Jul 12-25, 2023
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Cover Story
Inside Project Y: The mind-expanding history of Hemisfair’s Youth Pavilion
While Hemisfair was viewed as a win for the city’s business establishment, a now-forgotten pavilion operating under the World’s Fair banner that was anything but establishment — especially for the time.
Burton Ball will bring a weekend of eerie fun to Wonderland of the Americas in October
A new 18-plus event at Deco Ballroom commemorates the dance party origins of the experience.
San Antonio restaurant Sorrento’s pasta sauce a finalist in H-E-B product-search contest
A panel of judges will select the victor early next month. The grand prize winner takes home $25,000 and H-E-B shelf space.
First-term San Antonio councilman Marc Whyte opposes ‘Death Star’ bill lawsuit
Whyte’s support of the controversial Republican-backed bill suggests he’s likely to replace Clayton Perry as council’s resident naysayer.
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar stages ‘thirst strike’ to advocate for federally mandated water breaks in extreme heat
There are no federal or state requirements that people who work outside receive paid water breaks. Casar, an Austin Democrat, wants to change that.
Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival plans third — and possibly final — year Sept. 23 – Oct. 29
The multi-weekend event offers family-friendly activities such as an exotic petting zoo, camel and pony rides and face painting.
San Antonio fave George Lopez returns to the Alamo City this weekend
Lopez will appear in this year’s upcoming superhero flick Blue Beetle as the titular hero’s tío.
South Texas’ current heat levels would be ‘virtually impossible’ without climate change, report says
Even if carbon dioxide levels remain the same as today, San Antonio residents can expect heat waves like July’s every 15 years.
Youtube stars stop in San Antonio on a quest to visit every single Margaritaville
Eddy Burback and Ted Nivison liked the River Walk and Buc-ee’s. The fried fish at Margaritaville? Eh, not so much.
Exhibition to showcase work of late San Antonio concert photographer Lindell ‘Tiger’ Tate
The Corn Pound will show Tate’s work, which includes ’70s shots of the Ramones, the Runaways, the Sex Pistols, Rush and more.
San Antonio seafood restaurant 210 Ceviche has closed
The owners thanked customers for their ‘unwavering support’ in an online message but gave no reason for the closure.
Pabst Brewing Co. moving headquarters to building on San Antonio’s Broadway corridor
The iconic beer brand plans to relocate its roughly 120 employees to The Soto later this fall.
Texas A&M suspended professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in lecture
The professor, an expert on the opioids crisis, was placed on paid administrative leave and investigated, raising questions about the extent of political interference in higher education, particularly in health-related matters.
Off-duty San Antonio Park Police officer busted on suspicion of DWI
The department served officer Larry Gonzales with a notice of proposed termination.
Original Blue Beetle costume on display at San Antonio’s Casa Blanca theater
Fans of the superhero can get up close and personal with the costume the until July 31.
As federal deadline passes, Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to pull buoys out of Rio Grande River
‘Texas will see you in court, Mr. President,’ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote in response to the DOJ’s threat of a lawsuit.
San Antonio favorite Sichuan House temporarily closed following theft
Owner Kristina Zhao said her team is in a ‘waiting game’ to see how long the damage from a theft of copper wiring will take to repair.
San Antonio-based Whataburger to open restaurant on Las Vegas Strip this fall
The Nevada location will mark the restaurant chain’s entry into its 15th U.S. state.
Northeast San Antonio barbecue hotspot Windmill Ice House closed ‘until further notice’
‘It’s been real, San Antonio,’ the restaurant’s management posted Monday. ‘Stay tuned for updates.’
San Antonio Current lands two 2023 Association of Alternative Newsmedia Awards
Current Editor-in-Chief Sanford Nowlin and music writer Bill Baird both won honorable mentions.
Texas Democrats push for mandated water breaks as Abbott’s ‘Death Star’ bill looms
San Antonio joined Houston in filing a lawsuit against HB 2127, which would stop cities from enacting laws requiring water breaks for workers.
A great white shark built entirely of legos is on display at San Antonio’s Legoland
San Antonio model builder Kevin Hintz made the aquatic predator in honor of Shark Week.
City of San Antonio sues Texas over newly adopted ‘Death Star’ bill
Houston has already sued over the Republican-backed law, which would strip municipalities of local control.
Oppenheimer does something all too rare in Hollywood: it trusts its audience
The film neither heroicizes nor sanctifies the man.
Confusion and stress abound for 500,000 Texans bumped from Medicaid
Continuous Medicaid coverage ended in April. Many of the roughly half-million people stripped from the rolls don’t even know they’ve lost coverage yet.
Barbie is existential brilliance — and also a lot of fun
Come on Barbie, let’s go party (and talk about consumerism and conservative gender roles).
Heat stroke death of San Antonio worker triggers $1 million lawsuit
The suit comes as Gov. Greg Abbott’s ‘Death Star’ bill, outlawing mandatory water breaks, is set to take effect in September.
United Way program offers free box fans to seniors 60 and older
The agency and its community partners are seeking donations for seniors and people with disabilities.
Food truck haven Broadway News property in foreclosure, will go up for auction Aug. 1
The fate of the small businesses that call Broadway News home will then be in the hands of whomever purchases the property at auction.
DOJ to sue Gov. Greg Abbott over buoy barrier on the Rio Grande
In a letter sent to Abbott on Thursday, the DOJ said that the buoys violated Rivers and Harbor Act and raise humanitarian concerns.
Love Island is looking for its next Bombshell in Austin
Contestants can interview at a one-day-only event this Saturday.
Fancy fine-dining chain Brenner’s Steakhouse opens new location on San Antonio River Walk
Brenner’s new San Antonio space was previously occupied by Austin-based Gourdough’s.
Texas’ Quality of Life, Spurs Arena: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
A new study released by CNBC ranked Texas as the state in the U.S. with the worst quality of life.
Never Late Diner, El Mirasol: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Pizza Patrón’s impending statewide expansion and El Weinecero’s Wemby-inspired dog are also making top food news.
The McCombs Native American statue on Loop 410 is coming down after 40 years
A dealership rep said ‘The Chief’ no longer falls within Hyundai’s guidelines.
Couple behind San Antonio’s San Taco, Panfila Cantina open Italian venture Tutto Pepe Osteria
The new spot serves up antipasto, pastas, steak and seafood inspired by the owners’ travels.
U.S. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife names small owl native to South Texas a threatened species
The cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl is predicted to become endangered in the future.
CPS Energy asks San Antonio customers to conserve energy on Thursday
The utility’s request comes as temperature’s continue to climb into the triple digits.
Dallas Cowboys open new pro shop at San Antonio’s North Star Mall
The shop that opened Saturday is the team’s third in San Antonio.
San Antonio-area winery William Chris makes list of World’s Best Vineyards
William Chris Vineyards sits in in Hye, Texas, an hour north of San Antonio.
Justice Department launches probe into Texas’ treatment of migrants at the border
The U.S. State Department has also sent inquiries to Gov. Greg Abbott office about a floating buoy barrier along the Rio Grande.
WTF Food News: Tombstone drops dive bar-inspired pizza loaded with deep-fried pub snacks
The Bar Snacks Pizza is apparently the company’s answer to a #BarFood debate on TikTok.
It’s easier to rent an apartment in San Antonio than most other cities, study finds
Only 92% of the apartments in San Antonio are occupied, 2% below the national average, according to the study.
San Antonio restauranteurs honored at 2023 Texas Restaurant Association Awards
Blanca Aldaco and Cappy Lawton both won awards recognizing their contributions to the industry.
San Antonio Zoo to release 27 baby Texas Horned Lizards as part of conservation program
Although the lizards are considered Texas’ state reptile, they’re now threatened due to habitat loss and invasive species.
San Antonio beer lovers, listen up: tickets for the 2023 Texas Craft Brewers Festival are now on sale
The fest features more than 80 Texas craft breweries and more than 200 handcrafted beers.
Little Bites: Rosario’s happy hour, Second Pitch trivia making San Antonio food news
Davila’s BBQ’s new mobile kitchen and Bull Gogi Boys’ closure are also on the menu.
Prisoners’ relatives and former inmates plead for help as deaths mount in sweltering Texas prisons
Several lawmakers supported a call for Gov. Greg Abbott to bring lawmakers back immediately to approve air conditioning for prisons, which the Legislature declined to do during its regular session.
Tearfully testifying against Texas’ abortion ban, three women describe medical care delayed
The women, believed to be the first to testify about an abortion ban’s impact on their pregnancy since 1973, are seeking to clarify when a medical emergency justifies an abortion.
San Antonio pizza spot Backyard on Broadway debuts outdoor upgrades, 50% off pizza deal
The new lunchtime pizza deal slices 50% off of pies between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
First Look: San Antonio’s La Ruina unveils upstairs bar with sexy, bespoke vibes
Contrary to the downstairs area’s bright, South American-inspired wallpaper and color schemes, the upstairs space is decked out in dark paint and gilded accents.
San Antonio tied with last year’s heat stroke numbers — and summer’s not over yet
The past 10 days have been the hottest stretch in San Antonio history.
Texas Democrat calls for Gov. Greg Abbott’s impeachment over migrants’ treatment
The outcry comes after a report that DPS agents pushed migrants back into the Rio Grande River and were ordered to deny them drinking water.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to renew school voucher push in fall special session
Even though Democrats and rural Republicans shot down Abbott’s plan during the regular session, the governor hasn’t given up, a top strategist said.
Public Theater of San Antonio unveils new leadership team
The four-person team brings more than 50 collective years of experience to the helm of Texas’ longest-running theater company.
Versatile impressionist Jay Pharoah stops in at LOL Comedy Club this weekend
In his standup, Pharoah utilizes his astonishing ability to summon his impression subjects’ souls, combining it with a trademark wit and dedication to the bit — not to mention his talent for songwriting and rapping.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Hail the Sun, CupcakKe, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and more
Dirty rap starlet CupcakKe, who’s performing Thursday, leaves little to the imagination.
Yeehaw! The Briscoe Western Art Museum will celebrate National Day of the Cowboy on July 22
Family-friendly activities will include cowpoke crafts and games such as stick pony-making, barrel racing and hat-and-spur crafting.
Pro-Paxton group gives $3 million to impeachment trial judge Dan Patrick
Defend Texas Liberty was the lieutenant governor’s largest benefactor in late June, providing a $1 million donation and $2 million loan to his campaign.
Artpace’s Summer 2023 International Artist-in-Residence exhibitions now on view
Artists Xin Liu, Michi Meko and Ryan Takaba debuted three solo exhibitions on July 13.
San Antonio ranks among most affordable U.S. vacation destinations, according to study
A trip to the Alamo City, including airfare, hotel and meals runs $319 a day per person, according to the analysis.
Northwest San Antonio will soon welcome new late-night spot Never Late Diner
‘Since the pandemic, everything closing down, I’m trying to bring a little bit of that old, normal feel of something open 24 hours,’ owner David Amrollah said.
San Antonio to witness two rare solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024
Tourism-promotion organization Visit San Antonio is preparing for an influx of visitors expected to arrive for the eclipses.
Study: 91% of U.S. veterans experienced better quality of life while using medical pot
Vets who used medical marijuana said it helped with both psychological and physical issues while reducing their intake of other medications, including opioids.
Senate Dems move to amend defense bill so veterans can legally access medical cannabis
The measure also would require the VA to support clinical trials investigating the therapeutic effects of cannabis to treat PTSD, chronic pain and other conditions.
Freebirds World Burrito to open new San Antonio location July 25
The Texas-based fast casual burrito joint has expanded to over 60 locations throughout the state.
These six San Antonio chefs will compete at the second annual Adobo Throwdown on Aug. 5-6
Chef David Gamez of Sari-Sari Supper Club and chef Arbie Fruto of Mahal’s Kitchen are two of this year’s competitors.
Texas Democrats voice outrage at report state troopers pushed migrant kids back into Rio Grande
Lawmakers including U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro and Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez, both of San Antonio, are asking for a federal investigation.
A new bar may be popping up underneath downtown San Antonio’s St. Mary’s Street Bridge
Renderings show a full service bar and tables directly under the bridge.
Here’s what San Antonio residents gripe about the most on the Nextdoor app
Despite San Antonio’s ongoing traffic and parking woes, it ranked as the city with the least NextDoor complaints about those two issues.
San Antonio’s Leche de Tigre celebrates Peruvian cebiche with delicious flair
Leche de Tigre was established by three brothers and a cousin to celebrate a common Peruvian heritage, and it does so with flair and finesse.
Nostalgic coming-of-age flick The Sandlot to play at the Mission Marquee this week
The showing will celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary.
San Antonio hotdog stand El Weinecero introduces 18-inch hot dog honoring Wemby
The Wembynaso, named for No. 1 draft pick and new Spur Victor Wembanyama, will set customers back $25.
San Antonio again ranks as the least-educated large metro in Texas
Educational attainment is often a key factor in determining how prosperous a metro area becomes.
‘Unbearable’: Doctors treating trans kids are leaving Texas, exacerbating adolescent care crisis
Texas doctors fear a new era of government intrusion into medicine as lawmakers ban transition care for kids following prohibitions on abortion.
San Antonio launches pilot program to reduce extreme heat risks with cool pavement installation
If successful, the program could be expanded to other areas of the city in coming years.
Study: Texas ranks as the state with nation’s lowest quality of life
Of the 10 worst states to live in, nine had Republican governors, according to the report.
San Antonio ‘Jewish soul food’ spot Bubby’s will close permanently Sunday, July 23
Bubby’s serves up sandwiches, soups and deli counter items prepared using recipes passed on by the owners’ bubbies, or grandmothers.
San Antonio’s Rooted Vegan Cuisine announces its permanent closure
The Black-owned business has made a name for itself via its hearty plant-based snacks since October of 2019.
San Antonio community invited to create colorful mural for airport this week
The city will provide all the materials, and no experience is necessary.
San Antonio will likely sue state over ‘Death Star’ bill, city attorney says
Houston has already filed a lawsuit arguing that House Bill 2127 violates the Texas Constitution.
Cannabis industry launches first super PAC ahead of 2024 election
‘We’ll support candidates who are advancing reform and oppose those who are blocking it,’ a top official at the U.S. Cannabis Council said.
Paul Wiley, composer for the Terrifier movies, proves that music can make a villain memorable
The creepy, discordant themes that run through both Terrifier films make the misdeeds of Art the Clown that much harder to shake.
Local pros share tips on how to take the stress out of summertime gatherings in San Antonio
We corralled Alamo City culinary and entertaining experts to offer tips on how to stage a memorable gathering with a minimum of fuss.
Classic Theatre of San Antonio presents free production of Peter and the Starcatcher
Based on the successful early 2000s book series of the same name, the play puts an unexpected spin on the well-known origin story of Peter Pan.
Mexico files diplomatic complaint over Gov. Greg Abbott’s floating border barriers
The Mexican government plans to send an inspection team to see if Texas’ buoys have crossed into Mexico’s side of the border.
Limited regulations make Texas workers responsible for preventing on-the-job heat injuries
In triple-digit temperatures, drinking water frequently and resting in the shade are minimum safety measures for avoiding injuries and deaths. But they are not applied to every job site.
San Antonio Spurs exploring option of downtown arena to keep Wemby on board
The Spurs are looking alongside San Antonio’s minor league baseball team, sources told the Express-News.
San Antonio-based Pizza Patrón plans massive expansion
The chain plans to open 160 new outposts over the next five years in Texas and Arizona.
Texas Legislature allocates $6.6 million for school breakfast programs, aiding 70,000 students
Students who currently qualify for reduced-price school meals now will be able to get a free breakfast.
Bucc-ee’s, Barbie: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
San Antonio’s first Bojangles location and the Aztec Theatre’s new terrace bar are also making food news.
Vista Brewing closes West San Antonio location ahead of move to new digs this fall
Details surrounding the move are sparse, but fans can still snag Vista brews on draft at several local eateries during the temporary closure.
San Antonio’s historic Kiddie Park converts double decker bus into concession stand
The historic double-decker bus now serves up an array of snacks and drinks to park attendees.
Shitty Beaches, ‘Trump Train’ Lawsuit: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
A story on a San Antonio event for fans of the film Grease also got lots of traffic — proof that summer lovin’ never goes out of style.
NBA commissioner praises Victor Wembanyama’s handling of Britney Spears debacle
‘At 7-foot-4, he’s going to get attention no matter what he does and no matter where he is, and I think he’s handling it incredibly well,’ the NBA’s Adam Silver said.
Where to eat and drink after cooling off at one of San Antonio’s many public pools
We rounded up the city’s best restaurants near swimming spots such as San Pedro Springs and Woodlawn Lake Park.
Texas’ Enchanted Rock State Natural Area warns hikers about heat risks
Park officials have so far dealt with nearly 40 heat-related emergencies this summer.
Goodwill expanding in San Antonio with new North Side store and donation center
The new retail and donation center is expected to hire 30 people.
TPR’s Cinema Tuesdays to showcase Wong Kar-Wai’s In the Mood for Love on July 18
The Palme d’Or-nominated modern classic is coming to the silver screen at TPR’s partner theater Santikos Northwest.
San Antonio artist creates shoe celebrating Gregg Popovich’s induction into Hall of Fame
Popovich, Tony Parker, Becky Hammon and Pau Gasol will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 12.
Study: San Antonio remains among top U.S. cities people are moving to
In total, three Texas cities made the list. Austin did not.
Long-awaited $18 billion property tax-cut deal heads to Gov. Greg Abbott
House Democrats attempted to insert benefits for renters and more money for public education into the tax-cuts package in a series of floor amendments but were unsuccessful.
Briscoe’s Summer Film Series continues with extraterrestrial Wild West showdown
The museum will screen 2011’s Cowboys and Aliens on Sunday.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s focus on culture-war issues hurting the Texas economy, critics say
For the first time since 2007, Texas didn’t score in the top five on a widely cited ranking of states as good places to do business.
Families with transgender kids sue to block Texas law banning gender-affirming care
Transgender advocates have successfully used the courts to block similar laws in Arkansas and Florida.
San Antonio bicycle retailer Bike World closes after 51 years
The five shops will reopen as Trek Bicycles on July 19.
Chispa haven El Mirasol to open new San Antonio-area location
The Boerne-area restaurant will be the company’s third.
San Antonio’s Jazz’SAlive moving locations, will feature Kirk Whalum, Jackie Venson, more
This year’s festival, Sept. 29-30, will take place at Civic Park, the green space at Hemisfair expected to open this fall.
Roberto Treviño wants to build a better-funded, higher-profile San Antonio Philharmonic
While Treviño comes into the role with an understanding of both the arts and the dynamics of working with city and county government, he acknowledges that the fledgling organization faces tough challenges.
New advocates are calling for a San Antonio-Austin rail line, but we’ve been down this track before
A San Antonio-Austin rail connection could reduce traffic congestion on I-35 by as much as 20%, according to a recent report.
San Antonio artist Gilbert Durán, whose work adorns many high-profile restaurants, has died
Durán used his colorful creations to depict Mexican American life and culture, often with a San Antonio connection.
Festival of Chariots returns to San Antonio’s Woodlawn Lake Park on Saturday
This weekend marks the fourth annual celebration of the festival — better known across the globe as Ratha Yatra.
With Tom Cruise battling an AI villain, the New Mission: Impossible continues the series’ strong legacy
The movie works as action film that takes itself seriously but still knows all the cloak-and-dagger fantasy is a bit silly.
Britney Spears and her fans still pissed off about Wembanyama ‘slap’ incident
The ‘Toxic’ singer is demanding an apology from the San Antonio Spurs.
North Carolina-based fried chicken chain Bojangles will open its first San Antonio store July 24
The new store is located near the bustling intersection of Potranco and Highway 151.
Teatro Audaz presents Texas premiere of The Ghosts of Lote Bravo
Teatro Audaz will perform the heartbreaking play at the Cellar Theater inside the Public Theater of San Antonio.
Assclown Alert: Dealing in over-the-top words with Ken Paxton attorney Tony Buzbee
In a flurry of purple prose, Buzbee called Paxton’s coming impeachment trial an ‘evil, illegal, and unprecedented weaponization of state power.’
San Antonio food trailer Krazy Katsu to open brick-and-mortar location in Medical Center
The second outpost will serve menu staples like the OG and Deebo chicken sandwiches along with breakfast and beer and wine.
Spooky coffee trailer Gravves will soon bring caffeinated concoctions to brick and mortar space
A July 10 Instagram post announced plans for a place to ‘study, work and lounge’ in the near future.
Sen. Ted Cruz rails against air fryers spying on Americans during Tuesday speech
‘I don’t think the American people want their air fryer spying on them,’ the Texas Republican said during a floor speech.
Grease film stars head to San Antonio this weekend for Summer Lovin’ Celebration
The two-day event at the Wonderland of the Americas Mall celebrates the film’s 45th anniversary.
Drag Race All Star Valentina brings her Latina flair to the Bonham Exchange this week
Valentina is co-host of the forthcoming Drag Race México along with Mexico-born Lolita Banana.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Butcher Babies, División Minúscula, Amy Lavere and more
The Camp Rejectz Festival, highlighting a diverse batch of local rockers, also should be on music fans’ radar.
Bad Takes: Worker deaths show that climate change is real and demands immediate action
Upwards of 20,000 adult deaths in the U.S. from 2008 to 2017 were linked to extreme heat.
Dave Chappelle bringing laughs, controversy to San Antonio on Wednesday
The comedian’s AT&T Center show follows accusations of transphobia from a recent streaming special.
