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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.

What to know about Flock cameras in Bexar County

Bexar County uses Flock cameras, while nearby Hill Country communities push back.

Politics

Activists and residents across the political spectrum — including in communities around San Antonio — are pushing back against license plate readers made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="9b94209f-516e-4ebb-b1f0-5f6de2a6bb68" data-vars-headline="What to know about Flock cameras in Bexar County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock Safety and similar companies</a>, fueled by privacy concerns.Why it matters: Advocates say the cameras help quickly track down criminals, making cities safer. Opponents say they&#x27;re a form of constant surveillance that infringes on residents&#x27; civil liberties.

How much Trump's deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers

A new calculator estimates how much Texans will pay for Trump's deportation push.

Immigration

Texas could pay an estimated $23 billion toward President Trump&#x27;s mass deportation push — about $2,500 per taxpayer — according to a calculator from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Economic Policy Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47042253.45/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXBpLm9yZy9kZXBvcnRhdGlvbi1jYWxjdWxhdG9yLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bb4c9cd23" data-vars-content-id="841d4f60-888f-4245-881c-a90955026689" data-vars-headline="How much Trump&#x27;s deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47042253.45/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXBpLm9yZy9kZXBvcnRhdGlvbi1jYWxjdWxhdG9yLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bb4c9cd23" target="_self">Economic Policy Institute</a> (EPI).Why it matters: The estimate fuels debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deportations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="841d4f60-888f-4245-881c-a90955026689" data-vars-headline="How much Trump&#x27;s deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">deportations</a> should instead fund other public priorities, such as health care or housing.

San Antonio's home for emergency child care

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

News

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.

Why birding is drawing a younger crowd in San Antonio

Birders say the hobby helps their mental health.

Culture

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.

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.

Environment

Why birding is drawing a younger crowd in San Antonio

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

How Texas Hill Country businesses are rebuilding after floods

Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals

San Antonio is full of nature lovers