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

That includes lithium, a critical mineral for electric vehicles.

News

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.

Food insecurity climbs across the San Antonio region

Local food banks say they can't fill the gap left by SNAP.

Health

More than 1 in 5 residents in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio Food Bank&#x27;s" 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="bdf2d316-1dfc-40e9-aff6-06efa71d3285" data-vars-headline="Food insecurity climbs across the San Antonio region" 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">San Antonio Food Bank&#x27;s</a> service area struggles to consistently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="access enough food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/05/21/inflation-food-insecurity-texas-california" data-vars-content-id="bdf2d316-1dfc-40e9-aff6-06efa71d3285" data-vars-headline="Food insecurity climbs across the San Antonio region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/05/21/inflation-food-insecurity-texas-california" target="_self">access enough food</a>, a new report shows.Why it matters: Food banks say they&#x27;re seeing greater need as many families continue to grapple with high costs for groceries, housing and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/07/san-antonio-gas-prices-ease-but-remain-high" data-vars-content-id="bdf2d316-1dfc-40e9-aff6-06efa71d3285" data-vars-headline="Food insecurity climbs across the San Antonio region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/07/san-antonio-gas-prices-ease-but-remain-high" target="_self">gas</a>, while changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program create additional uncertainty, San Antonio Food Bank president and CEO Eric Cooper tells Axios.

Where to find local produce in San Antonio amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

The outbreak is straining trust in the food safety system.

Some shoppers are turning to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="farmers markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/08/06/pearl-farmers-market-texas-produce-decline" data-vars-content-id="317c4799-f389-419f-8573-3ee1c160383a" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in San Antonio amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/08/06/pearl-farmers-market-texas-produce-decline" target="_self">farmers markets</a> as a preventative measure amid the ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/13/what-to-know-about-cyclosporiasis-in-texas" data-vars-content-id="317c4799-f389-419f-8573-3ee1c160383a" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in San Antonio amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/13/what-to-know-about-cyclosporiasis-in-texas" target="_self">cyclosporiasis outbreak</a>.Why it matters: The outbreak is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="straining Americans&#x27; trust" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-food-safety-threat" data-vars-content-id="317c4799-f389-419f-8573-3ee1c160383a" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in San Antonio amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-food-safety-threat" target="_self">straining Americans&#x27; trust</a> in the food safety system, leading to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downturn in sales and a reputation hit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/taco-bell-diarrhea-outbreak-lettuce-cyclosporiasis" data-vars-content-id="317c4799-f389-419f-8573-3ee1c160383a" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in San Antonio amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/taco-bell-diarrhea-outbreak-lettuce-cyclosporiasis" target="_self">downturn in sales and a reputation hit</a> for big businesses and farms. But knowing where your produce comes from can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reduce your risk of infection" data-vars-click-url="https://clay.ces.ncsu.edu/news/more-reasons-to-grow-your-own-food-or-buy-local/" data-vars-content-id="317c4799-f389-419f-8573-3ee1c160383a" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in San Antonio amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clay.ces.ncsu.edu/news/more-reasons-to-grow-your-own-food-or-buy-local/" target="_blank">reduce your risk of infection</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experts say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/07/16/vegetables-fruit-farmers-market-gardens-cyclosporiasis-risk/90928457007/" data-vars-content-id="317c4799-f389-419f-8573-3ee1c160383a" data-vars-headline="Where to find local produce in San Antonio amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/07/16/vegetables-fruit-farmers-market-gardens-cyclosporiasis-risk/90928457007/" target="_blank">experts say</a> — even if it&#x27;s not guaranteed.

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.

Your San Antonio back-to-school guide

Everything you need before school starts.

Education

Back-to-school season is here.Why it matters: Families will navigate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new state laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/tefa-vouchers-san-antonio-archdiocese-catholic-schools" data-vars-content-id="64a2520f-e04f-42e3-8deb-37e3a427ad16" data-vars-headline="Your San Antonio back-to-school guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/tefa-vouchers-san-antonio-archdiocese-catholic-schools" target="_self">new state laws</a>, new school leaders and different start dates in the coming weeks.

Why fewer Texas kids are enrolled in Medicaid

Many children remain eligible but are no longer enrolled.

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.

Program brings $5 golf rounds to San Antonio kids

Kids can play rounds for $5 or less at participating San Antonio courses.

Things to Do

Bank of America is offering San Antonio kids cheap access to golf. Why it matters: The initiative aims to make a sport that&#x27;s often cost-prohibitive more accessible.

Fiesta-focused children's book captures party magic

The book is out just in time for this year's Fiesta.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="palpable party excitement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/07/san-antonio-shoppers-gear-up-for-fiesta-at-amols" data-vars-content-id="cfd6a0df-0ed5-46ed-9129-f5a401205433" data-vars-headline="Fiesta-focused children&#x27;s book captures party magic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/07/san-antonio-shoppers-gear-up-for-fiesta-at-amols" target="_self">palpable party excitement</a> that consumes San Antonio around this time of year is now captured in &quot;The Day Before <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fiesta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/04/19/fiesta-guide-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="cfd6a0df-0ed5-46ed-9129-f5a401205433" data-vars-headline="Fiesta-focused children&#x27;s book captures party magic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/04/19/fiesta-guide-san-antonio" target="_self">Fiesta</a>,&quot; a children&#x27;s book. The latest: Local educator Amanda Santana Garcia published the book in July. Her sister, Xaven Kosub, illustrated it.

Texas kids' flu vaccination rates are lagging

Texas' childhood flu vaccination rate is down compared to 2024-2025.

Texas kids&#x27; flu vaccination rates are lagging compared to last year, even amid what&#x27;s shaping up to be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically nasty influenza season" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43613976.114/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTIvMzAvc3VwZXJmbHUtc3ltcHRvbXMtMjAyNS1mbHUtaDNuMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B780c6b17" data-vars-content-id="81e404bf-83fc-4e8b-9752-2a0e133716a8" data-vars-headline="Texas kids&#x27; flu vaccination rates are lagging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43613976.114/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTIvMzAvc3VwZXJmbHUtc3ltcHRvbXMtMjAyNS1mbHUtaDNuMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B780c6b17" target="_self">historically nasty influenza season</a> tied to the so-called super flu.Why it matters: Childhood flu vaccination has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trending downward" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43613976.114/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMTIvMTIvY2hpbGRob29kLWZsdS12YWNjaW5lLXJhdGU_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B3b3e062b" data-vars-content-id="81e404bf-83fc-4e8b-9752-2a0e133716a8" data-vars-headline="Texas kids&#x27; flu vaccination rates are lagging" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43613976.114/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMTIvMTIvY2hpbGRob29kLWZsdS12YWNjaW5lLXJhdGU_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B3b3e062b" target="_self">trending downward</a> for the past several seasons.

Population share of young children drops in San Antonio

San Antonio's share of residents under age 5 fell by about 2 percentage points between 2005 and 2024.

The percentage of San Antonians who are young children <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has fallen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/07/15/retirement-population-65-seniors-texas-growing" data-vars-content-id="eae37c47-6fde-41f8-a097-4a7fa21ca7b7" data-vars-headline="Population share of young children drops 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/2024/07/15/retirement-population-65-seniors-texas-growing" target="_self">has fallen</a> over the past two decades, reflecting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trends" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43369457.88/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTIvMTYvY2hpbGRyZW4tcG9wdWxhdGlvbi1jaXRpZXM_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B5cfad023" data-vars-content-id="eae37c47-6fde-41f8-a097-4a7fa21ca7b7" data-vars-headline="Population share of young children drops in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43369457.88/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTIvMTYvY2hpbGRyZW4tcG9wdWxhdGlvbi1jaXRpZXM_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66B5cfad023" target="_self">national trends</a>, census data shows.Why it matters: Kids&#x27; population trends can reflect cities&#x27; ability to attract, retain and support families, but larger nationwide factors like immigration and declining birth rates are also at play.

91% of San Antonio students learning in urban heat zones

The zones could have outsized effects on kids' health and learning in already vulnerable communities.

More than 90% of San Antonio students attend school in areas considered extreme urban heat zones, well above the national average of 76%, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Climate Central analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/schools-and-urban-heat-2025" data-vars-content-id="7937c499-1eaf-48cd-a7ea-099d6041db49" data-vars-headline="91% of San Antonio students learning in urban heat zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/schools-and-urban-heat-2025" target="_blank">Climate Central analysis</a>. Why it matters: These &quot;heat islands&quot; can push temperatures dangerously high — with outsized effects on kids&#x27; health and learning in already vulnerable neighborhoods, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="researchers have found" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/26/heat-islands-cities-heat-wave-climate?" data-vars-content-id="7937c499-1eaf-48cd-a7ea-099d6041db49" data-vars-headline="91% of San Antonio students learning in urban heat zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/26/heat-islands-cities-heat-wave-climate?" target="_self">researchers have found</a>.

Texas bans phone use in classrooms

Lawmakers say the crackdown will cut distractions and boost mental health, but students are pushing back.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new state law" data-vars-click-url="https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/correspondence/taa-letters/implementation-of-texas-house-bill-1481-student-use-of-personal-communication-devices-on-school-property#:~:text=Prohibiting%20students%20from%20bringing%20devices,the%20school%20system&#x27;s%20safety%20protocols." data-vars-content-id="dc4291de-be78-4fc9-8800-919c5fdd1920" data-vars-headline="Texas bans phone use in classrooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/correspondence/taa-letters/implementation-of-texas-house-bill-1481-student-use-of-personal-communication-devices-on-school-property#:~:text=Prohibiting%20students%20from%20bringing%20devices,the%20school%20system&#x27;s%20safety%20protocols." target="_blank">new state law</a> mandates that districts ban students from using personal communication devices — like cellphones and smartwatches — during school hours, with some exceptions for disabilities, medical needs or safety protocols.Why it matters: Lawmakers say the crackdown will cut distractions and boost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/27/social-media-threatens-teen-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="dc4291de-be78-4fc9-8800-919c5fdd1920" data-vars-headline="Texas bans phone use in classrooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/27/social-media-threatens-teen-mental-health" target="_self">mental health</a>, but students are pushing back.

Kids run the show at Pearl's Child Entrepreneur Market

The events give kids a hands-on chance to run a business, build skills, spark creativity — and make friends along the way.

Parenting

Young entrepreneurs ages 5-17 will sell handmade goods and original creations Wednesday at Pearl&#x27;s Children&#x27;s Entrepreneur Market.Why it matters: The event gives kids a hands-on chance to run a business, build skills, spark creativity — and make friends along the way.

Texas' most popular baby names in 2024

Get ready to hear "Liam!" and "Olivia!" at playgrounds near you.

Lots of little Liams, Olivias, Noahs, Emmas and Mateos will be toddling to a park near you.The latest: The Social Security Administration recently dropped its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="list" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/namesbystate.cgi" data-vars-content-id="5882f905-77c3-409e-b162-8235796edc37" data-vars-headline="Texas&#x27; most popular baby names in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/namesbystate.cgi" target="_blank">list</a> of the most popular baby names in 2024.

Parenting

Your San Antonio back-to-school guide

San Antonio indoor fun before school starts

Why fewer Texas kids are enrolled in Medicaid

Program brings $5 golf rounds to San Antonio kids

Fiesta-focused children's book captures party magic