Cover Story
Gov. Greg Abbott’s Gamble on Opening the Texas Economy Has High Stakes for Workers Across the State
Brad Lewis, a bar employee at San Antonio’s Hotel Emma, has been worried about being called back to work. But not as much as three coworkers who are immunocompromised and face higher health risks during the coronavirus pandemic. Lewis said he’s glad bars weren’t cleared to open on Friday, May 1, when Gov. Greg Abbott…
Ruby City’s At-Home Bubble Fest 2020 Promotes Creative Use of Everyday Materials
Nothing evokes joy more than bubbles. And who couldn’t use an extra splash of joy right now? While large-scale events are still a non-starter due to the pandemic, San Antonio contemporary art center Ruby City has found a way for kids to commemorate its 4th Annual Bubble Fest safely through home-based, bubble-centric festivities. Traditionally, Bubble Fest gives…
San Antonio’s Natural Bridge Caverns Reopens to the Public With New Safety Measures
Exploring a cavern while Texas is still reporting deaths from COVID-19 may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But now it’s an option. According to KSAT, Natural Bridge Caverns reopened Cavern Tours on May 8 after being closed since March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, only the Discovery Tours, Hidden Passages Tours, and…
San Antonio Shooting Suspect Promotes His SoundCloud and YouTube Accounts During Arrest
A San Antonio shooting suspect taken into custody this week while cameras rolled used his 15 seconds of fame for a little self-promotion. On Monday, Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Taron Larry Bowie, 23, in the shooting of two teenagers at the Hi-Tech carwash on Lakeview Drive. On his “perp walk” in front of news…
Woodlawn Theatre Hosting Online Acting Class With San Antonio Native Jesse Borrego
San Antonio’s Woodlawn Theatre is offering an online masterclass with Hollywood actor and San Antonio native Jesse Borrego on Saturday. During a 50-minute Zoom session, Borrego (Blood In Blood Out, Con Air, Fame) will discuss navigating the entertainment industry as a Latino actor and engage in a Q&A with students. Borrego has spoken to the Current…
Federal Judge Says All Texas Voters Can Apply to Vote by Mail During Pandemic
A federal judge on Tuesday opened a path for a massive expansion in absentee voting in Texas by ordering that all state voters regardless of age qualify for a mail-in ballot during the coronavirus pandemic. Days after a two-hour preliminary injunction hearing in San Antonio, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery agreed with individual Texas voters…
San Antonio Comfort Food Restaurant Grayze on Grayson Listed For Lease
Grayze on Grayson is the latest San Antonio restaurant whose space is now up for lease. The eatery’s site near the Pearl development is now listed on the commercial real-estate site LoopNet. Grayze maintained a takeout program in the weeks following Texas’ stay-at-home order but eventually shut its doors, telling fans in an Instagram post, “we’ll…
Singer Patricia Vonne Rodriguez Co-Hosting San Antonio Artist David Blancas’ Online Show
A month after launching an online video series to promote public art, San Antonio muralist David Blancas has lined up serious star power for his next installment. Singer, actress and filmmaker Patricia Vonne Rodriguez will co-host the Friday, May 22 edition of Live with David Blancas, performing her own music and paying tribute to Randy…
San Antonio Zoo Offering Virtual Opportunities to Meet Animals Close Up
Phase 2 of Gov. Greg Abbott’s reopening of Texas allows zoos and aquariums to resume admissions on May 22. In the meantime, the San Antonio Zoo is letting animal enthusiasts see their nature pals through virtual technology. On Tuesday, the SA Zoo announced it’s letting groups of up to six people arrange “exclusive virtual encounters” with…
San Antonio Bar-Scene Luminary Jeret Peña Asks State to Suspend Collecting Liquor Taxes
During a TV Monday appearance Jeret Peña, the dean of San Antonio’s craft cocktail scene, said the Texas Comptroller should grant tax relief to the state’s drinking establishments so more can survive the pandemic. “We don’t need a handout, we need a hand up,” Peña said during a Skype appearance on KSAT’s evening newscast. “What would…
Judge Approves Border Wall Work Next to South Texas’ Protected Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge
A federal judge has cleared surveyors working on President Trump’s border wall to enter disputed land adjacent a South Texas wildlife refuge given congressional protection from the project. Following an April 30 ruling by U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, wooden stakes were seen marking the area adjacent to protected Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge on…
San Antonio Museum of Art Will Reopen at the End of May
One of San Antonio’s major cultural institutions will reopen to the public starting next week. On Tuesday, the San Antonio Museum of Art announced that it will reopen to members only on May 26 and 27, then to the general public starting May 28. The museum will operate at 25% capacity, per state’s guidelines. “SAMA…
San Antonio Restauranteur Jason Dady Sues Insurance Company Over Lost Business
San Antonio restauranteur Jason Dady has joined the ranks of foodservice professionals suing their insurers for denying coverage for lost business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five Dady Group restaurants — Tre Trattoria, Two Bros BBQ, Alamo BBQ Co., Range and Chispas — and the chef’s catering business sued Acadia Insurance Group in state District Court in San…
Texas Pulls Back on Child Care Subsidies for Essential Workers, Low-Income Parents
The Texas Workforce Commission voted to pull back on child care subsidies for low-income parents and essential workers Tuesday as Gov. Greg Abbot launches phase two of the state’s attempted economic jumpstart from coronavirus shutdowns. Essential workers have through Wednesday to apply for state child care subsidies, and low-income parents must resume paying their share…
City Work Crews Discover Human Remains Near San Antonio’s Milam Park
Workers unearthed bone fragments during an archaeological and cultural investigation near Milam Park, according to San Antonio city officials. The investigation is part of a bond project to improve streets and corridors around the downtown park. “We know from the archival records — historical records — that there are three historic-age cemeteries in this area,”…
Voice of San Antonio News Anchor Steve Spriester Lands On Hip-Hop Artist Future’s New Album
Just call him MC Sprie. Longtime KSAT 12 anchor Steve Spriester has made an unexpected guest appearance on rapper Future’s new album High Off Life. A clip of Spriester’s voice appears during an interlude roughly midway through the song “Ridin Strikers.” The audio is taken from a 2014 report on a local bank robbery, according to…
San Antonio Artist Kathy Sosa Debuts New Mural at La Boulangerie
As part of her Keep Calm Y Dream On project, Kathy Sosa has debuted a new mural behind downtown French bakery La Boulangerie. Playing on the popular WWII-era British motivational poster, the mural features repeated versions of the phrase “Keep Calm Et Macar-On” painted on multicolored backgrounds across the side of the building. The mural,…
Texas Governor Green Lights Reopening of Bars, Sports and Child Care Centers
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday unveiled the next phase of his “safe and strategic” reopening of the state, saying child care facilities are cleared to open immediately and bars can begin serving at a limited capacity on Friday. During a press briefing, Abbott also said he’ll allow restaurants, which are now operating at 25%…
Shaq Admits to Making Up Nasty Rumor About the San Antonio Spurs’ David Robinson
Former San Antonio resident and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has talked plenty of smack over the years, including some directed at former Spur David Robinson. Now, in a video shared by the league, Shaq admits that at least one bit of trash talk directed at the former Spur just isn’t true: namely, that…
Texas Hill Country’s Kulhman Cellars Introduces Three New Summer Wines
Kuhlman Cellars — located on the famed Hightway 290 Wine Trail between Fredericksburg and Johnson City — has released three new wines that seem suited for midsummer day drinking. Kuhlman’s newly launched 2019 Estate Roussanne features a white gold color and bold tropical fruit flavors of lychee and green mango. The winery recommends pairing it with…
Roadmap and Other Area Breweries Raise $13,460 for San Antonio Food Bank
On April 15, Roadmap Brewing Co. kicked off a month-long raffle to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. The grand prize: its original 15-gallon brew system, which includes almost anything an avid home enthusiast would need to start cranking out tasty suds. Over the weekend, Roadmap announced its raffle prize winners and proceeds for the Food…
San Antonio Police Arrest Man for Stealing Car with Baby in the Backseat
A quick trip to a convenience store turned harrowing for an Alamo City mother this weekend. KSAT reports that a woman left her two-month old infant in the backseat of her running car while she went into a Northwest San Antonio convenience store shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday. According to police, a man standing outside…
Hong Kong-Style Waffle Cone Shops in San Antonio Reopen Despite Getting Racist Messages
When the first Kuma shop opened in Northwest San Antonio in 2017, locals were intrigued by its pillowy Hong Kong-style waffle cones loaded with ice cream and toppings. Two more followed, generating plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opps. But, more recently, the outlets have experienced something else on social media: racist messages. Two of Kuma’s three locations…
San Antonio Zoo Brings Back Popular Drive-Through Experience For Another Week
The Drive Thru Zoo returns once again! Last Friday, the San Antonio Zoo announced a second extension of the tour, which was first launched at the beginning of the month as a safe, socially distant way to enjoy its animals and facilities. Now more patrons can get a chance to visit the wildlife from a…
Organizers Cancel San Antonio’s Selena XXV Tribute Concert Due to Coronavirus
Some coronavirus-related event cancellations hurt worse than others. Case in point: Q Productions has called off its Selena XXV Tribute Concert, which would have been the first time the event honoring the slain Tejano icon took place in San Antonio. The day-long show featuring Pitbull and other Latin music stars was originally scheduled for May…
Thousands of Texas Nursing Home Residents Have Tested Positive for Coronavirus
More than 3,000 Texas nursing home residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus, as well as nearly 400 assisted living facility residents, according to data released Friday by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Among the reported 311 nursing homes with confirmed cases, 3,011 residents have tested positive and 490 have died. Another…
Texas Travel Industry Makes Plea to Governor: Re-Open Tourism Businesses
Under Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen the Texas economy, retail and dining businesses are slowly opening their doors and welcoming guests at limited capacity, but the travel industry says it’s being left behind. “On behalf of more than 600 organizational members, the Texas Travel Alliance calls on Governor Abbott to publicly recognize the importance…
San Antonio’s Merit Coffee Sells Baby Yoda Medal to Raise More Than $13,000 to Feed Hungry Kids
When Merit Coffee teased its 2020 Fiesta medal design, which featured Baby Yoda, people went crazy solely because it was so damn cute. Now, there’s another reason to swoon over the collectible piece of flair. Sales of the medal have funded $13,483 in donations to Snack Pac 4 Kids San Antonio, a nonprofit that provides students…
Texas Supreme Court Puts Hold on Expansion of Mail-In Voting During Pandemic
The Republican-controlled Texas Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked an expansion of voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic. In a victory for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the state’s high court put a hold on a state appeals court ruling that permitted voters who lack immunity to the coronavirus — and therefore face infection…
Temple Beth-El Supports San Antonio Musicians With Free Facebook Live Concerts
Every Saturday night Temple Beth-El is using music to say shavua’tov — or good wishes — for the week. For the third week running this San Antonio Jewish congregation is supporting local musicians who have lost income due to the pandemic by featuring them in free Facebook Live concerts. This Saturday’s 7 p.m. installment will showcase…
Trump Administration Waives Environmental Safeguards to Fast-Track 69 Miles of Border Fence Construction
The Trump administration announced Friday that it is waiving several regulations in order to fast-track construction of nearly 70 miles of border barriers and roads in Webb and Zapata counties. The move marks a significant step in fulfilling Trump’s election-year goal to have hundreds of miles of fencing or wall in place by the end…
Texans Lag in Responding to the 2020 Census, Study Shows
The United States gets one chance per decade to count its population, and each of those tallies has drastic consequences for states, cities and individual residents. The 2020 U.S. Census will determine how many congressional seats each state gets, for example. It will also inform the distribution of $1.5 trillion in federal funding and influence…
Wedding Planners Are Hurting as Couples Turn to Mini-Ceremonies to Follow Social Distance Rules
With large gatherings up in the air for the foreseeable future, wedding industry professionals say they’re seeing more couples downsize to avoid postponing their special day. Those smaller gatherings — called “minimonies” — are helping couples salvage their wedding plans by bringing together 10 or fewer guests in a way that follows social distance guidelines.…
San Antonio Event Planner Lands Federal Contract to Feed Needy Despite Lacking Proper License
A San Antonio event and wedding planner with no food-distribution experience has been awarded a $39.1 million federal contract to buy, box and transport surplus food to needy families during the pandemic, the San Antonio Express News reports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program aims to partner with produce, meat and…
San Antonio’s City Base Cinema Reopening Friday With New Social Distancing Policies
For the past few months, San Antonians have been keeping ourselves entertained with movies, but most of our home theaters lack surround sound and a snack bar serving popcorn, pickles and Takis. Southside movie theater City Base Entertainment is reopening Friday with new safety procedures to help movie fans — those that feel safe venturing…
Luminaria Artist Foundation Opens Second Round of Emergency Relief Grants in San Antonio
On the heels of last weekend’s telethon fundraiser, the Luminaria Artist Foundation has opened up a second round of Corona Arts Relief Grants. After applications flooded in for the first round of the emergency grants in April, the organization had to close its submission window early. Now, local artists have another chance to apply for…
Fiesta Commission Announces Official Calendar for November Version of San Antonio’s Favorite Holiday
Fiesta has been postponed until fall this year, with most of the big events starting on November 5 and wrapping up November 15. While the full slate of events was up in the air for a while, yesterday the Fiesta Commission released the official schedule for the fall’s festivities. Here’s a roundup pulled from the…
Social Media Laughs at San Antonio Drama After Man Seeks Revenge Over Stolen Yeezys
Who needs telenovelas when you’ve got Chad’s and Jerrick’s sneaker thievery Facebook drama? On Tuesday, Chad vs. Jerrick 2020 kicked off when Chad Cazares claimed on the social media platform that his (probably now ex-) pal Jerrick Moreno made off with two pairs of his beloved Kanye West-designed Yeezy sneakers, which he valued at a…
Bexar County Commissioners Vote Unanimously to Expand Mail-In Ballots During Pandemic
Bexar County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to let residents who fear exposure to COVID-19 while voting at poll sites to cast mail-in ballots instead. The nonbinding resolution flies in the face of a letter from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ordering election officials not to expand absentee voting. The correspondence, sent earlier this month, threatens…
Obamacare Opponent John Cornyn Now Tells People Who Lost Health Coverage to Sign Up for the Program
Sen. John Cornyn, once called “Obamacare repeal’s top salesman,” dispensed some surprising advice to constituents this week. During a TV interview, the Texas Republican encouraged Americans who have lost health care coverage during the pandemic to sign up for the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, a law he’s long fought to dismantle. “The…
Broker Confirms Jacala Is For Sale, Even Though the San Antonio Eatery’s Owners and Fans Deny It
A week ago, the Current reported that the beloved Jacala Mexican Restaurant was listed for sale on LoopNet, a commercial real estate website. Even though the listing said “the time has come to pass the restaurant to a new experienced owner,” fans of the restaurant took to social media to insist the story was “fake…
Top San Antonio Chefs Sound Off on What They’re Cooking at Home While They Shelter in Place
Keeping meals fresh and interesting during quarantine hasn’t exactly been easy for most of us. When forced to eat at home more than usual, it’s easy to cycle through your entire cooking repertoire in no time at all. To help remedy that situation, we polled some of San Antonio’s best-known chefs to ask what they’re…
You Supported the SA Current Press Club Because Free, Local Coverage Matters
Editor’s Note: This is a six-week update on the San Antonio Current’s SA Press Club initiative. Faced with unprecedented economic challenges, the Current asked for your help. And, as San Antonians always do, you delivered. Six weeks ago, we launched the SA Current Press Club to encourage readers to financially support our mission of providing…
New Analysis Shows Number of Homeless People in San Antonio on the Rise
The San Antonio Regional Alliance for the Homeless this week released the results of a new data analysis showing a year-over-year increase in the city’s homeless population. The numbers are based on a January tally of the city’s homeless population, referred to as a point-in-time, or PIT, count. The 2,932 total homeless people surveyed in the most…
San Antonio-Tied Cowpunks the Hickoids Will Host Livestreamed Show to Benefit Austin’s Lost Well
There’s been plenty of low-key, contemplative music shared over livestreams during the pandemic. We can virtually guarantee cowpunk pioneers the Hickoids will be neither low-key nor contemplative on Friday when they perform their “Livestream from the Corn-Teen” from a studio somewhere north of us on Interstate 35. What we can assure you, though, is that…
San Antonio Police Identify Suspect Who Allegedly Shot Bus Passenger Over Mask Requirement
Police have identified the suspected gunman they say is responsible for a shooting at a Southeast San Antonio bus stop that left one man hospitalized on Tuesday, KSAT reports. Jason Jackson, 36, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to authorities, Jackson had a state-issued license to carry. Alisia Pruneda,…
Virtual Speed Dating Service Aims to Let San Antonians Connect During Social Distancing
Dating’s gotten more difficult in a socially distant world. Sure, restaurants — one of the most common locations for first dates — have reopened, but there are still be a capacity limits, and many people still don’t feel safe venturing out. One local speed-dating service sees that as opportunity and is offering folks a way to…
Reported Shooting Leads to Police Standoff in Northeast San Antonio
A San Antonio man is in a standoff with police after allegedly popping a few caps into a neighbor’s home late Wednesday night, KSAT reports. Police responded to a call on the 4000 block of Sunrise Creek near Binz-Engleman Road after neighbors reported being woken up by gunshots, according to the station. They also discovered that…
San Antonio Woman Donates a Literal Ton of Produce to Homes Serving People With Special Needs
As a mother of an individual with Down syndrome, Mary Flores personally understands the importance of local nonprofit groups that offer specialized assistance for families like hers. That understanding led her to donate 2,000 pounds — that’s one ton — of produce to group homes and non-profits that provide support to South Texas families of individuals…
San Antonio-Based Natural Food Company Wildway Donates 1,000 Pounds of Granola to Food Bank
In April, SA-based natural foods company Wildway launched its “Give Wild” campaign, which allowed customers to send loved ones care packages and promised to match every order with a direct donation to families in need. This week, Wildway made good on that promise, donating roughly 1,000 pounds of its granola to the San Antonio Food…
San Antonio Food Businesses Offering Pick-Me-Ups for 2020 Grads Who Got the Shaft
No prom, no commencement ceremony and no refunds on those hideous cap- and-gown sets. No lie, the Class of 2020 has gotten the shaft when it comes to celebrating the completion of high school. The good news, though, is some San Antonio food businesses are coming up with creative ways to celebrate the grads in…
Employee of U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Antonio Arrested on Charges of Tipping Off Cartel
A paralegal working in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Antonio has been arrested on suspicion that she tipped off a drug cartel about investigations, according to multiple press reports. Jennifer Loya was arrested Friday and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice, according…
San Antonio Spurs Player Patty Mills’ Domestic Violence Aid Campaign Brings in $104,000
San Antonio Spurs Guard Patty Mills loves his coffee, but he didn’t want to spend his time focusing only on that during the pandemic. So, Mills last Friday announced a Mother’s Day fundraiser to raise domestic violence awareness in conjunction with eight local coffee shops. Mills’ #GiveMamaCoffee campaign urged community members to purchase a cup of joe, food…
City of San Antonio Announces Two New Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing Sites
This weekend, the city of San Antonio will open two new COVID-19 testing sites targeting underserved and minority communities. Free walk-up testing for the coronavirus will be available at the Southside Lions Community Center, 310 Hiawatha St., and Claude Black Community Center, 2805 E. Commerce St., from May 14-16. The sites will operate from 10…
Texas AG Ken Paxton Asks State’s High Court to Stop Expansion of Mail-In Voting During Pandemic
The showdown between Texas’ Republican leadership and voting rights groups over whether to expand absentee voting during the pandemic may be headed to the state’s highest court. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday asked the Texas Supreme Court to issue an order barring local election officials from letting residents concerned about coronavirus exposure to cast…
Pete Buttigieg Endorses Gina Ortiz Jones in Congressional Race to Represent San Antonio and South Texas
Gina Ortiz Jones, who’s running for the Texas 23rd Congressional District Seat, was among 22 candidates endorsed by former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday. The endorsements were made under the aegis of Buttigieg’s Win the Era PAC which was established “to support candidates who embody and lift up the values that bring Americans together.”…
Texas Americana Artist Wade Bowen Hosts Quaranstream Concert Series on Friday Nights
The Americana music scene is deeply embedded in the Texas Hill Country. Some of the folk-inspired genre’s best-known performers not only write and gig in the Austin and San Antonio areas, they also live and raise families here. One such artist Wade Bowen. Born and raised a Texas boy, Bowen calls New Braunfels home. Even…
Group That Sued Trump for Blocking Critics on Twitter Warns John Cornyn Over Same Behavior
The free-speech group that beat President Donald Trump last year in a federal court case over whether he can block critics from his Twitter account has turned its sights on Sen. John Cornyn. The Knight First Amendment Institute sent a letter Wednesday to Cornyn, R-Texas, asking him to unblock a constituent who posted a critical…
Youth Orchestras of San Antonio Caps Off Its Season with Virtual Finale Concert
Just because in-person performances are canceled doesn’t mean the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio are going to call off their season. Instead, this Sunday YOSA will stream their first ever virtual concert on Facebook. The online YOSApalooza performance will consist of recordings by all nine orchestras from the organization’s most recent season and a surprise…
Chef Behind San Antonio’s Noodle Tree Will Close Restaurant to Focus on Lymphoma Treatment
Following a medical appointment Monday, Mike Nyugen, chef-owner of Noodle Tree has decided to close his Northwest San Antonio restaurant completely. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Noodle Tree has been offering takeout and delivery services for local ramen and bao fans, but Nguyen’s battle with lymphoma has now forced him to shut down the restaurant…
Nearly 4 Million Texans at Risk of Losing Health Coverage During Coronavirus Pandemic
A new study by the Urban Institute found more than 3.9 million Texans are at risk of losing employer-sponsored health insurance as COVID-19 continues to decimate the job market. “Thirty million workers filed initial unemployment claims between March 15 and April 25,” according to the study, which was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.…
Texas Man Fired, Under Police Investigation Due to Online Threat Over Whole Foods Mask Policy
A Dallas-area man has landed in hot water for making gun threats while peacocking about Whole Foods’ coronavirus precautions on Facebook. Screenshots of a Facebook rant allegedly posted by Kevin Bain, an administrative manager at law firm Thompson & Knight LLP, started to go viral on Twitter last Friday. “No more masks. Any business that…
San Antonio Botanical Garden Offering Free Admission for Healthcare Workers and Others
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is showing its community spirit by offering free admission for those working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes first responders, healthcare workers, public transportation and City of San Antonio employees. Free admission tickets are good for up to four people and must be reserved online using the…
San Antonio River Walk Wraps Up Five-Week Digital Concert Series on Friday
Who ever said day drinking was a bad thing? The Bud Light River Walk Concert Series — a collection of virtual concert performances that air Fridays at noon — makes cracking a cold one midday almost mandatory. For the past month, the series has featured performances by high-quality SA musical acts with its final concert…
San Antonio-Based Grocer H-E-B Tightens Restrictions on Meat Purchases — Again
Just eight days after placing restrictions on meat purchases, SA-based grocery giant H-E-B is further reining them in at its San Antonio-area, Central Texas and Gulf Coast stores. According to the the company’s website, shoppers are still limited to five packages total of fresh beef, ground beef, chicken, pork and turkey per purchase. However, the…
San Antonio Jazz Trombone Maestro Ron Wilkins Out of ICU After Battling COVID-19
San Antonio jazzman Ron Wilkins appears to have come through the worst of a life-or-death battle with COVID-19. After more than a month in the ICU on a ventilator, the renowned trombonist has been moved to a rehab center, according to a GoFundMe account set up to cover his medical expenses. “He is currently still…
Texas Prison Food Has Gone From Bad to Worse During COVID Pandemic, According to Inmates
Prison food has always been famously sub-par, but since COVID-19 lockdowns began in early April, Texas inmates have been writing to The Marshall Project to voice concerns about worsening dietary conditions. The Marshall Project is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on reporting on the state of the justice system, including inmate mental health, immigration, politics…
San Antonio and Bexar Leaders Blast AG Ken Paxton’s Threat Over Coronavirus Restrictions
San Antonio and Bexar County leaders are firing back at Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s threat of legal action against cities that don’t scale back coronavirus-related regulations, calling his move political grandstanding. During a Tuesday night briefing, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff sarcastically referred to correspondence the Republican AG sent to local leaders as a “love…
Coyote Ugly Bars Furloughed Managers Rather Than Pay Them With Coronavirus Aid Funds They Received
“Let’s Make Bad Decisions,” declares the Instagram bio of Coyote Ugly San Antonio. The line seems tone deaf in light of news about how the company has used federal coronavirus relief money it received. Nine Coyote Ugly bars applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans in March, “because they were there,” Jeff Wiseman, the company’s general…
Pabst Introduces Pearl xXx, an Updated Version of the Texas Lager With San Antonio Ties
Sporting a new look and an updated flavor profile, Pearl Brewing Co. has unveiled Pearl xXx, a relaunch of its American lager long associated with San Antonio. “This relaunch of Pearl Beer is all about paying homage to Pearl’s deep roots while embracing the San Antonio of today,” said Daniel Crawford, who manages the Pearl…
San Antonio Confirms 39 New Infections at Nursing Homes, Says It Will Release Counts Daily
Confirming that 39 more residents and staff members at local nursing homes have tested positive for COVID-19, San Antonio health officials now say they will release daily data on testing at local care facilities. Recent tests show 23 infections among residents and another 16 among staff at four San Antonio facilities: Advanced Rehab Live Oak,…
Odd Objects: San Antonio Museums Share Fascinating (and Creepy) Finds From Deep in Their Collections
In addition to the greatest hits of culture and history, museums house tons of hidden gems that often go unnoticed. Inspired by a recent Twitter challenge from the Yorkshire Museum — which requested that institutions share the creepiest objects in their possession — we asked six local museums to show off the strangest and compelling…
Texas Bar Trade Group Wants Members to Hold ‘Soft Reopenings’ to Spur Action by Governor
The Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance is encouraging members around the state to host “soft” reopenings this Friday to build solidarity for drinking spots, which have not yet been included in Texas’ reopening plan. The events are open to bar staffs only, not the general public. “This opening will not include patrons or the general public, but…
Analysis: The Coronavirus Hits Texans of Color Harder. You Can See It in Public Opinion Polling.
Recent polling data suggests that Texans of color are experiencing a more acute sense of vulnerability to the pandemic and its dire economic fallout than white Texans. The long, initial shock of the new coronavirus is beginning to give way to the grind of long-existing problems, like across-the-board disparities experienced by black and Hispanic people…
Clothing Line Supreme Catches Flak for New Duds Featuring Art of Texas Musician Daniel Johnston
Pricy hypebeast clothing line Supreme is catching heat from Texas music fans this week. The designer brand known for its rectangular red logo announced the latest drop in its series of streetwear collabs this week: a new line based on artwork from beloved Texas outsider musician Daniel Johnston. The problem? Well, there are at least a couple.…
San Antonio Brewers Roll Out New Styles to Try for American Craft Beer Week 2020
Not that we need another reason to stock up on locally produced crafts brews, but we’re in the middle of American Craft Beer Week, and that sounds like as good an excuse as any. A nationwide celebration of small and independent U.S. craft breweries, ACBW 2020 runs May 11-17. In celebration, these San Antonio-area certified…
Testing Confirms COVID-19 Cases at Another Southeast San Antonio Nursing Home
At least 16 residents and staff members at the Rio at Mission Trails nursing home have tested positive for COVID-19, KSAT reported Monday night, citing multiple sources who declined to be named. A Metropolitan Health District spokeswoman told the station an investigation is underway at the long-term care facility in Southeast San Antonio. However, she…
Relatable Meme About San Antonio’s Late-Night Americus Diamond Ads Goes Viral
If you know, you know. Any kid who grew up in San Antonio knows the feeling of awakening to the dulcet tones of the late-night narrator of the Americus Diamond commercials. Now, a meme depicting that puro experience is going viral on Facebook. On Sunday, Arturo Farias III posted a video that takes the opening…
Civil Rights Groups File Yet Another Suit Challenging Texas’ Refusal to Expand Mail-In Voting
A coalition of voters and civil rights groups has sued Texas over its refusal to expand use of mail-in ballots, adding yet another legal challenge to the state’s handling of voting during the pandemic. In the suit filed Monday in San Antonio federal court, Voto Latino, NAACP Texas and the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans…
San Antonio Couple Gets Married Over Zoom at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital
A San Antonio zoomed into matrimony over the weekend. In yet another example of healthcare workers confronting pandemic-related impediments with heroic positivity, nurses at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital volunteered to be bridesmaids for a local couple who had to rethink their wedding ceremony. According to KSAT, even if Eliazar and Ausenett Cruz had wanted to…
San Antonio Will Begin Offering COVID-19 Testing to People Without Symptoms
The city of San Antonio will begin testing asymptomatic people for COVID-19, dropping previous restrictions that required residents to have a fever, dry cough or other symptoms to qualify. Asymptomatic people can be tested for free at local health care providers, drive-thru locations and through the San Antonio Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program, according…
San Antonio Spurs Guard Patty Mills’ Coffee Campaign Raised Money to Prevent Family Violence
It was a busy Mother’s Day for Patty Mills. The San Antonio Spur hopped between eight local coffee shops as part of his #GiveMamaCoffee campaign, which raised money for the nonprofit Family Violence Prevention Services. Mill partnered with Brown Coffee Company, Estate Coffee Company, Indy Coffee Club, Mildfire Coffee, Press Coffee, Scorpion, Theory Coffee Co.…
Texas Company Launches Super-Hot New Chips Boasting Up To 38,700 Scoville Units
When it comes to food, San Antonians love it hot. But are they ready for the kind of heat a Texas-based potato chip brand is serving up? Austin-based Amplify Snack Brands — the company responsible for SkinnyPop Popcorn and Pirates Booty Puffs — has launched Krakatoa Hot Chips, a line of super-spicy kettle-cooked chips that…
San Antonio Woman Arrested for Damaging Car in Drive-Thru While Shouting ‘All for Whataburger!’
A hangry woman is facing charges after losing her temper and damaging another vehicle waiting in line at a San Antonio Whataburger drive-thru, KSAT reports. According to the arrest affidavit, Andrea Santarelly, 19, is facing a criminal mischief charge for damaging a car while attempting to cut the line at a Whataburger in the 12500…
PETA Asks for Investigation of San Antonio-Area Pet Breeding Company Over Poor Inspections
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has asked Atascosa County’s attorney to investigate Rancho Raton Inc., a small-animal dealer located South of San Antonio, over its record with federal regulators. The animal rights group says a pair of recent inspections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed “horrific conditions and neglect” at the dealer’s…
San Antonio Orders The Rustic and Lion and the Rose to Close After They Reopen for Dining
San Antonio last week ordered The Rustic and The Lion and Rose British Restaurant to close after finding the two businesses in violation of the order closing bars during the coronavirus pandemic. Although the establishments, both located at The Rim, serve food, they’re considered bars by state officials because because the majority of their sales…
New Podcast Explores the Conviction of Woody Harrelson’s Father for Killing a San Antonio Judge
A new true-crime podcast with both San Antonio and Hollywood connections has splashed onto the scene. Early this month, Spotify debuted Son of a Hitman, which delves into the story of Charles Harrelson, who was served a life term for the 1979 murder of U.S. District Judge John H. Wood Jr. in San Antonio. Notably,…
Texas Legislators Blindsided by Gov. Greg Abbott’s Decision to Re-Open Salons and Gyms
Texas lawmakers say they were caught off guard by Gov. Greg Abbott’s order last week opening beauty salons, adding that the surprise announcement shows an increasing lack of transparency about the governor’s plans to reopen the state. “We absolutely felt blindsided,” said State Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, who added that the May 5 order by…
Rebecca Creek Distillery is Selling T-shirts to Benefit Meals on Wheels San Antonio
As an extension of its online Whiskey & Music Virtual Benefit Concert, Rebecca Creek Distillery is now selling T-shirts to benefit Meals on Wheels San Antonio. The April 19 live-streamed concert, hosted by Texas country music artist Jack Ingram, sought to raise $50,000 for Meals on Wheels by featuring recording artists performing live throughout during an…
The Shops at Alamo Ranch Donates 400 Meals to San Antonio First Responders
The Shops at Alamo Ranch, located in Northwest San Antonio, has donated more than 400 meals to area first responders as a gesture of appreciation. Throughout the month of April, Alamo Ranch purchased lunches from its restaurant tenants and delivered them to healthcare professionals, police and firefighters in the area surrounding the shopping center. “BJ’s…
Former WWE Wrestling Champ Alberto del Rio Charged With Sexual Assault in San Antonio
San Antonio police have charged former WWE wrestling champion Alberto del Rio with sexual assault, according to a KSAT news report. Del Rio, 42, whose real name is Jose A. Rodriguez Chucuan, was arrested on May 9 after a woman told authorities that he’d struck and sexually assaulted her, the station reported, citing an arrest affidavit.…
Texas Woman Caught on Video Driving SUV Over Graves at National Cemetery to Avoid Traffic
There’s apparently a new race on the NASCAR circuit: the Cemetery 500. On Sunday, a woman tweeted video of a Dodge SUV driving through the gravesites of the Houston National Cemetery, presumably to avoid traffic. According to Houston news station KPRC, witnesses said that she drove over dozens of headstones. People had come to the…
Glitter Political: Gina Ortiz Jones Listens to the Experts — and Voters — on COVID-19
Democratic nominee Gina Ortiz Jones hasn’t been elected to serve the people of Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. Even so, the COVID-19 crisis has inspired her to open a virtual field office to help residents connect to health care and financial resources. “We are stepping up and, in many ways, serving as a congressional office would,”…
Gourdough’s San Antonio Doughnut Shop Location Files for Bankruptcy Liquidation
The San Antonio outpost of Austin’s bigger-is-better doughnut shop Gourdough’s has filed for bankruptcy liquidation. Gourdough’s Riverwalk LLC is sought Chapter 7 protection on May 6, according a filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas in San Antonio. Under Chapter 7 cases, owners typically sell off a business’ assets to…
Language Barriers, Absence of Bank Loans Leave Latino Small-Business Owners Struggling
FORT WORTH — As Texas restaurants and retail stores began welcoming customers back through their doors last week, a few dozen people walking the hallways of this city’s normally bustling La Gran Plaza shopping mall passed reopened stores whose windows featured quinceañera dresses, Mexican ranchero boots and cellphones. Signs on the food court tables banned…
Transgender Woman Identified as Victim in San Antonio Barbershop Killing
San Antonio police have identified 20-year-old Helle Jae O’Regan as the victim of a fatal attack at the Diesel Barbershop on Bandera Road near Loop 1604 on May 6. O’Regan and two other barbershop employees were inside the business preparing for their reopening on May 8. Police arrested 42-year-old Damion Campbell on May 7 accusing…
San Antonio-Area Wildlife Sanctuary Launches Supply Drive to Sustain High Intake
If you have ever wanted to make an impact in a wild animal’s life, now is the time. This spring, there has been an increase in animal rescues at the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. Combined with the drop in donations nonprofits are seeing nationwide during the current financial crisis, WRR is facing an unprecedented…
Our Lady of the Lake’s Fall Initiative Reopens Campuses, New Programs and More
Schools across the city have been shut down for the remainder of this semester, but Our Lady of the Lake University already has plans in place for the fall semester. Later this year, the university will reopen all three campuses — San Antonio, Houston and Rio Grande Valley — so it can offer in-person, online…
‘There Is No Right Answer’: San Antonio Restaurant Owners Want to Reopen, But Some Refuse to Do It on Gov. Abbott’s Timetable
In late March, the Texas Restaurant Association estimated that as many as 500,000 bar and restaurant jobs could be lost due to the pandemic. As of April 30, the actual numbers revealed an even more tragic reality: some 680,000 jobs have evaporated since COVID-19 spread to the U.S. Despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement last week…
San Antonians Sound Off on Social Media About Weird Green Light Spotted in the Night Sky This Week
First coronavirus, then murder hornets, and now … is an alien invasion the next catastrophe? Some San Antonians noticed an ominous green light in the sky Wednesday night, and wondered if that may just be the case According to KSAT, several viewers reached out to report the strange phenomenon to the station. They also sounded…
Without Federal Help, San Antonio Music Venues Are Dying. Here’s How You Can Help.
Unable to stage shows due to the pandemic, independent music venues are suffocating right now. And they’re calling on music fans to help them breathe again. The newly formed National Independent Venue Association — a coalition of 1,300 independent venues, including a dozen in San Antonio — is seeking federal help such as tax relief and grants…
San Antonio’s Weathered Souls Brewery Releases Three New Beers
San Antonio’s Weathered Souls Brewery rolled out three new brews Friday, all with wildly different profiles. The first, 6 Feet of Separation — a collaboration with Baa Baa Brewhouse in Houston — is a triple-dry hopped hazy IPA. The ale boasts an International Bitterness Units scale of 43. For those not familiar with the scale, that means it’s really freaking…
San Antonio Chef Offers to Help Restaurants Switch to Digital Menus to Reduce Waste
As restauranteurs settle into the new normal of disposable menus and utensils along with social distancing practices, one SA chef is doing his best to urge them to keep the environment in mind. Chef Mike Nguyen of Noodle Tree — and recent CNN fame — is helping dining establishments switch to digital menus via QR codes to…
San Antonio Trump Lackey Brad Parscale Posts Selfie With MAGA Mask — and Twitter Lets Loose
After celebrating Star Wars Day by comparing the Trump campaign to spacefaring genocidal weapon the Death Star, Brad Parscale is drawing comparisons to another movie villain — Hannibal Lecter. On Thursday, Cheeto Voldemort’s campaign manager tweeted a selfie wearing a face mask printed with the Trump/Pence 2020 slogan “Keep America Great.” “Walking into the @WhiteHouse…
Back with a Vengeance: San Antonio’s Phonolux Rips Trump with Incendiary ‘Regime’ Song and Video
The animated video for Phonolux’s “Regime” shows Donald Trump in bed with Big Pharma and a bloodied, dead woman. In another scene, a whip-wielding Melania, clad in dominatrix gear, holds a “Castrate the Quitters” sign while the President is about to remove Uncle Sam’s balls with a guillotine. In another, the MAGA Supreme Leader sits…
If San Antonio Needs to Fund Another Round of COVID-19 Assistance, Here’s Where It Can Find the Money
Editor’s Note: The following is City Scrapes, a column of opinion and analysis “For breakfast Sunday morning, COPS President Bea Gallego had eggs, bacon, coffee, and victoria dulce. She earned every bite.” So began Roddy Stinson’s Express column on Monday, January 17, 1977. The “sweet victory” savored by Beatrice Gallego and the COPS (Communities Organized…
San Antonio Museum of Art Hosting Two Interactive Artist Chats Online
The San Antonio Museum of Art remains closed to the public, but the institution is ready to welcome guests virtually. Starting next Tuesday, SAMA will begin hosting interactive, casual conversations with local artists that art-lovers can attend from comfort of their homes. Interested participants need simply register online, and the museum will provide a link…
NPR Music Shouts Out San Antonio Rapper Chris Conde on Twitter
NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts are beloved both for showcasing big name artists and shining a light on new talent. While we anxiously await this next slate of Tiny Desk Contest winners, NPR is sharing selected entries on Twitter. “Each day in May, we’re sharing a #DeskOfTheDay to celebrate the wide range of creative Tiny Desk…
San Antonio’s Own Robert Rodriguez Set to Direct at Least One Episode of The Mandalorian in Season 2
San Antonio’s link to the Star Wars saga jumped a few light years forward this week when filmmaker and San Antonio native Robert Rodriguez (Alita: Battle Angel) announced on Twitter that he is one of the directors behind the second season of the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian. “I am truly humbled to say I…
I Support the SA Current Press Club Because I Celebrate San Antonio’s Local Flavor
Editor’s Note: This is the latest in a series of weekly essays from San Antonio readers who support our recently launched SA Current Press Club fundraising initiative. San Antonio is a diverse city that celebrates character in all its forms and where local flavor is of vital importance. Without storytellers to create and share these amazing tales…
San Antonio’s Bakery Lorraine and La Panaderia Land on Food & Wine List of Nation’s Best Bakeries
Not one, but two, San Antonio establishments have landed on Food & Wine magazine’s list of the 100 Best Bakeries in America. Bakery Lorraine and La Panaderia rep the Alamo City on the newly released roundup of the best spots for everything from rustic sourdough loaves to Lebanese pistachio crullers. Austin’s Sour Duck Market was the…
Planned OLLU Facility Will Offer Counseling, Clinical Services to San Antonio’s West Side
Things are looking up, and coming down, as part of Our Lady of the Lake University’s goal to provide speech, hearing and counseling services for an impoverished West Side neighborhood. The new $4 million Center for Children and Family will be located on the 3600 block of West Commerce Street just across Elmendorf Lake Park.…
“Everything Was Gone”: San Antonio Barbecue Joint Robbed of All Food Items
Employees of barbecue restaurant 225° Urban Smoke BBQ walked into their shop last week to discover every single bit of food had been stolen, including cases of meat, produce, bread, cheese and pantry items. “Everything was gone,” said Samuel Ransom, chef for the Northeast San Antonio eatery. “But we opened up the next day to send a…
Trump Won’t Let Go of Plan to Paint Border Wall at Additional Cost of $500 Million
President Trump is resuming a push to paint his pinche border wall black — to the tune of at least $500 million in additional cost to taxpayers, the Washington Post reports, citing federal contracting estimates. Trump has at various times insisted on painting the fence’s steel bollards matte black, claiming the wall look more imposing and…
Oscar Nominee Cites Her Title as Honorary Mayor of San Antonio During Chat About New Drama
Best known for playing the quiet albeit supportive wife of boxer Rocky Balboa in the Rocky film franchise (“Yo, Adrian”), two-time Oscar nominated actress Talia Shire, over the course of her 52-year career, has helped solidify her family as one of the very few to ever be considered Hollywood royalty. Shire, who was nominated for…
San Antonio’s Briscoe Western Art Museum Announces Plans to Reopen, Tackling A New Frontier
In its own words, the Briscoe Western Art Museum “welcomes everyone to saddle up and ride West again on May 23,” as the institution announced plans to reopen its doors on that date. General admission will be half-price from May 23-25, and healthcare workers can venture forth for free through this summer. One can’t help…
Puro Puzzles: San Antonio Florist David Garcia Joins the Jigsaw Game
Googling the words “puzzle” and “pandemic” these days returns headlines such as “People are Curbing Their Stay-at-Home Anxiety the Analog Way: With Puzzles” from CNN. Meanwhile the Wall Street Journal posted “Coronavirus Means Everyone Wants Jigsaw Puzzles. Good Luck Buying One.” An odd example of collective consciousness in the e-tail era, the puzzle boom has…
H-E-B Sued in Federal Court Over Price Gouging Allegations
Shoppers have sued San Antonio-based H-E-B and other grocers, wholesalers and farms in federal court, accusing them of price-gouging for eggs during coronavirus pandemic. A suit filed last week in Austin accuses H-E-B and 18 other businesses of nearly tripling the price of eggs after Texas declared a state of disaster due to the crisis,…
Iconic San Antonio Puffy Taco Spot Jacala Mexican Restaurant Goes Up for Sale
Jacala Mexican Restaurant, the storied eatery where founder Rudolph Quinones claims he created the original puffy taco, is up for sale. The colorful restaurant in San Antonio’s Los Angeles Heights neighborhood opened in 1949 and has been operated by the Quinones family since then. However, “the time has come to pass the restaurant to a…
Seguin Food Trailer Theft Thwarted Thanks to Social Media Following
Thanks to the help of the San Antonio Food Truck Association and some eagle-eyed fans, Seguin-based food trailer Top Notch Food Diner was rescued from an ill-fated joyride Tuesday, KSAT reports. Within an hour of the missing trailer’s photo being posted to SAFTA’s Facebook page with a plea for help, Top Notch owner Becky Preiss was…
Virtual Vitality: Gyms Shifted Online During the Pandemic, and Fitness Instructors Say It May Be the Wave of the Future
When the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of nonessential businesses, local gyms and fitness instructors were forced to ramp up their online presence to maintain memberships and make sure their bills get paid. San Antonio fitness leaders say it’s been a challenge to quickly create online classes and keep clients on task in quarantine. But…
Texas DACA Recipients Working on Pandemic’s Front Lines Await Supreme Court Ruling
EL PASO – When Josue Tayub gets ready for work, he knows that anything can appen during the 12 hours he’s on duty as an emergency room nurse at El Paso’s Del Sol Medial Center. Last August, the 35-year-old was working on the day a gunman shot dozens of people at a local Walmart —…
After National TV Appearance, Noodle Tree Chef Will Distribute Surgical Masks to San Antonians
San Antonio chef Mike Nguyen, who drew worldwide support for refusing to open his restaurant dining room last week despite a green light from Texas’ governor, now says he’ll donate surgical masks to keep customers safe. Nguyen appeared on CNN last week — and spoke to the Current shortly before that — to explain that he opted…
San Antonio Symphony Announces 2020-2021 Concert Season
The San Antonio Symphony has announced a 2020-2021 season that’s as ambitious as ever. Beginning with “Ravishing Rachmaninoff” in late September, the season’s 14 weeks of programming will include heavy-hitters such as Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. As part of the symphony’s continued search for a new Music Director, 12 guest conductors…
Joaquin Castro Teases Twin on Twitter — by Posting Thirst Trap of the Former San Antonio Mayor
Public figures posting thirst traps on social media is nothing new, but it’s not often that someone’s identical twin does it for them. But that’s just what U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, did on Tuesday when he tweeted two photos of his shirtless brother Julián Castro playing soccer with his son. “Damn! I apologize…
San Antonio Spurs Launch $500,000 Fund to Aid First Responders and Others
The Silver and Black have launched a fund to aid San Antonio first responders, families and businesses hurt by the COVID-19 crisis. The nonprofit arm of Spurs Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Alamo City’s NBA franchise and runs the AT&T Center, tipped off its new Spurs Give Together Fund with an initial $500,000 donation.…
