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President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio

It's expected to be a difficult midterm election for Republicans, even in Texas.

News

President Trump urged supporters in San Antonio Wednesday to pretend he&#x27;s on the ballot in what&#x27;s expected to be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="difficult midterm election for Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" target="_self">difficult midterm election for Republicans</a> — potentially even in red Texas.Why it matters: The rally at the Freeman Coliseum on San Antonio&#x27;s East Side is Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third visit to Texas in a month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-makes-third-texas-trip-month-republicans-defend-longtime-stronghold-2026-10-07/" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-makes-third-texas-trip-month-republicans-defend-longtime-stronghold-2026-10-07/" target="_blank">third visit to Texas in a month</a> — highlighting the focus the GOP has put on now-competitive races in the Lone Star State that were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once presumed easy opportunities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/16/texas-primary-election-redistricting-house" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters 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/2026/03/16/texas-primary-election-redistricting-house" target="_self">once presumed easy opportunities</a> for Republicans.

Free teacher supply store opens in San Antonio

H-E-B is stocking the store for SAISD teachers.

San Antonio ISD teachers will soon have a new place to stock up on classroom essentials without dipping into their own wallets.Why it matters: Teachers nationwide routinely spend hundreds of dollars of their own money on classroom supplies every year.

San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars

San Antonio didn't land any new stars, but the city's three starred restaurants retained that distinction.

San Antonio restaurants didn&#x27;t earn any new stars or Bib Gourmand awards in the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/29/san-antonio-michelin-stars-restaurants-2025" data-vars-content-id="881f9b9e-41f5-4f6b-b714-eff33482f559" data-vars-headline="San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/29/san-antonio-michelin-stars-restaurants-2025" target="_self">Michelin Guide Texas</a> selections <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://michelinmedia.com/c0/michelin-guide-texas-honors-three-new-starred-restaurants-in-2026-selection/" data-vars-content-id="881f9b9e-41f5-4f6b-b714-eff33482f559" data-vars-headline="San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://michelinmedia.com/c0/michelin-guide-texas-honors-three-new-starred-restaurants-in-2026-selection/" target="_blank">announced Thursday</a>, but the city did notch two more Michelin recommended restaurants: the viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lovers Pizzeria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/06/san-antonio-lovers-pizzeria-wait-line-review" data-vars-content-id="881f9b9e-41f5-4f6b-b714-eff33482f559" data-vars-headline="San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/06/san-antonio-lovers-pizzeria-wait-line-review" target="_self">Lovers Pizzeria</a> and the French-inspired Petit Coquin.Why it matters: Michelin Guide recognition brings global attention to local spots and highlights San Antonio&#x27;s diverse food scene.

New Aztec Hotel opens in downtown San Antonio

Here's a first look at the new hotel above the Aztec Theatre.

Travel

One hundred years after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aztec Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/15/aztec-theatre-majestic-magik-history-reopening" data-vars-content-id="fc7ec884-d2c7-42d6-9822-55e3ee8f7a09" data-vars-headline="New Aztec Hotel opens in downtown 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/2026/06/15/aztec-theatre-majestic-magik-history-reopening" target="_self">Aztec Theatre</a> opened its doors, the historic downtown building is adding a hotel.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Aztec Hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/satbw-aztec-hotel-san-antonio-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/" data-vars-content-id="fc7ec884-d2c7-42d6-9822-55e3ee8f7a09" data-vars-headline="New Aztec Hotel opens in downtown San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/satbw-aztec-hotel-san-antonio-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/" target="_blank">The Aztec Hotel</a> — part of Marriott&#x27;s Tribute Portfolio — will open Oct. 9, ahead of a grand opening celebration on Oct. 17.

Meet the artist behind San Antonio's new neon signs

Neon is rising in popularity again, but the craft isn't widely practiced.

Culture

Neon is rising in popularity once again, and a San Antonio artist has carved out a niche as a go-to neon sign maker for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/31/buy-local-legacy-pass-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="6d5ceba4-b1fc-4256-ba36-702ea1feb868" data-vars-headline="Meet the artist behind San Antonio&#x27;s new neon signs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/31/buy-local-legacy-pass-san-antonio" target="_self">local businesses</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Neon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/06/portland-neon-signs-fading-legacy" data-vars-content-id="6d5ceba4-b1fc-4256-ba36-702ea1feb868" data-vars-headline="Meet the artist behind San Antonio&#x27;s new neon signs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/06/portland-neon-signs-fading-legacy" target="_self">Neon</a> is undeniably cool. It turns everyday businesses into landmarks, as iconic signs create a sense of place and draw in enamored customers.

What to know about San Antonio Startup and Tech Week 2026

The five days of downtown programming are free.

Business

San Antonio Startup and Tech Week returns Monday for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="11th year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sasw.co/" data-vars-content-id="3090ea94-50e6-4137-9c22-c542e16cc01d" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio Startup and Tech Week 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sasw.co/" target="_blank">11th year</a> of speakers, workshops and networking events highlighting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="innovation in the Alamo City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/09/24/san-antonio-authors-publishing-press-inbound-books" data-vars-content-id="3090ea94-50e6-4137-9c22-c542e16cc01d" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio Startup and Tech Week 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/2026/09/24/san-antonio-authors-publishing-press-inbound-books" target="_self">innovation in the Alamo City</a>.Why it matters: The annual week of programming offers networking and support for a wide range of San Antonio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="small businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/09/21/san-antonio-brands-heb-quest-texas-best-competition" data-vars-content-id="3090ea94-50e6-4137-9c22-c542e16cc01d" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio Startup and Tech Week 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/2026/09/21/san-antonio-brands-heb-quest-texas-best-competition" target="_self">small businesses</a>.

San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house

Inbound Books is a co-op that makes its authors stakeholders in the press.

A new publishing house based in San Antonio is taking a unique approach to give lesser-known <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="authors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/24/new-independent-bookstores-opening-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="7986794b-3138-47ab-9a72-85c15a96f4c8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/24/new-independent-bookstores-opening-san-antonio" target="_self">authors</a> a platform for success.Why it matters: Major publishers often focus limited resources on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big-name writers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/san-antonio-library-top-books" data-vars-content-id="7986794b-3138-47ab-9a72-85c15a96f4c8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house" 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">big-name writers</a>, leaving others to face fewer options to promote their work — or to self-publish and do it all themselves, Christopher Bodmann, co-founder of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inbound Books" data-vars-click-url="https://inboundbooks.org/" data-vars-content-id="7986794b-3138-47ab-9a72-85c15a96f4c8" data-vars-headline="San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://inboundbooks.org/" target="_blank">Inbound Books</a>, tells Axios.

San Antonio library cuts come as study finds billions in value

From Wi-Fi to job help, Texas libraries' services add up.

Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public libraries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" data-vars-content-id="65982d55-5534-4e99-8b88-8dab92077a3a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio library cuts come as study finds billions in value" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/10/library-book-checkout-map" target="_self">public libraries</a> generate nearly $5 in economic and community value for every $1 invested, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new statewide study" data-vars-click-url="https://trulytexas.txla.org/roi-study/" data-vars-content-id="65982d55-5534-4e99-8b88-8dab92077a3a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio library cuts come as study finds billions in value" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://trulytexas.txla.org/roi-study/" target="_blank">new statewide study</a>. Why it matters: The findings come as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="libraries face tighter local budgets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/san-antonio-library-union-residents-against-cuts-22427551.php" data-vars-content-id="65982d55-5534-4e99-8b88-8dab92077a3a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio library cuts come as study finds billions in value" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/san-antonio-library-union-residents-against-cuts-22427551.php" target="_blank">libraries face tighter local budgets</a>, including in San Antonio, which can mean fewer staff, reduced hours and cuts to services, according to Texas Library Association executive director Shirley Robinson.

San Antonio-area brands compete for spot on H-E-B shelves

Meet the local contenders vying for H-E-B's big contest.

Food and Drink

Three San Antonio-area businesses are among the 10 finalists competing in H-E-B&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Quest for Texas Best" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.heb.com/h-e-b-names-ten-small-businesses-as-finalists-in-13th-h-e-b-annual-quest-for-texas-best-competition/#FINALISTDEAN" data-vars-content-id="1e35d6ef-3eb8-48ca-a5ff-96e1aa7e37b9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio-area brands compete for spot on H-E-B shelves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.heb.com/h-e-b-names-ten-small-businesses-as-finalists-in-13th-h-e-b-annual-quest-for-texas-best-competition/#FINALISTDEAN" target="_blank">Quest for Texas Best</a> competition.Why it matters: The statewide contest gives Texas small businesses a shot at cash prizes and a placement on H-E-B shelves.

Waymo is back in San Antonio after flood-related fixes

The company said it made changes to how it detects flooding and heavy rain.

Waymo&#x27;s robotaxis are once again available for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rides in San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/24/waymo-san-antonio-driverless-cars" data-vars-content-id="50a443f5-de6c-439e-a8ce-7a4e58900578" data-vars-headline="Waymo is back in San Antonio after flood-related fixes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/24/waymo-san-antonio-driverless-cars" target="_self">rides in San Antonio</a>, five months after the company halted operations in the city when one of the autonomous vehicles drove into flood waters.Why it matters: San Antonio&#x27;s flood-prone terrain and extreme weather exposed weaknesses in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/waymo-ai-shortcut-self-driving" data-vars-content-id="50a443f5-de6c-439e-a8ce-7a4e58900578" data-vars-headline="Waymo is back in San Antonio after flood-related fixes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/waymo-ai-shortcut-self-driving" target="_self">Waymo</a>&#x27;s technology and led to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide software recall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy2011dl4xo" data-vars-content-id="50a443f5-de6c-439e-a8ce-7a4e58900578" data-vars-headline="Waymo is back in San Antonio after flood-related fixes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy2011dl4xo" target="_blank">nationwide software recall</a> to fix flooding-related issues.

UT San Antonio expands aerospace engineering work with Ph.D.

Employment for aerospace engineers is growing.

UT San Antonio has launched a Ph.D. program in aerospace engineering, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/27/port-san-antonio-air-taxi-future" data-vars-content-id="20a0f3c0-52fe-4fcc-9b24-ab40d8173ac4" data-vars-headline="UT San Antonio expands aerospace engineering work with Ph.D." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/27/port-san-antonio-air-taxi-future" target="_self">growing field</a> that local officials want San Antonians to get in on.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The university" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/07/ut-san-antonio-downtown-campus-san-pedro-ii-tech" data-vars-content-id="20a0f3c0-52fe-4fcc-9b24-ab40d8173ac4" data-vars-headline="UT San Antonio expands aerospace engineering work with Ph.D." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/07/ut-san-antonio-downtown-campus-san-pedro-ii-tech" target="_self">The university</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://news.utsa.edu/2026/09/ut-san-antonio-launches-aerospace-engineering-phd-to-meet-growing-workforce-needs-in-texas/" data-vars-content-id="20a0f3c0-52fe-4fcc-9b24-ab40d8173ac4" data-vars-headline="UT San Antonio expands aerospace engineering work with Ph.D." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.utsa.edu/2026/09/ut-san-antonio-launches-aerospace-engineering-phd-to-meet-growing-workforce-needs-in-texas/" target="_blank">says</a> it will be one of four across Texas to offer the advanced degree.

San Antonio City Council looks to regulate data centers

Councilmembers appear split on a temporary data center ban.

The San Antonio City Council appears poised to restrict <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" data-vars-content-id="21c402ec-bb40-4f07-89d6-58b4d5082fce" data-vars-headline="San Antonio City Council looks to regulate data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" target="_self">data center</a> development this fall, but could stop short of a temporary ban as sought by some councilmembers.Why it matters: Voter pushback against data centers has swelled in recent months. The issue is now garnering bipartisan political blowback — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including in Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sanantonio&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="21c402ec-bb40-4f07-89d6-58b4d5082fce" data-vars-headline="San Antonio City Council looks to regulate data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sanantonio&amp;stream=top" target="_self">including in Texas</a> — that&#x27;s set to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roil the November midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="21c402ec-bb40-4f07-89d6-58b4d5082fce" data-vars-headline="San Antonio City Council looks to regulate data centers" 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">roil the November midterms</a>.

San Antonio lands $200M power equipment factory

Power equipment maker bets big on San Antonio.

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) plans to build a $200 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="advanced manufacturing campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iemfg.com/about/" data-vars-content-id="1988f925-a5eb-4a30-825c-c6359a82ba8a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio lands $200M power equipment factory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iemfg.com/about/" target="_blank">advanced manufacturing campus</a> at Brooks that is expected to create 3,000 jobs by 2030, the company said Tuesday.Why it matters: The project represents the largest job-producing investment in the San Antonio area in more than two decades, per economic development group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greater SATX" data-vars-click-url="https://greatersatx.com/industrial-electric-manufacturing-selects-greater-san-antonio-for-major-manufacturing-investment" data-vars-content-id="1988f925-a5eb-4a30-825c-c6359a82ba8a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio lands $200M power equipment factory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://greatersatx.com/industrial-electric-manufacturing-selects-greater-san-antonio-for-major-manufacturing-investment" target="_blank">Greater SATX</a>, further cementing the region as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

Business 🏦

San Antonio adds Michelin-recommended restaurants, no new stars

Meet the artist behind San Antonio's new neon signs

What to know about San Antonio Startup and Tech Week 2026

San Antonio writers launch new kind of publishing house

San Antonio library cuts come as study finds billions in value