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Toyota to build Tacoma in $3.6B San Antonio expansion

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

News

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.

What to know about "chaos gardening" in San Antonio

Native chaos gardens can be lower-maintenance yards.

Environment

Chaos gardening — the viral <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TikTok" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/chaosgardening" data-vars-content-id="91e972d1-3f0a-400f-ad76-29903c87b521" data-vars-headline="What to know about &quot;chaos gardening&quot; in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/chaosgardening" target="_blank">TikTok</a> trend of scattering seeds and &quot;letting nature decide&quot; — is taking root as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="demand for native plants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/25/native-gardening-san-antonio-texas-popular" data-vars-content-id="91e972d1-3f0a-400f-ad76-29903c87b521" data-vars-headline="What to know about &quot;chaos gardening&quot; in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/25/native-gardening-san-antonio-texas-popular" target="_self">demand for native plants</a> is rising around drought-stricken San Antonio.Why it matters: Native chaos gardens appeal to homeowners seeking lower-maintenance yards that also help local wildlife thrive.

Why fewer Texas kids are enrolled in Medicaid

Many children remain eligible but are no longer enrolled.

Health

Large numbers of children — including nearly 191,000 in Texas — are dropping off the Medicaid rolls, even though Congress&#x27; Medicaid overhaul didn&#x27;t change kids&#x27; eligibility.Why it matters: Children without insurance are less likely to receive checkups, preventive care and early treatment, while hospitals face additional strain from caring for more uninsured patients.

Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts

Participation in Texas&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/27/trump-medicaid-snap-cuts-texas-economy" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/27/trump-medicaid-snap-cuts-texas-economy" target="_self">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a> (SNAP) has fallen by nearly 14% since Congress approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cuts and changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/14/texas-food-banks-snap-cuts-hunger-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/14/texas-food-banks-snap-cuts-hunger-san-antonio" target="_self">cuts and changes</a> to the program, per state data.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/tomato-price-hike-2026" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/tomato-price-hike-2026" target="_self">Food prices</a> have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/food-prices-summer-grilling-beef-chicken-turkey" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/food-prices-summer-grilling-beef-chicken-turkey" target="_self">on the rise</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food banks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/09/san-antonio-food-bank-restaurant-weeks-guide" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/09/san-antonio-food-bank-restaurant-weeks-guide" target="_self">food banks</a> are rushing to meet rising demand to fill in the gaps.

SAWS says recycled water gives San Antonio an edge for data centers

San Antonio relies on more than the Edwards Aquifer for water.

Water

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is investing in a diverse water portfolio to help the city survive future <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="droughts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/30/san-antonio-flooding-rain-drought-forecast" data-vars-content-id="d6c0ffd1-42af-43a3-bfbb-af4f8b8bcf68" data-vars-headline="SAWS says recycled water gives San Antonio an edge for data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/30/san-antonio-flooding-rain-drought-forecast" target="_self">droughts</a> while supporting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growth from industries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/texas-coal-gas-power-plants-data-centers-water" data-vars-content-id="d6c0ffd1-42af-43a3-bfbb-af4f8b8bcf68" data-vars-headline="SAWS says recycled water gives San Antonio an edge for data centers" 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/texas-coal-gas-power-plants-data-centers-water" target="_self">growth from industries</a> like data centers.Why it matters: As San Antonio grows and drought conditions persist, SAWS is investing in alternative water supplies that can support residents and water-intensive industries without placing as much additional strain on the Edwards Aquifer.

Texas company pulls drinking water from the air

Some Texans want control over their home water supply.

Technology that brings water to war zones and disaster-struck areas is emerging as a way for Texans to take control of their home water supply amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/17/record-drought-rainfall-san-antonio-texas" data-vars-content-id="b8d68bdd-5ba9-47df-95a7-29daad83f1f3" data-vars-headline="Texas company pulls drinking water from the air" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/17/record-drought-rainfall-san-antonio-texas" target="_self">drought</a>.Why it matters: Rather than relying on groundwater from aquifers that&#x27;s in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="short supply and in increased demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/30/san-antonio-flooding-rain-drought-forecast" data-vars-content-id="b8d68bdd-5ba9-47df-95a7-29daad83f1f3" data-vars-headline="Texas company pulls drinking water from the air" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/30/san-antonio-flooding-rain-drought-forecast" target="_self">short supply and in increased demand</a>, some are turning to devices that pull water from humidity in the air.

How a trail connecting San Antonio and Austin can protect water

A nonprofit is conserving space above the Edwards Aquifer.

As development accelerates across the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming Interstate 35 corridor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/03/fastest-growing-texas-counties-population-census" data-vars-content-id="f4bca51a-bb96-4cbc-b014-5fb1685e4ead" data-vars-headline="How a trail connecting San Antonio and Austin can protect water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/03/fastest-growing-texas-counties-population-census" target="_self">booming Interstate 35 corridor</a> between San Antonio and Austin, a nonprofit is working to protect water access — one trailhead at a time.Why it matters: Rapid population growth in Central Texas is placing more stress on water sources as San Antonio experiences its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most intense drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/17/record-drought-rainfall-san-antonio-texas" data-vars-content-id="f4bca51a-bb96-4cbc-b014-5fb1685e4ead" data-vars-headline="How a trail connecting San Antonio and Austin can protect water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/17/record-drought-rainfall-san-antonio-texas" target="_self">most intense drought</a> in decades.

What it's like to see the world's largest bat colony

Bracken Cave is home to about 20 million bats in the summer.

Watching the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/07/five-questions-with-bat-conservationist-merlin-tuttle" data-vars-content-id="91407fa9-c6f6-4bc3-b126-f87b8458b795" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to see the world&#x27;s largest bat colony" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/07/five-questions-with-bat-conservationist-merlin-tuttle" target="_self">bats</a> emerge at Bracken Cave Preserve is a special summer activity that draws travelers from around the globe to a field just 30 miles outside San Antonio.Why it matters: The cave is home to the largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/08/houston-bat-boxes-waugh-drive-bridge" data-vars-content-id="91407fa9-c6f6-4bc3-b126-f87b8458b795" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to see the world&#x27;s largest bat colony" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/08/houston-bat-boxes-waugh-drive-bridge" target="_self">bat</a> colony in the world.

Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules

Data center regulation could be a 2027 legislative focus.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday directed state energy officials to take up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/texas-coal-gas-power-plants-data-centers-water" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" 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/texas-coal-gas-power-plants-data-centers-water" target="_self">data center</a> regulations aimed at protecting Texans from higher electricity bills.Why it matters: Texas is seen as one of the friendliest states in the nation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" target="_self">data center development</a>, with one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most generous tax incentives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/17/ai-data-centers-best-worst" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/17/ai-data-centers-best-worst" target="_self">most generous tax incentives</a>. Abbott&#x27;s requests are notable in a state known for lax rules governing businesses.

New downtown sculptures honor San Pedro Creek

The work explores the intersection of nature and cities.

Culture

New public art sculptures downtown celebrate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Pedro Creek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/14/san-antonio-san-pedro-creek-culture-park-opening-trails" data-vars-content-id="8b715504-3366-4827-beff-a37a8f211dfa" data-vars-headline="New downtown sculptures honor San Pedro Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/14/san-antonio-san-pedro-creek-culture-park-opening-trails" target="_self">San Pedro Creek</a>.Zoom in: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Creatures of the Creek: A Fragile Balance" data-vars-click-url="https://artcollection.sa.gov/Detail/artworks/3035" data-vars-content-id="8b715504-3366-4827-beff-a37a8f211dfa" data-vars-headline="New downtown sculptures honor San Pedro Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://artcollection.sa.gov/Detail/artworks/3035" target="_blank">Creatures of the Creek: A Fragile Balance</a>&quot; by Diana Kersey is a collection of clay sculptures of animals, like a giant anole lizard and the green kingfisher bird, found in and around the nearby San Pedro Creek.

San Antonio begins tracking heat-related deaths

Even with more data, the deaths are likely an undercount.

San Antonio&#x27;s Metro Health is now tracking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat-related deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/02/10/jessica-witzel-bexar-county-texas-heat-deaths" data-vars-content-id="6cb9c408-fd74-40e2-a1e1-bf3640f9d670" data-vars-headline="San Antonio begins tracking heat-related deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/02/10/jessica-witzel-bexar-county-texas-heat-deaths" target="_self">heat-related deaths</a> on its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online dashboard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/06/10/heat-illness-dashboard-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="6cb9c408-fd74-40e2-a1e1-bf3640f9d670" data-vars-headline="San Antonio begins tracking heat-related deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/06/10/heat-illness-dashboard-san-antonio" target="_self">online dashboard</a>, giving the public its strongest view yet into the fatal impacts of extreme heat in Texas.Why it matters: Texas has recorded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more heat-related deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/12/texas-heat-deaths-2023-record-climate-change/" data-vars-content-id="6cb9c408-fd74-40e2-a1e1-bf3640f9d670" data-vars-headline="San Antonio begins tracking heat-related deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/12/texas-heat-deaths-2023-record-climate-change/" target="_blank">more heat-related deaths</a> in recent years that correlate with record-high temperatures — but Bexar County residents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="haven&#x27;t had access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/07/san-antonio-heat-wave-deaths" data-vars-content-id="6cb9c408-fd74-40e2-a1e1-bf3640f9d670" data-vars-headline="San Antonio begins tracking heat-related deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/07/san-antonio-heat-wave-deaths" target="_self">haven&#x27;t had access</a> to local data before.

Texas power plants use more water than data centers

One coal plant alone consumed 6.7 billion gallons of water in 2024.

Gas and coal power plants consumed more water than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/17/ai-data-centers-best-worst" data-vars-content-id="c5da0516-54b8-4299-a974-d3b91e7a6d29" data-vars-headline="Texas power plants use more water than data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/17/ai-data-centers-best-worst" target="_self">data centers</a> across Texas in 2024, per a new Sierra Club analysis of federal data.Why it matters: Data center <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/02/24/labor-shortage-texas-water-supply-saws" data-vars-content-id="c5da0516-54b8-4299-a974-d3b91e7a6d29" data-vars-headline="Texas power plants use more water than data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/02/24/labor-shortage-texas-water-supply-saws" target="_self">water use</a> is in the spotlight in drought-stricken Texas. Environmental advocates say transitioning to renewable energy sources wouldn&#x27;t just reduce carbon emissions, it would save the state billions of gallons of water.

CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars

The utility must keep up with growth and climate goals.

CPS Energy is looking to rely more on natural gas and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solar power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/02/texas-renewables-trump" data-vars-content-id="671a09d8-2168-4f69-9843-f314e8cbe5f0" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/02/texas-renewables-trump" target="_self">solar power</a>, but less on wind, as San Antonio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electricity needs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/13/texas-power-prices-ai-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="671a09d8-2168-4f69-9843-f314e8cbe5f0" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/13/texas-power-prices-ai-data-centers" target="_self">electricity needs</a> surge past what the utility forecast just three years ago.Why it matters: Without changes, capacity will begin to fall short of demand by the early part of the next decade, which could mean higher costs for consumers — though CPS officials say they are working to prevent that.