Cover Story
The San Antonio Philharmonic has risen from the Symphony’s ashes. What’s next?
Right now, the orchestra is working to rebuild and reconnect with the community.
Three Venezuelan migrants flown from Texas to Massachusetts sue Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
The lawsuit alleges an elaborate scheme of people luring migrants with hotel rooms, McDonald’s gift cards, hundreds of dollars in cash and false information about their final destinations.
Haunted Oaks spook house returning to San Antonio’s Rolling Oaks Mall for second year
For 2022, Haunted Oaks nearly doubled its footprint and added Horrific Pix Horror Studios, a horror-themed selfie spot.
San Antonio’s Castro brothers throwing annual birthday bash Thursday at West Side bar
The political powerhouses took a two-year break from their public birthday celebration during the pandemic, but now it’s back.
Pearl smoothie shop Kineapple closing Sept. 25, making way for new concept from Chilaquil owners
The pop-up El Diente de Oro will open for service in early October.
Plane possibly carrying more migrants from San Antonio en route to Joe Biden’s vacation home
Online flight records show that the plane contracted by the State of Florida is scheduled to land in Delaware early this afternoon.
First Look: Full Goods Diner brings hearty fare, easy vibes to San Antonio’s Pearl complex
The restaurant aims to blend Mexican and U.S. flavors with its scratch-made eats, and the food we sampled expertly hit that target.
Texas experienced more power outages than any other state over the past 20 years, report says
The report hits with Texas still reckoning with the causes and effects of 2020’s catastrophic Winter Storm Uri.
Texas medical cannabis supplier taking its CannaBus on tour to get voters to push for weed reform
While marijuana reform has emerged as a key issue in the midterms, it’s unlikely to see much movement under Texas’ political status quo.
Tropical Smoothie Café opening new location in San Antonio’s Medical Center this month
The Florida-based chain specializes in customized smoothies made with fresh fruit and ‘mood-boosting ingredients,’ such as fresh ginger and whole grain oats.
Bexar County sheriff launches criminal probe of flights stranding migrants in Martha’s Vineyard
Salazar appears to be the first law enforcement official announcing a criminal probe of the political stunt.
Median asking price for San Antonio homes falls for a third consecutive month
Although prices and the number of home sales fell in the Alamo City, available inventory continued to increase.
Here’s where to get your pumpkin spice fix — and other fall flavors — in San Antonio right now
Starting this month, a variety of local businesses are offering sweater weather-worthy foods and drinks.
Texas leads the nation in number of books banned from school libraries
The study comes a month after San Antonio’s NEISD was found to have banned more books than any other district in Texas.
San Antonio archbishop says Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s migrant busing ‘offends God’
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller’s comments come after Abbott dropped an additional 50 migrants off at the residence of Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday.
San Antonio restaurant Pharm Table taps celebrated sommelier for new wine program
Scott Ota formerly helmed nationally lauded High Street Wine Co. at the Pearl and has been recognized by publications including Food & Wine.
Chicken-and-waffle chain Chick’nCone opens San Antonio store, one of six planned in Texas
The Pennsylvania-based chain is known for its proprietary fried chicken-filled waffle cones.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz admits on Fox News that transporting migrants across state lines is illegal
Democratic lawmakers and civil-rights groups have accused Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis of human trafficking after he flew 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard last week.
LULAC offers cash for ID of woman who lured San Antonio migrants onto Martha’s Vineyard flights
‘It’s a con woman who we believe is engaging in human trafficking [and] virtual kidnapping,’ LULAC’s president said.
Colorful, family-friendly food truck park Rancho 181 has opened on San Antonio’s South Side
The park, located near Calaveras Lake, is one of few businesses in the area offering food and adult beverages.
Texas’ child welfare agency blocked from investigating many more parents of trans teens
Friday’s injunction applies to all members of PFLAG, an LGBTQ advocacy group with more than 600 members in Texas.
Why does Texas have so many elections, and why do few people vote in them?
The high number of contests contributes to the state’s low voter turnout — but it’s not the only reason.
For 40,000 fans at Rammstein’s San Antonio stadium show, the spectacle was worth the wait
The Alamodome crowd sang along, chanting German lyrics as fire blasted through the building.
Migrants in San Antonio lured onto Massachusetts flights with false promises of housing and jobs
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration orchestrated the private flights to Martha’s Vineyard, offering work and free rent. Advocates plan to pursue legal ramifications for those involved.
San Antonio-native Justin Martindale lands Halloween-themed drag queen special on Hulu
The Huluween Dragstravaganza is slated to premiere on Oct. 1.
Disappearance of San Antonio girl Lina Khil to be subject of upcoming show on Investigation Discovery
Khil has been missing since December 2021, and her family said they no longer believe she is in Texas.
San Antonio offering Park & Ride VIA service to fans attending Saturday’s Rammstein show
The city anticipates 44,000 head-banging fans will swarm the Alamodome area this weekend.
Stand-up comic Marc Maron adds second San Antonio show after his first one sells out
His first Nov. 4 performance sold out, now tickets are on sale for a late show that same night.
Hometown Burger, Best in Dough: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
Also among this week’s top food stories is a first look at Double Standard’s new $1 martini lunch.
Poverty up, incomes down in San Antonio, according to new U.S. Census data
Poverty increased by about 0.2% since 2019, while the median income declined around $2,000 when adjusted for inflation.
Texas teacher firing, Abbott attack ad: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
This week’s top stories also included an article about a San Antonio man who was hospitalized after shooting himself in the ass.
Texas board rejects posthumous pardon for George Floyd — after recommending one to Greg Abbott
The state’s parole board did not explain why it was denying the request to pardon Floyd, who was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, for a minor 2004 drug conviction. Last year, the board recommended Abbott pardon Floyd, then rescinded.
San Antonio man sentenced to 15 years in federal child pornography case
An analysis of the man’s phone turned up nearly 38,000 images and four videos of ‘child sexual abuse material,’ according to authorities.
Ted Cruz unable to name a single Uvalde victim only days after meeting with dead child’s family
The moment was captured in now-viral video of a confrontation between Cruz and a heckler on a plane.
The crew behind TV pilot Salesman the Series aims to spotlight San Antonio culture and talent
The crime satire takes place in San Antonio’s 1990s drug culture, cutting in aspects from the era’s punk scene plus a hefty dose of 1970s Chicano soul.
Hispanic Texans may now be the state’s largest demographic group, new census data shows
For years, the state’s Hispanic population has grown significantly faster than the white population. The new census data is the first to reflect Texas passing a milestone in its cultural and political evolution.
San Antonio TikTok users disgusted by clip of woman swimming along the River Walk
Swimming in the section of the San Antonio River that winds through downtown is a misdemeanor offense, according to a city ordinance.
San Antonio approves $3.4 billion city budget, which includes property tax relief, CPS credits
Of the total, $95 million is set aside for property tax relief, and the city also is giving its civilian employees a 5% raise.
Govs. Abbott and DeSantis had discussions about busing migrants prior to Martha Vineyard drop-off
In a statement, Abbott’s office encouraged other governors to join in his migrant-relocation crusade.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival with showcase documentaries at Confluence Park Saturday
The all-ages event is presented by the San Antonio River Foundation and San Antonio River Authority.
University of Texas at San Antonio prof finds lost treasure by African American artist at thrift store
The painting by Keith Bankston has since been donated to the Tubman African American Museum in Macon, Georgia.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz blows off plea from Uvalde victim’s parents for gun law reform
‘That was really disheartening because this is our representative,’ the dead child’s mother said.
Hemis-Fare: Food playing a key role in revitalizing downtown San Antonio’s decades-old Hemisfair
If activities surrounding dining spots such as Dough Pizzeria Napoletana and Box St. All Day are any indication, food is helping pave the way to greatness.
Photo appears to show Beto O’Rourke lining up to see Iron Maiden concert
The iconic metal band played O’Rourke’s home town of El Paso on Sunday.
Assclown Alert: Failing to stay out of jail with Oath Keepers attorney Kellye SoRelle
SoRelle was arrested on charges related to the grand jury investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
Marisela Barrera embodies the Donkey Lady and Ricardo Flores Magón in new photo exhibition
‘Burra/Anarchist’ opens at Slab Cinema Arthouse in San Antonio’s Blue Star Arts Complex on Thursday, Sept. 15.
Indictment accuses fired San Antonio police officer of felony child abuse
Adam Franklin-Alonso, 29, was indicted in February and fired from the San Antonio Police Department in June, according to a TV station’s investigation.
San Antonio Philharmonic makes its debut with concert featuring Brahms, Prokofiev and Ravel
The orchestra will perform at the First Baptist Church of San Antonio on Sept. 16 and 17.
Bexar County elections official defends running lower number of polling places during midterms
Bexar County has approved 267 polling sites, still short of the 302 stations requested by the Commissioners Court.
Un Nuevo Capítulo: An American Novela opens at San Antonio’s Black Potion Thursday
The play will open Thursday, Sept. 15 at Black Potion, a new, 6,500-square-foot “board-game bar” in the Deco District.
Republicans representing San Antonio in Congress land shitty grades on democracy scorecard
Both of Texas’ U.S. senators got failing grades, and so did U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales and Chip Roy.
Gov. Greg Abbott leads Beto O’Rourke by 5 percentage points in new poll
The latest survey also gave Republican incumbents single-digit leads in two other statewide races. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick led Democrat Mike Collier by 7 points, and Attorney General Ken Paxton registered a 5-point advantage over Democrat Rochelle Garza.
Texas Attorney General Paxton keeps up fight against San Antonio ISD’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate
Paxton is requesting that the Texas Supreme Court reverse a July ruling by an appeals court in favor of the district.
Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites — not aliens — lit up San Antonio’s sky on Monday
Some San Antonio residents joked on Reddit that the otherworldly phenomena was actually the result of aliens.
As voters key in on abortion, Texas delays release of new maternal death data until after midterms
‘There are a lot of us that want to know whether or not pregnancy in Texas is a death sentence,’ one Democratic lawmaker said.
San Antonio singer-songwriter Garrett T. Capps in the running for coveted Ameripolitan Music Award
Soon to release a new album, the alt-country performer is one of four nominees in the awards’ Honky Tonk Male category.
Gov. Greg Abbott doesn’t want your student debt forgiven
22 Republican governors expressed their disapproval of the student debt cancellation in a letter to Joe Biden.
San Antonio Zoo’s Halloween celebration returns just in time for spooky season
Admission to ZOO BOO! is included with general admission, and it runs Sept. 17-Oct. 31.
In Texas youth prisons, children trapped in their cells use water bottles and lunch trays for toilets
Gov. Greg Abbott largely remained silent as dangerous conditions caused by a lack of staff persisted at Texas juvenile facilities during the summer.
Comedian Jo Koy coming to San Antonio’s AT&T Center on Jan. 27
The funnyman’s stop in the Alamo City will follow his appearance in the movie Easter Sunday and a new Netflix special.
Broadway hit musical Hadestown brings its retelling of Greek myth to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre
In the musical, the young and scrappy folk musician Orpheus takes a tumultuous quest to the Underworld.
New study suggests people who smoke weed are no more lazy or apathetic than those who don’t
The peer-reviewed study surveyed 274 adults and teens who regularly used cannabis and compared them with non-users of the same age and gender.
Texas among the nation’s least-vaccinated states, according to recent study
The Lone Star State’s low vaccination rate partly comes down to it having the nation’s highest number of uninsured residents.
White House signals that Biden won’t make cannabis reform announcement before midterms
Progressive Democrats have pushed Biden to address cannabis reform as they struggle to pick up momentum on decriminalization in Congress.
New AC by Marriott will open next month in downtown San Antonio after $100 million renovation
The two hotels will operate from the converted Riverview Towers at Houston and Commerce streets.
H-E-B shoppers can now bank where they shop for groceries via the chain’s new debit card
H-E-B’s new debit card acts more like a savings account than other traditional store-branded debit cards, company officials said.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon returning to San Antonio Dec. 3-4 with new course
This year’s marathon and half marathon will start at City Hall before winding through Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston for three miles.
New TV ad from Greg Abbott edits clip to make it sound like Beto O’Rourke wants to defund police
The attack ad, which began airing Tuesday, hacks more than 50 words from O’Rourke’s statement and tacks on words from a separate sentence.
Boerne BierFest returning next weekend with Texas craft brews, live music and more
Visitors will be able to sample pours from more than 30 regional and local brewers while raising money for Hill Country arts organizations.
San Antonio’s second-largest school district taps former secret service agent to head security
North East ISD previously said it would cover police academy costs for cadets willing to commit to three years of service for the district.
San Antonio man recovering after he fired into air, accidentally shot himself in the ass
The posterior-punctured man was transported to University Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Upcoming San Antonio Mediterranean grill Ladino sets Sept. 19 grand opening date
The new spot will focus on fare cooked over a charcoal grill — an homage to the Jewish-Balkan food chef Berty Richter grew up eating.
U.S. Border Patrol deactivates its West Texas Twitter account after it retweets Stephen Miller
The now-deactivated account also liked a homophobic tweet about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
San Antonio-based Hometown Burger abruptly closes all of its locations
The chain’s website lists eight San Antonio locations, but Google shows nine.
Classical pianists Duo Jatekok are ready to rock Rammstein’s San Antonio crowd
Not many piano duos have faced such a literal baptism under fire: making a stateside debut opening for a rock band’s pyrotechnics-heavy stadium tour.
San Antonio retailer Rancho Diaz named one of Yelp’s Latinx-Owned ‘Ones to Watch’ of 2022
The shop was one of just 15 businesses to snag a spot on the national list. Only two others are in Texas.
Elotitos Corn Bar to open a second location in San Antonio’s Government Hill area
The new location will be near the Pearl, although the locally owned business was scant on other details.
San Antonio-area waterpark Schlitterbahn named World’s Best Water Park for 24th year in a row
This year’s honor makes the waterpark the longest-tenured winner of the Golden Ticket Award.
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Daddy Yankee, Silverstein, Michael Bublé and more
The reggaetón megastar’s retirement tour isn’t the only reason for San Antonio music fans to be excited this week.
Texas and two other states lead the nation in time spent playing video games
Texas gamers spend an average of 17 hours a week on their consoles or other devices, according to a new study.
Hemp was supposed to save Texas farmers during a drought. It hasn’t yet.
Hemp advocates promised the Texas Legislature the crop was drought resistant. The 2022 drought has proven otherwise. And farmers are abandoning the nascent market.
First Look: San Antonio eatery Double Standard’s $1 martini lunch unleashes diners’ inner Don Draper
In what could be a nod to the Mad Men era, the downtown spot now offers a Friday lunch special of quality beef and $1 martinis.
Politics and pandemic are driving Texas teachers to consider quitting, survey finds
An online survey of 1,291 teachers by the Charles Butt Foundation shows more teacher dissatisfaction as Texas school districts scramble to attract talent.
Talking to Children of the Corn‘s Courtney Gains before San Antonio appearance this weekend
Gains, who played the character Malachi, will appear at Southside Scarefest on Saturday and Sunday.
Nelly, Midland, Gary Allan added to San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo musical lineup
Earlier in August, the stock show and rodeo announced the first round of headliners, including country music artist Keith Urban and the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Brunch Fest, Coffee Shops: San Antonio’s biggest food stories of the week
The Current‘s most-read food stories document a big week for SA’s ever-evolving culinary scene.
Downtown San Antonio’s Legacy Park hosting end-of-summer bash next week
The Lawn Beach – End of Summer Party will feature music from local performers along with a curated pop-up market and food vendors.
Mysterious group targeting Gov. Greg Abbott reserves $6 million in TV ads ahead of November election
The sudden TV spending by Coulda Been Worse LLC comes as Abbott battles for a third term against Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke.
Washington, D.C., mayor declares public emergency over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s busing of migrants
Documents obtained by CNN show that Texas has spent $12.7 million busing migrants to Democrat-led cities.
San Antonio’s 13th Floor Haunted House debuting three ghoulish new attractions next weekend
The new attractions will be included in the regular ticket price once the haunted house’s season kicks off Saturday, Sept. 17.
Pregnant Abbott Mural, Zombie Deer Disease: The top 10 headlines in San Antonio this week
San Antonians’ imaginations were captured by artwork depicting anti-LGBTQ+ politicians Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz enjoying a tender moment.
10 San Antonio chefs will duke it out next month at third-annual Burger Showdown
This year’s competition, held at Alamo Beer Co., benefits the San Antonio Food Bank.
Two in hospital, four in police custody in Uvalde after shooting authorities say is gang-related
The shooting occurred just 2 miles from Robb Elementary School, where 21 people were killed by a gunman on May 24.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s holiday pyrotechnics returning to San Antonio’s AT&T Center
Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 16, but the code is available for presale, which happens a day earlier.
Owner of San Antonio-area barbecue spot Davila’s to appear on new Hulu show Best in Dough
The Texas barbecue fanatic will appear on the third episode of the series, which premieres Monday, Sept. 19.
Texas’ top cop told his captains ‘no one’ would be fired over Uvalde police response, notes show
DPS Director Steven McCraw also said agency leaders for the Uvalde region ‘did what they are supposed to do’ and ‘stepped up to meet the moment,’ meeting notes show.
Jennifer Beckmann of Hemisfair winery Re:Rooted 210 strives to demystify wine and make it fun
By offering guided tastings and classes for wine hobbyists as well as one-on-one prep for die-hards looking to achieve sommelier certification, Beckmann hopes to break wine free from its stereotype of being stuffy or contrived.
San Antonio’s mural of Ted Cruz snuggling knocked-up Greg Abbott has already been painted over
The artwork depicting a pregnant Gov. Greg Abbott with his belly being fondled by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has been obscured behind a coat of fresh purple paint.
Almost half of San Antonio-area homes experienced price cuts amid cooling real estate market
In total, four Texas cities landed in Redfin’s top 20 markets with the highest percentage of price cuts.
San Antonio’s Reese Bros. Barbecue named one of Bon Appetit‘s 50 Best New Restaurants
Reese Bros. is one of six Texas eateries to make this year’s diverse list, which also includes Nigerian fine dining in Brooklyn and Asian American pastries in Cincinnati.
San Antonio-area advocacy group to hold Vanessa Guillén memorial 5K and vigil Sept. 30
Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Mayra Guillén, younger sister of slain Texas soldier Vanessa Guillén, will speak at the event.
Texas teacher fired after she told her class to call pedophiles ‘minor attracted persons’
Some parents and one school board member argue that the comment captured on video was taken out of context.
Medical examiner rules death of missing San Antonio woman Christina Powell an accident
Powell was found in the passenger seat of her vehicle 18 days after disappearing on July 5.
Whataburger opening San Antonio International Airport location this week
While a grand opening is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 23, the burger spot’s first day of service is this Friday.
Some 3,300 Texans were members of the Oath Keepers, including cops, military and elected officials
Membership rolls for the extremist group tied to the Jan. 6 insurrection include eight elected officials and 33 members of law enforcement from Texas.
San Antonio’s Bakery Lorraine bringing pastry goodness to Boerne with new store opening
The newest shop is expected to open in October and will be the SA-based business’ sixth location.
New exhibition at San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum showcases Broadway costume designs
‘Something Wicked’ includes more than 30 ornate and offbeat costume designs by Tony Award-winner Susan Hilferty.
Bad Takes: Former Whole Foods CEO’s libertarian bloviation shows lack of understanding and empathy
In a recent interview, Texas businessman John Mackey dropped a steaming pile of COVID misinformation while unleashing his inner Joe McCarthy.
Chinese online retailer Shein popping into San Antonio’s River Center Mall this weekend
The stop at San Antonio’s Shops at Rivercenter is part of company’s ‘SHEINTexas’ tour.
Religious employers need not cover PrEP in their health plans, federal judge rules
U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor’s ruling could threaten access to sexual and reproductive health care for more than 150 million working Americans on employer-sponsored health care plans. The ruling will likely be appealed.
Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s production of Roosters opens at La Zona this weekend
The play will run through most of September, with special showings including a Pride Night on Sept. 9 as well as an ASL night on Sept. 18.
Texas premiere of American Mariachi debuts at the Public Theater of San Antonio Sept. 9
The production also marks the first time the work of a Latino writer will be presented at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater in the organization’s 100-year history.
Little Bites: Jewish New Year, limited-release Costa Rican coffee and more San Antonio food news
The Hayden is recognizing Rosh Hashanah, Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk is launching a pizza-based food truck and two eateries are celebrating the start of football season.
San Antonio mural shows Ted Cruz squeezing Gov. Abbott’s baby bump — and Twitter goes wild
The wall-sized sticker was slapped onto a building in Southtown and resembles a similar large-scale image posted last year showing Cruz in bondage gear.
Adults-only Brunch Fest to take over San Antonio’s Smoke BBQ + Skybar Sept. 24
The event will feature an array of eateries, including Alamo Biscuit Co., Magnolia Pancake Haus, Scooped Cookie Dough Bar and Sari Sari Supper Club, serving small bites and brunch cocktails.
WWE Royal Rumble to return to San Antonio’s Alamodome in January
Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m., and the league is offering VIP passes that include a meet-and-greet with its wrestlers.
Controversial church moved off Mahncke Park campus, San Antonio ISD head tells residents
SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino said the evangelical church will now rent an empty district building eight miles from the campus.
New Ruby City exhibition explores the Linda Pace Foundation collection through a fresh lens
‘Tangible/Nothing’ is the contemporary art space’s second full-fledged exhibition and its first to be curated by Ruby City Director Elyse A. Gonzales.
Comedian Carlos Mencia stopping in at San Antonio’s LOL Comedy Club for weekend of shows
The Mind of Mencia star will be in San Antonio from Thursday through Sunday.
