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National

"No imminent threat": U.S. Counterterrorism Center head resigns over Iran war

Joe Kent said Israel goaded Trump into an unnecessary war.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Joe Kent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/26/joe-kent-trump-shooting-secret-service" data-vars-content-id="6f71d71c-65a0-44c2-a2eb-552607f8ffc4" data-vars-headline="&quot;No imminent threat&quot;: U.S. Counterterrorism Center head resigns over Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/26/joe-kent-trump-shooting-secret-service" target="_self">Joe Kent</a>, who led the National Counterterrorism Center and was a top aide to intelligence director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tulsi Gabbard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/gabbard-trump-request-fbi-elections-raid-georgia" data-vars-content-id="6f71d71c-65a0-44c2-a2eb-552607f8ffc4" data-vars-headline="&quot;No imminent threat&quot;: U.S. Counterterrorism Center head resigns over Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/gabbard-trump-request-fbi-elections-raid-georgia" target="_self">Tulsi Gabbard</a>, became the first senior <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="6f71d71c-65a0-44c2-a2eb-552607f8ffc4" data-vars-headline="&quot;No imminent threat&quot;: U.S. Counterterrorism Center head resigns over Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration official to resign over the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="war in Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="6f71d71c-65a0-44c2-a2eb-552607f8ffc4" data-vars-headline="&quot;No imminent threat&quot;: U.S. Counterterrorism Center head resigns over Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">war in Iran</a>.Why it matters: Kent&#x27;s stinging rebuke — that Trump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched the war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/iran-war-trump-strategy-mixed-messages" data-vars-content-id="6f71d71c-65a0-44c2-a2eb-552607f8ffc4" data-vars-headline="&quot;No imminent threat&quot;: U.S. Counterterrorism Center head resigns over Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/iran-war-trump-strategy-mixed-messages" target="_self">launched the war</a> under pressure from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/israel" data-vars-content-id="6f71d71c-65a0-44c2-a2eb-552607f8ffc4" data-vars-headline="&quot;No imminent threat&quot;: U.S. Counterterrorism Center head resigns over Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/israel" target="_self">Israel</a> despite Iran posing &quot;no imminent threat&quot; to the U.S. — underscores the discomfort many in the &quot;America First&quot; camp feel about the war.

Israel kills Iran's national security chief, Israeli defense minister says

 Iran's national security chief killed: Israeli defense minister

A second top Iranian official was also killed.

World

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/israel" data-vars-content-id="1f078281-3c10-45f8-9cf9-31c788015631" data-vars-headline="Israel kills Iran&#x27;s national security chief, Israeli defense minister says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/israel" target="_self">Israel</a> assassinated two top <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iranian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="1f078281-3c10-45f8-9cf9-31c788015631" data-vars-headline="Israel kills Iran&#x27;s national security chief, Israeli defense minister says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iranian</a> officials in separate strikes Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said: national security chief <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ali Larijani" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/trump-iran-khamenei-threats-war" data-vars-content-id="1f078281-3c10-45f8-9cf9-31c788015631" data-vars-headline="Israel kills Iran&#x27;s national security chief, Israeli defense minister says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/trump-iran-khamenei-threats-war" target="_self">Ali Larijani</a> and Basij paramilitary commander Gholamreza Soleimani.Why it matters: Larijani was the de facto leader of Iran for the first ten days of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/iran-pressure-points-strait-hormuz" data-vars-content-id="1f078281-3c10-45f8-9cf9-31c788015631" data-vars-headline="Israel kills Iran&#x27;s national security chief, Israeli defense minister says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/iran-pressure-points-strait-hormuz" target="_self">the war</a> after Supreme Leader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ali Khamenei" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/iran-khamenei-killed-israel" data-vars-content-id="1f078281-3c10-45f8-9cf9-31c788015631" data-vars-headline="Israel kills Iran&#x27;s national security chief, Israeli defense minister says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/iran-khamenei-killed-israel" target="_self">Ali Khamenei</a> was killed in Israel&#x27;s opening strike and before his son <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mojtaba" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/iran-mojtaba-khamenei-first-message-trump-israel" data-vars-content-id="1f078281-3c10-45f8-9cf9-31c788015631" data-vars-headline="Israel kills Iran&#x27;s national security chief, Israeli defense minister says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/iran-mojtaba-khamenei-first-message-trump-israel" target="_self">Mojtaba</a> was chosen as successor, Israeli officials say.

How the Iran war is an economic world war

The war is creating a crisis abroad that governments and businesses are scrambling to manage.

Economy

Countries across South Asia are imposing emergency measures like rationing energy, closing universities, cutting short workweeks and even changing the way crematoriums work to deal with the fallout from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/iran-war-oil-economy-blowback-prices-us" data-vars-content-id="1d612a50-0158-4b68-99c3-ad2f596b7a35" data-vars-headline="How the Iran war is an economic world war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/iran-war-oil-economy-blowback-prices-us" target="_self">the Iran war</a>.Why it matters: Yes, the war is raising gas prices for Americans and causing a political headache for President Donald Trump — but it&#x27;s also creating a deeper crisis abroad that governments and businesses are scrambling to manage.

Nvidia's race to outpace physics

Nvidia's chips are improving at such a staggering pace that it defies any historical comparison.

Energy & Climate

Nvidia&#x27;s chips are improving at such a staggering pace that it defies any historical comparison.Why it matters: Without these gains — which are drawing increased attention as AI transforms society — physics would slam the brakes on the data center boom.

Trump ramps up press pressure over Iran war coverage

History suggests that when press freedoms are targeted during times of war, they're rarely reinstated.

Business

The Trump administration is ramping up its attacks on the press as it struggles to control its messaging about the war in Iran.The big picture: History suggests that when press freedoms are targeted during times of war, they&#x27;re rarely reinstated.

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

Republicans might not gain all five House seats they want.

The Texas primaries this month <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offered Democrats some hope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" target="_self">offered Democrats some hope</a> that Republicans&#x27; mid-decade <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-republicans-map-trump" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-republicans-map-trump" target="_self">redistricting</a> last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won&#x27;t net the GOP all five seats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/28/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-risk" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/28/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-risk" target="_self">won&#x27;t net the GOP all five seats</a> the party wants to gain in the U.S. House.Why it matters: Texas Republicans, at the urging of President Trump, kicked off a nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" target="_self">redistricting war</a> for control of the House — but the party leaned on past gains with Hispanic voters in South Texas that are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="showing signs of cracking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" data-vars-content-id="65e5e045-b7fb-4001-9588-fc8dbe2d45a1" data-vars-headline="Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/05/latino-voter-turnout-texas-primaries-elections" target="_self">showing signs of cracking</a>.

USPS honors lowrider culture with new stamp collection

Putting lowriders on U.S. postage gives a platform to a Mexican American tradition.

Culture

Lowriders are rolling onto U.S. mail as the Postal Service launches a stamp collection Friday honoring the artistry and tradition of the culture. Why it matters: Putting lowriders on U.S. postage elevates a tradition born in Mexican American neighborhoods to a national audience.

What it's like hiking new Enchanted Rock property

You can take a guided hike at new areas of Enchanted Rock.

Things to Do

Guided hikes at the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanded areas of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/13/enchanted-rock-texas-state-park-expansion" data-vars-content-id="9a91f44c-0e5f-4b1f-93b4-f57dd0f1e797" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like hiking new Enchanted Rock property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/13/enchanted-rock-texas-state-park-expansion" target="_self">expanded areas of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area</a> offer visitors a chance to see a state park while it&#x27;s still taking shape.The big picture: Two state parks — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bear Creek" data-vars-click-url="https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20250825b&amp;pk_vid=ce5f07833a242ae817703068085a1fb7" data-vars-content-id="9a91f44c-0e5f-4b1f-93b4-f57dd0f1e797" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like hiking new Enchanted Rock property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20250825b&amp;pk_vid=ce5f07833a242ae817703068085a1fb7" target="_blank">Bear Creek</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Post Oak Ridge" data-vars-click-url="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/post-oak-ridge" data-vars-content-id="9a91f44c-0e5f-4b1f-93b4-f57dd0f1e797" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like hiking new Enchanted Rock property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/post-oak-ridge" target="_blank">Post Oak Ridge</a> — and one expansion at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Enchanted Rock" data-vars-click-url="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock/development" data-vars-content-id="9a91f44c-0e5f-4b1f-93b4-f57dd0f1e797" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like hiking new Enchanted Rock property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock/development" target="_blank">Enchanted Rock</a> are in the works in the Texas Hill Country under a fund voters approved in 2023.

Taste test: Haywire's viral Cowgirl Dinner

The $30 deal includes steak, a Caesar salad, fries and a martini.

Food and Drink

Some friends and I tried <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Haywire&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/11/01/haywire-opening-san-antonio-la-cantera-menu" data-vars-content-id="93b6807e-5142-4610-93e6-3c57a4c745f9" data-vars-headline="Taste test: Haywire&#x27;s viral Cowgirl Dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/11/01/haywire-opening-san-antonio-la-cantera-menu" target="_self">Haywire&#x27;s</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral Cowgirl Dinner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVZDHm1kQ_L/" data-vars-content-id="93b6807e-5142-4610-93e6-3c57a4c745f9" data-vars-headline="Taste test: Haywire&#x27;s viral Cowgirl Dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVZDHm1kQ_L/" target="_blank">viral Cowgirl Dinner</a> after being lassoed in by the Instagram Reels promoting it.How it works: The $30 special, offered through March 31 for Women&#x27;s History Month, includes a 5-ounce steak with roasted garlic butter, a Caesar salad, fries and your choice of a dirty or lemon drop martini.

Here's who won in Texas' statewide office races

Eight non-judicial statewide posts are on the ballot this November.

Politics

Texas voters cast primary ballots for Republican and Democratic candidates in eight non-judicial statewide races. In races where no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a May 26 runoff.Here are the results of each race, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/texas-primary/" data-vars-content-id="996c8733-941c-4185-8316-c5851ee1e092" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s who won in Texas&#x27; statewide office races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/texas-primary/" target="_blank">AP</a> and unofficial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vote tallies" data-vars-click-url="https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-enr-ui/races" data-vars-content-id="996c8733-941c-4185-8316-c5851ee1e092" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s who won in Texas&#x27; statewide office races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-enr-ui/races" target="_blank">vote tallies</a>:

Dallas

Democratic early voting turnout in Texas high

GOP turnout, meanwhile, is lower than in recent early voting periods.

News

Turnout during the 11 days of early voting in the Texas Democratic primary was higher than the Democratic turnout during the early voting period in recent midterm elections and outpaced Republican early turnout this year.Why it matters: The turnout points to high interest in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race at the top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/texas-senate-talarico-crockett-race-identity" data-vars-content-id="fb2676c3-87b9-423a-be21-c856d9901fad" data-vars-headline="Democratic early voting turnout in Texas high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/texas-senate-talarico-crockett-race-identity" target="_self">race at the top</a> of the Democratic ballot: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas) vs. state Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) for U.S. Senate.

San Antonio homeowners are staying put

S.A. sellers in 2025 owned homes for more than 7 years.

Real Estate

San Antonio-area homeowners are staying in their houses for the longest time in at least 25 years, largely thanks to their low <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/19/texas-housing-supply-mortgages" data-vars-content-id="6ddbdce4-1c1c-4727-9572-872bb6a142cb" data-vars-headline="San Antonio homeowners are staying put" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/19/texas-housing-supply-mortgages" target="_self">mortgage rates</a>, data shows.By the numbers: San Antonio metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sellers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/21/san-antonio-real-estate-home-values-decline" data-vars-content-id="6ddbdce4-1c1c-4727-9572-872bb6a142cb" data-vars-headline="San Antonio homeowners are staying put" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/21/san-antonio-real-estate-home-values-decline" target="_self">sellers</a> at the end of 2025 had owned their homes for an average of 7.4 years.

San Antonio home values are dropping

The state's downturn reflects a regional trend.

More than three-quarters of San Antonio homes lost value over the past year, a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/home-value-decline-35724/" data-vars-content-id="32c0c3ed-6899-4873-9acd-8fdacaefca08" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home values are dropping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/home-value-decline-35724/" target="_blank">Zillow analysis</a> shows.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a major reversal in a market that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spent the pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/13/covid-housing-market-trends-prices" data-vars-content-id="32c0c3ed-6899-4873-9acd-8fdacaefca08" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home values are dropping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/13/covid-housing-market-trends-prices" target="_self">spent the pandemic</a> with skyrocketing prices. Still, most homeowners &quot;have plenty to feel good about,&quot; the real estate site <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-11-17-53-of-U-S-homes-lost-value-in-the-past-year,-the-most-since-2012" data-vars-content-id="32c0c3ed-6899-4873-9acd-8fdacaefca08" data-vars-headline="San Antonio home values are dropping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-11-17-53-of-U-S-homes-lost-value-in-the-past-year,-the-most-since-2012" target="_blank">reports</a>.

The Spurs comeback season is turning heads across the NBA

After years out of the playoffs, the Spurs are becoming a real problem in the West.

Sports

After a rocky year marked by Victor Wembanyama&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health issues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/29/san-antonio-spurs-wemby-harper-fox" data-vars-content-id="3b4c3386-ee33-4031-8a58-e440a15f8cdc" data-vars-headline="The Spurs comeback season is turning heads across the NBA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/29/san-antonio-spurs-wemby-harper-fox" target="_self">health issues</a> and Gregg Popovich&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retirement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/02/san-antonio-spurs-popovich" data-vars-content-id="3b4c3386-ee33-4031-8a58-e440a15f8cdc" data-vars-headline="The Spurs comeback season is turning heads across the NBA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/02/san-antonio-spurs-popovich" target="_self">retirement</a>, the Spurs are playoff contenders for the first time since 2019. Why it matters: The strong first half of the season has reenergized Spurs fandom. Social media trash talk is flying, rivalries feel real again — and even celebratory honking has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reemerged downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/spurs-fans-honking-21241940.php" data-vars-content-id="3b4c3386-ee33-4031-8a58-e440a15f8cdc" data-vars-headline="The Spurs comeback season is turning heads across the NBA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/spurs-fans-honking-21241940.php" target="_blank">reemerged downtown</a>.

The San Antonio news we're watching in 2026

Big stories include elections and the new Spurs arena.

A new year brings new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/news" data-vars-content-id="bb84d636-a4c2-4691-999c-24a8ca96e43b" data-vars-headline="The San Antonio news we&#x27;re watching in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/news" target="_self">news</a>.The big picture: Here are three major stories we&#x27;ll be watching in 2026.

Dishes we crave in downtown San Antonio

We've rounded up a couple of downtown dishes that keep calling us back.

Local Brief

It&#x27;s easy to overlook downtown as tourist turf, but after plenty of taste-testing, we&#x27;ve found dishes worth going out of your way for.Why it matters: With summer comes a wave of visitors and spontaneous reasons to explore. You don&#x27;t want to be empty-handed when someone asks, &quot;Where should we eat?&quot;

The best vegetarian food in downtown San Antonio

Going meatless isn't a sacrifice at these restaurants.

I&#x27;ve long been either a vegetarian or pescatarian, and it hasn&#x27;t kept me from being a foodie.Why it matters: You can enjoy great meals in San Antonio without meat — and without sacrificing the company of your meat-eating friends and family.

Most violent crime on the decline in San Antonio

San Antonio follows a national trend of declining violent crime rates.

Most violent crimes dropped in San Antonio in 2025, per new data.Why it matters: Much like other large cities, San Antonio is experiencing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decrease in violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/14/san-antonio-homicides-down-rates" data-vars-content-id="5218d948-09e8-4eff-b6e8-9ae5269e3b7c" data-vars-headline="Most violent crime on the decline in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/14/san-antonio-homicides-down-rates" target="_self">decrease in violent crime</a> after sharp increases during the pandemic.

San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight

The dispute comes as major police decisions loom.

A battle over police staffing is brewing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio City Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/09/san-antonio-city-council-saws-rate-increase" data-vars-content-id="976caafe-06f1-43f6-b2cc-a499d6f30831" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/09/san-antonio-city-council-saws-rate-increase" target="_self">San Antonio City Hall</a>.Why it matters: The dispute highlights contrasting spending priorities on the City Council in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tight budget year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/18/san-antonio-city-council-budget-deficit" data-vars-content-id="976caafe-06f1-43f6-b2cc-a499d6f30831" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/18/san-antonio-city-council-budget-deficit" target="_self">tight budget year</a> and ahead of major decisions related to the police department&#x27;s next chief and union contract.

West Side landmark Basila Frocks gets new life

After years of abandonment, the building's revival brings development to a long underserved part of the city.

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Basila Frocks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/10/02/basila-frocks-history-renovation-project" data-vars-content-id="a45aef22-c0ac-43e3-9e1c-8c15593824c3" data-vars-headline="West Side landmark Basila Frocks gets new life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/10/02/basila-frocks-history-renovation-project" target="_self">Basila Frocks</a> opened on the West Side in 1929, it became a hub of creativity and opportunity. Now, it&#x27;s getting a second life nearly a century later after a full renovation.Why it matters: After years of abandonment, the historic building&#x27;s renovation brings development rooted in preservation, affordability and local entrepreneurship to a long underserved part of the city.

What it takes to build a new Texas state park

Transforming ranchland into trails can take years.

Texas is undertaking a historic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expansion of its state parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/11/texas-state-park-additions" data-vars-content-id="4da43d8d-2833-40fd-bcb6-a24911540900" data-vars-headline="What it takes to build a new Texas state park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/05/11/texas-state-park-additions" target="_self">expansion of its state parks</a> — but transforming ranchland into trails can take years.Why it matters: The Lone Star state&#x27;s vast land mass ranges from forests and swamps to canyons and deserts, but much of it (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="95%" data-vars-click-url="https://tpwmagazine.com/parks/the-future-of-our-outdoors/" data-vars-content-id="4da43d8d-2833-40fd-bcb6-a24911540900" data-vars-headline="What it takes to build a new Texas state park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tpwmagazine.com/parks/the-future-of-our-outdoors/" target="_blank">95%</a>) is privately owned. Texas ranks 37th in the nation for state park acreage per capita, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per Environment Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://environmentamerica.org/texas/center/resources/a-most-valuable-legacy/" data-vars-content-id="4da43d8d-2833-40fd-bcb6-a24911540900" data-vars-headline="What it takes to build a new Texas state park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://environmentamerica.org/texas/center/resources/a-most-valuable-legacy/" target="_blank">per Environment Texas</a>, a research and policy center.

Austin

Wildflower forecast predicts varied spring blooms

Wildflower blooms will depend largely on where — and how much — rain has fallen.

Uneven rainfall across Texas could mean a varied season for blooms this spring, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center&#x27;s annual wildflower forecast.Why it matters: Spring is arriving in Texas. Bluebonnets are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already beginning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVkEW2ojTDS/" data-vars-content-id="2c97f7c3-360c-4a0e-9d11-0261af0b3432" data-vars-headline="Wildflower forecast predicts varied spring blooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVkEW2ojTDS/" target="_blank">already beginning</a> to pop up in the Hill Country, and Texas mountain laurels are blooming across Central Texas.

Latino turnout surges in Dem primary in Texas, testing GOP gains

Democratic participation across Texas was highest among the past three primaries — but it was even higher in Latino-majority counties.

Democratic primary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turnout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/03/03/democratic-early-voting-turnout-texas" data-vars-content-id="8e4e7fdb-5511-4575-bdfa-2b70529a4164" data-vars-headline="Latino turnout surges in Dem primary in Texas, testing GOP gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/03/03/democratic-early-voting-turnout-texas" target="_self">turnout</a> in Latino hubs across Texas surged, while GOP turnout slumped, suggesting some Texas Latinos have turned away from the Republican Party.Why it matters: The results could signal a renewed interest in Democratic candidates in the fall general election after many voters along the Texas-Mexico border and in other Latino-majority areas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shifted to the right" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/trump-harris-latino-voters-2024-election-pew" data-vars-content-id="8e4e7fdb-5511-4575-bdfa-2b70529a4164" data-vars-headline="Latino turnout surges in Dem primary in Texas, testing GOP gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/trump-harris-latino-voters-2024-election-pew" target="_self">shifted to the right</a> just two years ago, experts tell Axios.

James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas

The state lawmaker defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas.

Texas state Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/09/democrat-james-talarico-us-senate" data-vars-content-id="30e8718a-f03d-4de6-acbb-a234bf7f39bc" data-vars-headline="James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/09/democrat-james-talarico-us-senate" target="_self">James Talarico</a> of Austin defeated U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jasmine Crockett" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/12/jasmine-crockett-house-democrats-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="30e8718a-f03d-4de6-acbb-a234bf7f39bc" data-vars-headline="James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/12/jasmine-crockett-house-democrats-senate-texas" target="_self">Jasmine Crockett</a> of Dallas for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas.Why it matters: Talarico&#x27;s victory sets the stage for a battle royal that promises to be among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most expensive contests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/james-talarico-raises-62-million-for-texas-senate-bid" data-vars-content-id="30e8718a-f03d-4de6-acbb-a234bf7f39bc" data-vars-headline="James Talarico wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/james-talarico-raises-62-million-for-texas-senate-bid" target="_self">most expensive contests</a> of the year, as Democrats hope President Trump&#x27;s unpopularity translates to red-state victories.

Former Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge election

Nirenberg and Sakai have campaigned on differing visions.

Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg defeated Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai in the race for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top county job" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/15/ron-nirenberg-peter-sakai-bexar-county-judge" data-vars-content-id="75505bc1-eb01-4077-9e78-1bcf37a4e3d1" data-vars-headline="Former Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/15/ron-nirenberg-peter-sakai-bexar-county-judge" target="_self">top county job</a>.Why it matters: The two prominent Democrats campaigned on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="differing visions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/13/bexar-county-judge-democratic-primary-election" data-vars-content-id="75505bc1-eb01-4077-9e78-1bcf37a4e3d1" data-vars-headline="Former Mayor Nirenberg wins Bexar County judge election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/13/bexar-county-judge-democratic-primary-election" target="_self">differing visions</a> for the role of Bexar County judge, with Nirenberg arguing the county should expand its ambition and reach, and Sakai maintaining that the office-holder should stick to the basics.

GOP candidates link Austin shooting to radical Islam

Republican primary candidates have called the weekend mass shooting in Austin an act of terror motivated by radical Islam.

Republican candidates in Tuesday&#x27;s primary have called the weekend mass shooting in Austin an act of terror motivated by radical Islam, even as the FBI has yet to draw conclusions.Why it matters: The statements issued by candidates at the top of the Republican ballot follow GOP efforts to target sharia law in Texas and label a prominent Muslim civil rights group as a terrorist organization.

Tea Around Town launches in San Antonio

It's a sweet way to live out your "Bridgerton" dreams.

Tea Around Town is now rolling through downtown.The latest: The New York-based tour company launched in San Antonio in February.

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Most violent crime on the decline in San Antonio

San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight

Texas primaries test GOP redistricting strategy

West Side landmark Basila Frocks gets new life

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