Cover Story
Controversy rages as Tejano Music Awards prepares to honor convicted rapist Joe Lopez
Lopez was the frontman for the influential South Texas band Grupo Mazz, but the choice to give him a Lifetime Achievement Award has drawn anger.
FDA warns pet owners after dog food sold in Texas recalled for salmonella risk
The recalled food was made by East Texas-based TFP Nutrition and Mount Pleasant-based Mid America Pet Food.
Oil and gas companies spill millions of gallons of wastewater in Texas
An exclusive Inside Climate News analysis found that companies have spilled nearly 150 million gallons of toxic, highly saline wastewater in Texas over the last decade.
San Antonio Chick-fil-A locations to giving away nuggets Nov. 1-8 — with a catch
The offer requires customers to have the Chick-fil-A app, and it’s just like a similar enticement the company offered a year ago.
Abbott says he’s reached an agreement on vouchers; Texas lawmakers say otherwise
Gov. Greg Abbott said he struck a deal with House Speaker Dade Phelan on Tuesday, but Phelan’s office was less committal, and one House member said the proposal still isn’t going anywhere.
Study: Texas home to some of the nation’s most-haunted colleges
Four of the five universities with the most reported ghost sightings are located in Texas.
Air Force looking for San Antonio families to host recruits for Thanksgiving dinner
The Operation Home Cooking initiative seeks around 330 Alamo City families to host recruits.
Celtics legend blasts Spurs, Popovich for not getting Wemby involved on offense
Popovich said currently sees Devin Vassell as the Spurs’ ‘go-to guy’ on offense.
New bar taking over Northeast San Antonio’s former Halftime Lounge
The Break Room is expected to open next year near the intersection of Pat Booker Road and Loop 1604.
This Halloween could be among coldest ever recorded in San Antonio
The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning Tuesday night for the Hill Country.
San Antonio Zoo receives $1 million gift from Kowalski family
The donation will fund the zoo’s redesign plan which includes a new entrance, a gorilla habitat and an event center.
Judge sets trial date in for Texas AG Ken Paxton’s delayed securities fraud case
The trial, set to begin April 15, is one of several legal woes that remain on the horizon for Paxton.
Creed reunion tour ‘Summer of ’99’ to stop in San Antonio in 2024
The tour is Creed’s first since 2012.
WWE’s Monday Night Raw returns to San Antonio next spring
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3.
San Antonio burger joint TJ’s Hamburgers closes after 50 years
The Southside staple gave word of the closure via a handwritten note posted on its front door.
Insomnia Cookies to open first San Antonio location
Construction on the spot known for its late night offerings is scheduled to wrap up on Feb. 28.
San Antonio’s 13th Floor Haunted House is turning off the lights for ‘Blackout’ event
Visitors brave enough to enter will have to navigate the haunted house with only a glow stick.
Defend Texas Liberty gets involved in special election to replace Bryan Slaton
The far-right political action committee is getting involved in a critical special election for the Texas House, the first major test of its influence since its then-leader was spotted meeting with a prominent white supremacist.
Four Texas counties now ban travel for abortions
The ordinance bars Texans from leaving the state to end their pregnancies.
Texas GOP chair stays silent on allies’ connections to antisemitic extremists
Matt Rinaldi has been defiant amid calls for him to cut ties with political ally Jonathan Stickland after meeting with white supremecist Nick Fuentes. Rinaldi is also accused of embracing antisemitic leaders of a new young Republicans organization.
Texas judge temporarily blocks release of ‘unlawful’ school accountability ratings
The ruling comes after dozens of school districts sued the Texas Education Agency, claiming the revised accountability system would hurt their ratings.
San Antonio high school alumnus to make World Series debut with Texas Rangers on Friday
Rangers rookie Josh Jung is a San Antonio native and Douglas MacArthur High School graduate.
Outdoor ice skating rink returns to downtown San Antonio in November
The rink will return to Travis Park on Nov. 17, with general admission costing $15 per person.
Las Cazuelas, Delia’s Tamales: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Papa Nacho’s, Créme at The Creamery and SA barbecue joints also made this week’s top food news.
Heavy metal band Iron Maiden is rocking into San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center next year
The band’s first appearance in the Alamo City since 2019 is part of the ‘The Future Past Tour.’
San Antonio’s Wow Wow Lemonade to close permanently at the end of the month
The business shared the news on social media, noting that its model of serving up lemonade, acai bowls and smoothies with a Hawaiian touch was ‘not sustainable.’
San Antonio’s Bakery Lorraine offering up wicked cute Halloween treats this weekend
The local mini-chain will also give away free macarons to kids on Halloween.
Little Bites: Halloween specials, meal deals and seasonal offerings
Limited-time eats at Cured, North Italia and Velvet Taco are also on the menu.
San Antonio’s 1000 Degrees Pizza to close after six years in business
The New Jersey chain operated in San Antonio for six years.
Students at University of Texas at San Antonio overwhelmingly reject athletics fee increase
The fee increase would have generated an additional $5 million in revenue annually for the school’s athletic program if it had passed.
Moses Rose’s, Joe Lopez: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
Top stories include a tornado that touched down in the Alamo City Thursday, fraud lawsuits filed against a local financial guru and a planned 50-foot mural celebrating the Spurs.
San Antonio’s Sofia’s Pizzeria locations to give free pizza to costumed kids Oct. 28 and 31
The brand, which operates three area locations, is offering the free ‘za Saturday, Oct. 28 and again on Halloween.
San Antonio’s Ranch Motel reopens after extensive renovations
Customers will be able to use amenities such as pickleball courts and a newly installed swimming pool.
San Antonio fans blast Keldon, Sochan for not passing to Wemby
After the Spurs’ 126-119 loss to the Mavericks, fans accused two of the French phenom’s teammates of selfish play.
San Antonio Food Bank chief says new data shows food insecurity worsening
The USDA’s latest report shows that individuals experiencing food insecurity increased by 31% last year, hitting the highest level since 2014.
Downtown’s Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa to host Nov. 9 job fair
The swanky upcoming hotel will offer benefits for workers such as medical insurance, short term disability, tuition reimbursement and hotel discounts.
Survey: Abbott’s school vouchers not top priority for Texas voters
Vouchers aren’t a priority for Democrat or GOP voters. School safety rated higher for both as an education concern.
Tornado touches down in San Antonio during morning commute
The tornado reportedly touched down at JBSA-Sam Houston around 8 a.m.
San Antonio airport adds daily flights to Burbank, California
In addition to the new service to Southern California, Southwest Airlines will also increase service to Baltimore, Orlando and Phoenix, according to airport officials.
San Antonio Starbucks Rewards members can snag half-price coffee this Thursday
Starbucks is the coffee chain everyone loves to hate, but a discount is a discount.
Texas judge’s refusal to marry gay couples goes before state supreme court
Texas Supreme Court justices heard arguments Wednesday in the case of a Waco judge who refused to marry same-sex couples. It is unclear when the high court will issue a ruling.
San Antonio’s The Growler Exchange now slinging brews at second location
The new taproom soon will serve the pizza made popular at its flagship store in Alamo Heights.
The Express-News’ parent company is buying San Antonio Magazine
A contract obtained by the Current shows Hearst is ready to drop $150,000 on the 18-year-old publication.
Diane Rath exits San Antonio’s AACOG amid hostile-workplace probe
Rath, a former Texas Workforce Commission chair, had led AACOG since 2014.
San Antonio fusion masters Sean Wen and Andrew Ho score big at Curry Boys and Wurst Behavior
Wen and Ho were among this year’s James Beard Best Chef Texas nominees.
Where to eat, drink and party in San Antonio this Halloween
Camp 1604, Be Kind & Rewind, Southtown 101, Alamo Beer and Dog & Pony are just a few local spots offering spooky shindigs.
Texas paid owner of San Antonio’s Moses Rose’s $6.75 million for his bar
The settlement is $1.5 million more than the city’s ‘best and final’ offer but a far cry from the $17 million owner Vince Cantu initially requested.
Table Talk: Elysia Treviño-Gonzales talks about bringing Twang to all 50 states
Last month, retail giant Walmart started carrying Twang’s citrus-flavored beer salts in 3,500 stores nationwide.
Stable Hall venue at San Antonio’s Pearl sets January opening, shares lineup
Portugal. The Man, Black Pumas and Saint Motel will be among the 1,000-seat venue’s inaugural performers.
Comedian Samantha Bee brings Your Favorite Woman: The Joys of Sex Education tour to San Antonio
Bee has described her latest tour as ‘if a hot flash was a live show.’
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Cuco, Vacations, John Waite and more
Z Fest, a mini-festival showcasing San Antonio-area musical talent, is returning for its seventh year.
Texas sues to stop Border Patrol agents from cutting state’s razor wire at the border
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s latest lawsuit against the federal government claims Border Patrol agents cut through concertina wire purchased and deployed at the border by the state.
EVO Entertainment will open new South San Antonio theater next summer
The South Park Mall project was originally slated for a December 2022 opening date.
San Antonio artist Andy Benavides wins open call for 50-foot Spurs mural
The project comes with a $100,000 honorarium, which Benavides will use to cover the cost of creating one of downtown’s highest-profile pieces of public art.
Houston Astros fans blame Ted Cruz for team’s loss to Texas Rangers
Some on social media speculate that the ‘Cruz Curse’ could sink the Republican’s reelection bid.
Whistleblower on Texas’ migrant buses describes overflowing toilets, health risks
The former security contractor said migrants on Gov. Greg Abbott’s bus trips weren’t told their final destinations and that he’d been barred from speaking to aid groups who could help the travelers.
San Antonio financial guru, radio host Brooklynn Willy faces fraud suits
Separate lawsuits in state and federal court accuse Willy, her firm and others of steering clients into risky, unregistered investments.
Owners of San Antonio’s Picks, Pink Shark buy downtown bar Lucky Lizard
The drinkery will reopen as Sore Loser, a sports-themed dive with vintage touches.
Synths and Attitude: San Antonio’s Sex Mex blends keyboards, punk and pop for edgy sound
Although new on the scene, the quirky four-piece has already earned praise from Spin Magazine.
Seek out Día de los Muertos drinks at San Antonio spots — or concoct your own
Cuishe, The Bar at Mixtli and The Esquire Tavern’s Día de los Muertos-themed cocktails made our cut.
San Antonio favorite Delia’s Tamales faces fraud, age discrimination suit
Delia’s issued a general denial to the plaintiffs’ claims, which also include allegations the company threatened to call immigration authorities on workers who complained.
Day of the Dead San Antonio brings river parade, music and more to River Walk and La Villita
The weekend-long celebration includes a variety of free community activities.
Nick Fuentes is just the latest white supremacist embraced by Defend Texas Liberty
While Fuentes’ unapologetic hate mongering has made him one of the nation’s best-known white supremacists, he was merely the latest in a long line of people who have been embraced by Defend Texas Liberty and its close allies.
Amazon delivery driver latest San Antonio dog attack victim
The third such high-profile dog mauling this year comes after City Council voted for a major budget increase for Animal Care Services.
Two San Antonio hotels named among nation’s most haunted
The Menger is said to be haunted by a U.S. president, while visitors have reported apparitions of nurses at the Emily Morgan.
Alamo cat Bella honored with commemorative ornament
The Bella Christmas decoration runs $30, and it’s for sale at the Alamo Trust’s website.
Suspect killed by San Antonio police had hands behind his back, witness says
The witness also told a local TV station the suspect ‘didn’t pull a gun.’
Texans curse more than people from any other U.S. state, study finds
We also have the same favorite naughty word as residents of 48 other states.
New LGBTQ+ bar Let’s Be Honest now open on San Antonio’s Main Strip
Let’s Be Honest joins other LGBTQ+ spots such as Sparky’s Pub and Pegasus in the Alamo City’s longtime gay nightlife district.
Two NBA legends call Wemby a top-5 player, predict San Antonio playoff return
NBA Hall-of-Famers Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett made the comments on Garnett’s podcast.
San Antonio eatery Papa Nacho’s relocating into swanky new digs
The new Dominion-area location will be just 2.5 miles from the restaurant’s current post on I-10.
San Antonio’s sole Dave’s Hot Chicken giving out free sandwiches this Tuesday
‘Hotline Bling’ artist Drake unveiled the promotion as part of his 37th birthday celebration.
Pop-punk trio Blink-182 will play San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center
Tickets for the One More Time Tour go on sale 10.a.m. Friday, Oct. 27.
Día de los Muertos at Hemisfair marks the holiday with two days of free festivities
The event was recently ranked as one of the nation’s top fall festivals by USA Today.
Wembanyama, Spurs to play Dallas Mavericks in home opener Wednesday
The Spurs’ highly anticipated home opener will be nationally televised on ESPN.
Abbott lobbies for more money as border wall burns through budget
In the wake of President Joe Biden’s fencing flip-flop, the Texas governor doubles down on his own barrier.
Two of Ken Paxton’s top deputies depart attorney general’s office
Emails obtained by The Texas Tribune show the attorneys were expected to return to work after the impeachment trial ended and their extended absence raised concerns internally about the offices’ ability to function properly.
Southwest Airlines offering multiple flights in path of total solar eclipse
The airline’s planners determined that three of its flights likely will offer the best view of the April 8 event.
San Antonio MLK Commission seeks student artists
The Martin Luther King Jr. Commission is seeking entries for its ninth annual student art contest, and winning entries will help promote the citywide march.
Brackenridge Park Conservancy releasing 600 fish into San Antonio River
The group is releasing channel catfish into the river ahead of its annual Family & Friends Fishing Day.
San Antonio staple Las Cazuelas to celebrate 25 years with Nov. 4 fiesta
The free event will feature specials on Tex-Mex fare as well as live Mariachi performances, Calaca face painting and more.
Texas’ Buc-ees capitalizes on billboard typo, sells ‘Hodwy’ T-shirts
Buc-ee’s claims Hodwy means “how did we” in Texan.
First Look: San Antonio coffee shop Créme serving up java, plush vibes
The coffee spot is the first of five concepts slated for The Creamery development, which occupies a former Borden milk warehouse.
Esaul and Grecia Ramos, Sapore’s Pizza: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
New bottled cocktail mixer line Dibs Mix and Shotgun House’s upcoming expansion also made this week’s most-read food news.
Two San Antonio-area restaurants land slots at Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
San Antonio’s 2M Smokehouse and Seguin’s Burnt Bean Co. will participate in a picnic honoring the magazine’s picks for the 50 best barbecue joints in the state.
Bad Bunny hops over San Antonio on new tour – and locals are pissed
Even the Alamodome’s online account voiced frustration that the singer is skipping SA on his latest tour.
Spurs Skeletons, Council Walkout: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
It was a wild and varied news week that also included the controversy surrounding the Tejano Music Awards’ now-scrapped plans to honor Joe Lopez.
Inmate who died in Bexar County Jail on Thursday identified
More than 20 people have died in Bexar County jail this year.
San Antonio chalk artists create anti-book banning mural at Central Library
Texas pulled some 2,000 individual book titles from school shelves last year — more than any other U.S. state.
City drops $1.2 million on mold cleanup at the Alamodome
The new expenditure comes just weeks after City Council approved $29 million in upgrades for the aging sports facility.
Victor Wembanyama is about to change the NBA, and San Antonio has a front-row seat
‘I know I’m going to live through incredible things and also obstacles,’ Wembanyama said. ‘But I know it’s going to be a beautiful year.’
Attention, conservatives: militaristic pushback against migration never ends well
Gov. Greg Abbott has wasted billions on Operation Lone Star, his constitutionally dubious effort to make the lives of migrants a living hell.
Morgan’s Wonderland to add $6 million in new attractions for 2024 season
Morgan’s Wonderland is undergoing its largest expansion since it opened in 2010, and the park will close for four months following Halloween.
San Antonio horror makeup artist Sergio Guerra rates The Exorcist: Believer’s special effects
The Exorcist: Believer is currently playing at local theaters.
Mayor, others walk out of San Antonio council meeting on Middle East conflict
Activists blasted Mayor Ron Nirenberg for his sudden departure as pro-Palestinian speakers urged city leaders to break off a friendship-city relationship with Tel Aviv.
Killers of the Flower Moon a triumphant Western that privileges Native American view
Martin Scorsese’s latest film offers a trip through a dark chapter of America, where white ‘suitors’ plotted to marry and then kill Osage women to gain oil headrights.
San Antonio outdoor food court SA Yacht Club to open Oct. 31
The new development will host satellites of Naco Mexican Eatery, Sari Sari, Bexar Goods and Sippy’s Beer and Wine.
Electronic music pioneer Morton Subotnick to play San Antonio concerts
The shows, part of a tour of just six cities, are expected to be among Subotnick’s last before he retires from live performance.
San Antonio’s Vista Brewing sets soft opening for East Side taproom this weekend
In addition to Texas beer, wine, cider and coffee, the new spot will feature a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients.
San Antonio’s The Pastie Pops amp up spooky season with All Hallows Tease burlesque show
Saturday’s Halloween-themed show will feature hauntingly hot performances.
Friendly Fermenting: Multiple craft breweries collaborate for this year’s San Antonio Beer Week
Beer Week runs runs Saturday, Oct. 21 through Saturday, Oct. 28 this year.
Singer Joe Lopez scraps plans to attend Tejano Music Awards in San Antonio
Lopez’s announcement comes after organizers opted not to give the convicted rapist a Lifetime Achievement Award.
San Marcos paying $175,000 to settle lawsuit over ‘Trump train’ harassment
People on the Biden campaign bus harassed by Trump supporters in 2020 accused San Marcos police of ignoring their calls for help, saying authorities violated the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871.
Assclown Alert: Disrupting Kerr County’s elections with County Commissioner Rich Paces
A Republican official’s demand to throw out Kerr County’s voting system has prompted the departure of two key elections officials ahead of 2024.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck returns to San Antonio Saturday
The pop-up will sell Hello Kitty chef cookies and other treats along with branded merchandise.
Tejano Music Awards cancels plan to honor convicted sex offender Joe Lopez
The group that organizes the show decided not to give Lopez a Lifetime Achievement Award after fans voiced outrage.
San Antonio’s Powdered Wig Machine celebrates first album release with Blue Star performance
The band will play at Slab Cinema Art House on Friday, Oct. 20.
In April, San Antonio residents get another chance to see a solar eclipse
Next spring’s eclipse is total, which means it will throw about half of San Antonio into darkness.
Dancing with the Stars: Live! Tour coming to San Antonio in February
Tickets for the performance go on sale Friday, and VIP packages are available.
Cannibal Corpse bill at San Antonio’s Aztec Theatre offered a feast of meaty riffs
The packed extreme metal bill also included diabolical sets from Mayhem, Gorguts and Blood Incantation.
Successful Sampling: Check out this handy survival guide to the San Antonio Beer Festival
These tips from Beer Fest pros to help you get the most out of Texas’ second-largest, single-day beer celebration.
Luminaria Director Yadhira Lozano takes the long-running arts festival in new, more diverse directions
Lozano is the first Latina to lead the high-profile arts organization.
John Cena, Asuka and more head to San Antonio for WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown
Charlotte Flair, the Street Profits and Bianca Belair are also confirmed for the card.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Emily Wolfe, Ready Revolution, HoneyBunny and more
Indie-folk artist Esmé Patterson is also coming to town and bringing along her distinctive voice.
Free downtown festival Luminaria puts art and performance in the limelight Saturday
The annual event showcases visual art installations as well as live music, dance and theater performances.
17th Annual San Antonio Beer Festival returns to Crockett Park on Saturday
This year’s festival features beers from more than 100 local, regional and global breweries.
