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San Antonio launch kicks off Texas water cybersecurity pilot

The Texas pilot could become a model for water systems nationwide.

News

The Trump administration launched a new statewide pilot program Monday during an event in San Antonio to bring free cybersecurity and AI tools to under-resourced water systems across Texas.Why it matters: Water systems have long been considered among the country&#x27;s most vulnerable critical infrastructure, and the program arrives as at least 12 states respond to suspected Iranian cyberattacks.

San Antonio storm: 2 deaths and thousands without power 

Some of the areas hit hardest by the storm include Five Points, near West Side neighborhoods and Monte Vista.

Officials are investigating two deaths related to an intense storm Friday night as thousands of people in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="9c534487-b700-4968-953c-cd5c46818eb3" data-vars-headline="San Antonio storm: 2 deaths and thousands without power " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio" target="_self">San Antonio</a> remained without power on Sunday. Some outages are expected to continue into Monday.The latest: A 46-year-old woman who was homeless likely died of drowning, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said at a Sunday morning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="press conference" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18xCxkibvq/" data-vars-content-id="9c534487-b700-4968-953c-cd5c46818eb3" data-vars-headline="San Antonio storm: 2 deaths and thousands without power " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18xCxkibvq/" target="_blank">press conference</a>.

CPS Energy expects full power restoration by Tuesday

Lingering outages remain after Friday's storm.

More than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1,000 CPS Energy customers" data-vars-click-url="https://outagemap.cpsenergy.com/" data-vars-content-id="c734ea4b-c41a-4bc1-8d36-df30ebd886c5" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy expects full power restoration by Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://outagemap.cpsenergy.com/" target="_blank">1,000 CPS Energy customers</a> remained <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="without power as of 2:30pm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=1651375056437537" data-vars-content-id="c734ea4b-c41a-4bc1-8d36-df30ebd886c5" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy expects full power restoration by Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=1651375056437537" target="_blank">without power as of 2:30pm</a> Monday as crews continued to work to repair downed power lines after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Friday night&#x27;s extreme storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/30/san-antonio-storm-power-outages-deaths-heat" data-vars-content-id="c734ea4b-c41a-4bc1-8d36-df30ebd886c5" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy expects full power restoration by 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/2026/08/30/san-antonio-storm-power-outages-deaths-heat" target="_self">Friday night&#x27;s extreme storm</a>.The big picture: Thousands of outages were restored over the weekend, but CPS Energy interim president and CEO Frank Almaraz said at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news conference" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=1651375056437537" data-vars-content-id="c734ea4b-c41a-4bc1-8d36-df30ebd886c5" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy expects full power restoration by Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=1651375056437537" target="_blank">news conference</a> Monday that some customers could remain without electricity until Tuesday, when the utility expects to complete restoration.

What we know about school vouchers in San Antonio

There isn't yet a clear picture of how the program is affecting public school enrollment.

Education

Students living in the boundaries of San Antonio&#x27;s largest public school district comprise the third-highest number of participants among school districts in Texas&#x27; new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="private school voucher program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/23/texas-voucher-tefa-teachers-entrepreneur-vendors" data-vars-content-id="681bbc7d-6acb-4ebe-9ac6-b38214e93149" data-vars-headline="What we know about school vouchers 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/2026/04/23/texas-voucher-tefa-teachers-entrepreneur-vendors" target="_self">private school voucher program</a>, but there isn&#x27;t yet a clear picture of how the program is affecting enrollment.Why it matters: Public school advocates warn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vouchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" data-vars-content-id="681bbc7d-6acb-4ebe-9ac6-b38214e93149" data-vars-headline="What we know about school vouchers 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/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" target="_self">vouchers</a> will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harm public schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/02/20/texas-legislature-school-vouchers-public-education" data-vars-content-id="681bbc7d-6acb-4ebe-9ac6-b38214e93149" data-vars-headline="What we know about school vouchers 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/dallas/2025/02/20/texas-legislature-school-vouchers-public-education" target="_self">harm public schools</a>, while supporters argue parents shouldn&#x27;t have to send their kids to underperforming public schools.

NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027

Annual Fiesta event is planning to reinvent itself after seven decades.

A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) organizers are planning a major redesign of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signature Fiesta event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/18/fiesta-san-antonio-food-niosa-chicken-stick" data-vars-content-id="11d374ef-7c3e-45a3-acdb-5234b051c835" data-vars-headline="NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/18/fiesta-san-antonio-food-niosa-chicken-stick" target="_self">signature Fiesta event</a> for 2027 as it faces financial pressures and a smaller space for the event.Why it matters: NIOSA is the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit Conservation Society of San Antonio and has raised millions of dollars over its seven-decade history to support preservation projects across the city.

The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion

Mahjong has found a stylish new home in San Antonio.

History

San Antonio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mahjong boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/mahjong-brain-health-benefits" data-vars-content-id="d429fc38-f727-454b-9da5-3149a4eff0db" data-vars-headline="The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/mahjong-brain-health-benefits" target="_self">mahjong boom</a> has a new home at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Polished Tile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thepolishedtile.com/about" data-vars-content-id="d429fc38-f727-454b-9da5-3149a4eff0db" data-vars-headline="The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thepolishedtile.com/about" target="_blank">The Polished Tile</a> in Monte Vista. Why it matters: The centuries-old Chinese game is having a moment, and the new parlor gives San Antonio players a permanent place to gather around the table.Zoom out: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yelp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/2026-home-beauty-and-lifestyle-trends?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="d429fc38-f727-454b-9da5-3149a4eff0db" data-vars-headline="The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/2026-home-beauty-and-lifestyle-trends?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">Yelp</a> named mahjong a top home trend for 2026, citing surging searches for clubs and lessons.The latest: Owner Erika Gonzales — who calls herself the &quot;chief mahjong officer&quot; — opened the parlor this month. How it works: Memberships range from $100 to $225 a month, with options that include unlimited mahjong, coworking space and social events.<ul><li>A limited founding membership costs $3,000 a year.</li><li>Nonmembers can pay $40 for a visit, buy multi-visit passes starting at $150 or take lessons starting at $115.</li><li>Gonzales recommends beginners take the four-class, $200 &quot;Confidence Series&quot; to learn the game and get comfortable playing at any table.</li></ul>The vibe: The parlor fills a historic 1909 mansion designed by architect Alfred Giles, who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renovated the Menger Hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sanantonio.gov/Mission-Trails/Mission-Trails-Historic-Sites/Detail-Page/ArtMID/16185/ArticleID/4436/Menger-Hotel/ID/lib/inflate" data-vars-content-id="d429fc38-f727-454b-9da5-3149a4eff0db" data-vars-headline="The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sanantonio.gov/Mission-Trails/Mission-Trails-Historic-Sites/Detail-Page/ArtMID/16185/ArticleID/4436/Menger-Hotel/ID/lib/inflate" target="_blank">renovated the Menger Hotel</a>. <ul><li>The restored home retains original woodwork, stained glass and soaring ceilings.</li><li>Gonzales describes the look as &quot;Shanghai meets Palm Springs.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Divided image: left shows a teal mahjong table with pink tiles and gold trim; right reveals a cozy living room with a red chandelier, tall windows with blinds, and blue seating with plants." height="1080" id="484d72ff-7c28-49e2-a828-08a9ab8d0269" src="https://images.axios.com/v6EWr1t2tYM1ucRcI0QDayMlZx4=/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/JidwxLbhpojDWDl-yBWEWUPyLEY=/1920x1080/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/R4H2et4geOdAT4aQZfprQxePxH8=/1600x900/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/sek4BZ_y4sWHzWfQtCrPbS49G2Y=/1366x768/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/u1tWL9UlBgx9Pj_RIRW642HEKo8=/1024x576/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/fO4d6WZc6vjEeRapi_Ez-awE3S0=/768x432/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/sSgQh7cjdKsyNFMyIs3kuqTHRMc=/640x360/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/QOykPSOEuloGv7ORDmsCIJ1xkmc=/320x180/smart/2026/08/12/1786557643407.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Inside The Polished Tile. Photos: Courtesy of Erika Gonzales</figcaption></figure>Zoom in: The Polished Tile primarily teaches American mahjong, the version Gonzales says is driving much of the game&#x27;s popularity.<ul><li>Lessons begin with a brief history of the game, and Gonzales hopes to bring in instructors to teach Asian styles.</li><li>Wood carvings, lotus motifs and a pagoda lantern nod to the game&#x27;s Chinese roots.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;One of the hardest things about mahjong is actually getting a crew together,&quot; Gonzales tells Axios. &quot;The Polished Tile should be really popular, because you don&#x27;t ever have to put a table together. People are always going to be here to play.&quot;The big picture: Gonzales sees mahjong as a vehicle for something bigger.<ul><li>&quot;What I hope The Polished Tile becomes for the San Antonio community is a place to connect,&quot; she says. &quot;Mahjong is just a medium.&quot;</li></ul>

Briscoe's biggest exhibit yet tells Tejano history

The Briscoe's massive new exhibit tells a fuller Texas story.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is preparing to unveil the largest exhibition in its 13-year history.Why it matters: &quot;Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story&quot; explores nearly 400 years of Tejano history and culture, tracing how those traditions — from ranching and horsemanship to language, music and food — helped shape Texas.

New book examines Lone Star Beer history, identity

Lone Star is in many ways intertwined with Texas identity.

Culture

A San Antonio author explores the complex history of Lone Star Beer in a new book out Tuesday.Why it matters: Lone Star is intertwined with Texas identity in many ways, and it all started in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="68ca1fc2-3fe5-4aa0-9ecc-861e62f40130" data-vars-headline="New book examines Lone Star Beer history, identity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio" target="_self">San Antonio</a>.

New art is a tribute to early Black church in San Antonio

At the St. James AME, Black people worshipped freely.

New public art along the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Pedro Creek Culture Park" 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="b6f5ac67-b447-489a-a26c-055e2972b48b" data-vars-headline="New art is a tribute to early Black church 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/2025/05/14/san-antonio-san-pedro-creek-culture-park-opening-trails" target="_self">San Pedro Creek Culture Park</a> honors an early Black church in San Antonio.Why it matters: The St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church was the first of its kind in the city where Black people could worship freely, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the San Antonio River Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://sariverfound.org/donate/stjamesame/" data-vars-content-id="b6f5ac67-b447-489a-a26c-055e2972b48b" data-vars-headline="New art is a tribute to early Black church in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sariverfound.org/donate/stjamesame/" target="_blank">per the San Antonio River Foundation</a>.

Traveling Holocaust exhibit opens at Central Library

SAPL is one of 50 libraries nationwide selected to host the exhibition.

A traveling Holocaust exhibition is at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio Public Library" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/15/spurs-wemby-books-san-antonio-library-reading-list" data-vars-content-id="768c30f8-7b0b-4c86-8ab4-6c4a66250ffa" data-vars-headline="Traveling Holocaust exhibit opens at Central Library" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/15/spurs-wemby-books-san-antonio-library-reading-list" target="_self">San Antonio Public Library</a> this summer.Why it matters: The exhibit examines how Americans responded to Nazism, World War II and the Holocaust during the 1930s and 1940s.

Historic San Antonio theaters celebrate birthdays and rebirths

The Aztec, Majestic and Magik all have reason to celebrate.

It&#x27;s a banner summer for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio&#x27;s historic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/05/old-school-san-antonio-favorites-still-roll-on" data-vars-content-id="bffd738f-b2f7-448f-a267-bf9a9fbc3709" data-vars-headline="Historic San Antonio theaters celebrate birthdays and rebirths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/05/old-school-san-antonio-favorites-still-roll-on" target="_self">San Antonio&#x27;s historic</a> theaters as the Aztec Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary while the Majestic and Magik theaters prepare for celebrations of their own.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a reminder that some of San Antonio&#x27;s most treasured cultural landmarks are still drawing crowds.

Cool Crest's new era starts with a familiar San Antonio name

Look for live music, events and updated menus at the biergarten.

Cool Crest Miniature Golf Course is entering a new era without losing its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retro charm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/30/witte-museum-100-years-history-exhibit" data-vars-content-id="211dfc10-67c9-41e6-93e3-3546071a5e47" data-vars-headline="Cool Crest&#x27;s new era starts with a familiar San Antonio name" 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/witte-museum-100-years-history-exhibit" target="_self">retro charm</a>.Why it matters: The century-old destination, one of the world&#x27;s oldest continuously operating miniature golf courses, is a local institution.

San Antonio's iconic Hertzberg Clock is back on time

San Antonio's beloved Hertzberg Clock is back in working order.

Downtown San Antonio&#x27;s Hertzberg Clock is ticking again after a full restoration.Why it matters: The clock is etched in the memories of generations of San Antonians — especially before the age of cellphones — as a downtown meeting spot.

A century of Witte memories are now on display

A century of curiosity, collections and childhood field trips.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Witte Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/28/witte-museum-indigenous-remains-returned" data-vars-content-id="165aff18-9489-4230-b3ca-ec49ddec23ad" data-vars-headline="A century of Witte memories are now on display" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/28/witte-museum-indigenous-remains-returned" target="_self">Witte Museum</a> is turning the mirror on itself with a new exhibit dedicated to its century-long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/13/san-antonio-art-portal-sounds-of-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="165aff18-9489-4230-b3ca-ec49ddec23ad" data-vars-headline="A century of Witte memories are now on display" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/13/san-antonio-art-portal-sounds-of-san-antonio" target="_self">history</a>.Why it matters: The Witte has been a place of discovery and memory-making for generations of San Antonians.

History

NIOSA to undergo major redesign for 2027

The mahjong boom lands in a San Antonio mansion

Briscoe's biggest exhibit yet tells Tejano history

New book examines Lone Star Beer history, identity

'Regrettable': How Mexico views the Texas Revolution