

Cover Story
Sprouting Up: After a slow start, the Healthy Corner Stores initiative is planting oases in food deserts
Under the program, the city supplies participating stores with no-cost refrigeration units and access to affordable fresh produce in exchange for the promise they’ll make it available to customers.
Iconic San Antonio diner the Pig Stand sold to developer as part of Broadway land deal
‘We knew it was coming. Look around us. We’re being swallowed up,’ Pig Stand owner Mary Ann Hill said.
Texas’ shortage of mental health care professionals is getting worse
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already short supply of therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers.
San Antonio’s Second Pitch Beer Co. to host homebrew competition focused on Double IPAs
The contest will raise funds for Alzafar Shrine Center in San Antonio so it can continue offering no-cost medical care to families.
New-to-San Antonio chain FiiZ Drinks to hold grand opening this Saturday for Broadway store
To celebrate the grand opening, the drive-thru spot will offer free customizable drinks.
In op-ed, San Antonio U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro calls out publishing industry for failing Latinos
On Wednesday, Castro also announced that he’d secured $102,250 in federal funding for the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Latino Bookstore Education and Outreach Literacy Program.
San Antonio residents with outstanding traffic tickets can avoid arrest thanks to city program
The Warrant Resolution Campaign will launch next week and run through March 30.
San Antonio police chief says authorities ready to shut down ‘street takeover’ events
At least four street takeovers paralyzed traffic in Austin over the weekend.
San Antonio’s Beacon Hill Market & Deli now serving Philly-style sandwiches north of downtown
The deli is even flying in Philly-made Amoroso hearth-baked rolls for its overstuffed sandwiches.
Guns N’ Roses’ world tour will rock San Antonio’s Alamodome in September
The legendary band’s Alamo City stop is part of its first North American tour since 2021.
Texas bill would allow cities and counties to make call on whether to legalize cannabis
Adults 21 and over could possess up to 2.5 ounces of pot, including up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrates, under the bill.
Alamodome pulling in record-setting crowds in run-up to 30th anniversary
More than a million attendees have passed through the stadium’s gates since January 2022.
Supporters of San Antonio Justice Charter accuse city attorney Andy Segovia of undermining democracy
Activists said Segovia’s comment that their cannabis-decriminalization ballot initiative is ‘unenforceable’ is an attempt to thwart its success at the ballot box.
As COVID-19 grabbed the world’s attention, Texas’ efforts to control tuberculosis slipped
Responding to COVID-19 has taken so much attention and energy that some public health workers believe it pushed tuberculosis off people’s radar.
Don’t be salty: here’s where to get a National Margarita Day deal in San Antonio Feb. 22
The Hayden, Picks Bar and Smashin’ Crab are all getting in on the salty, lime-loaded fun.
San Antonio business tycoon Red McCombs dead at 95
McCombs is the founder of the Red McCombs Automotive group and the former owner of the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio’s Alamodome to host first ever XFL Championship game in May
League co-owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made the announcement at the Alamodome Sunday.
Owners of San Antonio’s Up Scale, Little Em’s Oyster Bar provide opening update for sushi concept
Restauranteurs Houston and Emily Carpenter are now eyeing an October opening date for Nineteen Hyaku.
Ohio firm sues San Antonio-tied Black Rifle Coffee, alleging it hasn’t paid royalties
The Feb. 3 lawsuit alleges that Black Rifle currently owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in ‘unpaid, past-due royalties.’
Teen cannabis use continues to decline, according to study
That’s despite more states legalizing its use for adults.
Alamo Drafthouse outfitting one of its San Antonio theaters with premium reclining seats
Renovations at the Alamo Drafthouse’s Stone Oak location are expected to wrap up in late April.
The governor’s grid gambit
Texas utility regulators are hawking a convoluted and costly policy for grid reliability — despite strong resistance from energy experts and even big business.
Despite decades of mass shootings in Texas, legislators have failed to pass meaningful gun control laws
State lawmakers have rejected dozens of bills that would have prevented people from legally obtaining weapons used in many mass shootings. Instead, they’ve made it easier for residents to get guns and harder for local governments to regulate them.
Texas border Republican accuses GOP of using immigration crisis for politics
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales said in an interview with the Washington Examiner that his fellow Republicans benefit politically from a sustained border crisis. The attack indirectly alluded to U.S. Rep. Chip Roy’s contentious border security bill.
Family of San Antonio teen killed by police will move forward with civil rights lawsuit, attorney says
A Bexar County grand jury opted not to indict SAPD officer Stephen Ramos on Thursday.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson jetting into San Antonio for XFL game at the Alamodome
The Hollywood star may announce that the Alamodome will the host the XFL’s championship game, according to one source.
Inaugural San Antonio Pizza Festival will take over Northwest side restaurant this fall
The inaugural fest will take place at Northwest San Antonio eatery Alamo Biscuit Co.
Larry Garza, Public School Funding: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Many readers also read our remembrance of famed San Antonio artist Jesse Treviño.
Grand jury declines to indict San Antonio police officer for shooting unarmed 13-year-old
Thursday’s decision is the second time a grand jury has declined to indict SAPD Officer Stephen Ramos for fatally shooting a civilian.
Top Ranked Restaurants, Side Chicks: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Restaurant Claudine and Cullum’s Attaboy are in the news this week after appearing on Texas Monthly‘s 2023 Best New Restaurants list.
The San Antonio Zoo welcomes the spring season with Blooms, Bees and Butterflies
The zoo will kick off spring with buzzy festivities including animal encounters, dance parties, craft stations and educational performances.
After three-year hiatus, San Antonio Food Bank is reviving fashion-focused Runway fundraiser
The event marries fashion and philanthropy in the name of fighting hunger in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
Latino-founded bank raises $4.5 million to build financial hub for Spanish-speaking immigrants
Comun provides Latino immigrants access to traditional financial services without requiring a social security number.
San Antonio’s Woodlawn and Elmendorf lakes to make canoes, kayaks available for rent
The program, scheduled to launch this spring, will allow visitors to the two city-operated recreational areas to rent watercraft.
San Antonio’s Pearl complex to host free party for James Beard semifinalist Nicola Blaque
Blaque is the chef-owner of nationally lauded Jamaican eatery The Jerk Shack and the Pearl concept Mi Roti.
Protesters gather ahead of Gov. Greg Abbott’s speech to decry his scapegoating of immigrants
Activists from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Texas Civil Rights Project, Latino Justice and other groups staged the rally before Abbott’s State of the State address.
D.C.-based DOJ investigators take over corruption probe into Attorney General Ken Paxton
Paxton’s lawyer had argued that federal prosecutors based out of San Antonio had an “obvious conflict” in the investigation.
Analysis: Gov. Greg Abbott’s bunkered State of the State speech a sign of weakness, not strength
Despite the governor’s tough talk, his carefully controlled event shows he’s terrified of discussion and debate.
Huzzah! Central Texas renaissance fest Sherwood Forest Faire opens Mar. 4
The Robin Hood-inspired festival includes entertainment, shows, vendors and jousting.
San Antonio artist and activist Suzy González debuts new portraits in solo exhibition ‘Plantcestors’
The exhibition, held at Galeria E.V.A., will have its opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 18, and will be available to view by appointment through Mar. 4.
Old Settler’s Music Festival returns for four days of Americana music north of San Antonio in April
The 36th annual event will feature tunes from Yola, The Wood Brothers, Elephant Revival and more.
San Antonio City Council approves pot- and abortion-decriminalization measure to go before voters in May
An anti-abortion group filed a petition with the Texas Supreme Court this week arguing that the proposed initiative is illegal.
Black and Hispanic Texans say they don’t trust the quality of their water
A survey was commissioned by the nonprofit organization Texas Water Trade and included responses from households in both rural border communities and in urban areas across Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth.
These San Antonio restaurants will celebrate Mardi Gras with special menus, parties, events
The Rustic, Künstler Brewing, Dog and Pony and more are getting in on the Mardi Gras action.
Black Restaurant Week San Antonio kicks off Feb. 26, featuring nearly 30 restaurants, food trucks
Participating restaurants such as Ma Harper’s, Mark’s Outing and Southern Roots Vegan Bakery are raising money for the San Antonio Food Bank.
Owner of San Antonio bar Moses Rose’s says negotiations with state officials for its sale have failed
‘All I can say is we will continue to fight. My family will continue to fight,’ owner Vince Cantu said Wednesday.
San Antonio City Councilman Clayton Perry won’t seek re-election
Perry faces both hit-and-run and DWI charges and has been on a leave of absence from council.
New study: Texans worried about layoffs as recession fears mount
Residents in four Texas metros, including San Antonio, were among the 10 most worried about layoffs.
San Antonio Icehouse Week will celebrate city’s outdoor drinking spots with discounts and prizes
The 10-day celebration kicks off on Friday, Feb. 24.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro lands $1 million in federal funds to combat domestic violence in San Antonio
The funding will go to programs that train social workers and help victims and their families.
San Antonio chef Johnny Hernandez to reopen Southtown’s Casa Hernán as a Mexican cantina
The new venture will offer botanas, cocktails and tequila in a space featuring Mexican art and bold color schemes.
Top Texas education official admits on audio that governor’s voucher plan would cut public school funds
Deputy Texas Education Agency Commissioner Steve Lecholop — a former San Antonio ISD school board member — said the program would mean ‘less money’ for school districts.
San Antonio group behind Toro Kitchen + Bar, The Cellar Mixology plans multi-concept expansion
The expansion will begin with The Bunker Mixology, a subterranean bar located inside the former downtown site of Jet Setter.
San Antonio’s free Mardi Gras celebration returns to the River Walk this weekend
The two-day Mardi Gras celebration will include live music, a river parade and a new River Walk Royalty coronation.
‘Intellectual Warfare’: New York’s Show Me the Body is about empowerment, not protest music
The band will stop at San Antonio’s Paper Tiger Tuesday, Feb. 21, with Jesus Piece, Scowl, Zulu and TRiPPJONES opening.
Writer and comic Nimesh Patel brings stand-up to San Antonio’s LOL Comedy Club this weekend
Patel has earned high-profile writing gigs including a stint as the first Indian American writer on Saturday Night Live.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: The Bright Light Social Hour, Ari Lennox, Bronco and more
Mouse-masked DJ Deadmau5, Los Lonely Boys and Quasi are also performing in SA this week.
San Antonio stand-up comic and Comedia A Go-Go co-founder Larry Garza has died at age 41
Garza chose to deal with his cancer diagnosis the only way he knew how: by laughing his way through it.
Sen. Ted Cruz most likely not running for president, instead focused on seeking third term
Cruz is seeking a third term even though he filed a constitutional amendment last month that would limit senators’ terms to two.
Study ranks Texas among the nation’s least-educated states
Texas’ low educational attainment could be a strike against its economic growth, one expert noted.
Negotiations between San Antonio officials and Moses Rose’s bar owner to begin Wednesday
On Tuesday, LULAC and Moses Rose’s owner Vince Cantu appeared outside City Hall to call for a delay in negotiations.
San Antonio Brahmas to face St. Louis Battlehawks in first game at the Alamodome Sunday, Feb. 19
San Antonio sports fans can catch a glimpse of the franchise and see what Brahmas head coach, former NFL star Hines Ward, has put together on the field.
Drag duo Trixie and Katya descend upon San Antonio for sold out show at the Majestic Theatre
The bottle blonde pair’s San Antonio stop is one of just two Texas dates.
San Antonio’s Pearl complex scraps biergarten plans for upcoming Stable Hall music venue
The new venture, dubbed Stable Hall, and its adjacent biergarten were originally set to open this spring.
Group files complaint alleging San Antonio police union illegally used dues for 2021 political campaign
The complaint filed with the Texas Ethics Commission accuses the powerful union of illegally spending more than $600,000 to fight Proposition B.
San Antonio’s Bakudan Ramen to open Bandera Road location this week
The new shop will be the San Antonio-based mini-chain’s third location.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story pays tribute to the iconic musical duo at the Empire Theatre this week
This concert-style theater performance comes to San Antonio for four shows this weekend.
San Antonio-born synth-pop act Hyperbubble to screen its documentary at Lonesome Rose
Cowgirls and Synthesizers will have its first public screening Sunday, Feb. 19.
Revered San Antonio visual artist Jesse Treviño has died following battle with cancer
Treviño’s works of public art include the 93-foot-high angel mural on Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital.
Bad Takes: The seven least-dumb things Jordan Peterson said on Joe Rogan’s podcast
From blasting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ censorship to urging rationality instead of conspiracy theories, he actually said a few things that make sense.
Appointee of San Antonio Councilman Clayton Perry says he’s running for District 10 seat
It remains unclear whether embattled District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry will seek reelection.
San Antonio hotel ranked among most romantic in the nation just ahead of Valentine’s Day
The historic Omni La Mansion de Rio was named the No. 7 most romantic hotel in the country.
25 San Antonio restaurants participating in Fourth Annual Girl Scout Cookie Flavor Fest
Each restaurant will offer limited-time culinary creations that riff on classic Girl Scout Cookie flavors.
San Antonio police shooting from last year puts Chicago mayoral candidate on the defensive
Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas’ son was one of three San Antonio officers accused of shooting a Black suspect as he fled on foot.
How to avoid getting ‘catfished’ by romantic scammers around Valentines Day
Nearly 1,800 Texans lost an average of $37,000 to romantic scammers in 2022.
CityScrapes: San Antonio owes the public better transparency on its delayed construction projects
Too many delays and too many unexplained disruptions might well lead to far more ‘no’ votes on the next big bond program.
San Antonio’s Arte y Pasión to showcase two Madrid-based flamenco masters this week
In CONTRA | TIERRA, visiting dancers El Caballero and La Nerea will be joined by Arte y Pasión artistic director Tamara Adira, vocalist La Memphi and guitarist Jose Manuel Tejeda.
Ax-throwing, rage room venue Unchartered Adventures opening in San Antonio suburb of Selma
The venue’s rage rooms will feature smashable items such as dishes, bottles, flat screen monitors, pianos and real cars.
Three San Antonio breweries earn gold medals at 2023 Texas Craft Brewers Cup
Roadmap Brewing Co., Freetail Brewing Co. and Dorćol Distilling and Brewing all brought home top honors.
San Antonio ranks low on list of most-glamorous cities, lagging behind Dallas, Austin and Houston
Both Dallas and Houston made the top 10, but San Antonio didn’t even crack the top 30.
Attorney General Ken Paxton agrees to apologize and pay $3.3 million to whistleblowers in settlement
Paxton and the four whistleblowers asked the Texas Supreme Court to defer consideration of the case until they can finalize the settlement, after which they’ll move to end the case.
Survey: the average Texan would travel less than five hours for long-distance relationship
The national average was around six hours, and residents of one state said they’d drive just two hours.
San Antonio’s Starlighter to host rodeo-themed drag brunch
The venue’s latest drag show comes after the venue received threats from right-wing extremists late last year.
Three San Antonio restaurants land on Yelp’s list of Texas’ most romantic dining places
Biga On The Banks, Bliss and Toro Kitchen + Bar are among the most romantic restaurants in Texas, according to the review site.
Walking Dead cast members headed to San Antonio for Valentine’s-themed horror market
Cast members will appear at Wonderland of the Americas on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12.
Two San Antonio dining spots make Texas Monthly’s 2023 Best New Restaurants list
Restaurant Claudine and Cullum’s Attaboy made the list, while Allora and Ladino earned honorable mentions.
Steve Browne, daytime TV stalker: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Stories dealing with organized gambling’s efforts to gain entry into the Texas market and concerns about SAPD’s new “hot spot” policing strategy also racked up lots of reads.
New exhibition of Latinx Texan artists ‘Soy de Tejas’ is now on view at Centro de Artes
The exhibition features more than 100 works by 40 contemporary native Texas and Texas-based Latinx artists.
Mxicanna Cafe, Jackie’s Desert Rose: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Lucy Cooper’s chef-owner Braunda Smith and the new Rosario’s also made our top-read stories.
Fired San Antonio police officer pleads guilty to family violence to stay out of jail
Adam Franklin-Alonso pleaded guilty last month to a single misdemeanor count of assault causing bodily injury — family violence, according to a news report.
Forget the chocolates — yuk it up with Texas comics at Valentine’s Day show Box of Laughs instead
Dallas Vann will emcee for a lineup including Justin Governale, Ben Horn, Will Mosely, Ava Smartt, Holly Hart and Tori Pool.
San Antonio-based company looks to build buzz around its non-alcoholic, hemp-infused spirits
The company, owned by a former corporate wellness coach, is looking for statewide distribution.
Founder of San Antonio vegan chain Project Pollo debuts concept offering real chicken on its menu
If the Side Chicks concept is successful, it could expand to more stores.
If aphrodisiac foods are on your Valentine’s Day menu, why not source them locally?
We identified spots where romantic San Antonians can find locally sourced versions of these alleged mood-enhancers.
Environmentalists blast San Antonio’s attempt to relocate Brackenridge Park birds
Large swaths of the near-downtown park are now closed to the public while work crews try to frighten away migratory birds.
Former San Antonio weatherman Steve Browne deletes post blaming women for sportscaster’s departure
Former KSAT news anchor Karen Gallagher criticized Browne’s claim that decisions by women leaders at the station prompted Greg Simmons’ departure.
Dave Franco and Alison Brie talk about collaborating on new rom-com Somebody I Used to Know
Franco and Brie co-wrote the script for Somebody I Used to Know, the story of a reality show producer who returns to her hometown after years away to seek a break from Hollywood.
Malevo to give fiery Valentine’s Day performance at San Antonio’s Tobin Center
Created by choreographer and dancer Matías Jaime, the group takes the art form of malambo beyond its traditional confines, giving exhilarating performances and producing an over-the-top spectacle.
Director of new indie horror film The Outwaters looks to slay on its opening weekend
The movie is presented in the found-footage style used in films such as The Blair Witch Project, REC and Cloverfield, but what unspools in the second half is singularly disorienting.
Analysis: San Antonio ordinance holding contractors accountable for delays welcome, if overdue
‘I was just asking questions: Why are we hiring these contractors when they’re not doing a good job?’ said Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, who authored the ordinance.
Burnt by love? This San Antonio chain will send your ex a blackened, heart-shaped pizza
Urban Bricks officials say the burnt pies, offered just in time for Valentine’s Day, will leave an impression both with sight and smell.
Rebuilding San Antonio Spurs land more draft picks by trading Jakob Poeltl to Toronto Raptors
After the trade, the Spurs now have 13 first-round draft picks through 2029.
Barkadelic benefit to raise funds for Southtown animal rescue the Footbridge Foundation
The Feb. 19 event at Brick at Blue Star will feature a raffle, furry fashion show, vendors and more.
San Antonio Justice Charter headed to May ballot, faces battle from well-funded police union
If passed, the charter initiative would decriminalize marijuana and abortion in addition to banning police no-knock warrants.
OPERA San Antonio’s Maria de Buenos Aires tangoes into the Tobin Center this weekend
The sold-out production will transform the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater into a gritty nightclub.
Electro-industrial pioneers Skinny Puppy and Ministry coming to San Antonio on separate tours
Skinny Puppy is kicking off its purported farewell tour here, while Ministry is bringing along Gary Numan and Front Line Assembly.
The Big Payback: San Antonio’s high-profile police misconduct cases could start costing taxpayers
Over the past 10 years, the City of San Antonio paid out a total of $1,566,300 to settle claims of police brutality and misconduct, according to documents obtained by the Current.
Rey Vargas faces O’Shaquie Foster in title fight at San Antonio’s Alamodome Saturday
SA’s own former WBA Super Lightweight champion Mario Barrios also is returning home to face Puerto Rican Jovanie Santiago.
‘Refined Reflections’: UTSA’s Zoe Diaz Collection exhibition reflects a gift to the community
The works now on display at UTSA’s Southwest Campus range from large-scale paintings and sculpture to photographs and drawings.
Bad Takes: Republicans’ opposition to legalized gambling in Texas isn’t rooted in reality
This state — which lent its name to the most popular poker variant, Texas Hold ‘Em — is leaving an awful lot of moola on the table by prohibiting gambling.
Little Bites: Naughty bingo, overproof Texas whiskey making San Antonio food news this week
Limited-run menu items from Boiler House, Garrison Brothers Distillery and Dairy Queen are also on the menu.
Sandbox Percussion brings a concert of innovative new music to San Antonio this weekend
The percussion quartet will perform at Temple Beth-El Sunday as part of the San Antonio Chamber Music Society’s 80th season.
The Pastie Pops to bring vivacious Va-Va-Valentine show to San Antonio’s Bonham Exchange
The show is sure to leave you — and your date — at least a little hot and bothered.
Food pop-up Saha to serve Palestinian cuisine at San Antonio’s Little Death Wine Bar
The new concept is kicking off a 12-Saturday run at the St. Mary’s Strip mainstay.
Ex-KSAT weatherman Steve Browne blames ‘women’ for Greg Simmons’ exit after DWI arrest
‘Management then was all male and humanitarian principles ruled. Now that authority is dominated by women,’ former KSAT meteorologist Steve Browne wrote on Facebook.
True Romance: Still trying to find the ideal Valentine’s Day dinner spot? Let us help.
These locally owned date-worthy spots in San Antonio run the gamut from sultry and sexy to easygoing and fun.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Danny Ocean, Mourning Sun, Bobby Oroza and more
Performances by San Antonio acts Avnue and Life Cycles round out the week’s live music offerings.
New physical theater play We Sail on in Darkness premieres in San Antonio this week
Written by San Antonio-based playwright Ruthie Buescher, We Sail on in Darkness will be performed at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church from Feb. 9-18.
Longtime San Antonio nightspot Bar America changes ownership after four generations
Owner Brian Correa is selling the 80-year-old business to the team behind Bang Bang Bar and The Dogfather.
Assclown Alert: Shitting on LGBTQ+ Texans with State Reps. Tony Tinderholt and Bryan Slaton
The pair wasted two hours in a failed tag-team attempt to tack anti-transgender amendments onto a procedural resolution.
Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s production of Fences debuts at the Carver Center this week
Thanks to a 2016 film adaptation starring Denzel Washington, Fences has emerged as a resonant and ever-relevant drama that’s touched the lives of millions.
Yeehaw! The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo rides again starting Thursday
The 2023 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo promises more than two weeks of bull ridin’, bustin’ mutton and innovative fair food.
Armed and Dangerous: Anthrax’s Scott Ian on the thrash metal pioneers’ history with San Antonio
Anthrax’s 40th anniversary tour with Black Label Society and Exodus hits San Antonio’s Boeing Center at Tech Port on Friday, Feb. 10.
Reigning Drag Race queen Willow Pill finally arrives at San Antonio’s Bonham Exchange this week
Willow Pill touches down in San Antonio for two makeup shows — originally scheduled for last summer — presented by Rey Lopez Entertainment and hosted by lovable camp queen Tencha la Jefa.






