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GOP's Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups

Races for governor in both states also narrowed, according to Cook Political Report.

Politics & Policy

Two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="key Senate races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/gop-senate-campaign-spending-ohio-iowa" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/gop-senate-campaign-spending-ohio-iowa" target="_self">key Senate races</a> in typically Republican states, Texas and Iowa, are a toss-up heading into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" target="_self">midterms</a>, according to the latest projections from Cook Political Report.Why it matters: The fight for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="control of the U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans" target="_self">control of the U.S. Senate</a> is extremely tight, and Democrats need to flip at least four seats to become the majority. Doing that will require wins in states that aren&#x27;t typical battlegrounds.

Bexar County emissions testing starts soon: What to know

Bexar County emissions testing starts soon. Here's what drivers need to know.

News

Vehicle emissions testing is required in Bexar County starting Nov. 1, a major change that could mean longer lines at inspection stations and unexpected repair bills for some drivers.Why it matters: The new program is designed to improve local air quality and help the region comply with federal Clean Air Act standards.

San Antonio's home for emergency child care

The first crisis nursery in the region helps parents facing emergencies.

San Antonio families who need an urgent and safe place for their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/01/fewer-texas-kids-medicaid-enrollment-chip" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/01/fewer-texas-kids-medicaid-enrollment-chip" target="_self">children</a> to stay now have a newly renovated house as a free option.Why it matters: The first permanent crisis nursery in the region helps <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/parenting" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/parenting" target="_self">parents</a> facing emergencies ranging from housing instability to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="domestic violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/13/ywca-womens-live-learn-center-domestic-violence" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" 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/ywca-womens-live-learn-center-domestic-violence" target="_self">domestic violence</a> to medical care. Its aim is to prevent child neglect and abuse before it happens, Rebecca Helterbrand, president and CEO of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Respite Care of San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://respitecaresa.org/" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://respitecaresa.org/" target="_blank">Respite Care of San Antonio</a>, tells Axios.

NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027

Annual Fiesta event is planning to reinvent itself after seven decades.

A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) organizers are planning a major redesign of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signature Fiesta event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/18/fiesta-san-antonio-food-niosa-chicken-stick" data-vars-content-id="11d374ef-7c3e-45a3-acdb-5234b051c835" data-vars-headline="NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/18/fiesta-san-antonio-food-niosa-chicken-stick" target="_self">signature Fiesta event</a> for 2027 as it faces financial pressures and a smaller space for the event.Why it matters: NIOSA is the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit Conservation Society of San Antonio and has raised millions of dollars over its seven-decade history to support preservation projects across the city.

San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom

Booze-free drinks promise more than an alcohol alternative.

Food and Drink

As Americans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rethink alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="8b6121a0-eff0-400b-9400-3933acf0625f" data-vars-headline="San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_self">rethink alcohol</a>, beverage brands and businesses — including a new San Antonio shop — are betting on drinks that promise social connection without the hangover.Why it matters: Consumers are increasingly choosing beverages based on what they want drinks to do — energize, improve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gut health" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46933853.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjIvMDQvMTMvZ3V0LWhlYWx0aC1pbW11bmUtc3lzdGVtLWFueGlldHktZGlnZXN0aW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bd28861b2" data-vars-content-id="8b6121a0-eff0-400b-9400-3933acf0625f" data-vars-headline="San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46933853.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjIvMDQvMTMvZ3V0LWhlYWx0aC1pbW11bmUtc3lzdGVtLWFueGlldHktZGlnZXN0aW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bd28861b2" target="_self">gut health</a> or help them unwind — fueling a boom in products <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marketed around function" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46933853.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL3Byby9yZXRhaWwtZGVhbHMvMjAyNC8wMy8xNS9mdW5jdGlvbmFsLWJldmVyYWdlLXJlY2Vzcy0yNS1taWxsaW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B38081166" data-vars-content-id="8b6121a0-eff0-400b-9400-3933acf0625f" data-vars-headline="San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46933853.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL3Byby9yZXRhaWwtZGVhbHMvMjAyNC8wMy8xNS9mdW5jdGlvbmFsLWJldmVyYWdlLXJlY2Vzcy0yNS1taWxsaW9uP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B38081166" target="_self">marketed around function</a>.

How Texas Hill Country businesses are rebuilding after floods

Many businesses were still rebuilding from last year.

Last month&#x27;s flooding in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Hill Country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/16/texas-hill-country-flooding-sirens-camps-safe" data-vars-content-id="16aa4602-869e-4168-bf18-85455814648d" data-vars-headline="How Texas Hill Country businesses are rebuilding after floods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/16/texas-hill-country-flooding-sirens-camps-safe" target="_self">Texas Hill Country</a> caused hundreds of thousands of dollars&#x27; worth of damage for small business owners, many of whom were still rebuilding after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year&#x27;s deadly flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/06/texas-floods-national-weather-service" data-vars-content-id="16aa4602-869e-4168-bf18-85455814648d" data-vars-headline="How Texas Hill Country businesses are rebuilding after floods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/06/texas-floods-national-weather-service" target="_self">last year&#x27;s deadly flooding</a>.Why it matters: Small businesses are often the lifeblood of a community and help keep the local economy moving — and this year they&#x27;re looking inward to support each other a little extra.

Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals

Abbott wants an audit of data centers before any new project can connect to the grid.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="halted approvals" data-vars-click-url="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-comprehensive-data-center-audit" data-vars-content-id="fd9e25c6-614c-4372-b4b6-07c18e80b5c0" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-comprehensive-data-center-audit" target="_blank">halted approvals</a> for new data centers until the state can audit the ones looking to connect to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; electric grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" data-vars-content-id="fd9e25c6-614c-4372-b4b6-07c18e80b5c0" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" target="_self">Texas&#x27; electric grid</a>.Why it matters: Abbott has signaled a desire to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center regulation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/10/texas-gov-greg-abbott-data-center-regulation" data-vars-content-id="fd9e25c6-614c-4372-b4b6-07c18e80b5c0" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/10/texas-gov-greg-abbott-data-center-regulation" target="_self">data center regulation</a> a top priority as he seeks reelection and ahead of a new legislative session next year.

New pass rewards visits to San Antonio legacy businesses

Support local, collect check-ins and claim prizes.

Business

San Antonio residents and visitors have a new incentive to explore some of the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-running businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/09/esquire-tavern-san-antonio-river-walk-bar" data-vars-content-id="d02fdf21-bc24-403b-a06d-74a724bfe194" data-vars-headline="New pass rewards visits to San Antonio legacy businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/09/esquire-tavern-san-antonio-river-walk-bar" target="_self">long-running businesses</a> with the Buy Local Legacy Pass.The latest: Created by the city&#x27;s Economic Development Department in partnership with the Office of Historic Preservation&#x27;s Legacy Business Program, the free digital pass encourages people to visit businesses that have been part of San Antonio for 20 years or longer.

Why bookstores are gaining ground in San Antonio

While fewer Americans read, people are loving bookstores.

Fewer Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reading books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" data-vars-content-id="b050455c-c79b-44e4-a79a-f2de133aa0d3" data-vars-headline="Why bookstores are gaining ground in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" target="_self">reading books</a>, but here&#x27;s the plot twist: The bookstore is staging a comeback, especially in San Antonio.Why it matters: Once left for dead in the wake of Amazon&#x27;s rise and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death of Borders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" data-vars-content-id="b050455c-c79b-44e4-a79a-f2de133aa0d3" data-vars-headline="Why bookstores are gaining ground in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" target="_blank">death of Borders</a>, Barnes &amp; Noble and independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booksellers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/san-antonio-library-top-books" data-vars-content-id="b050455c-c79b-44e4-a79a-f2de133aa0d3" data-vars-headline="Why bookstores are gaining ground 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/2026/03/02/san-antonio-library-top-books" target="_self">booksellers</a> have pulled off a stunning turnaround, opening new stores and reporting higher sales.

Spurs begin citywide meetings on downtown arena plans

The Spurs are taking their arena plans citywide.

Sports

Spurs Sports &amp; Entertainment (SS&amp;E) is kicking off a series of community meetings next week focused on the team&#x27;s planned new arena and surrounding downtown district.Why it matters: The meetings are among the first opportunities for residents to weigh in since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voters last November approved the venue tax increase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/05/san-antonio-election-results-downtown-spurs-arena" data-vars-content-id="209cc5ce-89f3-42c7-b8f0-919c37f14f81" data-vars-headline="Spurs begin citywide meetings on downtown arena plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/05/san-antonio-election-results-downtown-spurs-arena" target="_self">voters last November approved the venue tax increase</a> that will help fund a new downtown Spurs arena.

Spurs playoff run was a windfall for San Antonio bars

Some bars saw sales increases north of 100% this year.

San Antonio bars gained a huge bump in business during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spurs&#x27; playoffs run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/01/spurs-okc-wcf-finals-wemby-wembanyama" data-vars-content-id="0b582561-0b03-4a40-bb75-cdd01ca5734f" data-vars-headline="Spurs playoff run was a windfall for San Antonio bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/01/spurs-okc-wcf-finals-wemby-wembanyama" target="_self">Spurs&#x27; playoffs run</a>, new data analyzed by Axios shows.Why it matters: Local watering holes always run on tight margins, and many in neighborhoods known for nightlife have struggled amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/25/st-marys-strip-road-construction-ending-delays" data-vars-content-id="0b582561-0b03-4a40-bb75-cdd01ca5734f" data-vars-headline="Spurs playoff run was a windfall for San Antonio bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/25/st-marys-strip-road-construction-ending-delays" target="_self">city construction</a>.

CPS Energy offers savings on electric vehicle charging

CPS is offering incentives to save during peak hours.

New CPS Energy programs let customers earn bill credits for charging their electric vehicles at times when there&#x27;s less strain on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" data-vars-content-id="b3d1eedd-3f27-4c12-a045-820f6642f377" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy offers savings on electric vehicle charging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" target="_self">electric grid</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-owned utility&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/12/san-antonio-cps-energy-natural-gas-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="b3d1eedd-3f27-4c12-a045-820f6642f377" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy offers savings on electric vehicle charging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/12/san-antonio-cps-energy-natural-gas-data-centers" target="_self">city-owned utility&#x27;s</a> way of offering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a financial incentive" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.cpsenergy.com/ev-smart-rewards-program/" data-vars-content-id="b3d1eedd-3f27-4c12-a045-820f6642f377" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy offers savings on electric vehicle charging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.cpsenergy.com/ev-smart-rewards-program/" target="_blank">a financial incentive</a> to use less electricity during peak hours.

Toyota to build Tacoma in $3.6B San Antonio expansion

The project adds a second assembly line and 2,000 new jobs.

Toyota&#x27;s San Antonio plant will manufacture the popular Tacoma pickup under a $3.6 billion expansion. Why it matters: The 2.5 million-square-foot expansion will double the size of Toyota&#x27;s South Side campus by 2030 and create 2,000 jobs.

Why so many San Antonio businesses are selling shirts

The pandemic forced small businesses to get more creative.

San Antonio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/18/san-antonio-best-new-taquerias-tacos-2026" data-vars-content-id="83d1f935-4dd8-40bc-8769-4c99d407b3b9" data-vars-headline="Why so many San Antonio businesses are selling shirts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/18/san-antonio-best-new-taquerias-tacos-2026" target="_self">restaurants</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/san-antonio-coffee-truck-serves-spurs-specials" data-vars-content-id="83d1f935-4dd8-40bc-8769-4c99d407b3b9" data-vars-headline="Why so many San Antonio businesses are selling shirts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/san-antonio-coffee-truck-serves-spurs-specials" target="_self">coffee shops</a> aren&#x27;t just selling food and beverages anymore — they&#x27;re building a fanbase.Why it matters: The pandemic forced small businesses to get more creative online about reaching customers. The loyalty forged during that period has stuck around and evolved.

Business 🏦

San Antonio taps into the functional drink boom

How Texas Hill Country businesses are rebuilding after floods

Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals

New pass rewards visits to San Antonio legacy businesses

Report: Texas affordable housing shortage threatens growth