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Wildfire smoke is also a carbon emissions problem

The U.S. neighbor to the north is breaking emissions milestones as blazes ravage its forests.

Energy & Environment

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worst wildfire-related smoke event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/wildfire-smoke-air-quality-record" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/wildfire-smoke-air-quality-record" target="_self">worst wildfire-related smoke event</a> in the U.S. since at least 2006 is beginning to wrap up, at least for the big cities on the East Coast, even as the dangerous summer fire weather continues in Canada.Why it matters: What is happening in Canada does not stay in Canada, which the U.S. smoke crisis of the past few days has demonstrated. But there are global interests to worry about, too, because the U.S.&#x27;s northern neighbor is also breaking carbon emissions milestones.Zoom in: Monitoring from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service shows Canada is setting records for its wildfire-related carbon emissions so early in the fire season.<ul><li>Canadian wildfires <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="set a record for carbon dioxide emissions" data-vars-click-url="https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/cams-closely-monitoring-recent-northern-hemisphere-wildfire-activity" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/cams-closely-monitoring-recent-northern-hemisphere-wildfire-activity" target="_blank">set a record for carbon dioxide emissions</a> during May as well as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first few days in June" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/m_parrington/status/1666178467132473345?s=20" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/m_parrington/status/1666178467132473345?s=20" target="_blank">first few days in June</a>.</li><li>This beats prior data for the same periods going back to 2003 when satellite fire emissions monitoring began.</li><li>Ignited largely by lightning, the wildfires have been fueled in large part by climate change-worsened heat waves and dry conditions, along with land-use trends.</li></ul>Of note: Though other ecosystems are also being affected, the trend toward increased wildfires in the Far North, particularly the boreal forests ringing the Arctic, is a positive climate feedback.<ul><li>The CO2 and methane released in such blazes cause more warming, which can then fuel more heat waves and wildfires in a vicious cycle.</li></ul>The intrigue: Stanford University climate scientist Marshall Burke, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whose work identified" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/MarshallBBurke/status/1666832805891047425?s=20" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/MarshallBBurke/status/1666832805891047425?s=20" target="_blank">whose work identified</a> this smoke event as the worst since at least 2006, told Axios that the role played by climate change in this is clear.<ul><li>“They have a human component,” he said of these fires. “We should not think of these as a random occurrence.”</li></ul>

Wildfire smoke billowing from multiple fires in Quebec in early June.

The science behind teen girls' mental health crisis

A brain chemical essential to decision-making and managing stress is emerging as another indicator of why teen girls are bearing the worst of the youth mental health crisis.

Health

A brain chemical essential to decision-making and managing stress is emerging as another indicator of why teen girls are bearing the worst of the youth mental health crisis.Why it matters: The way stress physiologically affects brain development is under-researched, leaving it unclear if there are better ways to identify and treat groups facing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increased rates of suicidal behavior, sexual assault and depression" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/13/teen-girls-sadness-violence-cdc-report" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/13/teen-girls-sadness-violence-cdc-report" target="_self">increased rates of suicidal behavior, sexual assault and depression</a>.

Illustrated collage of people with their heads in their hands, anonymous faces and brain scans.

With headset reveal, Apple weighed every word

Apple hopes we'll see the Vision Pro as a "spatial computer," not a virtual-reality headset.

Technology

Apple is choosing its words with extreme care around its new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vision Pro headset" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/07/apple-vision-pro-headset-hands-on-review" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/07/apple-vision-pro-headset-hands-on-review" target="_self">Vision Pro headset</a>, revealing its hopes and dreams for the groundbreaking but expensive new product. <ul><li>It <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/06/introducing-apple-vision-pro/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/06/introducing-apple-vision-pro/" target="_blank">bills</a> the $3.500 device not as a better VR headset, but as Apple&#x27;s first &quot;spatial computer.&quot; Similarly, its photorealistic video chat representations are dubbed personas, never avatars.</li></ul>

Illustration of a standardized test with apple logos for circles with the middle one that reads: b. "spatial computer" being filled in by a pencil

Trump indicted in classified documents probe

Podcasts

Former President Donald Trump said on Thursday he has been indicted in the classified documents investigation. For our weekly politics State of Play, we hear more about the indictment, plus take a look at the Supreme Court ruling that delivered a victory to Black voters in Alabama. <ul><li>Plus, an El Niño announcement spells bad news for weather. </li><li>And, what to read this summer.</li></ul>Guests: Axios&#x27; Hans Nichols and Andrew Freedman; WBEZ&#x27;s Greta Johnsen.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Lydia McMullen-Laird and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go deeper:<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump says he&#x27;s been indicted in classified docs probe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/trump-indicted-classified-documents-probe" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/trump-indicted-classified-documents-probe" target="_self">Trump says he&#x27;s been indicted in classified docs probe</a></li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court rules in favor of minority voters and Voting Rights Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/supreme-court-voting-rights-act" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/supreme-court-voting-rights-act" target="_self">Supreme Court rules in favor of minority voters and Voting Rights Act</a></li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="El Niño officially develops amid record weather extremes: NOAA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/el-nino-declared-noaa-extremes" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/el-nino-declared-noaa-extremes" target="_self">El Niño officially develops amid record weather extremes: NOAA</a></li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nerdette" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wbez.org/shows/nerdette/b2c2c10b-1e7f-43ca-b3ad-55d6fd33722c" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wbez.org/shows/nerdette/b2c2c10b-1e7f-43ca-b3ad-55d6fd33722c" target="_blank">Nerdette</a></li></ul>

Lawmakers and 2024 rivals respond to Trump's indictment claims

Speaker Kevin McCarthy said: "House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable."

Politics & Policy

Lawmakers and 2024 rivals of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">former President Trump</a> swiftly reacted to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his claims" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/trump-indicted-classified-documents-probe" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/trump-indicted-classified-documents-probe" target="_self">his claims</a> Thursday evening that he&#x27;s facing criminal charges over his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="handling of classified documents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/26/fbi-affidavit-classified-document-trump" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/26/fbi-affidavit-classified-document-trump" target="_self">handling of classified documents</a> after he left office.Driving the news: Members of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="both parties weighed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/09/trump-federal-indictment-democrats-react" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/09/trump-federal-indictment-democrats-react" target="_self">both parties weighed</a> in Thursday night, including House <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Speaker Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/trump-indicted-classified-documents-probe" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/08/trump-indicted-classified-documents-probe" target="_self">Speaker Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.), who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vowed" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/speakermccarthy/status/1666979107681325064?s=46" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/speakermccarthy/status/1666979107681325064?s=46" target="_blank">vowed</a> to &quot;hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable.&quot;

Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at a Team Trump volunteer leadership training event held at the Grimes Community Complex on June 01, 2023 in Grimes, Iowa. 

Texas organ procurement groups look ahead to system revamp

There are more than 10,000 Texans awaiting transplants.

News

San Antonio's 'undiscovered nature' impressed IPW leader

The effects of the IPW conference are expected to be felt for years.

San Antonio City Council District 7 runoff election heating up

Two candidates with similar platforms are vying for an open seat.

Election

San Antonio City Council District 1 runoff election: What to know

Bravo has been fighting for his political future since last fall.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg heads to U.S. Conference of Mayors

About 200 mayors from 38 states are attending the annual gathering.

Politics

Mayor Ron Nirenberg is headed to Ohio to hobnob with fellow municipal leaders and chat about solutions to a variety of civic concerns.What&#x27;s happening: The annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Conference of Mayors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usmayors.org/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usmayors.org/" target="_blank">U.S. Conference of Mayors</a> meeting opens Friday in Columbus and runs through Monday.

Photo illustration of San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg  with lines radiating from him.

Cities worry bill in Texas Legislature threatens local laws

Opponents worry the legislation could end cities' home rule authority in Texas.

A bill that officials in San Antonio and other Texas cities worry would dismantle many local regulations is quickly making its way through the Texas Legislature.Driving the news: The Senate could vote on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="House Bill 2127" data-vars-click-url="https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=88R&amp;Bill=HB2127" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=88R&amp;Bill=HB2127" target="_blank">House Bill 2127</a> any time. It passed the House last month, and a Senate committee approved the bill last week. Its passage in the Senate would send it to Gov. Greg Abbott, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who supports it" data-vars-click-url="https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2023/03/01/greg-abbott-tppf-panel-education-parental-empowerment/69958265007/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2023/03/01/greg-abbott-tppf-panel-education-parental-empowerment/69958265007/" target="_blank">who supports it</a>.

Illustration of a row of standing gavels set up and toppling like dominoes 

Higher mortgage rates curb San Antonio home sales

Buyers who can afford these mortgage rates have more power.

Home sales were down nearly 21% in February compared with February 2022 in the San Antonio area, per RE/MAX&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" newly released February report" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/31044679.56532/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJuZXdzd2lyZS5jb20vbmV3cy1yZWxlYXNlcy9yZW1heC1uYXRpb25hbC1ob3VzaW5nLXJlcG9ydC1mb3ItZmVicnVhcnktMjAyMy0zMDE3NzQ3NTQuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2RhbGxhcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/6376a0227dbe7b95f501299bB155ff38e" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/31044679.56532/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucHJuZXdzd2lyZS5jb20vbmV3cy1yZWxlYXNlcy9yZW1heC1uYXRpb25hbC1ob3VzaW5nLXJlcG9ydC1mb3ItZmVicnVhcnktMjAyMy0zMDE3NzQ3NTQuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2RhbGxhcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/6376a0227dbe7b95f501299bB155ff38e" target="_blank"> newly released February report</a>.Why it matters: In 2022, potential buyers were desperate for more inventory. Now homes are hitting the market, but people can&#x27;t afford them, Axios&#x27; Brianna Crane writes.

San Antonio apartments growing in size while others shrink

The biggest new apartments? Find them in Florida.

Real Estate

San Antonio apartments are growing more spacious, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bucking national trends" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/smaller-apartments-flooding-market" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/smaller-apartments-flooding-market" target="_self">bucking national trends</a>.Why it matters: Apartment sizes are shrinking nationally, a reversal in the rental market that saw units<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" get bigger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/articles/supersize-apartments-are-back-in-demand-11624964401" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/supersize-apartments-are-back-in-demand-11624964401" target="_blank"> get bigger</a> during the early part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="work-from-home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/15/census-bureau-work-from-home-pandemic-labor" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/15/census-bureau-work-from-home-pandemic-labor" target="_self">work-from-home</a> era.<ul><li>But San Antonio’s growing apartment size average is in line with the South, where square footage is actually increasing.</li></ul>By the numbers: The average size of newer San Antonio apartments is 901 square feet, 1.6% bigger than the 2022 national average of 887 square feet, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" target="_blank">a new report</a> from listing service RentCafe.Yes, but: We by no means have the largest new apartments. That honor goes to Tallahassee, Florida, with its average at 1,182 square feet.<ul><li>The only Texas city to rank in the top 15 largest new apartment sizes was Lubbock, with an average of 1,055 square feet.</li><li>We&#x27;re smack dab in the middle, with San Antonio ranking 49th among the 100 reviewed metro areas.</li></ul>The big picture: Nationwide, newly built apartments in 2022 shed 30 square feet on average compared to 2021, per the report.<ul><li>That sharp decrease was fueled in part by more studios and one-bedroom apartments entering the market, researchers found, analyzing the 100 metro areas with the most high-density units.</li></ul>Flashback: In 2020 and 2021, demand for more space resulted in larger unit configurations, RentCafe analyst Adina Dragos tells Axios.<ul><li>&quot;Fast forward to 2022, the demand for<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" more apartments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/22/new-apartment-construction-rental-prices" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/22/new-apartment-construction-rental-prices" target="_self"> more apartments</a> prompted developers to accommodate more units in their projects,&quot; Dragos says.</li></ul>Case in point: 57% of apartments completed last year were small units across the U.S.Of note: At the local level, researchers considered apartments built between 2013 and 2022.What we&#x27;re watching: Apartments under construction. As the market keeps fluctuating post-pandemic, their size could signal whether the trend of bigger San Antonio rentals will stick.

Ads aim to draw young professionals to San Antonio workforce

People are seeing images of Pearl, the Tobin Land Bridge and more as they check social media.

Business

Young professionals from Los Angeles to Miami are finding advertisements for San Antonio as they scroll through Instagram.What&#x27;s happening: The region&#x27;s economic development nonprofit, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="greater:SATX" data-vars-click-url="https://greatersatx.com/meet-the-team/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://greatersatx.com/meet-the-team/" target="_blank">greater:SATX</a>, is running <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a marketing campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://greatersatx.com/life-works-greater/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://greatersatx.com/life-works-greater/" target="_blank">a marketing campaign</a> aimed at persuading more young people to move here and fill jobs.

Two images show people enjoying life in San Antonio, with background images of Pearl and the Tobin Land Bridge.

Downtown San Antonio recovers ahead of IPW travel show

The health of downtown San Antonio is also dependent on tourists.

San Antonio&#x27;s downtown activity has returned to 63% of its pre-pandemic rates, recovering faster than other major Texas cities, according to anonymized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mobile device data" data-vars-click-url="http://downtownrecovery.com/dashboards/recovery_ranking.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://downtownrecovery.com/dashboards/recovery_ranking.html" target="_blank">mobile device data</a> analyzed by University of Toronto researchers.Why it matters: Downtowns became ghost towns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought to &quot;flatten the curve&quot; by staying at home as much as possible.

A bar chart shows San Antonio's downtown mobile device activity at 63% of pre-pandemic levels.

San Antonio's basketball interest rebounds in the NBA Finals

San Antonio was ranked No. 5 nationally for the first game of the series.

Sports

Even without a team in the NBA Finals, Spurs fans aren&#x27;t on the sidelines — San Antonio was a top-five market for the first game of the series between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets.Why it matters: San Antonio has long been considered a small market, but taking the fifth spot with an 8.7 rating shows this is a basketball city.

Illustration of a series of basketballs in different colors in an Andy Warhol-esque composition

Esix esports gaming center opening in San Antonio

Fiesta Texas now has a gaming facility with a competition stage.

Esix Gaming, San Antonio&#x27;s newest esports competitive gaming campus, opens Saturday at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.Why it matters: Esix expands the city&#x27;s egaming landscape and provides more opportunity for residents to tap into a booming billion-dollar industry.

Affordable housing in San Antonio gets more funding

Another $32 million is going toward affordable housing in San Antonio.

Development

Millions of dollars are heading out the door to boost affordable housing in San Antonio.Driving the news: The City Council voted Thursday to distribute a second round of funding for rental housing and homeownership from San Antonio&#x27;s $150 million affordable housing bond that voters passed last year.

Illustration of a door knocker in the shape of a dollar sign

How Ron DeSantis has outshined Greg Abbott

Texas has long been considered the nation's flagship for conservative policies, but that's not the case anymore.

Florida Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ron DeSantis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/24/ron-desantis-florida-governor-us-president-2024" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/24/ron-desantis-florida-governor-us-president-2024" target="_self">Ron DeSantis</a> has become the de facto conservative culture war leader — ahead of Texas Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greg Abbott" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2023/05/10/texas-mass-shootings-greg-abbott" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2023/05/10/texas-mass-shootings-greg-abbott" target="_self">Greg Abbott</a> — despite similar priorities and policies.Driving the news: DeSantis is on a three-day <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fundraising tour of Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox4news.com/news/ron-desantis-texas-trip" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox4news.com/news/ron-desantis-texas-trip" target="_blank">fundraising tour of Texas</a>, with stops in Midland, Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston and Austin.

San Antonio jumps on pickleball interest, with more courts on the way

Cities can't build pickleball courts fast enough.

San Antonions have been jumping on the bandwagon to play one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/11/15/pickleball-sport-tennis-how-to-play" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/11/15/pickleball-sport-tennis-how-to-play" target="_self">fastest-growing sports</a> in America: pickleball.By the numbers: San Antonio has 2.3 pickleball courts per 100,000 people, according to the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a pro-parks nonprofit.

San Antonio parks have improved, but are far from the nation's top

But low-income residents have more park space than wealthier neighborhoods.

While San Antonio is gaining attention for its outdoor spaces and improving access to them, the city is far from ranking as one of the top parks cities in the country.Driving the news: San Antonio ranks 57th among the 100 largest U.S. cities for its public parks, up from 59th last year, per the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rankings from the Trust for Public Land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" target="_blank">rankings from the Trust for Public Land</a> (TPL), a pro-parks nonprofit.

Towering puppet Little Amal will visit San Antonio this fall

Little Amal is an international traveler and symbol of human rights.

Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee, will visit San Antonio on Oct. 21 and 22.Context: Amal — &quot;hope&quot; in Arabic — was inspired by a character in the immersive play &quot;The Jungle&quot; and has become a symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees. She was designed by the Handspring Puppet Company and started her international journey in July 2021 from her hometown of Aleppo, Syria.

Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet, towers over a crowd of people taking photos inside a cathedral. 

Violent crime in San Antonio drops since "hot spot" policing began

Even as overall violent crime was down, homicides were up.

Violent crime in San Antonio has decreased since the police department began a new &quot;hot spot&quot; strategy this year, but it may be too soon to say whether the policing plan affected the drop. Catch up fast: In January, police <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched the hot spot strategy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/02/02/san-antonio-begins-new-hot-spot-policing-scrutiny" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/02/02/san-antonio-begins-new-hot-spot-policing-scrutiny" target="_self">launched the hot spot strategy</a>, part of a plan developed by the University of Texas at San Antonio to reduce violent crime.

Illustration of a security camera topped with police car lights

Ken Paxton's fate heads to Texas Senate

GOP senators have been mum on Paxton, citing their juror status.

The political fate of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="impeached by the Texas House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/27/texas-ag-ken-paxton-impeached" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/27/texas-ag-ken-paxton-impeached" target="_self">impeached by the Texas House</a> over the weekend, is now in the hands of some of his conservative ideological allies in the Senate.The big picture: The fight among Republicans over Paxton&#x27;s future will consume state politics at least until the Senate holds a trial to determine whether he should be convicted on numerous charges of abusing his office for personal gain.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton testifying in front of a mic.

Texas Legislature session ends with last-minute deals

Lawmakers struck last-minute deals on other big items.

The final gavel fell on the 2023 regular legislative session Monday — without a resolution on two of Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s top priorities: creating a new border police force and a voucher-like education program.Yes, but: Lawmakers suspended chamber rules at the 11th hour to push through legislation addressing some of Abbott&#x27;s other priorities, including bills aimed at shoring up the state&#x27;s power grid and creating a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="corporate tax incentive program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/28/business-economic-incentives-chapter-313/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/28/business-economic-incentives-chapter-313/" target="_blank">corporate tax incentive program</a>.

Lightning and a dark sky above the Texas capitol building

San Antonio's first Postino will be larger than most locations

Postino's founder was born in San Antonio.

Lauren Bailey, co-founder of restaurant group Upward Projects, which includes Postino, is bringing the brand of wine cafes home to San Antonio.What&#x27;s happening: The first of two local Postinos opens June 26 at The Rim, next to Torchy&#x27;s.

A spread of snacks  are arranged on a grayscale marble table while wine is poured into a glass. 

Most popular Texas baby names in 2022

Here are some of the names you'll see in Texas' class of 2040.

Texas&#x27; class of 2040 will have more children named Luka and Nova than Alexa and Brandon.Driving the news: The Social Security Administration released its list of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most popular baby names" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/31563876.102/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2JyaWRnZT91cmw9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3NhLmdvdi9jZ2ktYmluL25hbWVzYnlzdGF0ZS5jZ2kmcz0xMjUwMjUmbj0xZDc4OWQ4NiZ0PTk2ZDQ5NGUxNWM3NmE1NjBhMDY3NzQ5ZDAxMTM0ZDY5YWJiYzM4YzAmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/62b8cd589d2f587427054b63Maeb59058" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/31563876.102/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2JyaWRnZT91cmw9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3NhLmdvdi9jZ2ktYmluL25hbWVzYnlzdGF0ZS5jZ2kmcz0xMjUwMjUmbj0xZDc4OWQ4NiZ0PTk2ZDQ5NGUxNWM3NmE1NjBhMDY3NzQ5ZDAxMTM0ZDY5YWJiYzM4YzAmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/62b8cd589d2f587427054b63Maeb59058" target="_blank">most popular baby names</a> of 2022 by state.

Former San Antonio resident Peso Pluma announces AT&T Center concert

Peso Pluma says his high school years in San Antonio influences his music.

Things to Do

On-the-rise Mexican singer-songwriter Peso Pluma has added a San Antonio tour stop.Driving the news: The July 16 concert at the AT&amp;T Center was announced Wednesday.

Peso Pluma sings on stage with his eyes closed and a band behind him. 

San Antonio celebrates maiz in May with local restaurant dishes

Corn has a varied role in our contemporary and historic foods.

Food and Drink

We have an earful of news for you.What&#x27;s happening: San Antonio&#x27;s World Heritage Office is celebrating corn in all its forms this month by partnering with local restaurants offering special corn dishes.

Mais con Yelo from Sari-Sari is a Filipino dessert made with layers of shaved ice, creamed corn and sweetened milk. The Big Red & Barbacoa Taco Flight from Stixs & Stone uses homemade Big Red corn tortillas and strawberry and Big Red jam.

San Antonio's first Seasons 52 is opening this month

All meals on the Seasons 52 menu are under 600 calories.

Seasons 52, a national grill and wine bar brand focused on light meals, will open its first San Antonio location at the Alamo Quarry Market this month.Driving the news: Seasons 52 announced the May 20 grand opening yesterday.

Two San Antonio brunch spots land on national list

San Antonio has some brunch bragging rights.

Two of the most popular brunch spots in the U.S. are in San Antonio.Driving the news: OpenTable, a reservation website, recently named the 100 most popular brunch spots in the country.

Animated gif of the word "Mom" being written, but the Ms are made out of the Axios logo.

Things to do in San Antonio this weekend, May 5-7

From Siclovia to watching the Kentucky Derby, there's plenty to do.

After you enjoy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cinco de Mayo celebrations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/05/03/cinco-de-mayo-celebrations-san-antonio" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/05/03/cinco-de-mayo-celebrations-san-antonio" target="_self">Cinco de Mayo celebrations</a> Friday night and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cast your ballot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/04/26/san-antonio-city-council-election-guide-explainer-mayor-race" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/04/26/san-antonio-city-council-election-guide-explainer-mayor-race" target="_self">cast your ballot</a> Saturday, there&#x27;s plenty more to do.🐉 See <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="giant living plant sculptures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sabot.org/imaginaryworlds/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sabot.org/imaginaryworlds/" target="_blank">giant living plant sculptures</a> debuting Saturday at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. A massive dragon, a mermaid and a peacock will join the party, which features family-friendly activities and arts vendors, 10am-2pm. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $15" data-vars-click-url="https://sabg.ticketapp.org/portal/product/211?fbclid=IwAR3zEK9zNyQdFeb8Pr4PzlDU99NQss87Dh4eZmHyVj6yM6b5yOatSQqxZYw" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sabg.ticketapp.org/portal/product/211?fbclid=IwAR3zEK9zNyQdFeb8Pr4PzlDU99NQss87Dh4eZmHyVj6yM6b5yOatSQqxZYw" target="_blank">Tickets start at $15</a> for children.

Illustration of a thinking emoji rubbing its chin with a slice of pizza, a beer, a bike, a coffee, a book and other things to do swirling around its head. 

San Antonio has one of the best brunch spots in the U.S.

Impress mom with one of the best brunch spots in the U.S.

Comfort Cafe is one of the best places in the U.S. to brunch this Mother&#x27;s Day, according to Yelp.Driving the news: Yelp released its list of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top 100 brunch spots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/collection/DUIl817sLf-Lp7SqY1loUw/Top-100-Brunch-Spots-for-Mother-s-Day" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/collection/DUIl817sLf-Lp7SqY1loUw/Top-100-Brunch-Spots-for-Mother-s-Day" target="_blank">top 100 brunch spots</a> Thursday morning in honor of taking mom out to eat on May 14. San Antonio&#x27;s pay-what-you-can charity restaurant at 2015 N.E. Loop 410 came in at No. 2.

Eggs benedicts plated with a side of cheesy hashbrowns. 

San Antonio's first Sweetgreen is now open

Sweetgreen has seasonal salads that can be customized.

San Antonio&#x27;s first Sweetgreen opens today at the Quarry Village.Context: Sweetgreen is a national chain of health-focused, fast-casual restaurants that was founded in Washington, D.C., in 2007 by Jonathan Neman, Nicolas Jammet, and Nathaniel Ru.<ul><li>The menu includes warm bowls, salads, teas and kombucha.</li><li>While there are seasonal salads, customers can customize their bowls.</li></ul>Flashback: The new restaurant takes over the former home of Max&#x27;s Wine Dive, which closed February 2022.Between the lines: Sweetgreen sources ingredients from regional partners in each of the cities that they&#x27;re in.<ul><li>Rio Fresh Farms, Fredericksburg Peach Co., Kitchen Pride, Village Farms, Bowers Shrimp Farm and Banyan Foods, which are located in Texas, will provide ingredients for the new location.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Interior of Sweetgreen has natural elements and lofty ceilings. " height="4480" id="d1f95595-b8c9-4e47-ac73-7e4de81453aa" src="https://images.axios.com/rzCNFSk_D8ISUBGjN3EGe3ppfR0=/2023/06/05/1685997130254.jpg" width="6720"/><figcaption>Interior of San Antonio&#x27;s first Sweetgreen. Photo: Courtesy of Sweetgreen</figcaption></figure>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;San Antonio is a city with so much history, with a vibrant food and dining scene to match, and we couldn&#x27;t be more excited to be joining the community. We look forward to continuing our commitment of connecting residents in Texas to real, healthy, convenient food,&quot; Neman said.What&#x27;s next: The restaurant will open at 10:30am. The first 50 people in line will receive a mystery jewelry box from Kendra Scott.<ul><li>Sweetgreen will also donate a meal for every meal sold on opening day to Brighter Bites, a nonprofit that delivers fresh food to underserved families.</li></ul>

A white facade with the Sweetgreen logo. 

Second Singh's location is in the works near UTSA

The new restaurant will be located near the spot where Singh's started.

Singh&#x27;s, a local favorite for Vietnamese food, is going back to its roots with a second location near the University of Texas at San Antonio.What&#x27;s happening: Owner Louis Singh tells Axios the plan is to open another Singh&#x27;s at 7331 N. Loop 1604 West.

San Antonio chef to compete in "Guy's Grocery Games"

Tune in to see if the San Antonio chef wins

Lucy Cooper&#x27;s chef and owner Braunda Smith is becoming somewhat of a Food Network regular with her upcoming appearance on &quot;Guy&#x27;s Grocery Games.&quot;What&#x27;s happening: Smith was one of the four &quot;burgermeisters&quot; selected for the Wednesday episode of the show, which pits chefs against each other in a series of challenges for a $20,000 prize.

Braunda Smith poses in the middle of a grocery aisle. 

La Malinche opening soon in San Antonio

The hacienda-style restaurant will have a full bar.

La Malinche Cocina y Cantina is preparing for a late summer opening in Alamo Heights, taking over the former home of Beto&#x27;s Alt-Mex.What&#x27;s happening: Amber Rinn, a spokesperson for the new restaurant, tells Axios it will be an upscale, hacienda-style experience with authentic Mexican food and a full bar.

Tostada siberia, wth a mound of shredded chicken in the middle,  from the upcoming La Malinche. 

Texas' Blue Bell, Dr Pepper team up for new ice cream flavor

Prepare your tastebuds and ready your spoons.Driving the news: Blue Bell and Dr Pepper, both Texas brands, announced a new ice cream flavor yesterday: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dr Pepper float" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bluebell.com/news/blue-bell-and-dr-pepper-team-up/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bluebell.com/news/blue-bell-and-dr-pepper-team-up/" target="_blank">Dr Pepper float</a>.

Blue Bell and Dr Pepper mixed into one float ice cream flavor sold in red containers.

Too Good To Go app launches in San Antonio to cut food waste

Here's how you can snag deals on food while reducing food waste.

Too Good To Go, an app that allows consumers to snag cheap eats while helping business owners reduce food waste, is expanding today to San Antonio, Houston and Dallas.Why it matters: Food waste in the U.S. accounts for 30%-40% of the food supply. The discarded food is sent to landfills, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Department of Agriculture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>.

Two women hold jars stuffed with veggies in front of a Too Good To Go-branded recyclable bag. 

Affordable housing in San Antonio gets more funding

How Ron DeSantis has outshined Greg Abbott

San Antonio jumps on pickleball interest, with more courts on the way

San Antonio parks have improved, but are far from the nation's top

San Antonio reporter picks

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