Cover Story
Pressure builds for Texas lawmakers to expand medical cannabis, weigh decriminalization
Advocates are hoping the Texas Legislature increases the potency cap for medical pot and make it available to people suffering from chronic pain.
San Antonio Book Festival’s Get Lit event series to feature Token Black Girl author Danielle Prescod
Prescod will be joined in conversation by San Antonio-based author Cynthia Freeman Gibbs.
‘Chito’ Vera and Cory Sandhagen will headline UFC’s return to San Antonio on March 25
The card also will include women’s No. 3 ranked Holly Holm against sixth-ranked Yana Santos.
Grammy-award winning Asleep at the Wheel headlining San Antonio’s Chaparral Music Fest
April’s Fifth Annual Chaparral Music Festival at Hemisfair is a free event.
McNay Art Museum to host Valentine’s-themed lecture on Shakepeare’s Romeo and Juliet
The event will feature a lecture by Kevin Salfen and Annie Labatt, with performances by OPERA San Antonio.
Former San Antonio Mayor gets blowback on Twitter for suggesting Biden not run in 2024
Julián Castro referenced a recent poll showing former president Donald Trump with a 48%-45% advantage over Biden.
Southtown San Antonio venue The Good Kind to hold inaugural Gumbo Cook-Off this month
The Fat Tuesday cooking competition will feature 18 San Antonio chefs.
Robot bartenders saddle up to serve fans for all 18 days of the San Antonio Rodeo
The robo-barkeeps operate using ‘proprietary facial recognition bar tab technology,’ according to their maker.
San Antonio man arrested on charges of stalking daytime TV host Kimberly Crawford
News of the arrest of Crawford’s alleged stalker comes days after her co-host, Esteban Solis, was arrested on suspicion of DWI.
San Antonio Councilman Mario Bravo wants fines for city contractors that miss deadlines
Revenue from the fines would compensate businesses located within 500 feet of delayed construction projects.
Gov. Greg Abbott gives Texas state agencies until Feb. 15 to ban TikTok
Abbott said the app ‘that employs Chinese Communist Party Members’ poses a significant security threat to Texans.
River tour in honor of Black History Month celebrates African American contributions to San Antonio
The tour run by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum will take place on Feb. 11.
YouTuber Mike Majlak heaps praise on San Antonio food truck Last Place Burgers
While in town for the WWE Royal Rumble, Mike Majlak and George Janko tried a San Antonio staple.
New cycling-themed Breakway Brewing Co. now slinging beer, bites near downtown San Antonio
The new Government Hill brewery started pouring beer this past weekend.
San Antonio-based clothing brand Richter Goods brings its western wear to the Stock Show & Rodeo
The company collaborated with the rodeo on three shirt designs, each with a unique backstory.
San Antonio-based grocer H-E-B offering coupons for condoms ahead of Valentine’s Day
Texas’ favorite grocer is doing its part for family planning — and saving customers money at the same time.
Rosario’s new Southtown San Antonio restaurant will open Feb. 10
The new build includes a 5,000-square-foot rooftop bar with views of the downtown skyline.
San Antonio Zoo fundraiser allows donors to name a cockroach after their ex
Not all exes are from Texas — the zoo received over 7,000 donations from all 50 states and 30 different countries during last year’s fundraiser.
San Antonio’s Worthington Laundry and Cleaners is the target of new bar concept
Austin bar owners Nathan Hill and Jeremy Murry plan to transform the mid-century modern building into a bar called Jackie’s Desert Rose.
Highly-anticipated San Antonio cebichería Leche de Tigre to open its doors Feb. 24
The new cebichería will also house a bar dedicated to Peru’s national spirit, Pisco.
San Antonio’s Press Coffee to jolt Castle Hills with second location on Wednesday
Like its flagship store, this location will also offer indoor and outdoor seating, free wifi and an extensive list of coffee-based drinks.
San Antonians with feelings about their ex can send them a scorpion Valentine, courtesy of Topo Chico
Lovers feeling ‘stung’ this V Day can spend $7 to send their ex an ethically sourced scorpion, replete with heart-shaped packaging.
Texas veterans vow to protect the state’s hemp market as one state lawmaker hopes to crack down
The new delta-8 hemp products, which are widely available, can produce a high similar to marijuana’s. State Sen. Charles Perry said he and his peers never intended for such products to reach the market.
Critics say Texas tax break helps petrochemical companies and hurts public schools
In December, legislators killed a controversial tax abatement program known as Chapter 313, but its effects will last decades.
Mapping the legacy of prison hunger strikes in Texas
‘I’m willing to die for the cause, because I can’t live.’
Texas Senate leaders signal intent to spend big on border security
The state has spent $4 billion on border initiatives in the past two years, including $40 million to bus migrants out of Texas into Democrat-led cities.
Gambling proponents have a new plan to ask Texas voters to legalize casinos
If state lawmakers agree, Texas voters will have the final say on whether the state will expand gambling and casinos this November.
San Antonio cannabis chef Edward Villarreal’s long-awaited Mxicanna Cafe is now open
The cafe will serve classic Mexican fare by day and edible hemp-infused bites by night.
San Antonio daytime television host Esteban Solis arrested on DWI charge
Clips of Solis’ awkward banter have made frequent appearances on HBO’s Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.
Camp Hot Wells, Greg Simmons: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Last week was marked by bad news about power outages, a bribery investigation and property taxes being due. But there was one bright spot.
H-E-B, Texas Dog Co. & Beer Garden: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Three of five of this week’s most-visited food stories shared grand opening and reopening details for chain eateries.
Public Theater of San Antonio’s 2023-24 season will feature new takes on old tales
The season will include productions of Once Upon a Mattress, Spring Awakening and more.
Austin residents raid H-E-B dumpster for food as 100,000 people still without power
H-E-B and Austin officials are telling the public that the food is unsafe to eat.
San Antonio Pets Alive offers to write your ex’s name on a doggie poop bag ahead of Valentines Day
The poop bag with your ex’s name and a kiss-off note will be featured on the animal rescue group’s social media accounts.
Chef-owner of San Antonio’s Lucy Cooper’s Ice House to appear on Food Network show
Braunda Smith will show off her cooking chops on the May 24 episode of Guy’s Grocery Games.
Off-duty San Antonio police officer charged with DWI
Junior Officer Gabriel Flores’ arrest comes during a community conversation about San Antonio’s drunk driving problem.
Delta Airlines to resume offering nonstop flights from San Antonio to New York
Delta Airlines hopes to offer 20% more seats this summer from the Lone Star State to locations around the country.
As Texas thaws again, calls to rethink how cities prepare for winter weather are renewed
Experts say local governments should prioritize extreme weather preparedness. Cost can be a deterring factor.
These San Antonio restaurants are offering Valentine’s Day deals for you and your boo
If you haven’t started planning that special evening, you may want to jump to it.
San Antonio among the best cities in the nation for a kid-friendly vacation, report says
‘One thing that isn’t bigger when it comes to Texas is trip costs,’ said the report, which also praised SA’s safety and array of fun options.
San Antonio’s ‘hot spot’ policing program draws criticism from city council members
The program includes higher police activity in 28 areas around San Antonio, which reportedly have higher levels of violent crime.
The Mars Volta will perform at San Antonio’s Boeing Center as part of May tour
The El Paso-rooted prog rockers reformed and dropped an album last year after a 10-year hiatus.
Environmental advocates push feds to investigate Texas’ enforcement of water quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to investigate allegations that the state is failing to enforce the Clean Water Act.
Texas has some of the worst dental health in the nation, according to new study
With 1 in 5 residents lacking health insurance, according to U.S. Census data, Texas leads the nation in percentage of uninsured people.
Supporters of Moses Rose’s Hideout rally against op-ed by San Antonio Report’s Bob Rivard
The editorial prompted angry online posts, including one calling Rivard ‘the new face of “Karen” for San Antonio.’
San Antonio’s economy projected to grow faster than most cities’ in 2023, report says
Austin and Dallas were also named among the 10 cities with the highest projected GDP growth in 2023.
KSAT sports anchor facing DWI charge once voiced outrage over a drinking-and-driving acquittal
In 1985, while serving as a juror, Simmons expressed his anger about a DWI suspect being allowed to go free.
San Antonio chef Steve McHugh of Cured opens Luminaire, his first Austin restaurant
The new dining spot is inside Austin’s Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue, and McHugh also will run its terrace bar.
Chicken Salad Chick will open its first San Antonio location Feb. 8
A Westover Hills location is expected to follow behind the chain’s debut in Stone Oak.
Little Bites: alcoholic cactus water, Vegas lounge music making San Antonio food news this week
Loteria nights and weekly outdoor yoga sessions are also making waves.
Ted Cruz, who’s running for a third term, again files bill to limit U.S. senators to two terms
Cruz announced in November that he is seeking a third term in the Senate in 2024.
Bad news, San Antonio music fans: No stop from Beyoncé, Ozzy says touring days are over
Beyoncé’s latest tour will once again skip the Alamo City, and Ozzy Osbourne is retiring from touring due to health issues.
Nearly 20,000 without power in San Antonio as Bexar County remains under Winter Storm Warning
Bexar County remains under a Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service until 6 a.m. Thursday.
San Antonio’s coffee scene falls flat, according to new nationwide study
San Antonio was in the bottom half of the rankings, and adding to the sting, Austin landed just ahead of us.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Vinyl Williams, Retro Cowgirl, D.R.U.G.S. and more
This week’s live music highlights include both touring and local acts.
Musical version of Disney’s Aladdin will swoop into San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre from Feb. 7-12
The musical features music by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken and spectacular set design.
Study names San Antonio-based H-E-B the nation’s top grocery retailer over Amazon
H-E-B bested Costco and Amazon, which took second and third places, respectively.
Action-packed play The Hero Twins: Blood Race debuts at the Magik Theatre this week
The Hero Twins: Blood Race will run from Feb. 4 to Mar. 5.
San Antonio Jewish diner The Hayden opening second location next month
The new eatery will be in North Central San Antonio’s Alon Market and feature some of the original location’s menu items.
Lawsuit claims inmates at Bexar County jail illegally held for weeks, months after posting bail
The plaintiff, who said he was held for three days after making bail, is asking that his suit be certified as a class action.
Winter storm forces dozens of delays and cancellations at San Antonio airport
Delays and cancellations will likely continue through Thursday morning at airports around the state.
First Look: San Antonio diners likely to embrace changes at Piatti’s revamped Quarry location
The longtime Alamo Heights eatery reopened last week after a lengthy renovation.
Winter Storm Warning expands to Bexar County, bringing freezing temps to San Antonio
Almost every school district in Bexar County except Southside ISD has cancelled classes Tuesday.
Long-running San Antonio sports anchor Greg Simmons resigns from KSAT after DWI charge
The sportscaster, who spent 42 years at the TV station, announced his departure in a statement carried on its 10 p.m. newscast.
New exhibition by multidisciplinary artist JooYoung Choi debuts at Contemporary at Blue Star Friday
‘Songs of Resilience from the Tapestry of Faith’ features paintings, sculptures, animation and music from the Cosmic Womb, a sci-fi/fantasy world of Choi’s creation.
Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble in San Antonio smashes viewership and revenue records
This year’s Royal Rumble was was both the most-viewed and highest-grossing iteration of the event in WWE history.
The Trailblazer Cafe takes off at San Antonio’s Stinson Municipal Airport
The dining spot is a part of San Antonio’s Ready To Work program, which helps residents seeking to build marketable job skills.
San Antonio’s Texas Dog Co. & Beer Garden has pushed back its soft opening until March
The business is still waiting for its power to be connected, forcing a delay.
Winter storm bringing cold temperatures to San Antonio, freezing rain to Texas Hill Country
Temperatures in San Antonio aren’t expected to drop below freezing, but ice is expected to accumulate north of the city.
San Antonio’s Full Goods Diner launching nighttime DJ series, new menu items
Full Goods at Night will offer special menu items during extended evening hours Feb. 2 through Feb. 25.
True crime podcaster Ashley Flowers brings her live tour to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre
In her live show The Deck Investigates, she focuses on taking her audience through the process and methods of exploring notorious cold cases.
Twitter users say ex-Dallas Cowboy Tony Romo almost let racial slur slip during AFC game
‘It’s [TV]. You get hyped and forget sometimes where you are,’ three-time Super Bowl champ Shannon Sharpe tweeted.
Bexar County property taxes due Jan. 31, but relief may soon be on the way
The Texas State House and Senate are working on proposals that could save homeowners hundreds of dollars in property taxes.
San Antonio Spurs look to repeat one of season’s few signature wins as they take on the 76ers
Embiid and the 76ers make their only appearance in San Antonio this Friday to close out a four-game homestand for the Spurs.
San Antonio’s Jacked Potato has moved into downtown’s Shops at Rivercenter
The veteran-owned business reopened in its new digs Jan. 15.
San Antonio doggy drinkery Texas Dog Co. & Beer Garden sets Feb. 11 soft opening
Those looking to get a sneak peek can visit Texas Dog Co.’s website to request an invitation.
Instagram account Deco Memes builds following with its spot-on critiques of San Antonio sprawl
‘The account is trying to celebrate San Antonio but also pointing out the absurdity of what a city is, according to San Antonio,’ said Carlos Perez, Deco Memes’ creator.
One in four people dealing with chronic pain using cannabis to cope, study finds
More than half of those surveyed said cannabis use allowed them to cut their use of opioids and other pain medication.
Ahead of San Antonio show, Incubus’ Chris Kilmore discusses the band’s growth beyond nu-metal
Incubus is playing a sold out show at San Antonio’s Boeing Center at Tech Port on Thursday, Feb. 2.
Survey names San Antonio Spurs Coyote among worst NBA mascots
Mascots ranking higher than the coyote include a deer humanoid cryptid and a flame with arms and legs.
Federal judge again threatens contempt-of-court fines for Texas’ slow progress on foster care reforms
The judge warned the state could be held in contempt of court for not following through with three mandates: youths not knowing their rights, not adequately responding to abuse allegations and still having too many children without placement.
‘Colossal Waste of Money’: Texas nears $1 billion in border wall contracts
The Webb County coalition that opposed Trump’s boondoggle is now scrambling to oppose the state’s expanded construction plans.
Texas great for business, not so much for workers, studies find
Texans have among the longest work weeks compared to workers in other states, according to recent data.
Wanna bet? Texas Legislature to reconsider legalizing casinos and sports betting
Given the stiff headwinds to getting any expansion in gambling passed, sports betting and casino advocates may be competing against each other, rather than working in tandem.
Vibras, Girl Scout Cookies: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Two prominent bar launches — one on the St. Mary’s Strip and another in Southtown — were among the Current‘s most-visited food stories.
Alamodome, Dejounte Murray: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Our most-read story of the week was about a study ranking San Antonio’s ‘Dead Armadillo’ among the world’s ugliest buildings.
After teasers and anticipation, San Antonio’s Camp Hot Wells is now open
Interest has swirled around a potential opening date for the site, which sits on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River.
Longtime San Antonio sports Anchor Greg Simmons of KSAT arrested on DWI charge
Simmons, a KSAT employee since 1980, was reportedly on his way home from the Green Lantern Bar on Stone Oak Parkway.
Andy’s Frozen Custard breaks ground on second San Antonio location in Stone Oak
Joe Shields, car dealer B.J. “Red” McCombs’ grandson, is the chain’s San Antonio franchisee.
San Antonio police reform group launches online dashboard to curb problem of bad cops being rehired
The dashboard — reportedly the first of its kind in Texas — is funded by the Urban Institute and Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative.
Ted Cruz is all worked up because Xboxes now save electricity, thereby destroying your liberty
‘First gas stoves, then your coffee, now they’re gunning for your Xbox,’ Cruz tweeted, even though no one is threatening to take away people’s gaming consoles.
Documents lay out allegations of bribery against two members of Fiesta San Antonio royalty
Members of the Flores family paid $54,000 in bribes to civilian military employees to keep a multimillion-dollar government contract and win more work, court documents allege.
Legalizing cannabis reduces opioid prescriptions, study shows
The new analysis comes out as cannabis advocates try to convince Texas lawmakers to expand the state’s limited medical marijuana program.
At a Tipping Point: Workers like me feel the pain from San Antonio’s lagging construction projects
For individuals who work at bars and restaurants, the glacial pace of construction projects isn’t just toxic to San Antonio’s cultural lifeblood but our livelihoods.
Slab Cinema Arthouse to screen David Lynch’s neo-noir film Lost Highway on Tuesday, Jan. 31
The movie also is well known for its music, which includes a score by Angelo Badalamenti as well as songs by David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein, Nine Inch Nails and The Smashing Pumpkins.
San Antonio director’s short about the broken U.S. immigration system debuts at Sundance
The short follows Maria Luisa (Alejandra Herrera) during her stressful interaction with an immigration officer (Cherie Julander) alongside her husband Jorge (Enoc Oteo) as she interviews for a green card.
Alamo Heights, other San Antonio suburbs among richest cities in Texas, study says
San Antonio itself was ranked the No. 238 wealthiest city in Texas, ahead of Houston and El Paso.
San Antonio high schooler named finalist in prestigious national science competition
The senior at the BASIS San Antonio Shavano Campus could win up to $250,000 to help pay for college.
Santa Diabla now open in San Antonio’s Pearl area, serving Mexican cantina-style cuisine
The dining spot in the former Cervecería Chapultepec space is the first U.S. venture for Mexico’s Grupo Orraca Restauranteros.
San Antonio Council OKs eminent domain takeover of Moses Rose’s to make way for Alamo center
The owner has held out for a higher price, saying officials behind the project never entered into serious negotiations.
Man who falsely said he was uncle of San Antonio police shooting victim Erik Cantu arrested for fraud
Jesse Jesus Salazar, 32, faces charges that he defrauded a Wisconsin police officer while buying a car from him.
It’s illegal to serve intoxicated customers, but San Antonio bar staff say they feel pressured to
Scrutiny is particularly high after the high-profile arrest of Councilman Clayton Perry and his subsequent driving-while-intoxicated charge.
Assclown Alert: Targeting the ‘other’ with State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst
Critics warn that Kolkhorst’s bill banning people from four countries from buying land in Texas will worsen anti-Asian sentiment, which is growing.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy says he’ll use debt ceiling threat to push through his border security plan
The debt ceiling has long been a political tool to force partisan agenda items across. But Roy is facing some resistance within his own party on his border plan.
Black and White Data: How racially integrated is Texas? That’s a complicated question.
A recent study named Texas one of the most racially integrated U.S. states, but there are reasons to doubt its findings.
Agarita and Ballet SA to perform at San Antonio College’s McAllister Auditiorium Saturday
The program will include works by Johannes Brahms, Gaspar Cassadó and Frédéric Chopin.
Six San Antonio chefs and restaurants among 2023 James Beard Award semifinalists
Best Quality Daughter, Bakery Lorraine, Weathered Souls, The Jerk Shack, Curry Boys BBQ and Clementine are all represented on the list.
Austin could experience 2008-style real-estate market collapse, Goldman Sachs predicts
San Antonio, on the other hand, was named of the top real estate markets to watch in 2023.
Rescheduled Wheel Of Fortune Live! rolling into San Antonio’s Tobin Center later this year
Either Antiques Roadshow host Mark L. Walberg or singer Clay Aiken will serve as host.
San Antonio Spurs must be on top of their game when they face the Suns on Saturday
The youthful Spurs will face a Suns team in the process of changing ownership and presently trending in the wrong direction.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Super Bitfest 2.0, A Flock of Seagulls, Supercrush and more
Saxophonist Jack Wright, a trailblazer in improvised music, is also performing as part of the duo Minimal Disturbance.
Manu Ginobili memorabilia up for auction as part of Spurs charity event
Items include signed jerseys, posters and a Swarovski crystal basketball emblazoned with the Argentine flag.
WWE Royal Rumble returns to San Antonio Saturday with stacked card at the Alamodome
So far, this year’s Royal Rumble has five scheduled matches, and virtually anyone can win and secure a spot at WrestleMania.
New exhibition featuring works by Latinx artists opens Friday at the UTSA Southwest Campus
‘Refined Reflections into the Formidable: Contemporary Latino Art from the Zoe Diaz Collection’ will be on view from Jan. 27-Mar. 11.
San Antonio among the dirtiest cities in the U.S., according to new study
The city scored poorly in the living conditions, infrastructure and customer satisfaction categories.
Feds investigating two former members of San Antonio’s Fiesta royalty over government contracts
Ken Flores was Rey Feo LXX in 2018, and Tony Flores was Rey Feo in 1996.
Comedian Jo Koy comes to San Antonio’s AT&T Center Friday as part of his latest arena tour
Koy rose to stardom after being featured as a regular on Chelsea Lately.
Bad Takes: Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s failure to hold CPS to a renewable model shows lack of leadership
While natural gas is a cleaner energy source than coal, it’s certainly not free of harmful pollution.
