has expanded into San Antonio, opening its first-ever location in the city.

The full story: RapidCare Emergency Room opened its eighth overall location on Dec. 16, according to a Facebook announcement from the company.

It’s located at 13402 San Pedro Ave., just off of Hwy. 281 and near the airport in North San Antonio.

The healthcare chain also has seven additional locations scattered across the greater Houston area, according to its facility locator tool.

What they offer: RapidCare Emergency Room offers patients traditional acute care medicine with short wait times, according to their website.

The new San Antonio center has X-ray machines, an MRI and more diagnostic equipment to help treat and diagnose acute illnesses.

Patients can also participate in select rehabilitation treatments for a range of injuries and ailments.

• 13402 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio

A new pickleball concept is slated to open soon in San Antonio, offering indoor courts, a bar, dining options and more.

Latest update: Outlaw Pickle is scheduled to open to the public on Jan. 15, according to a Facebook post from the future business.

It’s located at the Park North Shopping Center, on the second floor, at 618 NW Loop 410, Ste. 202, in Northern San Antonio.

The new facility is headed by Founder & CEO Ross Krachey, who has a background in hosting tennis events across the United States, according to his biography on the Outlaw Pickle website.

At a glance: The new pickleball center will feature five indoor, climate-controlled courts with smart technology, according to the center’s website.

There’s also going to be 18-foot ceilings, a pro shop, locker rooms and more for players to utilize.

Memberships are also already available that include 24/7 access, discounted drop-in play rates, advanced event or clinic booking priority and more.

• 618 NW Loop 410, Ste. 202, San Antonio

A new U.S. Postal Service rule could impact when time-sensitive mail, such as tax forms and mail-in ballots, is considered officially sent.

The overview: Effective Dec. 24, mailed items are postmarked when the USPS processes them, rather than the date items are dropped in a mailbox. A postmark refers to the date and location stamped or printed on most mailed items, indicating when and where the USPS “accepted custody” of a mailpiece, per the federal agency.

Zooming in: According to the Texas comptroller’s office, the updated USPS guidance means items could be postmarked “several days” after they are dropped in a mailbox. This includes date-sensitive items sent by Texas residents and businesses, such as property tax payments, federal tax returns, mail-in ballots and required business reports.

To ensure that mail is postmarked on the day it is sent, customers can take mail into their local post office and request that the item be hand-stamped for free, according to the USPS. Texans can also pay property taxes and submit ballots in-person at county offices.