Feb 5-18, 2025
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ICE prosecutor in Dallas runs white supremacist X account
The Observer identified the operator of ‘GlomarResponder,’ an overtly racist social media account, as ICE Assistant Chief Counsel James Rodden, based on biographical details, other social media activity and courtroom observation.
Texas Banned Abortion. Then Sepsis Rates Soared.
ProPublica’s first-of-its-kind analysis is the most detailed look yet into a rise in life-threatening complications for women experiencing pregnancy loss under Texas’ abortion ban.
Report: San Antonio-area schools could lose more than $100 million in funding under voucher bill
Northside ISD alone stands to lose $41 million in funding, followed by North East ISD and San Antonio ISD.
Entourage actor Jeremy Piven bringing his stand-up comedy to San Antonio this weekend
Piven will perform Friday and Saturday at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club.
San Antonio sex-toy boutique Sexology Institute is closing
The shop plans to throw a send-off celebration on Friday, March 7.
Dark folk acts Wardruna and Chelsea Wolfe will perform together in San Antonio this fall
The ambient Nordic band has amassed tens of millions of views on YouTube.
Bad Takes: Trump’s and Abbott’s targeting of DEI is ripping MLK’s dream to shreds
The right-wing clickbait machine’s stoking of outrage over DEI has real and damaging consequences.
San Antonio Express-News owner Hearst buys Austin American Statesman
The deal takes place after Hearst bought Austin Monthly and Austin Homes last year.
Tenants at San Antonio’s Robert E. Lee plan ‘rebuttal’ to Weston Urban’s purchase bid
Tenants or a qualified nonprofit have 90 days to place a counter bid on the downtown low-income apartment building.
San Antonio Public Library offering free workshop on creating African American family trees
After the workshop this Thursday, researchers can access a variety of historical records offered by the library.
Atlanta-based Smalls Sliders will open its first San Antonio burger restaurant this fall
A local franchisee plans to open 12 of the stores with its first located near Marbach Road.
Cityscrapes: Why are San Antonio’s city leaders so apparently ambivalent about Project Marvel?
If the massive project is such a win for San Antonio, why has no local leader stepped forward as its champion?
Analysis: Gov. Greg Abbott spins damaging lies as he pushes school vouchers
Texas’ governor has let loose with some stunning whoppers as he pushes a plan to use state funds for private school tuitions.
San Antonio Zoo ranked top 10 in nation by travel magazine Condé Nast
The ranking is just the latest recent accolade for the San Antonio Zoo.
Owners of San Antonio cocktail destination Pastiche opening a Stone Oak-area location
The Pastiche spinoff will be located inside sports bar Tap Rack Social and focus on a high-end wine and cocktail experience.
Two arrested after viral nightclub brawl on San Antonio’s North Alamo Street
The area around Bentley’s Beer Garden and Bar House San Antonio is sometimes called ‘San Antonio’s 6th Street.’
Beloved Cajun restaurant Acadiana Cafe returns at hotel just outside San Antonio
The eatery has found a new home as part of a hotel in La Coste.
At San Antonio speech, Texas governor claims teachers forcing kids to change their genders
Gov. Greg Abbott’s assertion came during a stop on a tour he’s making to push his school voucher plan.
Ahead of week’s freeze, San Antonio opens temporary overnight shelters for the unhoused
The city is also offering a 24-hour hotline to request shelter.
State regulators approve Elon Musk’s SpaceX to release wastewater into South Texas wetlands
Environmentalists say the permit violates federal law, and one engineer accused the TCEQ of ‘baffling shortcuts.’
‘For Fran’ at San Antonio’s Ruiz-Healy Art offers another exhibition remembering Fran Colpitt
The exhibition features work by creators the revered art historian, critic and curator worked with in the 1990s.
Assclown Alert: Smirking along with Ken Paxton as Trump shits all over Texas
The Texas Attorney General had two big chances last week to protect the state. He blew both of them.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Cursive, Gipsy Kings, KPSA anniversary, The Texases
San Antonio’s Favorite Son will bring its blend of rock, blues, West Side soul and more to the Little Carver Theater.
Gov. Abbott orders TEA probe of Houston school for calling a student by chosen name and pronouns
The governor also called on lawmakers to prohibit the practice at all schools.
Authorities bust ‘sexually oriented’ San Antonio-area business called Pink Monkey Cabaret
Four suspects were picked up on Class A misdemeanor charges.
San Antonio police warn residents about arrest-warrant phone scam
Scammers pretending to be from SAPD call and demand payment in exchange for not executing a warrant.
San Antonio’s Northside ISD votes to join class action lawsuit against social media companies
The suit argues that social media content is responsible for bullying and other dangers facing kids.
World’s Largest Bouncy House wobbling its way to San Antonio this month
The event is part of the Big Bounce America Tour, and it’s open to all ages.
Who are the undocumented immigrants in Texas?
The estimated 1.7 million undocumented people in Texas are now targets of the Trump administration’s nationwide immigration crackdown. Here’s what we know about them.
Elon Musk’s federal downsizing plans could close as many as 450 Texas facilities
Musk’s DOGE reportedly wants to eliminate half of all federal nonmilitary real estate nationwide, forcing more workers to quit.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visiting private school in San Antonio on Monday
Protesters plan to be there in opposition to Abbott’s school voucher program.
Texas is poised to become a film haven — but not without a fight
The Texas Senate has proposed injecting a staggering half a billion dollars into film production, as economists and fiscal hawks question the return on investment.
U.S. claims migrants held at Guantanamo are ‘worst of the worst.’ Their families say otherwise.
The Trump administration has flown about 100 immigrants from El Paso to Guantanamo Bay. ProPublica and The Texas Tribune identified nearly a dozen of them and spoke to relatives of three.
San Antonio-Austin Rep. Greg Casar scorches Elon Musk during House hearing on DOGE
‘Five inspector generals that were looking into Elon Musk’s companies were fired by the Trump-Musk administration,’ Casar said.
More solar and battery storage were added to Texas’ grid than any other power source last year
Texas has become one of the nation’s frontrunners in developing renewable energy. In recent years, the state’s reign came from wind power coupled with utility-scale solar.
Trans Texans are under attack (again), but advocates aren’t giving in
With another legislative session that could pile on even more anti-trans policies, LBGTQ+ groups grapple with how to protect their communities.
‘It’s Demoralizing’: Trump’s climate funding freeze has left tribes and community groups in limbo
Despite court orders to release federal grants, many organizations working on climate projects still don’t have access to contractually obligated money.
San Antonio Councilman Manny Pelaez calls colleague John Courage a ‘buffoon’ for rejoining mayor’s race
In a shocking twist, 73-year-old Courage jumped back into the contest after suspending his campaign in December.
San Antonio Spurs may not need to wait for Bexar County to help fund new arena
The city could independently fund a new arena by using the state’s hotel tax revenue, state numbers suggest.
Texas measles outbreak doubles, reaching 48 cases
Vaccination rates in the county at the epicenter are substantially lower than the state average.
Magazine names San Antonio’s Emma as best hotel in Texas for second consecutive year
U.S. News & World Report praised the Pearl property for its high-end amenities, superb service and excellent cuisine.
San Antonio’s Our Lady of the Lake slashes staff and programs to deal with budget issues
The school blamed the cuts on low enrollment and higher operating costs.
Texas could sell 100 miles of border to feds, Abbott says
Abbott is in Washington this week to lobby Congress for $11 billion to compensate Texas for money spent on his Operation Lone Star, to secure the border during the Biden Administration.
Republican judge orders New York doctor to pay fine, stop providing abortion pills in Texas
The ruling likely sets up a court showdown over laws that allow doctors to prescribe abortion meds by mail.
San Antonio Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez expecting baby with husband through surrogate
The District 2 councilman said the baby girl is expected to arrive this July.
Dream Theater talks about its new album, Mike Portnoy reunion ahead of San Antonio performance
The progressive metal act will play the Majestic Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 16.
San Antonio educator arrested on charges he punched autistic student
Adam Verastegui, 47, is facing charges of injury to a child, elderly or disabled person with intent to cause bodily harm.
Canadian band Men I Trust will bring its lush dreampop to San Antonio in August
Despite releasing all its own music, the band has developed an international following.
Rock legend Pat Benatar hitting San Antonio with her best shot this April
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. this Friday
San Antonio’s Comfort Cafe to be featured on TV show America’s Best Restaurants
Comfort Cafe is a donation-based eatery chain staffed by those recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.
South San Antonio staple Bud Jones Restaurant warns it will close without customer help
Known for fried seafood and other hearty fare, the family-owned eatery has been open since 1958.
Texas foster home linked to boy’s death had history of fight clubs and sexual misconduct, report says
The death of an 11-year-old at a Greenville residential treatment center is among 16 deaths reported in the Texas foster care system in the last 15 months.
County judge approves election to decide whether SpaceX launch site will become a city
If a majority of the roughly 500 residents living around the South Texas site vote yes in May, Starbase will be the state’s newest city.
Two new San Antonio ice cream shops sweetening city’s dessert scene
Here’s the scoop on new arrivals Amorino Gelato and Muu La La.
San Antonio Museum of art offering ‘Romance’ and ‘Ruin’ tours on Valentine’s Day
The tours cover love stories behind some of the museum’s works and also look at love gone wrong. They also include wine.
Jazz powerhouses Kenny Barron, Chief Adjuah coming to San Antonio’s Carver Center
The Kenny Barron Trio will perform Friday, while Chief Adjuah takes the stage Saturday.
San Antonio cat who survived house fire now available for adoption
Glitch had burns on her paw pads, ash stains on her fur and a cough from smoke inhalation.
Six fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Weekend in San Antonio
From Valentine’s markets to goth nights, San Antonio is feeling the love this weekend.
San Antonio David Bowie-themed art show, dance party to raise cash for youth music nonprofit
Held this Saturday at the Corn Pound, the event will include Bowie portraits along with musical performances and a glam rock dance party.
State shuts down San Antonio charter school mired in controversy
The school’s test scores are well below average and student turnover is high, according to reports.
Homeowner sues San Antonio police, saying officers used excessive force during his wrongful arrest
The man said officers barged into his house last year after a break-in call and one kicked his leg out from under him.
These San Antonio restaurants still have space for Valentine’s Day procrastinators
Some are still taking reservations while others are seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
New dating app designed to combat ‘ghosting’ launched across Texas
Users of the new app After must explain why they’re unmatching with someone before they can keep swiping.
Gambling industry again pushing Texas Legislature to approve casinos, online sports betting
This is the third session, deep-pocketed gambling interests have looked for wins in the GOP-controlled Texas Lege.
San Antonio-area waterpark Schlitterbahn to hire 2,000 workers this month
Six Flags Entertainment now owns the park, which it acquired last year as part of its merger with Cedar Fair.
San Antonio’s Empty Stomach Group opening French bistro at former Hands Down spot
This intimate 24-table spot in Lavaca opens just in time for Valentine’s Day.
As Texas gets redder, John Cornyn could face toughest primary season of his career
Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has hinted at a possible run, has more support than the four-term senator among Republicans, polling shows.
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San Antonio’s Newlywed Block Party to take place Thursday ahead of courthouse weddings
A judge performs the ceremony for dozens of couples at midnight on Valentines’ Day, and the party gets underway two hours prior.
Texas coastline officially renamed to ‘Gulf of America,’ Google says
Facing actual geo-political crises, renaming a body of water is one way to distract the masses.
San Antonio’s Tobin Center staging Talley’s Folly, the latest play from its in-house company
The play, which starts its run this Wednesday, represents more than just what takes place onstage, according to the Tobin’s creative director.
San Antonio’s NEISD shutters three school campuses as $39 million budget deficit looms
‘We’ve been told the district is being transparent, but there are many factors that haven’t been discussed,’ one teacher said.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Smokey Robinson, Marcia Ball, Dream Theater
Los Juanos and Strawberry Jams are also playing a Valentine’s Day bash.
Project 2025 adviser takes the reins at EPA region including Texas
Scott Mason IV, a former deputy energy secretary for Oklahoma and member of the Cherokee nation, is the new administrator for the region that covers Texas and four neighboring states.
Man goes viral for holding up anti-Nazi, anti-Elon sign along San Antonio’s U.S. Highway 281
Commenters confirmed spotting him on San Antonio’s North Side, and some stopped to shake his hand.
Owner of San Antonio’s The Hayden clarifies that North Side diner isn’t in danger of immediate closure
‘Just to be clear, neither location is closing immediately and my intention … was to just be transparent with the realities of my small business,’ he said.
ICE used gas, armored vehicle to arrest immigrant in San Antonio
Authorities used the gas even though they’d seen a small child enter the home, according to court testimony.
Texas ranks in bottom 10 in new study on the best- and worst-educated U.S. states
The study comes as experts warn Gov. Greg Abbott’s school-voucher plan could further hinder educational outcomes.
San Antonio Zoo nominated as best in the country in USA Today contest
Readers have until March 10 to vote for the zoo in the paper’s Reader’s Choice Awards.
Acting legend Jacqueline Bisset shares thoughts on fame, her legacy and her love for powerful men
Her latest film, Loren & Rose, is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Trump’s aluminum tariffs pose new threat to San Antonio’s beleaguered craft brewers
Aluminum is one of the biggest expenses for small breweries, which are already struggling to stay afloat.
Texas GOP troll Briscoe Cain files bill to defund San Antonio Express-News, other newspapers
The bills would ban lawmakers from getting newspaper subscriptions from outside their districts and stop state agencies from paying money to news sites.
RuPaul’s Drag Race mogul Trixie Mattel bringing Solid Pink Disco tour to San Antonio
Tickets are on sale now for the Thursday, April 17, show.
San Antonio-native educator and Army veteran one of 10 killed in Alaska plane crash
Carol Mendiola Mooers’ family has launched an online fundraiser to bring her remains back to San Antonio.
San Antonio Icehouse Week launching Saturday with drink specials to aid animal welfare
The celebration, which runs Feb. 15-March 2, benefits the Animal Defense League and features deals at SA icehouses, bars and eateries.
San Antonio-based H-E-B unveils free-groceries-for-a-year giveaway in Super Bowl ad
The chain will give away one $7,000 gift card daily for the next 120 days.
The Texas Three-Step: Defund, demonize and privatize public schools
Vouchers become subsidies for families who had already decided to pay for private school, at the expense of public schools that must serve all students.
Texas reports new measles outbreak in West Texas
The outbreak in Gaines County, with a population of about 22,000, has grown since two cases were reported in January. All those who contracted measles were unvaccinated, health officials said.
San Antonio artist John Picacio teams with best-selling author on Día de Muertos-themed kids’ book
The Invisible Parade, which Picacio penned with Leigh Bardugo, author of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, will be available this fall.
Witte Museum CEO Michelle Cuellar Everidge looks to expand its appeal, celebrate 100 years
Everidge, who’s been with the Witte for the past 15 years, became its new CEO on Feb. 1.
Indecisive Book Club at San Antonio’s Parman Library takes a turn into Nordic Noir
This month’s pick is Reykjavik, co-written by Ragnar Jonasson and Katrin Jakobsdottir, the prime minister of Iceland.
Supper, the main restaurant at San Antonio’s Hotel Emma, is still a work in progress
The Pearl dining spot’s locally sourced ingredients are a draw, but it still has room to grow.
Texas’ social media law takes another hit with temporary blocks on three more provisions
The new injunction prohibits advertising and age verification restrictions in the SCOPE Act, which aims to make social media safer for teenagers.
Gov. Greg Abbott caught in a lie during school voucher rally in East Texas
Abbott claimed a public school principal quit because students no longer said the Pledge of Allegiance. State law has required its recitation since 2017.
San Antonio diner chain The Hayden ask customers for help, says Northside location in sales slump
In a message to customers, the owner said the past eight-plus months have been a strain on the business.
San Antonio experiencing a boom in built-to-rent homes, new study says
Developers are building 3,000 BTR properties in the SA metro this year, according to researchers.
Here’s where to get great grub while watching the Super Bowl in San Antonio
These local bars and restaurants are offering vittles while you watch the game or for you to take back to your party at home.
Is San Antonio’s ‘AK-Guy’ seriously a finalist to be Trump’s ATF director?
Controversial YouTube influencer Brandon Herrera never served in law enforcement but did run a failed South Texas congressional campaign.
Counting Hate: At least 61 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in Texas last year
The LGBTQ+ advocacy organization GLAAD, which tracks incidents, warned that threats against the queer community are likely to worsen under the Trump administration.
San Antonio police officer arrested on allegations that he assaulted his wife
Officer Ruben Vasquez, 53, now faces charges of assault bodily injury-family.
Health care access and economic insecurity top a list of challenges for Texas children
A San Antonio panel discussed the results of a new survey on the well-being of Texas children Thursday and proposed solutions to the state’s ongoing challenges.
Bad Takes: Whether from right or left, militant protest deserves mercy, not mass incarceration
It’s unlikely conservatives will scrape either the ‘Trump 2024’ or the ‘Back the Blue’ stickers off their cars following the president’s pardon.
The Weeknd will perform in San Antonio on Sept. 3, and tickets are now on sale
The superstar’s After Hours Til Dawn tour includes a show at the Alamodome.
Houston man pardoned by Trump arrested on child sex charge
Andrew Taake received a six-year sentence for assaulting officers on Jan. 6. He was arrested Thursday on an outstanding charge of soliciting a minor.
For San Antonio singer Sgt. Remo, reggae music is more than a form of entertainment
The vocalist and his band the Vibratones will play the San Antonio Coffee Festival this Saturday.
Students who skipped school for anti-ICE protest could face discipline, San Antonio ISD says
At least 3,000 of the students at SAISD are undocumented, and 90% of the district is Latinx.
Councilman Marc Whyte tells San Antonio City Council local fears about Trump are ‘overblown’
The right-wing councilman’s comment came as his colleagues discussed how the White House could strip the city of millions in federal funds.
De’Aaron Fox’s wife not thrilled to be back in San Antonio, new Spurs addition says
Fox’s wife Recee lived in San Antonio and played basketball for NEISD’s Lady Bird Johnson High School during her youth.
San Antonio’s ‘Spurs Lady’ laid to rest in team-themed casket
Sovia Lauriano got her dying wish this week after her casket was ferried in the bed of her Spurs-themed pickup truck to her final destination.
Vandals tag South Texas Elon Musk mural with ‘Deny, Defend, Depose’
The phrase is linked to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO because it was inscribed on shell casings left at the scene.
Texas school district warns Border Patrol may board buses, question students about citizenship
A letter sent to Alice ISD parents Wednesday said a student may be detained and possibly deported if they cannot prove they are in the country legally.
Austin stoner metal band The Sword reunites, plans San Antonio show
San Antonio is one of just two dates announced so far on their band’s The Return tour.
James Beard-nominated chef opening new ice house concept at San Antonio’s Pearl
Otto’s Ice House is a project of Levi Goode of Houston’s Goode Co. restaurant group.
San Antonio’s World Heritage Center will hold grand opening this Friday
The space will feature locally produced artwork and video testimonials from descendants of the San Antonio Missions.
San Antonio band The Fixations’ three-chord rock anthems crackle with timeless attitude
The high-octane act is one of the headliners at Pinche Punx Fest this Saturday at El Luchador.
