

Cover Story
Defending Drag: A Pride roundtable discussion with San Antonio drag performers
Our lovely and talented panelists handily proved that drag can take myriad forms and should never be forced into a single box.
New funding from USDA backs beekeeping-centric program at UTSA
Dr. Ozturk is diving deep on the medicinal potential of honey while fostering STEM opportunities for students.
San Antonio’s High Street Wine Co. closed for expansion, will reopen Sept. 1
The renovations will expand the spot’s footprint into the space next door.
Breaking down Between the Buried and Me’s complex work ahead of the band’s latest tour
The members of North Carolina-based BTBAM, as the fans call the band, know full well that its albums take a number of listens to absorb.
San Antonio ranked among best U.S. cities to visit by Travel+Leisure
The magazine praised San Antonio’s culinary scene and historical significance.
San Antonio congressmen file bill to bolster military childcare
The proposal by U.S. Reps. Greg Casar and Joaquin Castro would give the Defense Department more flexibility to shift money into childcare programs.
San Antonio Philharmonic pulls in $100,000 donation
The San Antonio Symphony League gave the money, repeating a gift it made to the musicians during their months-long strike.
Mexican governor pleads with TxDOT to consider San Antonio-Monterrey train
Nuevo Leon Gov. Samuel Garcia proposed using money from President Joe Biden’s ‘Build Back Better’ to plan for the project.
Sriracha shortage sparks sky-high prices on San Antonio’s Facebook Marketplace
Huy Fong Sriracha is currently unavailable for purchase on H-E-B’s website.
Comic Tom Segura talks about a strange, vulgar conversation with Ted Cruz
In a deleted scene from his new Netflix special, Segura shared what he claims was his first encounter with someone who ‘may or may not be’ the Texas Republican after moving into the same neighborhood.
Bad Bunny’s ‘Titi Me Pregunto’ are Texas’ most searched-for song lyrics, study finds
Olivia Rodrigo is the artist with the most-searched song lyrics across the United States.
Newly opened Kiki’s Coffee slinging java near downtown San Antonio’s Maverick Park
Kiki’s Coffee is the first food-and-drink venture from Mane & Company salon owner and hairstylist Alix Mane.
Minds behind San Antonio’s Amor Eterno and Bar Loretta opening pair of new Southtown drinking spots
Gimme Gimme and sister wine bar A Perfect Day will open inside the space once occupied by Francis Bogside.
Judge reprimands San Marcos for purging records related to ‘Trump Train’ lawsuit
Magistrate Judge Mark Lane ruled that the city was ‘out of line’ in purging electronic communications from a former deputy marshal subpoenaed to testify in the case.
San Antonio’s recreational opportunities are average at best, according to study
Even though the Alamo City relies on tourism for its economy, researchers found its parks lacking and bristled at its summer heat.
San Antonio in the top 5 ‘geekiest’ U.S. cities, study says
San Antonio’s high ranking can be attributed to its slew of comic shops and game clubs.
Family of San Antonio woman shot by police during mental-health episode sues city
The lawsuit alleges that SAPD has a culture of engaging in ‘excessive, unreasonable and unconstitutional use of force.’
Barbie Party: Here’s where you can celebrate the movie event of the summer in San Antonio
1902 Nightclub, Bar America and other local spots are throwing pink-hued bashes in honor of the new film.
Texas House and Senate reach a deal on how to cut property taxes
The deal would channel $12 billion to reduce the school property tax rate for homeowners and business properties, increase the homestead exemption, and create a pilot program to reduce taxes on certain residential and commercial properties.
DWI arrests in San Antonio up nearly 20% since 2020
Police made 54 DWI arrests over the Fourth of July holiday weekend in San Antonio.
San Antonio’s Aztec Theatre announces Friday, July 14 opening date for new terrace bar
The bar is part of a plan to turn several floors of long-vacant offices above the historic downtown venue into a boutique hotel.
San Antonio Tex-Mex staple Cha-Cha’s has closed permanently
The restaurant took to Facebook Saturday to share the news, stating simply: ‘Permanently closed … thank you for the good times.’
San Antonio’s Wembanyama proves naysayers wrong in dominant performance against the Trailblazers
Sunday night’s loss against the Portland Trailblazers could be the last game Wembanyama will play until the Spurs’ preseason starts in October.
State Sen. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio enters Democratic primary to defeat Ted Cruz
Gutierrez, a fierce gun-reform advocate, will challenge Dallas Democratic Congressman Colin Allred for the nomination.
With new federal food stamp limits coming, advocates mobilize to inform Texas recipients
A requirement to work 80 hours a month, starting in September, could affect 44,000 Texans over age 49. Meanwhile, attention in Congress shifts to the farm bill’s significant impact on food stamp policy.
San Antonio Independent School District seeking community input on school closures
SAISD is asking for community feedback via an online survey, and it will begin holding community meetings next month.
The Alamo to host free Sensory-Friendly evening of learning
While the event is free, capacity is limited and advanced registration is required.
Texas bans homeowners’ associations from discriminating against renters who receive federal housing aid
State lawmakers passed the law after a North Texas homeowners’ association barred landlords from renting to Section 8 tenants. Most of the affected tenants in that neighborhood were Black.
Park Rangers want help identifying vandals who damaged San Antonio’s Mission San Jose
Someone attempting a June 28 break-in at the mission damaged its historic Rose Window.
Revenues from Airbnb and other short-term rentals sinking in San Antonio, other hotspots
An impending selloff of unprofitable Airbnbs could lead to a decline in home prices and long-term single family rentals, one expert warns.
Fiesta Texas Fireworks, Police Misconduct: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Also racking up big numbers were our interview with San Antonio-native funnyman Jeff Hiller and a story about a woman rolling in a pile of horse manure on 6th Street in Austin.
Around 90% of Texas beaches infested with poop, study says
Those looking for a place to swim that isn’t the equivalent to taking a dip in a public toilet should head to South Padre, the report said.
National Fried Chicken Day, Plant-based Pizza: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
An upcoming culinary expansion at the Japanese Tea Garden and recipes from Maverick Distilling and Blanco-based Milam & Greene Whiskey are also making top food news.
San Antonio’s Cocktail: The Event releases new immersive details, including rooftop afterparty
This year’s big-top circus theme will extend to the official afterparty at bougie rooftop spot Paramour.
Gunman in 2019 El Paso mass shooting receives 90 life sentences
Patrick Crusius pleaded guilty and was sentenced Friday in federal court. He still faces state charges, and the local district attorney says he intends to seek the death penalty.
Las Vegas authorities won’t file charges against Wembanyama security guard
Surveillance footage appears to show that Britney Spears actually hit herself in the face when she was pushed back from the NBA star.
Mega-sized convenience store chain Buc-ee’s to break ground in Boerne this fall
The store was originally expected to open in 2020 but faced multiple delays. State records show it’s finally moving ahead.
San Antonio’s UT Teen Health lands $10 million grant to combat teen pregnancy
Teen pregnancy in South Texas is four times higher than the national average, according to UT Health officials.
San Antonio’s 13th Floor haunted house now hiring for spooky seasonal jobs
The attraction is seeking 150 seasonal workers, age 16 and up.
Slapgate: Britney Spears denies grabbing Victor Webanyama from behind
‘That person grabbed me from behind — not on my shoulder, she grabbed me from behind,’ Wembanyama told reporters.
Slab Cinema showcases ’80s classic The Karate Kid in free screening at Travis Park on July 11
The movie will start at dusk, so no need to brave the full brunt of July heat to see the legendary action-packed film.
After brief closure, San Antonio’s lauded Carnitas Lonja reopens in new building
After a brief closure, the nationally lauded restaurant is back to slinging Michoacán fare in the space next door to its former location.
Bexar County Sheriff, California governor press for DOJ to investigate migrant flights
In a letter to AG Merrick B. Garland, Bexar Sheriff Javier Salazar joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom in arguing that people making ‘false representations’ lured migrants onto the planes.
In Joy Ride, Asian American women bring fresh perspective to raunchy comedy — with mixed results
Expect broadly accessible raunchiness and a familiar set of characters.
Authorities light on details in arrest of San Marcos apartment fire suspect
The suspect is a former Texas State undergrad who lived at the Iconic Village Apartment complex at the time of the fire.
San Antonio’s Classic Theatre and Public Theater announce new partnership
The Classic will host its 2023-24 productions in the Cellar Theater at the San Pedro Playhouse under the agreement.
San Antonio is an expensive city for locals, study finds
The San Antonio metro was ranked as the second-most expensive spot in Texas when incomes are compared to the cost of living.
Tim Mrak, the colorful frontman of San Antonio rock band the Psychoholics, has died
Mrak led the group for roughly 30 years and was known for turning its live shows into a humor-filled spectacle.
Victor Wembanyama’s security reportedly slapped Britney Spears at Vegas restaurant
The head of team security didn’t recognize the pop icon, according to a TMZ report.
Tarka Indian Kitchen planning second San Antonio location near SeaWorld
Construction on the 2,500-square-foot eatery is expected to finish in October.
As Texas lawmakers tussle over property tax relief, it’s unclear whether renters will benefit
Texas’ top Republicans are fighting over how to split property tax cuts between businesses and homeowners. Democrats want renters to see relief, too.
VIA Metropolitan Transit to host in-person hearing for VIA Link service enhancements
The meeting will take place Monday, July 10, at 5:30 p.m. at Kirby City Hall’s council chambers.
Owner of El Camino, Bésame food truck parks taking over San Antonio mainstay Luther’s Cafe
Restauranteur Ricky Ortiz will turn Luther’s Cafe into an LGBTQ+-friendly sports bar called Ay Que Chula.
San Antonio Police Department fires probationary officer after arrest
Officer Steven Mobley was charged with criminal trespassing and criminal mischief in Williamson County.
San Antonio animal shelters cutting adoption fees for Empty the Shelters event
San Antonio Animal Care Services and San Antonio Pets Alive! are offering the reduced-cost adoptions through July 31.
Video of crazy San Antonio fireworks display at Fiesta Texas goes viral
The clip of explosions turning the night sky pink and purple has garnered some 300,000 views.
Jingu House at San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden to open new kitchen, dining area
Jingu house is the latest eatery to join the Lawton Family of Restaurants, which operates four other spots in San Antonio.
San Antonio nightspot The Squeezebox closing permanently at end of July
The losses from the city’s long-delayed construction on St. Mary’s Street were “too great to recover from,” owner Aaron Peña said.
San Antonio airport plus its Whataburger and Super Bien concessions land awards
The Airports Council International-North America recognized San Antonio International for its diversity and inclusion efforts.
Victor Wembanyama set to make NBA debut Friday during Las Vegas Summer League game
Friday’s game also will feature the NBA’s No. 2 overall pick, Brandon Miller.
Ted Cruz challenger Colin Allred has already raised $6.2 million in campaign funds
The Democratic congressman earlier said that he’d raised $2 million in the first 36 hours after announcing his candidacy.
East Side San Antonio ZIP code among those with highest home-value increases in Texas
Home values in the neighborhood around the Alamodome more than tripled between 2016 and 2023, according to a new study.
When summer temps soar, cool off with something fancier than a standard frozen margarita
Icy relief for a hot summer’s day need not come from a played-out frozen margarita or syrupy, slushy daiquiri.
Three new solo exhibitions debut at the Contemporary at Blue Star on First Friday
The exhibitions showcase the work of artists Brittany Ham, Adam Schreiber and Michael Velliquette.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Retro Cowgirl, Bleeding Through, Nita Strauss and more
Although SA is playing host to plenty of touring acts, don’t snooze on a free show by local act Retro Cowgirl.
Houston sues state in attempt to block new law that erodes cities’ power
House Bill 2127 — dubbed the ‘Death Star’ law — prevents local governments from creating rules that go further than what’s allowed under broad areas of state law. Houston’s suit says the new law violates the state’s constitution.
Here’s where to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day on July 6 in San Antonio
Tony G’s, Mama’s Cafe and Attagirl all serve up fried chicken worth checking out.
Ken Paxton will not testify at impeachment trial, defense attorney says
The Texas Senate could compel the suspended attorney general to testify but his defense team says they will fight those efforts.
Emergency room visits surge, Texans die amid dangerous heat wave
After weeks of extreme heat, health officials have reported numerous deaths, while emergency departments across the state are seeing record numbers of people seeking treatment for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Texas sets new hate crimes record, DPS data show
Data from the Department of Public Safety shows that bias incidents against queer people occur at more than four times the rate of all hate crimes.
Texas Pipeline operators release or flare tons of gas during June heatwave
One company, Targa Resources, vented more than 500,000 pounds of toxins into the air during 17 reported events over a week-long period of extreme heat.
Actor Jeff Hiller talks growing up in San Antonio and his HBO series Somebody Somewhere
The Churchill High School grad also had a recurring role as a serial killer in 2022’s American Horror Story: NYC.
Nearly 10,000 more babies born in nine months under Texas’ restrictive abortion law, study finds
This is the first analysis of live births since the law, which banned abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, went into effect in September 2021.
San Antonio’s VIA gets $3 million in federal grants for low-emission vans
The grant will finance the replacement of 15 gasoline-powered vehicles VIA uses to transport people with disabilities.
Former Texas Sen. Carlos Uresti, convicted for his role in Ponzi scheme, released from prison
The Democrat from San Antonio was initially sentenced in 2018 to 12 years in federal prison. His sentence was later reduced, and he will stay in a halfway house until December 2024.
Bad Takes: Robert Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine claims aren’t just bullshit, they’re dangerous bullshit
During a recent installment of his show, Joe Rogan permitted Robert Kennedy’s busted sewer main’s-worth of hazardous falsehoods to gush out, un-fact-checked.
Study reports there are fewer ‘mosquito days’ in San Antonio than in past years
While most locations analyzed in the study saw an increase in annual ‘mosquito days,’ San Antonio has had a marked decrease.
Grease is the word at the Wonder Theatre starting July 7
The musical debuts just in time for the original film’s 45th anniversary.
Texas fines San Antonio police union $5,000 over its financial reports in 2021 election
Prop. B, which would have stripped the union of its collective bargaining power, was narrowly defeated in 2021.
AI generates image of what average San Antonio home looks like — and it’s weird
The AI-generated image of a ‘typical’ San Antonio home looks like it belongs in a Wes Anderson movie.
Long-running San Antonio band Snowbyrd drops new album that nails its sunbaked sound
Snowbyrd will celebrate the release of its new LP The Lagerheadz Suite with a show at Slab Cinema Arthouse on Friday, July 7.
Warrior Nun TV series, based on San Antonio man’s comic, revived after cancellation
Thanks in large part to fan passion, the show is returning to Netflix for a third season.
San Antonio’s Rooted Vegan Cuisine launching plant-based pizza line
The vegan outfit already sells frozen items such as lasagna, mozzarella sticks and broccoli-and-cheese soup at San Antonio specialty shops.
Postino Wine Café, 85°C Bakery Café: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Il Forno’s latest accolade and Carnitas Lonja’s temporary closure also made this week’s most-read stories.
Greg Abbott’s Tantrum, Airport Suicide: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
A malaria case also was discovered in South Texas.
What we know about the malaria case in South Texas
The strain discovered in South Texas is highly treatable and likely was brought here by someone infected while traveling abroad, one expert said.
San Antonio businesses can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to upgrade their facilities
The grant application process opens in early July and runs through September.
San Antonio-area distilleries offer Fourth of July-ready cocktail recipes
San Antonio-based Maverick Distilling and Blanco-based Milam & Greene Whiskey came up with three Independence Day-appropriate drinks.
San Antonio man facing four federal charges over Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection
In court documents, he’s accused of grabbing the baton of a police officer who was trying to guard the Capitol building.
New Life, New Business: Ukrainian refugee charts a fresh course with San Antonio bakery Pashina Pastry
Pashina Pastry owner Olena Romanko said she may never be able to return to her home.
New exhibitions at San Antonio’s Artpace examine histories both public and personal
‘We Are Quilted Together’ runs through Sept. 3, and ‘2 for 99¢’ will be on view through Nov. 26.
Judge says DPS must release documents related to Uvalde shooting response
The state police agency had been withholding nearly all of its records on law enforcement’s botched response to Texas’ deadliest school shooting. DPS will have an opportunity to redact the files before they are released.
Review: Harrison Ford is somehow still fighting Nazis in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
For a movie that’s about leaving the past alone, it sure wants to revisit the glory days.
Significant Cinema: CineFestival to explore notable Latino narratives at Guadalupe Theater from July 11-16
San Antonio’s original Latino film festival will feature 114 films, including 38 from the Alamo City and 40 from Texas.
Sparks will fly at RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World at the Majestic Theatre July 5
Fans in San Antonio who are 18 and up should have more fireworks to look forward to after their Fourth of July celebrations.
Here’s where to get Independence Day freebies and meal deals in San Antonio
Biff Buzby’s Burgers, Marco’s Pizza and Shake Shack are just a few of the spots offering July 4 meal deals.
Meteorite that caused South Texas sonic boom now on display at San Antonio’s Witte Museum
The ancient space rock is part of the Witte’s new “Welcome to Earth” exhibit.
San Antonio chef Robert Cantu of Moon’s Daughters goes solo with Nomad Chef venture
The new catering company will offer private chef service and customized, omakase-style tasting dinners in the privacy of diners’ homes.
San Antonio’s Il Forno named one of the 50 best U.S. pizzerias by Italian rating guide
This is the second year in a row that the Southtown pizza spot has landed on the list — and it rose in the rankings.
San Antonio’s Santikos chain buying 17 other cinemas across Southern U.S.
The acquisition will make Santikos the eighth-largest North American cinema chain based on screen count.
San Antonio’s burger boy continues citywide expansion, plans far west side store
The store, located on Potranco Road, will be the homegrown chain’s eighth location.
UT-Austin only Texas public university affected by Supreme Court’s ending use of race in admissions
No other public universities use race as a factor, but Texas private schools like Rice and Southern Methodist University will impacted.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas mocked for trumpeting federal broadband funding he voted against
“You left out, ‘in spite of my no vote,'” said one of the many people trolling Cornyn over his tweet.
The Wemby Effect: Wembanyama is putting his mark on San Antonio. It could be costly to keep him here.
‘My blueprint for the Spurs is do what you can to build a superteam around him, keep him happy and win a championship; that might be your best bet for keeping him around,’ one sports marketing expert said.
Little Bites: Barbacoa & Big Red Fest, Kerbey Lane’s happy hour making San Antonio food news
Carriqui’s Independence Day specials and Shiner Beer’s new collaboration are also on offer.
Arturo ‘Sauce’ Gonzalez, a key player in San Antonio’s West Side Sound, has died
Gonzalez played keys for the West Side Horns, which accompanied artists as diverse as power-pop group The Krayolas, Chicano blues guitarist Randy Garibay and The Band’s Rick Danko.
San Antonio prof claims he was fired for his religious beliefs. Alamo Colleges says otherwise.
Although the instructor said he was canned for saying X and Y chromosomes determine a person’s sex, his termination letter accuses him of making anti-LGBTQ+ comments and engaging in ‘misogynistic banter.’
Assclown Alert: Throwing a pants-shitting fit with toddler Gov. Greg Abbott
To anyone paying attention, the gulf between the House and Senate on property taxes was clear weeks before the session was over.
Armed Forces River Parade will turn the San Antonio River Walk red, white and blue on Sunday
The floats will honor all six branches of the armed forces and adhere to this year’s theme — ‘Heart, Spirit and Soul.’
Dinner previews San Antonio chef Jared Cattoni’s menu overhaul for beer haven Dos Sirenos Brewing
The private 12-course dinner offered tastes of lighter snacks as well as heartier options like a ‘Cubanesque’ sando and chicken parmigiana.
OnlyFans model freaks out Twitter by rolling in pile of horse shit on Austin’s 6th Street
The woman in the clip said she wasn’t seeking attention, adding that poop is ‘one of the most beautiful things.’
Analysis: San Antonio Report misses chance to press Nirenberg on police shooting
The publication’s editor made no mention of the high-profile shooting that resulted in murder charges against three SAPD personnel.
Here’s where to have brunch — or another meal — in San Antonio with a festive side of drag
These San Antonio bars and restaurants all offer drag shows where the food and drinks are as fabulous as the action onstage.
The Drag Brunch 10 Commandments
These guidelines will help you navigate the event — whether an actual brunch or any other kind of drag show — with grace, enthusiasm and respect for those who make it happen.
New exhibition at San Antonio Museum of Art celebrates the museum’s hoppy history
‘Still Brewing Art’ debuts at SAMA on Friday, June 30.
Golden Girls parody starring San Antonio drag queens returns to Woodlawn Pointe this weekend
The live performance series has been a mainstay at Woodlawn Pointe since its premiere in 2018.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Hello Seahorse!, ACRAZE, Death Valley Girls and more
LA-based psych act Death Valley Girls pack a surprising amount of variety into its sound.
LaLa Ri is the latest Drag Race alum to head to the Bonham’s stage
LaLa Ri will perform two shows at the Bonham on Thursday, June 29.
Tobin Center caps off Pride Month programming with An Evening with George Takei
Takei brings his wealth of life experience to the Tobin’s stage in a time when fighting anti-Asian hate and attacks on LGBTQ+ rights is all the more important.






