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ERCOT prepping for winter electric demand

The grid operator has been closely watched since mass outages in 2021.

News

Mural of Spurs-themed vela unveiled in downtown San Antonio

The artist calls it an "emotional gift" to the city.

Vending machine "with heart" sets up in San Antonio

Instead of snacks, the vending machine is stocked with cards representing items needed by nonprofits.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's vice-presidential chances

A prolific fundraiser, the border governor is a Trump loyalist.

Politics

CPS Energy seeks second rate increase in two years

The city-owned utility wants to raise rates by 4.25%.

Power bills could rise in San Antonio again next year, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CPS Energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/02/13/san-antonio-cps-energy-home-weatherize-casa-verde" data-vars-content-id="02acc3ab-0c01-4570-a207-ef947f7b4278" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy seeks second rate increase in two years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/02/13/san-antonio-cps-energy-home-weatherize-casa-verde" target="_self">CPS Energy</a> seeks its second rate hike from the City Council in two years.What&#x27;s happening: The city-owned utility wants to raise rates by 4.25% as it aims to replace aging technology and meet the power needs of a quickly growing city, among other upgrades.

Illustration of an electricity pylon with a dollar sign at the top.

When and where to see fall leaves around San Antonio

Texas is no New England, but we have some fall color still.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s no New England, but you can enjoy fall foliage right here in Texas.Yes, but: Your window to view the bright hues might be trickier to predict, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/02/climate-change-warming-james-hansen" data-vars-content-id="762833de-334c-4ae4-83e9-82b67c32c112" data-vars-headline="When and where to see fall leaves around San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/02/climate-change-warming-james-hansen" target="_self">climate change</a> impacts when leaves change and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how colorful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.neefusa.org/story/climate-change/leaves-they-are-changing#:~:text=How%20Climate%20Change%20Affects%20the,together%20to%20mute%20fall%20colors." data-vars-content-id="762833de-334c-4ae4-83e9-82b67c32c112" data-vars-headline="When and where to see fall leaves around San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.neefusa.org/story/climate-change/leaves-they-are-changing#:~:text=How%20Climate%20Change%20Affects%20the,together%20to%20mute%20fall%20colors." target="_blank">how colorful</a> they get, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Carly Mallenbaum writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/04/fall-foliage-map-autumn-2023" data-vars-content-id="762833de-334c-4ae4-83e9-82b67c32c112" data-vars-headline="When and where to see fall leaves around San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/04/fall-foliage-map-autumn-2023" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Carly Mallenbaum writes</a>.

San Antonio could finally get rain this winter

Amid prolonged drought, we could really use some rain.

There&#x27;s a heightened chance of a wetter-than-normal winter season in San Antonio this year, per a new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seasonal outlook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/us-winter-outlook-wetter-south-warmer-north" data-vars-content-id="5b5032ba-2532-4c75-b1ad-6ed9f4776a18" data-vars-headline="San Antonio could finally get rain this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/us-winter-outlook-wetter-south-warmer-north" target="_blank">seasonal outlook</a>.The big picture: The combination of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strong El Niño" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/el-nino-weather-years-world-climate-impacts" data-vars-content-id="5b5032ba-2532-4c75-b1ad-6ed9f4776a18" data-vars-headline="San Antonio could finally get rain this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/el-nino-weather-years-world-climate-impacts" target="_self">strong El Niño</a> in the tropical Pacific Ocean and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record high global ocean temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/13/climate-heat-september-noaa-nasa" data-vars-content-id="5b5032ba-2532-4c75-b1ad-6ed9f4776a18" data-vars-headline="San Antonio could finally get rain this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/13/climate-heat-september-noaa-nasa" target="_self">record high global ocean temperatures</a> are likely to shape the upcoming winter season in potentially unexpected ways, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Generate&#x27;s Andrew Freedman reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/19/turbulent-el-nino-winter-east-coast-snow" data-vars-content-id="5b5032ba-2532-4c75-b1ad-6ed9f4776a18" data-vars-headline="San Antonio could finally get rain this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/19/turbulent-el-nino-winter-east-coast-snow" target="_self">Axios Generate&#x27;s Andrew Freedman reports</a>.

Summer 2023 makes history as hottest on record in San Antonio

This summer was also S.A.'s fifth driest on record.

San Antonians who sweated through this past summer won&#x27;t be surprised to learn it was our warmest summer on record.Details: June through August had an average temperature of 88.7.

Climate change made San Antonio summer heat more likely

Prolonged exposure to heat can make us both sick and sad.

Texas&#x27; record-breaking heat this summer would have been &quot;virtually impossible&quot; without human-caused climate change, per recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate analyses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/extreme-heat-in-north-america-europe-and-china-in-july-2023-made-much-more-likely-by-climate-change/" data-vars-content-id="3d0286d9-726f-4357-86d4-2bf25952a53c" data-vars-headline="Climate change made San Antonio summer heat more likely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/extreme-heat-in-north-america-europe-and-china-in-july-2023-made-much-more-likely-by-climate-change/" target="_blank">climate analyses</a>.Why it matters: Prolonged exposure to heat can make us ill, physically <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and mentally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/30/summer-seasonal-affective-disorder" data-vars-content-id="3d0286d9-726f-4357-86d4-2bf25952a53c" data-vars-headline="Climate change made San Antonio summer heat more likely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2023/08/30/summer-seasonal-affective-disorder" target="_self">and mentally</a>. And it can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quickly turn deadly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/20/seniors-children-vulnerable-san-antonio-heat-illness" data-vars-content-id="3d0286d9-726f-4357-86d4-2bf25952a53c" data-vars-headline="Climate change made San Antonio summer heat more likely" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/20/seniors-children-vulnerable-san-antonio-heat-illness" target="_self">quickly turn deadly</a> for vulnerable residents.

San Antonio's monarch butterfly festival will take flight in October

The fest highlights San Antonio's role in the monarch migration.

The annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival will take flight next month.Why it matters: San Antonio is on the monarch&#x27;s migratory path to and from Mexico in the spring and fall.

Texas' winter storm sent power outages soaring

In 2021, Texans spent nearly 20 hours in the dark.

Texans experienced some of the longest power outages in the country in 2021, highlighting the impact of the deadly winter storm that left millions without power — some for several days.Driving the news: The average Texas electricity customer experienced 19.6 hours of power outages in 2021 — up from 7.2 in 2020, Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report.

Drought causing San Antonio water main breaks

All of Bexar County is experiencing exceptional drought.

The combination of extreme heat, a drought and lack of attention to watering rules is stressing San Antonio pipes.By the numbers: The San Antonio Water System had 754 breaks and leaks in August as of last week, utility officials said.

Illustration of a faucet with a drop of water with a sad face.

San Antonio could get rain, heat relief Tuesday

San Antonio's drought has worsened this summer.

Climate

San Antonio could get rain Tuesday and Wednesday — the region&#x27;s first recorded rainfall in more than a month.<ul><li>We may also get a momentary reprieve from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/20/seniors-children-vulnerable-san-antonio-heat-illness" data-vars-content-id="d71c964a-79ca-41d6-94a3-b15de52572d3" data-vars-headline="San Antonio could get rain, heat relief Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/20/seniors-children-vulnerable-san-antonio-heat-illness" target="_self">extreme heat</a>, with a high temperature below 100 on Tuesday. The last time San Antonio had a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high below 100" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ewx" data-vars-content-id="d71c964a-79ca-41d6-94a3-b15de52572d3" data-vars-headline="San Antonio could get rain, heat relief Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ewx" target="_blank">high below 100</a> was July 29, when the mercury reached 99.</li></ul>

Illustration of an umbrella collecting cobwebs. 

Flooding, heat, trash in San Antonio alleys target of city proposal

Two-thirds of San Antonio residents live in a heat island.

We&#x27;ve all seen it: That one alleyway we pass by filled with overgrown weeds and trash.Driving the news: District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo wants to give San Antonio alleys a makeover to clean up sore sights while also creating more environmentally friendly surfaces that can reduce temperatures.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Politics & Policy

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can't operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north

The U.S. is extremely concerned that an Israeli operation in southern Gaza would lead to significantly more civilian casualties.

World

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">Biden</a> told Israeli Prime Minister <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Benjamin Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" target="_self">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> last Sunday that he is concerned about a possible Israeli military operation in southern Gaza after the current pause in fighting ends, two U.S. officials told Axios.Driving the news: The Biden administration is extremely worried that an Israeli operation in the southern <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gaza Strip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" target="_self">Gaza Strip</a> — where 2 million Palestinians are concentrated — would lead to significantly more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="civilian casualties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" target="_self">civilian casualties</a> and deepen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="humanitarian crisis in the enclave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" target="_self">humanitarian crisis in the enclave</a>, the officials said.

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 18. Photo: Handout/GPO/Anadolu via Getty Images

Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt

"I hope this relief gives you a little more breathing room," the Tuesday email said.

More than 800,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student loan borrowers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" target="_self">student loan borrowers</a> are set to receive a message from President Biden Tuesday afternoon.Why it matters: The email, shared in advance with Axios, is a direct appeal from the president to beneficiaries of his administration&#x27;s debt forgiveness push, as his approval rating among Democrats hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record low" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" target="_self">record low</a> last month, jeopardizing his 2024 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="re-election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" target="_self">re-election</a> bid.

Biden speaks at a lectern with American flags behind him.

Climate 🌿