Cover Story
No Free Lunch: School lunch programs in San Antonio are at a crisis point
School lunch programs are already under financial strain, and now that they face a loss of federal subsidies, districts could be forced to cut budgets elsewhere.
San Antonio among cheapest cities for a night out on the town, study says
On average, it costs $134.56 for a night out in the Alamo City, according to the research.
New study reports that 34% of Americans are trying to drink less alcohol this year
The research also found that 45% of people would like to go to a sober bar, while 28% have tried to ‘break up’ with booze.
These San Antonio bars and restaurants are located a short walk from major Fiesta sites
Italian favorite Nonna Osteria, winery ReRooted:210 and longtime downtown Mexican spot Pico de Gallo are all within walking distance of major Fiesta sites.
Little Bites: Fiesta-themed menus, Hello Kitty Truck, beer pairings make San Antonio food news
Picks Bar’s ’90s-themed party and cocktail spot LowCountry’s renovations are also on the menu.
California-based Cookie Plug will serve up ‘thicc’ cookies, hip-hop vibes in San Antonio
The Northeast San Antonio store is the first of at least six franchise locations planned for the market.
Colorful exhibition ‘Beyond Reality’ at the McNay showcases four Texas-based artists
The artworks, on view through August 13, are linked by their vibrant colors, wild shapes and unexpected textures.
P.F. Chang’s debuting updated Bistro concept with third San Antonio-area store
The New Braunfels location is the area’s first P.F. Chang’s Bistro, a revamped version of the chain’s concept.
San Antonio declares victory in bid to move Brackenridge birds. Wildlife experts question that.
Environmental experts question where the birds will go — or if they’ll just head to another part of the park.
San Antonio and Texas politicians react to former president Donald Trump’s arraignment
‘May some justice finally be served to the Grifter in Chief,’ U.S. Rep Greg Casar said in an emailed statement.
Viral video captures San Antonio nightclub bouncer body-slamming woman during wild night
During the scuffle, an unidentified bystander appears to steal a woman’s purse as she rolls around in the parking lot.
Heinz competes with San Antonio-based Whataburger with new spicy ketchup line
Whataburger’s spicy ketchup, beloved by South Texans, now has some grocery-shelf competition.
Celebrated San Antonio visual artist Angel Rodríguez-Díaz has died at age 67
Rodríguez-Díaz is known for both his highly political portrait work and obelisk-like public sculptures.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s prized school voucher bill faces new roadblock in Texas House
Last week, the superintendent of San Antonio’s Northside ISD called the proposal the ‘single biggest threat to public schools.’
Watchdog says Texas bill to ban abortion pill access one of the year’s worst tech policy ideas
The Texas proposal would would compel Internet providers to block all abortion pill websites and proactively censor information on abortion access.
Rumors of Austin serial killer dubbed the ‘Rainey Street Ripper’ swirl online
Seven bodies have been recovered from Lady Bird Lake over the past 10 months, but police said alcohol and easy lake access is a common theme in the fatalities.
Chef-owner of San Antonio’s vegan Urban Soul Market closing business to care for sick child
Urban Soul Market chef-owner Tia Rodriguez’s son is battling sickle cell disease.
GOP Texas senators pull their support for allowing some transgender kids to keep receiving puberty blockers and hormone therapy
The Senate also gave initial approval to Senate Bill 14, which would ban transition-related care for transgender kids. Republicans had previously voted to allow kids currently receiving such care to continue doing so.
National Democrats will invest to retake South Texas congressional district in 2024
The U.S. House Democratic campaign arm will target the 15th Congressional District in next year’s elections, hoping to reclaim the seat from Rep. Monica De La Cruz, the first Republican ever to represent the district.
Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost is coming to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre in June
Pre-sale tickets become available on Wednesday for the tour, which includes just 14 cities.
PechaKucha San Antonio heads to Mission Marquee Plaza this month
The speaking event will feature mosaicist and sculptor Oscar Alvarado, educator and entrepreneur Ashley Bird, activist Kimiya Factory and food activist Jamie Gonzalez, among others.
Oregon-based Dutch Bros. Coffee’s new mangonada-inspired drink tastes exactly like you think it would
The weak, watery drink is a blend of Dutch Bros’ Rebel energy drink and mangonada flavor topped with ‘Strawberry Real Fruit’ and Tajín.
More than 15% of San Antonio residents couldn’t afford to see a doctor last year, study says
Some 18% of Lone Star State residents lacked healthcare insurance in 2021, the highest rate of uninsured residents in the nation.
Nebraska-based Scooter’s Coffee opens first San Antonio location
The new drive-thru store is locally owned and located in Northwest San Antonio.
Monday screening of 1985 fright flick Silver Bullet to accompany release of werewolf graphic novel
Film programmer and comic book writer Rob Saucedo will appear at a San Antonio Alamo Drafthouse location to sign his new graphic novel Where Wolf.
San Antonio’s RockerDogz has closed its doors, but chef says pop-ups might be in the works
Chef-owner Kris Martinez hinted that monthly pop-ups featuring the over-the-top hotdogs may be in the works.
San Antonio-based USAA slashes 475 more jobs, citing economic worries
The cuts amount to a little more than 1% of the company’s overall workforce of 37,000.
The antiviral drug Paxlovid reduces the risk of getting long COVID
It’s not a panacea, but it might be one of the things that can help.
Abortion laws stand between pregnant Texans and the care they need
Doctors are left to guess at whether helping their patients will land them in prison.
Texas House delays final vote on barring the death penalty for mentally ill defendants
The chamber has repeatedly passed legislation in recent sessions eliminating the death penalty in cases of severe mental illness, but hardline conservatives are now pushing back.
Rift grows between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan over how to cut property taxes
The Senate wants to raise the homestead exemption. The House wants to tighten the appraisal cap. Both chambers’ leaders are skeptical of each other’s proposal.
Brooks Complex, Dimi Tsandoula: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
The upcoming expansion of several major brands across the Alamo City and a cocktail-focused charity event also interested readers.
Powdered Wig Machine throwing benefit show to raise money for Cornyation appearance
The Divine Swine Benefit on April 7 will feature bands including Honey Bunny, Tetsuo and Grrrltoy.
New Braunfels’ Faust Brewing Co. to reopen renovated brewery, biergarten, tasting room April 1
The revamped digs now include a biergarten expansion, onsite food trailer and music stage.
Police Misconduct, Medical Cannabis: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
A bill that would expand the state’s medical marijuana program looks like it’s headed to wider debate in the Texas House.
San Antonio Democratic congressmen take victory lap following Trump indictment
‘If hush money payments to a former pornography star is what finally caught up the Grifter in Chief, then so be it,’ U.S. Rep. Greg Casar said.
Table Talk: Michele McCurdy-Buonacorsi dishes on new cookbook
McCurdy-Buonacorsi’s book chronicles local restaurant Joseph’s Storehouse Baking Company.
WTF Food News: Noodle giant Nissin Foods debuts breakfast-flavored Cup Noodles
The company says the new noodle flavor boasts flavors of pancakes, maple syrup, sausage and eggs.
Longtime San Antonio watering hole The Texan Icehouse will close permanently next month
The Balcones Heights-area nightspot will serve its last cold ones on April 29.
Economist estimates that San Antonio was the fourth fastest-growing U.S. metro last year
The prediction is based on U.S. Census Bureau data released on Thursday.
The Pearl’s Full Goods Diner may not be the cheapest brunch in town, but its value stacks up
Full Goods is currently open only for breakfast, brunch and lunch, with occasional evening events to tantalize an all-day structure.
Texas Republicans quickly blast Donald Trump indictment, calling it “catastrophic” and politically motivated
Trump became the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges, in his case over alleged hush money payments made to an adult film star. Many of his fellow Republicans in Texas lambasted the legal development.
San Antonio’s Pearl complex extends free parking
The extension will apply to all Pearl surface parking lots until June 30.
Federal judge in Texas strikes down key ACA provision regarding preventive care services
A federal judge in Texas found the appointment of the volunteer body issuing preventive care requirements, unlawful.
San Antonio-based H-E-B voted the ultimate Texas brand by Texas Monthly readers
H-E-B’s crowning as the best brand in the Lone Star State was part of a March Madness-style competition.
Hangover-cure hotspot Waffle House plans expansion south of Austin. Could San Antonio be next?
The planned location about a half-hour south of Austin is the closest the chain has so far come to San Antonio.
Little Bites: Wine and lavender festivals, new menus and cheap eats make San Antonio food news
Roadmap Brewing’s Tie Dye Kolsch and Cinco de Mayo deals from Taco Cabana are also on the menu.
Child injured by falling tree branch at San Antonio Zoo released from hospital
Zoo officials have yet to say what caused the branch to fall.
South San Antonio’s Brooks complex adding 10 chain restaurants in coming months
Salad and Go, Dutch Bros. Coffee, MOD Pizza, Crumbl Cookies, Dave’s Hot Chicken and others are coming to the mixed-use development.
Beleaguered magazine the Texas Observer saved by $300,000 crowdfunding campaign
The board announced plans on Monday to shut down the 68-year-old publication due to financial problems.
Man who inspired Hotel Rwanda film on his way home to San Antonio
Paul Rusesabagina was released by Rwandan authorities on Thursday.
Second annual San Antonio Adobo Throwdown will celebrate Filipino food, culture August 5-6
The event, which raises money for Philippine American Chamber of Commerce’s humanitarian campaigns, also includes a food expo.
After Nashville shooting, San Antonio lockdowns, parents beg NISD board for more security
At least three San Antonio schools have been placed under lockdown since the mass shooting in Nashville on Monday.
San Antonio chef John Russ named a 2023 finalist for James Beard Award
Ernest Servantes and David Kirkland of barbecue spot Burnt Bean Co. in nearby Seguin also are among this year’s finalists.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Depeche Mode, beabadoobee, Maná and more
Emo mainstay Hawthorne Heights and clever hard rock act Screaming Females round out the week’s attention-worthy shows.
Unfiltered comedian Heather McMahan hits San Antonio on her Comeback Tour this weekend
Beyond her current tour, McMahan has an NBC sitcom in the works based on her experience living with both her elderly mother and her husband.
OPERA San Antonio brings tragic romance to the Tobin Center with Romeo and Juliet
The opera will be performed in French with English translations.
Utah-based drink chain Swig bringing its ‘dirty soda’ drive-thru concept to San Antonio
The fast-growing chain will offer customizable drinks, including sodas with dairy mixed in, at the Sea World-area location.
The Amazing Acro-Cats will show off feline feats at San Antonio’s Josephine Theatre this weekend
They’ll be riding skateboards, jumping through hoops, balancing on balls and performing even more daring acts.
Contemporary Art Month caps off with Closing Celebration on Friday
The 2023 closing ceremony will take place at Space C7, an artist-run contemporary art and music venue on the South Side.
The Pajama Game debuts at the Public Theater of San Antonio this week
Exploring the intersections of sexism, misogyny, racism and class inequities, the topics in this 1954 musical remain relevant today.
Acerbic comic Katt Williams is back in San Antonio for his latest tour
Best come with a thick skin and an ability to laugh.
An all-female team organized the McNay Art Museum’s era-spanning exhibition ‘Womanish’
‘Womanish: Audacious, Courageous, Willful Art’ is an expansive celebration that unites 80 artists and spans a century.
New NBA Hall of Fame class will include San Antonio Spurs’ Popovich, Parker, Hammon
Pau Gasol, Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki are also part of the Class of 2023.
Owner of San Antonio bar Moses Rose’s says he’s suing Texas General Land Office
Days earlier, the state declined the bar owner’s counteroffer to sell for $10.5 million.
Big Bounce America collection of bounce-house attractions coming to San Antonio next month
The tour features something billed as the World’s Biggest Bounce House along with three other springy diversions.
San Antonio’s Westin Riverwalk unveils redesign of its Zocca restaurant, hires new top chef
Zocca Cuisine D’Italia’s Texas-inspired Italian dishes are overseen by new head chef Ron Mays.
San Antonio FC sells out past six matches at Toyota Field — its longest sellout streak to date
‘The club’s never seen a run of sellouts like this, and soccer fandom in San Antonio does not appear to be slowing down,’ a team official said.
Texas medical cannabis supplier goodblend opens its first brick-and-mortar dispensary in the state
The supplier is known for its Cannabus, a mobile dispensary and clinic that tours the state.
Texas’ Shiner Beer to debut barbecue restaurant at its brewery
K. Spoetzl BBQ Co. will offer brisket, pulled pork, loaded baked potatoes and more at the historic brewery site.
Staff of progressive publication the Texas Observer launches GoFundMe to avert closure
In just a day, the campaign has raised almost $170,000 of its $200,000 goal.
Congressman Joaquin Castro recovering from surgery in San Antonio
Castro tweeted that he hopes to return to work in Washington, D.C. by mid-April.
Facing financial crisis, San Antonio’s Harlandale ISD votes to close 4 elementary schools
Harlandale ISD is the second local district to shutter schools this year, following behind South San Antonio ISD.
Texas Senate committee advances bills restricting certain drag shows
Proposed legislation would criminalize explicit performances where children are present and strip libraries of state funding for hosting any event featuring performers in drag. Critics say the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Kendall County sheriff sued over claim deputies beat the shit out of man during active shooter training
The plaintiff, a San Antonio nurse practitioner, said he suffered a torn right shoulder that required several surgeries.
MAGA ‘cult’ sings alternative version of national anthem during Trump rally in Waco
The song ‘Justice for All’ was performed by people charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Texas Observer, legendary crusading liberal magazine, is closing and laying off its staff
The 68-year-old progressive publication, which published Ronnie Dugger, Molly Ivins and Kaye Northcott, hit financial troubles and wasn’t able to broaden its audience, board members said.
Austin-based Torchy’s Tacos opening far West San Antonio location this week
The new store will be the Austin-based chain’s sixth in the Alamo City.
Military aircraft dispatched to South Texas after feds detect UFO
NORAD said that the object intercepted near the Gulf of Mexico was likely a hobbyist balloon that presented no threat.
San Antonio’s Hops & Hounds hosting daylong ‘Woofstock’ event this weekend
Brandon Ford and Joe McCabe as well as The Irish Goodbyes will provide music for the festival, which also includes a doggie costume contest.
San Antonio has highest rate of STDs of Texas’ big cities, study finds
Nearly 20% of San Antonio residents under 65 lack health insurance, which experts say contributes to the problem.
Chick-fil-A’s massive downtown San Antonio store will begin serving this Thursday
The new store, located in the Rand Building, will employ 75 people.
As Texas families deal with cut in SNAP benefits, San Antonio Food Bank braces for rising demand
After a cut that went into effect at the beginning of the month, the average Texas family on SNAP is receiving $212 less in benefits.
Texas’ anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is pushing students away from attending colleges here
College recruiters warn that the brain drain could harm the competitiveness of Texas colleges and the overall economy.
Trump vows retribution at Waco rally: “I am your warrior, I am your justice”
Former president focuses his ire on political enemies and says he will have the back of supporters who have been wronged or betrayed.
Texas is home to some of the nation’s happiest college campuses, study says
No colleges in San Antonio made the list.
San Antonio, other Texas cities among the best for renters with pets
About 75% of all rental properties in San Antonio were listed as pet friendly, according to Zillow.
House panel advances new Texas budget with property tax cuts, teacher pay raises
The proposal recommends spending billions on programs including property tax cuts, teacher pay raises, mental health services and border security. It leaves out pay raises for retired state employees, rent relief and childcare programs.
Some Texas groups resume funding out-of-state abortions after court ruling
A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in February, blocking a limited number of prosecutors from going after anyone who helps a Texan travel out of state to terminate a pregnancy. This has given some abortion funds confidence to resume.
Texas Trip: The future of psychedelic therapy was a hot topic at SXSW 2023
Psychedelics are being used to treat PTSD and substance abuse, even in conservative Texas.
Downtown bar La Ruina to hold charity event benefitting San Antonio Food Bank on Monday
The benefit will center around a cocktail bartenders love to hate: the labor-intensive Ramos Gin Fizz.
San Antonio’s Francis Bogside gastropub appears close to reopening in St. Paul Square
New signage is now visible on the property at the corner of East Commerce St. and Hoefgen Ave. that once housed Smoke: BBQ.
San Antonio Folklife & Dance Festival will feature a variety of performers at Rolling Oaks Mall
Classes are scheduled for Our Lady of the Lake University while the performance-centric portion of the festival will take place at Rolling Oaks Mall.
Butterfly-centric festival comes to San Antonio Zoo this weekend
Monarch Fest will feature a variety of family-friendly activities.
New java joint Kiki’s Coffee opening near downtown San Antonio’s Maverick Park
Signage notes that the property is also tied to an application for a license to serve late night mixed beverages.
San Antonio resident and Hotel Rwanda inspiration Paul Rusesabagina to be freed from prison
Paul Rusesabagina reportedly saved thousands of Hutu and Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide of the ’90s.
Japanese BBQ & Shabu, Little Taco Factory: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
This week’s most-read Current food news spans several cuisines and local neighborhoods.
San Antonio City Council enacts new program aimed at punishing bad landlords
The passing of the ‘bad actor’ apartment inspection program follows protests from angry tenants last summer.
Dimi Tsandoula, owner of longtime San Antonio eatery Mina & Dimi’s Greek House, has died at 54
The Greek restaurateur and chef succumbed to pancreatic cancer Sunday, March 19.
Steve Toth, Unpaid Overtime: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Plenty of readers also checked out a piece on the GoFundMe account set up to aid a child critically injured by a fallen tree branch at the San Antonio Zoo.
Nonprofit to offer critical cosmetic surgery to San Antonio children in need
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is now accepting applications to provide the surgery for five to seven children who would otherwise be unable to afford the procedures.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas rebranding water park, adding six new attractions
Six Flags officials will unveil the water park upgrades on April 29.
San Antonio’s Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice taking place Saturday
Any canned food brought to the march will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank.
New San Antonio seafood spot Arenas Marisqueria now open in Stone Oak
The eatery comes from the family behind longtime Alamo City restaurant Sabor Cocina Mexicana.
San Antonio’s Little Taco Factory has the best tacos in Texas, new report says
Based on combined reviews, recommendations and awards, the spot’s chorizo-and-egg taco ranked as the state’s best.
California-based Novo Brazil Brewing to open San Antonio brewpub this year
The mini-chain has four new locations in the works for 2023, including the upcoming outpost at North Star Mall.
Libertarian Party leader tells San Antonio council that violence may erupt over Moses Rose’s dispute
‘I can only pray that you and politicians across Texas are receiving this message,’ party chair J.R. Haseloff told council.
Little Bites: Masa Madness, honky-tonking, afternoon tea making San Antonio food news this week
Free Roam Brewery’s free comedy night and Palestinian food pop–up Saha are also on order.
Texas food banks urge legislature to pass pair of bills to address hunger on college campuses
Community college students cite an inability to afford basic needs as their top reason for not completing a collegiate education.
Ghoulish Books releases transgender horror anthology early for Trans Rights Readathon
The San Antonio-based press made Bound in Flesh: An Anthology of Trans Body Horror available as a free download one month early as part of the campaign promoting trans authors.
Comedian Taylor Tomlinson’s latest tour looks toward the next decade of her life — her 30s
Tomlinson comes to San Antonio Friday on her Have It All tour.
UFC returns to San Antonio Saturday with a bantamweight barn burner
Ranked No. 3, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera will take on No. 5-ranked Cory Sandhagen in the headline bout.
San Antonio throws out police citation after PETA accuses city of infringing on right to free speech
A PETA member was handing out leaflets promoting the merits of veganism when an SAPD officer wrote him a ticket.
Comedian Felipe Esparza brings his BigFoo Tour to the Majestic Theatre Saturday
Esparza has grown in popularity since his big break winning NBCs Last Comic Standing in 2010.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: K. Michelle, Urban Heat, Ready Revolution and more
An R&B package tour featuring Kem and Ledisi is also headed to Freeman Coliseum.
Owners of San Antonio’s Wild Goji Sushi open all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant in Stone Oak
Wild Japanese BBQ & Shabu offers two dining options that feature food cooked right at the table.
Bad Takes: Yes, the Texas GOP’s obsession with drag is a distraction, but it will do real harm
If it becomes illegal for drag queens to read to elementary school students at the public library, we are slouching toward theocracy.
Assclown Alert: Destroying free speech with Texas State Rep. Steve Toth
One of Texas’ most tireless and tiresome culture warriors has filed a bill that would make it illegal to ‘provide information on how to obtain an abortion-inducing drug.’
New TV show from San Antonio writer Shea Serrano and Parks and Rec producer streaming in May
The coming-of-age series Primo will begin streaming Friday, May 19 on Amazon Freevee.
Owner of Ming’s noodle restaurant to open second location in far Northwest San Antonio
The new location is expected to be finished by August, according to a regulatory filing.
Co-owners of dogs that mauled elderly Air Force veteran on San Antonio’s West Side are out on bail
The wife of the man killed in the attack has since filed a $1 million wrongful death suit.
Donut chain Dunkin’ debuts whitewashed AF breakfast tacos because nothing is sacred
The East Coast chain’s breakfast tacos include fire-roasted corn and a drizzle of lime “crema” — and we’re pretty confident they’re not making their tortillas on-site.
