

Cover Story
San Antonio restaurants are getting hammered by the heat, and owners worry worse is on the way
Restaurants operate on razor-thin margins, and San Antonio owners told the Current that oppressive temperatures are roasting their bottom line.
LA mayor blasts Greg Abbott for sending migrant bus to her city during tropical storm
The migrants arrived as the storm dropped 7 inches of rain in downtown LA, prompting flash flood warnings.
SeaWorld San Antonio launches policy letting visitors reschedule due to bad weather
The new policy covers early closures for roasting summer days when the heat index reaches over 110 degrees.
Will Hurd of Texas fails to qualify for first GOP presidential debate
Anemic poll numbers barred him from the debate stage, but Hurd also fell short of another requirement by declining to pledge his support for the eventual Republican nominee: ‘I will not sign a blood oath to Donald Trump.’
San Antonio-based Taco Cabana celebrates 45 years with new items
In addition to the new food items, the chain will bring back self-serve salsa bars at all its restaurants and throw a birthday shindig at one of its Alamo City stores.
Group helping San Antonio parents in college or training pay for childcare
The United Way scholarships provide an average annual award of $14,000 to parents pursuing higher education or job training.
Texas ranks as the state most susceptible to billion-dollar climate disasters
The drought now baking San Antonio and other parts of Texas also has the potential to be another billion-dollar disaster, according to a federal report.
Texas kept migrants imprisoned after minor charges against them were dropped, according to suit
The suit, filed in federal court in San Antonio, argues that Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star is detaining migrants longer than legally allowed.
New study ranks San Antonio behind Austin as a ‘taco city’
Cue the outrage: the Alamo City, where Tex-Mex was invented, ranked at No. 4 while Austin claimed the top spot.
San Antonio’s Fonda Nostra Bistró closes brick-and-mortar location
Family-owned Fonda Nostra Bistró started as a food truck and catering operation that specialized in cuisine from Veracruz.
Ted Cruz trolled online with old-ass fake photo of shark swimming down street
The clearly doctored photo has been widely circulated on the Internet for a dozen years.
San Antonio officials began talks with Spurs on downtown arena before NBA draft lottery
The revelation comes amid a community conversation about whether the team needs a new arena.
Renewable energy helped Texas’ grid survive summer heat, analyst says
Solar and wind have also prevented consumer energy costs in the state from being worse than they already are, according to the expert.
National Cinema Day returns for second year with $4 tickets, unlimited snacks
The event returns on Sunday, Aug. 27.
As the death toll in stifling Texas prisons climbs, congressional Democrats ask for investigation
Most Texas prisons lack air conditioning. At least 41 prisoners have died of heart-related or undetermined causes since the unrelenting heat wave began.
San Antonio’s Alamo Heights rated one of America’s ‘most envied’ suburban neighborhoods
The survey touched on topics such as Housing Affordability, Commuting and Infrastructure Development, among others.
Texas ranks as second-worst state in the nation for women’s equality, study says
Eight of the 10 worst states for women’s equality are led by Republican governors.
San Antonio Spurs plan members-only ‘dining and lounge venue’ for La Cantera site
The Spurs Club will offer bougie amenities including ‘multiple bars, fine dining, lounge and personal workspaces,’ the club’s website states.
Tacos of Texas podcast launches new season with look at school-lunch tacos
The latest season kicked off Aug. 15, and an upcoming episode will feature a San Antonio culinary competition focused on bean and cheese tacos.
Sukhothai Thai Restaurant to open fourth San Antonio location
The mini-chain serves up Thai noodle and rice dishes, curries, soups and bubble tea in a dozen different flavors.
San Antonio Missions cancel post-game fireworks due to dry conditions
Missions officials are replacing the firework show with a light display using flying drones.
A Texas dairy ranks among the state’s biggest methane emitters. But don’t ask the EPA or the state about It
An analysis by Inside Climate News, building on work by Climate TRACE, shows that tracking cattle emissions, site by site, is doable. But government databases specifically exempt agricultural operations from their greenhouse gas accounting.
Documentary features Bexar County families affected by fentanyl ODs
While the film is still in production, individual interviews are available to stream on YouTube.
Study: San Antonio ranks in the top 5 U.S. cities for bargain hunters
San Antonio’s access to consignment shops, flea markets and specialty reuse stores contributed to its high ranking.
Texas drivers vexed by toll road payment problems got little relief from state lawmakers
Double billing, rejected automatic payments and expensive late fees are the most frequent complaints about a toll system with different operators and rules across the state.
Tim Burton Exhibit, Poet Laureate: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
A story about the Alamo City being ranked as one of the nation’s friendliest metros also got a lot of attention.
Earl Abel’s, Chick-fil-A: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Yelp’s ranking of Curry Boys as one of Texas’ best places to eat also drew in plenty of readers.
Ken Paxton’s former personal assistant and ‘second son’ a star witness in impeachment probe
Drew Wicker testified that he ferried documents to Nate Paul on behalf of his boss and witnessed conversations that suggested Paul was paying for the attorney general’s home renovations.
San Antonio Pets Alive! holding free adoptions at its West Side site
All dogs and puppies adopted from SAPA! have received vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, microchip, spay and neuter surgery along with heartworm testing and treatment.
Los Otros completes ‘Puro San Antonio’ piece in Medical Center pizza shop
The new mural celebrates San Antonio-based chain Pizza Patrón’s 20-year anniversary.
San Antonio’s Espuelas — The Bar at The Bridge closing down
The bar, located under the Hays Street Bridge, quietly opened four years ago.
San Antonio’s Bamboo Chinese restaurant relocates but stays south of downtown
The restaurant has taken over the space formerly occupied by Jimmy’s Family Pizza.
Vista Brewing opening cafe, tap room in San Antonio’s Dignowity Hill area
The new spot is expected to launch this fall and will feature a menu focused on sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.
San Antonio has one of nation’s highest numbers of 311 calls about garbage problems
San Antonio experienced 8,929 trash-related calls per 100,000 people, the seventh-highest among U.S. cities.
Owners of dogs involved in deadly San Antonio attack indicted
The couple faces 22 years in prison if convicted.
Little Bites: Black Lab Brewing, Luna Rosa tequila dinner making San Antonio food news
Second Pitch Beer Company’s third birthday and Rooster Crow’s discounted pie slices are also on offer.
San Antonio Spurs to be featured in 19 nationally televised games this season
Last season, the team was televised nationally a meager four times.
Midland, Clint Black, Gary Allen among acts slated for 2024 San Antonio Rodeo
The 75th annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will run Feb. 8-25, 2024.
Critics accuse San Antonio Councilman Manny Pelaez of U-turn on justice reform
A staunch opponent of Proposition A, Pelaez is now pushing for a criminal justice reform policy after sharing details of his own 2011 arrest.
San Antonio International Airport breaks one million passenger record
The airport has added more domestic and international flight options for passengers since 2019.
Owners of San Antonio restaurant Cuba 1918 say staffers face racial harassment
The couple who owns the restaurant said some customers have been abusive to personnel based on their ethnic backgrounds.
San Antonio’s Netflix-famous Carnitas Don Raúl launching second food truck
The new truck will post up near the intersection of 1604 and Blanco Road.
San Antonio restaurants band together to help Hawaiian communities hurt by wildfires
Kain Na Filipino Cuisine, Sari Sari Supper Club, Hokulani Shave Ice and others are helping raise funds for Maui relief organizations.
Slab Cinema and The Dog Guide to host dog-friendly screening of Homeward Bound on Saturday
Dog toys will be available for canine pals to enjoy during the showing at Legacy Park.
Landscape with Invisible Hand envisions alien invasion as a corporate takeover
The film, which opens Friday, is ambitious, unpredictable and funny despite its flaws.
New accusations: Ken Paxton used burner phone, secret email account, fake Uber name to hide ties to Nate Paul
After Paxton’s lawyers sought to dismiss articles of impeachment as unsubstantiated, House managers responded by accusing the suspended attorney general of going to great lengths to cover up his relationship to the real estate investor.
Yelp users rank San Antonio’s Curry Boys BBQ as Texas’ fourth-best place to eat
Other Alamo City eateries, including Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy and The Pita Shop, landed on Yelp’s Texas Top 100 list.
Kyle Rittenhouse launches nonprofit with far-right Texans as he ramps up political engagement in the state
The activist known for shooting Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020 has created the Rittenhouse Foundation, which promises to fight for gun rights and includes leaders who have close ties to ultraconservative megadonors from West Texas.
San Antonio’s Alamo Beer hires 20-year craft-beer vet as VP of operations
Jan Matysiak holds a brewing science degree from one of the top programs in the world, and he’s worked for Brooklyn’s Sixpoint Brewery and West Texas’ Big Bend Brewing.
Nike nicknames San Antonio Spurs’ Wembanyama ‘The Extraterrestrial’
The athletic apparel company bestowed the nickname on the Spurs player in new online promotional posts.
Website looking for super-fan to taste test Texas-based Buc-ee’s snacks
The side hustle will pay $1,000 plus a $250 food allowance to someone who will review 25 of the travel-center chain’s food items.
San Antonio terminates poet laureate over his use of ‘racial slur’
Celebrated Chicano writer Nephtalí De León had only been in the position for four months.
Briscoe Museum closes out Summer Film Series with Jordan Peele’s 2022 thriller Nope
Nope stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as horse-wrangling siblings attempting to capture evidence of a UFO at their family’s ranch in Agua Dulce, California.
San Antonio man arrested after gun found in 3-year-old daughter’s backpack
The man was charged with felony child endangerment, and his daughter is now in protective custody, police said.
Summer Snacking: Whip up quick poolside treats using San Antonio ingredients
These three easy recipes are worthy of sun-kissed adventures.
Dog-friendly Northwest San Antonio coffee spot Cool Beans Cafe has closed
A new venture, Thirty Grind Coffee, is slated to open in the space.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: DJ Pauly D, Sa-Roc, The Acacia Strain and more
San Antonio rock act Sunjammer also is having a release party for a new album.
San Antonio and Texas politicians react to Trump’s latest indictment
Some took victory laps while others accused Democrats of ‘weaponizing’ the justice system.
Survey names San Antonio second-friendliest U.S. city
Three other Texas cities cracked the top 10, and one actually topped the list.
Gov. Greg Abbott tells woman to ‘go back to Australia’ on social media
Abbott took issue with the woman’s observation that U.S. residents appear to fly their flag more often than those of other countries.
San Antonio’s Dashi Sichuan Kitchen launching late-night menu
The restaurant’s Night Snack offerings include grilled-meat skewers, dumplings, spring rolls, garlic pork-belly rolls and more.
We tried Taco Bell’s new birria-inspired Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco so you don’t have to
The taco arrived piping hot and was also slightly bigger than we’d anticipated — but that’s where the positives ended.
Rock icon Alice Cooper is still touring, still recording, and that should come as no shock
Cooper’s latest tour will take him to San Antonio’s Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
Traders Village San Antonio unleashes Mesozoic fun with dinosaur-themed corn maze
The maze will be open every weekend in October and November.
Killeen woman gets 30 years in prison for role in Spc. Vanessa Guillén’s death
Guillén’s death triggered a national conversation about sexual violence in the military — and paved the way for changes how the crime is handled.
Country Music star Luke Combs to perform two shows at San Antonio’s Alamodome
Tickets go on sale Friday, August 25.
Pornhub sues Texas, saying new age-verification law shafts porn-site users
Pornhub and adult-entertainment industry advocacy group The Free Speech Coalition claim the impending law violates constitutional free speech rights.
Even after Planned Parenthood stopped performing abortions, Texas is still trying to shut it down
Planned Parenthood has managed to stay open in Texas despite the state’s best efforts to shut it down. But a lawsuit in front of a conservative judge poses an existential threat.
San Antonio Archdiocese strips 2 priests of duties over allegations they sexually abused minors
The archdiocese has reported the allegations against the two men to law enforcement.
Outdoor Family Film Series continues at the Mission Marquee with The Outsiders
The coming-of-age drama is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
One-woman show The Other Mozart puts the spotlight on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister
Maria — nicknamed ‘Nannerl’ — takes center stage in playwright Sylvia Milo’s tour de force one-woman drama at the Tobin Center this weekend.
San Antonio Spurs release additional 1,500 season-ticket memberships
The expanded ticket offerings follow the team landing Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 draft pick.
Study: San Antonio Spurs’ arena most injury-prone in the NBA
The analysis may worry fans concerned whether Victor Wembanyama will be as injury-prone as other big men in the league.
San Antonio craft-beer haven Big Hops closing flagship taproom on Huebner
Owner Rob Martindale’s decision to shutter the taproom comes as the American craft beer industry hits a lull.
San Antonio extends public pool season as heatwave continues
Nine pools will be open on weekends through Sept. 24, with two of them also including weekday hours.
Spurs superfan and Gregg Popovich share viral moment
Video of the hug between Coach Pop and the fan who drove 2,000 miles to see him has racked up 565,000 online views.
Longtime San Antonio comfort-food spot Earl Abel’s closing Broadway location
The iconic eatery’s last day of operation will be Aug. 21, according to the owners.
San Antonio Chick-fil-A stores giving away free spicy chicken biscuits
The back-to-school offer is only redeemable via the company’s mobile app.
San Antonio’s Commonwealth Coffee opens in former Rosella spot north of downtown
The spot near the San Antonio Museum of Art is CommonWealth’s fourth location.
Barrels of water left out for migrants mysteriously go missing in South Texas
More than half of the water stations in sparsely populated Jim Hogg County have disappeared.
San Antonio tech bro-turned-Trump insider Brad Parscale has moved back to Texas
The former web designer is reportedly in Midland, running a company that promises to shield conservative figures from ‘cancel culture.’
‘This is Halloween!’ — Tim Burton-themed exhibition debuts at the McNay Art Museum this week
‘Dreamland: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas‘ pays homage to the stop-motion classic, which marks its 30th anniversary this year.
Texas House committee report outlines possible path forward for school vouchers
The House blocked school vouchers during this year’s regular lawmaking session, but a report released Friday shows some members might be willing to approve a scaled-back version of the program that doesn’t compete with public schools for funds.
San Antonio’s Culinaria Restaurant Weeks starts this Saturday
Roughly 120 Alamo City restaurants will offer three- or four-course fixed-price menus during the fundraising event.
Little Bites: Southerleigh Haute South’s new family meal, wine pairing dinner at Zocca making San Antonio food news
Yuengling’s seasonal Oktoberfest and $1 breakfast tacos at Smokey Mo’s BBQ are also on the menu.
Child dies while en route to Chicago as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s migrant busing program
After a 3-year-old began showing signs of distress, the bus of asylum-seekers traveling from Brownsville to Chicago pulled over and an ambulance was called. The child later died at a hospital in Illinois.
A prison guard says she was forced to stay at her post during labor pains. Texas is fighting compensation for her stillbirth.
The seven-months-pregnant officer reported contraction-like pains at work, but said she wasn’t allowed to leave for hours. The anti-abortion state is fighting her lawsuit, in part by saying her fetus didn’t clearly have rights.
Statue of William Barret Travis unveiled at the Alamo
The statue, created by the artist James Muir, now sits in the Alamo’s Ralston Family Collections Center along with 500 other artifacts.
Dragon Bowl sets August opening in San Antonio’s Leon Springs area
The new Latin-Asian fusion spot near Camp Bullis will hold a grand opening Friday, Aug. 18.
Ken Paxton, Ron Nirenberg: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
An article talking to actor Damian Chapa about the cult film Blood In, Blood Out also racked up lots of reads.
3D model of Confluence Park stolen, San Antonio River Foundation asks for help
The costly model was one-of-a-kind and created by artist Robert Mezquiti, according to foundation officials.
Federal suit seeks to block San Antonio’s tree-cutting plan at Brackenridge Park
The civil-rights suit filed by two members of the Native American Church argues the plan violates their ability to worship in a space they consider sacred.
Laika Cheesecakes, Never Late Diner: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Taiwanese comfort food and brunch favorite Comfort Cafe’s new location also made this week’s top food news.
San Antonio the U.S. metro most at risk for housing shortage, report says
The San Antonio metro area’s housing crunch is due to its ‘buoyant’ housing market and large inflow of people, the Bank of America report said.
Locally owned Sofia’s Pizzeria opens third San Antonio location
The newest outpost, located at the corner of Evans Road and TPC Parkway, is currently serving a pared-down menu of pizzas, calzones and wings.
San Antonio’s Animal Care Services up for 26% funding boost in new budget
The increase comes in the wake of local dog attacks that made national headlines.
San Antonio nonprofit giving away 100 fruit trees this weekend
The even will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pearl Farmers Market.
San Antonio Zoo hatches 22 critically endangered tortoises
The arrival of the Burmese Mountain Tortoises is part of a ‘head-starting’ program that aims to reintroduce them into the wild.
San Antonio’s Chava Communications buys the Current and three other publications
The transition is expected to be seamless, creating no disruption to regular publication schedules.
New Trinity Press book compiles 40 favorites from TPR’s storytelling program Worth Repeating
Texas Public Radio’s live storytelling event Worth Repeating arrived in San Antonio in 2015 at the hands of journalist Paul Flahive.
San Antonio lawmakers call out post office for denying letter carriers water
In June, a USPS worker in Dallas collapsed and died while on the job. His family claims it was the result of a heat-related illness.
Report: Soldiers at Killeen’s Fort Cavazos unable to access dining facilities
A personnel rotation took many Army cooks off the base, likely leading to problems keeping the facilities in operation.
Three San Antonio spots land on Yelp’s Top 100 Dog-Friendly Places to Eat list
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen, Down On Grayson and The Cove made the list at numbers 9, 37 and 46, respectively.
San Antonio teachers participate in H-E-B back-to-school shopping spree
Southside ISD Teacher of the Year Jason Garcia scrambled to fill grocery carts during the 90-second spree.
Report: San Antonio federal grand jury now looking into Ken Paxton
Federal prosecutors have also called on witnesses close to Paxton to give testimony, according to an Austin-American Statesman report.
In video, San Antonio congressman shows blades on Gov. Greg Abbott’s border buoys
‘The state says they’re not a danger to anybody; well, I want you to look right here at this chainsaw device,’ U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said.
Ted Cruz ridiculed for telling CNN to leave the U.S. over one of its travel stories
Predictably, many responses brought up Cruz’s decision to flee to Mexico during Winter Storm Uri.
San Antonio-area COVID cases up 270% since early July, Metro Health reports
Experts blame record-breaking summer travel and relentless heatwaves across the nation for the spike in cases.
Tobin Center presents free screening of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on Friday
For this showing, the movie will be screened in the Tobin’s Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater.
San Antonio punk band Piñata Protest touring with metal heavyweights Brujeria
Although the tour includes five Texas stops, none is scheduled in San Antonio.
48 Hour Film Project to showcase new works from San Antonio filmmakers at Saturday screening
The event will feature more than 30 films created through the power of caffeine, creative drive and sheer willpower.
San Antonio FC coach scrutinized after reportedly threatening to call immigration on fans
The incident reportedly happened in the Hispanic-majority city of Phoenix during a game between the two cities’ USL Championship soccer clubs.
San Antonio’s Frost Bank faces possible credit downgrade over recession fears
According to Moody’s, small and regional banks are likely to face financial risks in coming months.
Damian Chapa making stop in San Antonio to celebrate 30th anniversary of Blood In Blood Out
Chapa and Blood In Blood Out co-star Victor Rivers will appear at Traders Village on Aug. 12-13.
British paper mocked for calling Texas A&M a ‘military college’ in the ‘hinterlands’
The description came in a film review of Netflix’s new documentary on the rise and fall of Johnny Manziel.
Democrats Colin Allred, Roland Gutierrez draw distinctions on key issues as they target Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024
Heading into the primary, the U.S. House member and state senator answer questions on guns, the border, abortion and other parts of their platforms.
Assclown Alert: Ignoring medical realities for the sake of cruelty with Ken Paxton
Paxton’s office is appealing a court decision that would let doctors make the choice to end complicated pregnancies that could endanger a woman’s health.
Guadalupe Dance Company to present Celebrando Tradiciones: Espíritu Flamenco Friday
The company is celebrating 32 years of musical performances, which have often included collaborations with master flamenco artists from around the world.
Drag queen Juno Birch brings her extraterrestrial charm to San Antonio on Thursday
Birch’s The Juno Show is stunning and suitably out-of-this-world.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Jenny and the Mexicats, The Queers, Kicksie and more
Los Cogelones, a Mexican punk band that sings in the indigenous Nahuatl language, is also performing.






