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Behind Bars: San Antonio wine pro Scott Ota aims to educate, one glass at a time
Ota has emerged as one of San Antonio’s most-celebrated sommeliers.
House colleague urges U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas to quiet the hell down after shouting tirade
Roy launched into a five-minute screed after the Senate passed last week’s omnibus spending bill.
San Antonio officials urge Valero Alamo Bowl attendees to arrive early to avoid traffic mess
Some free parking is available downtown — for fans who arrive early enough.
New federal legislation championed as bill of rights for underpaid, overworked restaurant workers
The bill calls for a ‘thriving wage,’ access to health care, paid-time off, and a dignified work environment.
UTSA-area bar The Well will reopen next month as third Big’z Burger Joint location
The spot will continue to include a full bar and host live music, while its beer garden will ‘become the perfect place for your kids to run and play,’ the owners said in an online post.
Two Texas businessmen pitched Trump on plan to overturn 2020 election, Jan. 6 report reveals
Morgan Warstler and John S. Robison, who have ties with former Gov. Rick Perry, met the president at the White House one week after the 2020 election. They advanced a fringe theory that state legislatures could overturn election results.
Texas’ Greg Abbott blasted for tweeting Christmas message after dumping migrants in freezing cold
“This you, King Herod?” one person tweeted in response to Abbott’s message about the birth of Christ.
Buses from Texas drop off more than 100 migrants in a bitterly cold Washington, D.C., on Christmas Eve
Gov. Greg Abbott reportedly sent the migrants, who arrived at Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence Saturday night. The governor has been busing migrants to Democratic-let cities since April and first sent buses to Harris’ home in September.
Texas is now home to 30 million people
Texas has joined California as the only other state in the nation with a population of more than 30 million, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
UT Health San Antonio will launch new trauma research program with military
The research teams are expected to focus on traumatic brain injury, stem cell research, drug development and anti-shock therapies.
Chain FiiZ Drinks taking over long-vacant Sonic Drive-In on San Antonio’s Broadway corridor
Founded in 2014, FiiZ currently operates three locations near Houston, and it has another in the works in Converse.
Salad and Go, Bésame: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Though most of this week’s top news was about new eateries opening, the cancellation of SA’s beloved Cowboy Breakfast was a disappointing development.
San Antonio among the best cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers, study says
San Antonio was one of only three Texas cities to rank in the top 20.
Why pandemic fatigue and COVID-19 burnout took over in 2022
In Year Three of the coronavirus, the focus shifted from public health to individual health.
Willie Nelson, Freezing Weather: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
The week’s most-read stories were a mixed bag that included several music stories and a look at Texas AG Ken Paxton’s latest authoritarian escapades.
Federal court ruling may prevent Texas teens from getting birth control without parental permission
U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a former religious liberty lawyer, found that a federal program that gives teens access to birth control denies a parent ‘a fundamental right to control and direct the upbringing of his minor children.’
Texans wanting to stay stocked with booze for the holidays must plan ahead for store closures
Texas liquor stores will be closed for 61 consecutive hours this Christmas — and again one week later.
The Escape Game opens first San Antonio location at The Rim
The Nashville-based company first San Antonio-area diversion includes five themed escape scenarios.
San Antonio Police release new security footage one year after Lina Khil’s disappearance
‘It’s not too late to come forward,’ Detective German Fuentes said in the video.
Monster Jam roaring back into San Antonio’s Alamodome in January
This year’s Monster Jam Pit Party will allow fans to get up close and personal with the massive trucks.
Colorful new mural on San Antonio’s West Side funded by Bad Bunny’s Deja Tu Huella campaign
The mural also features musician, actor and educator Brizzo Torres, who used part of her winnings to fund the project.
Traffic in Southwest San Antonio comes to a halt as police negotiate with man on overpass
Highway 90 and Loop 410 at Marbach Road are closed, according to police.
Little Bites: Chef Mary Lou Davis’ return, Lone Star merch making San Antonio news this week
Unique last-minute from holiday gifts from Maverick Distilling and a new food-focused podcast are also making news this week.
U.S. House Jan. 6 committee investigated four Texas conservative figures, transcripts reveal
The figures, who include leaders of right-wing groups and political allies of the Trump White House, largely pleaded the Fifth Amendment to questions about the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol.
San Antonio’s God’s Dogs Rescue needs temporary fosters ahead of this week’s freeze
The organization is looking for volunteers to foster dogs until the cold snap is over.
Texans should prepare for ‘life-threatening’ wind chills, but officials remain confident in power grid
Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders say Texans should protect their homes and vehicles as large portions of the state will experience dangerously cold temperatures.
San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit warns winter weather could cause delays, detours
Riders using VIA to travel to or from any one of the city’s seven warming centers can do so fare-free starting this Thursday.
Baseless rumor about San Antonio serial killer is debunked again, this time by USA Today
A Facebook post shared several thousand times claimed without proof that a serial killer active in San Antonio had killed nine women.
These San Antonio restaurants are open and serving on Christmas Day
The holiday season can be stressful, and adding holiday cooking to the mix can be downright anxiety-inducing.
These San Antonio bars and restaurants are hosting Alamo Bowl watch parties for football fans
The parties range from a downtown barbecue-and-beer bash to a gathering inside a local distillery.
Texas grunge band Toadies playing full Rubberneck album for upcoming San Antonio show
The single ‘Possum Kingdom’ made the album a staple of the grunge era.
These San Antonio art markets are offering last-minute holiday shopping and locally made goods
The last-minute markets will take place at Brick at Blue Star, Hotel Havana and Cherrity Bar.
15 Bexar County deputies and 7 San Antonio police officers were arrested this year, report shows
That total of 22 arrests was a slight decline from the 25 reported last year.
A Magical Cirque Christmas brings high-flying acts to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre
The touring production emceed by Lucy Darling will feature a variety of circus acts.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Chris Isaak, Ammo For My Arsenal and more
Do you feel like rock-n-roll Christmas music or brutal metalcore? Either way, you’ve got musical choices for the holiday week.
Three of the world’s 10 top-grossing music tours hit San Antonio’s Alamodome this year
Bad Bunny, Elton John and a co-headlined tour by Def Leppard and Motley Crue were among the biggest-grossing tours, according to Billboard.
Mexican Pizza Wars? Taco Bell is now testing two new variations of the double-decker snack
Taco Bell’s menu expansion comes shortly after San Antonio-based Taco Cabana launched a similar double-decker item.
Texas power grid expected to withstand extreme cold this week
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas expects sufficient electricity generation as much of the state will plunge into frigid temperatures.
Four in five Texas voters think cannabis should be legal for recreational or medical use
A new poll also shows that 72% of Lone Star State voters want to cut the punishment for possession of small amounts of pot to a citation and a fine.
San Antonio’s beloved Cowboy Breakfast officially canceled for 2023
Organizers of the event said the costs required to produce it have gone up.
San Antonio’s Pearl complex to host 8th annual Chanukah celebration Wednesday, Dec. 21
The free event will offer traditional Chanukah music, kosher foods and a menorah lighting.
City and county officials warn San Antonio residents to be ready for this week’s freeze
The city and county will open seven warming centers to offer short-term emergency shelter.
San Antonio upscale seafood spot Go Fish Market sets Thursday, Jan. 12 opening date
Go Fish will be the fourth venture from Houston and Emily Carpenter, who also own Southtown’s Up Scale.
U.S. Supreme Court allows rapid removal of migrants to continue as legal challenge plays out
Title 42, an emergency health order invoked at the start of the pandemic, allows immigration agents to quickly remove migrants from the country. It was scheduled to be lifted on Wednesday.
Congress leaves out cannabis banking reform from spending package
The measure is intended to increase access to financial services for marijuana businesses, including those involved in Texas’ limited medical weed program.
Beleaguered San Antonio Spurs facing off with the Utah Jazz on Monday, Dec. 26
‘We just have to keep fighting,’ forward Keldon Johnson recently told reporters. ‘No one is going to feel sorry for us, hold our hand or baby us. This is the NBA.’
Texas lead the nation in anti-LGBTQ+ protests staged at drag performances this year
‘The analysis shows increasingly violent rhetoric and incidents as the year progressed, including armed white supremacists demonstrating in Texas,’ the report states.
Cannabis reform group launches new petition after Texas’ Harker Heights rejects ballot proposition
‘These antidemocratic politicians are trying to throw away the votes of more than 5,000 Harker Heights residents — but we won’t let them,’ Ground Game Texas said.
Nitro Extreme car stunt shows coming to San Antonio in January
The shows emulate the gravity-defying vehicular stunts of big-budget Hollywood productions.
FDA recalls H-E-B dry cat food made in November, cites possible salmonella contamination
All recalled product has been removed from store shelves.
San Antonio teen in critical condition after accidental shooting, police say
The 16-year-old who allegedly fired the gun is being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Industry insights, beverage education on the menu at inaugural Third Coast Cocktail Summit
The Third Coast Cocktail Summit will run Tuesday, Jan. 10 through Saturday, Jan. 14.
Arizona drive-thru chain Salad and Go plans to open a second San Antonio store
At least 20 new Lone Star State locations are now in the works for the company.
San Antonio’s iHeartMedia will pay $65,000 to settle claim it aired misleading Google phone ads
The settlement comes less than a month after iHeartMedia struck a deal to pay $400,000 to resolve similar Federal Trade Commission allegations.
LA-based Dave’s Hot Chicken to open first San Antonio store this week
The West Side shop will be the first of eight San Antonio-area locations the company has planned.
AEW slams into San Antonio with Holiday Bash at the Freeman Coliseum Wenesday
The event will stage both the live AEW Dynamite and taped AEW Rampage television shows.
Federal government offers free COVID-19 tests again, just in time for winter holidays
After a pause since September, the free testing kits are back.
Federal health order allowing rapid removal of migrants must end next week, court rules
The Biden administration attempted to end Title 42 earlier this year before a federal judge blocked the move. A different federal court has now ordered that the federal health order be lifted.
New Texas maternal mortality report shows disparities persist
The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee report, delayed by more than three months, estimates that up to 90% of the deaths may have been preventable. Severe complications from pregnancy and childbirth also increased significantly.
San Antonio Zoo welcomes adorable cotton-top tamarin twins
The primates’ native habitat in Colombia’s Amazonia Rainforest is being jeopardized by farming and urban development.
Maria’s Cafe, Cuba 1918, Mexican pizza: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
A revered downtown taqueria got praise from the New York Times for its breakfast tacos.
California-based Iguana Burritozilla releases details of San Antonio tour with its food trailer
The California-based chain said its mobile kitchen will visit SA locations ranging from farmers’ markets to community events to workplace pop-ups.
‘Shit Sandwich Cop,’ Pearl Parking: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Folks also read up on an armed militia’s attempt to intimidate the city’s LGBTQ+ community by protesting outside a Christmas-themed drag show.
Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas reads sermon from pastor of church accused of ignoring sex abuse
An investigation highlighted church leaders’ failures to heed warning signs about a youth pastor later imprisoned for crimes related to child sex trafficking.
These San Antonio bars and restaurants are holding New Year’s Eve parties
Several of the parties offer views of downtown fireworks, and some feature live music and DJs.
Seattle-based Teriyaki Madness opening first San Antonio location at end of month
The brand operates 100 shops with plans to open 15 more in Texas between now and 2024.
40% of Texas men admit they wait until Christmas Eve to buy their partner’s gifts
On the other hand, 33% percent of Lone Star State women were guilty of the same last-minute scramble.
Voodoo Doughnut’s first San Antonio shop will begin serving next Tuesday
Holding true to the chain’s business model, the colorful downtown shop will sling donuts and coffee around the clock.
Texas GOP lawmaker hires Christian nationalist who called for drag show attendees to be executed
State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, hired Jake Neidert, 22, last month as his office’s legislative director amid a wave of anti-LGBTQ violence and rhetoric and ahead of a legislative session that’s expected to focus heavily on anti-trans bills.
From a science fiction sequel to a puzzling whodunit, which holiday film releases make the grade?
Check out these seven blurb reviews of new movies debuting at San Antonio theaters or on streaming services from December 16-30.
URBAN-15’s Holiday Laser Show brings festive optics to San Antonio’s Lila Cockrell Theatre
URBAN-15 will present two performances of the free show on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Texas state senator blasts Uvalde police response in congressional hearing: ‘It was cowardice’
Roland Gutierrez made the remarks during a hearing of the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security that was focused on bipartisan legislative solutions to gun violence.
Texas music legends Willie Nelson and ZZ Top pairing up for two San Antonio-area shows in April
Tickets for both shows go onsite this Friday.
Bésame — new San Antonio food truck park from owner of El Camino — to hold soft opening Friday
Bésame is situated on East Grayson Street at the site of the former Alamo BBQ building.
San Antonio among top 10 real estate markets to watch in 2023, report says
All 10 real estate markets projected to outperform the national average in 2023 are located in the Sun Belt.
Bad Takes: Ye’s antisemitic rants are a sign of a deep sickness infecting U.S. conservatism
Christian conservatives dogmatically repeat that ‘Christ is King,’ but somehow, the God of the Market still gets the last word.
Little Bites: Galveston Bay oyster recall, holiday menus making San Antonio food news this week
Wine tastings The Hill At Hye, a special holiday dinner at The Hayden and new Salad and Go location are also making news this week.
San Antonio’s ‘shit-sandwich cop’ now fired from police department in nearby Floresville
Floresville’s city manager said the department confirmed the officer’s state licenses, but he said he’s unsure how much online scrutiny it conducted.
San Antonio-tied experimental musician claire rousay playing hometown show on Friday
rousay is is supporting her latest record, Everything Perfect Is Already Here, which the UK’s Wire Magazine named one of its albums of the year.
Stage version of popular TV series Bluey headed to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre
Dogs Bluey and Bingo, along with their parents, continue to charm audiences with inventive game ideas and meditations on family dynamics and parenting.
San Antonio Tex-Mex staple Maria’s Cafe earns praise from New York Times
The writeup raved about the 600-square-foot restaurant’s breakfast tacos served on ‘buttery flour tortillas.’
San Antonio’s La Panadería tops Yelp’s list of 25 best spots to get hot chocolate in Texas
Two other SA-based spots, I Love Churros and Tlahco Mexican Kitchen, also made the top 5.
Texas AG Ken Paxton requested list of transgender residents from Department of Public Safety
A DPS spokesman said the department ultimately told Paxton’s office that the requested records didn’t exist.
San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum appoints Matthew McLendon to director post
McLendon brings experience from the University of Virginia’s Fralin Museum of Art and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art to the post.
Mexican Pizza wars? San Antonio’s Taco Cabana launching double-decker snack a la Taco Bell
The product launch comes a little more than three months after the debut of a musical Taco Bell sponsored about its own Mexican Pizza.
Armed militia shows up to San Antonio drag show, is met with even more counter-protesters
The counter-protesters, some of whom were armed, outnumbered the right-wing militants by three to one.
Annual sweets-and-cocktails event Dulce, benefiting San Antonio’s DoSeum, returns Friday, Dec. 16
New to this year’s event is a holiday-themed cocktail competition between top Alamo City bars plus a combination holiday costume-ugly sweater contest.
The Illusionists to appear — and perhaps disappear — at San Antonio’s Tobin Center Friday
The Magic of the Holidays show promises surprising magic acts and comedy with an entertaining and unconventional nod to the Christmas season.
Comedian Bill Burr brings Slight Return tour to San Antonio’s AT&T Center Saturday
Although his rants sometimes court controversy, the loud-mouthed, diatribe-prone comedian often skewers his targets with alacrity.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Daddy Yankee, Blue October, Randall King and more
Eclectic Chicago performer Victor Internet and South Texas darkwave duo Twin Tribes are also performing this week.
San Antonio Spurs facing Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night
With matchups against the Heat and Pelicans on the horizon, a home victory would be a welcome lift for the young Spurs.
Ukrainian band Jinjer playing San Antonio as ambassadors of their war-torn country
Jinjer will be joined by P.O.D., Malevolence and Space of Variations at the Aztec Theatre.
Assclown Alert: Creating a dangerous atmosphere with Texas’ anti-LGBTQ+ lawmakers
As the increasing threats against drag shows suggest, the Texas GOP’s anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has consequences.
