San Antonio

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in San Antonio with Megan Stringer and Madalyn Mendoza.

Axios San Antonio

Standard

San Antonio Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting San Antonio.

Axios San Antonio Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios San Antonio Partners

San Antonio Members

Membership

Free teacher supply store opens in San Antonio

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

News

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.

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.

How SAMA uses art to connect people living with dementia

SAMA's program uses art as a starting point for connection.

Culture

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) has grown a pandemic-era virtual program called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ReCollections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.samuseum.org/blog/recollections/" data-vars-content-id="102e9b06-adcf-4305-9906-5d71c9c87204" data-vars-headline="How SAMA uses art to connect people living with dementia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.samuseum.org/blog/recollections/" target="_blank">ReCollections</a> into free in-person gatherings centered on art, storytelling and connection for people living with Alzheimer&#x27;s and other types of dementia.Why it matters: People living with dementia can face isolation as the disease progresses, making opportunities to socialize and express themselves increasingly important.

San Antonio's triple-digit heat is likely behind us

The 100s may be over, but don't break out the sweaters yet.

Climate

San Antonio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="triple-digit days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/28/san-antonio-summer-heat-temperatures-poll" data-vars-content-id="e5dae859-d2ca-405b-8e86-c3e4cc850d0a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s triple-digit heat is likely behind us" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/28/san-antonio-summer-heat-temperatures-poll" target="_self">triple-digit days</a> are likely behind us — but don&#x27;t break out the sweaters just yet.Why it matters: After another long, hot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/11/heat-illnesses-rise-san-antonio-summer-heat-index" data-vars-content-id="e5dae859-d2ca-405b-8e86-c3e4cc850d0a" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s triple-digit heat is likely behind us" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/11/heat-illnesses-rise-san-antonio-summer-heat-index" target="_self">summer</a>, the cooler weather this week offers some relief.

Poll: How do you feel about the San Antonio heat?

High temperatures at San Antonio International Airport have hit at least 100 for 11 days in a row as of Thursday.

It&#x27;s so <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/11/heat-illnesses-rise-san-antonio-summer-heat-index" data-vars-content-id="181043ca-6284-42e1-bfd3-97ada6424415" data-vars-headline="Poll: How do you feel about the San Antonio heat?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/11/heat-illnesses-rise-san-antonio-summer-heat-index" target="_self">hot</a> in San Antonio nowadays that when you get in your car you have to avoid grabbing the metal bit of the buckle for fear of burning your hand.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="High temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/23/ut-san-antonio-heat-study-cool-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="181043ca-6284-42e1-bfd3-97ada6424415" data-vars-headline="Poll: How do you feel about the San Antonio heat?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/23/ut-san-antonio-heat-study-cool-neighborhoods" target="_self">High temperatures</a> at San Antonio International Airport have hit at least 100 for 11 days in a row as of Thursday, per National Weather Service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ewx" data-vars-content-id="181043ca-6284-42e1-bfd3-97ada6424415" data-vars-headline="Poll: How do you feel about the San Antonio heat?" 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">data</a>.

Why birding is drawing a younger crowd in San Antonio

Birders say the hobby helps their mental health.

Birding, a hobby once associated with retirees, is attracting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="younger generation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/08/gen-z-buying-houses-san-antonio-texas-real-estate" data-vars-content-id="60efb65c-25f9-45b8-910b-e5edc9381d63" data-vars-headline="Why birding is drawing a younger crowd 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/2025/04/08/gen-z-buying-houses-san-antonio-texas-real-estate" target="_self">younger generation</a> in San Antonio.Why it matters: Young people are growing up in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="less social" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/05/americans-socializing-decline" data-vars-content-id="60efb65c-25f9-45b8-910b-e5edc9381d63" data-vars-headline="Why birding is drawing a younger crowd in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/05/americans-socializing-decline" target="_self">less social</a>, more online world. Birders tell Axios the activity helps connect them with friends and nature, boosting their mental health.

Texas researchers are using robot fish to help U.S. mineral supply

That includes lithium, a critical mineral for electric vehicles.

Texas A&amp;M University researchers are developing small fish-like, swimming robots to capture <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lithium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/24/white-house-lithium-americas-finance-deal" data-vars-content-id="b84ff788-a70d-4968-bfa6-a00121648808" data-vars-headline="Texas researchers are using robot fish to help U.S. mineral supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/24/white-house-lithium-americas-finance-deal" target="_self">lithium</a> from the ocean.Why it matters: Demand for lithium is growing. It&#x27;s a critical mineral used in the creation of batteries, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric vehicles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/11/china-ev-lithium-prices-catl" data-vars-content-id="b84ff788-a70d-4968-bfa6-a00121648808" data-vars-headline="Texas researchers are using robot fish to help U.S. mineral supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/11/china-ev-lithium-prices-catl" target="_self">electric vehicles</a> and energy storage technologies — meaning lithium can help build a greener future.

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.

Study looks at how San Antonio tackles extreme heat

Researchers mapped areas most vulnerable to extreme heat.

UT San Antonio researchers are studying just how hot some neighborhoods get during the summer, and how much <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city efforts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/05/02/san-antonio-texas-hot-streets-could-get-cooler-pavement-heat-island" data-vars-content-id="0c4ffabb-d7fd-4f71-b796-aeec7bf09353" data-vars-headline="Study looks at how San Antonio tackles extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/05/02/san-antonio-texas-hot-streets-could-get-cooler-pavement-heat-island" target="_self">city efforts</a> — like adding more trees — actually cool them down.Why it matters: Heat tends to be worse in urban areas where roads, buildings and parking lots trap heat, known as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban heat island effect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/07/18/urban-heat-islands-summer-weather-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="0c4ffabb-d7fd-4f71-b796-aeec7bf09353" data-vars-headline="Study looks at how San Antonio tackles extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/07/18/urban-heat-islands-summer-weather-san-antonio" target="_self">urban heat island effect</a>.

San Antonio Botanical Garden is reforesting the Guadalupe after flood

San Antonio is growing the next generation of Guadalupe River trees.

San Antonio Botanical Garden is propagating tens of thousands of trees to restore the landscape destroyed during the 2025 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Guadalupe River flooding tragedy" 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="d39cb9f2-1a78-4336-8c8e-89145a846f9d" data-vars-headline="San Antonio Botanical Garden is reforesting the Guadalupe after flood" 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">Guadalupe River flooding tragedy</a>.Why it matters: Rebuilding a diverse strip of native trees and plants along the Guadalupe doesn&#x27;t just make the river look like it used to — it will slow floodwater, trap sediment and rebuild habitat, strengthening the river for generations.

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.

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.