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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.

President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio

It's expected to be a difficult midterm election for Republicans, even in Texas.

President Trump urged supporters in San Antonio Wednesday to pretend he&#x27;s on the ballot in what&#x27;s expected to be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="difficult midterm election for Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" target="_self">difficult midterm election for Republicans</a> — potentially even in red Texas.Why it matters: The rally at the Freeman Coliseum on San Antonio&#x27;s East Side is Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third visit to Texas in a month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-makes-third-texas-trip-month-republicans-defend-longtime-stronghold-2026-10-07/" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-makes-third-texas-trip-month-republicans-defend-longtime-stronghold-2026-10-07/" target="_blank">third visit to Texas in a month</a> — highlighting the focus the GOP has put on now-competitive races in the Lone Star State that were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once presumed easy opportunities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/16/texas-primary-election-redistricting-house" data-vars-content-id="15df3a1e-73e5-4e4c-b678-ca59202833ee" data-vars-headline="President Trump rallies voters 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/2026/03/16/texas-primary-election-redistricting-house" target="_self">once presumed easy opportunities</a> for Republicans.

Scoop: Personal security scaled back for Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones

The mayor says her security detail is no longer provided overnight.

San Antonio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/15/san-antonio-mayor-gina-ortiz-jones-city-council" data-vars-content-id="c0bdf840-bd6d-4cdc-9b27-15229d4f9343" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Personal security scaled back for Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones" 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/san-antonio-mayor-gina-ortiz-jones-city-council" target="_self">Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones</a> told Axios she no longer has an overnight security detail, though she declined to say why.Why it matters: Jones had faced scrutiny for security measures that included city police officers guarding her home overnight — unprecedented for a San Antonio mayor. She said she experiences additional risk as the city&#x27;s first openly gay mayor and as she has raised questions about a plan to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fund a new Spurs arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/21/san-antonio-spurs-arena-funding-mayor-delay-vote" data-vars-content-id="c0bdf840-bd6d-4cdc-9b27-15229d4f9343" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Personal security scaled back for Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/21/san-antonio-spurs-arena-funding-mayor-delay-vote" target="_self">fund a new Spurs arena</a>.

San Antonio city property taxes to rise

The average city homeowner will pay an extra $35 per year.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/26/san-antonio-city-council-restrict-data-centers-ban" data-vars-content-id="da6d83e8-dd7e-4a2a-af66-38c1197ba55c" data-vars-headline="San Antonio city property taxes to rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/26/san-antonio-city-council-restrict-data-centers-ban" target="_self">San Antonio City Council</a> on Thursday approved a $4.4 billion budget and raised the city property tax rate for the first time in more than three decades.Why it matters: The 7-4 vote ended weeks of heated council debate. The average city homeowner will pay an extra $35 per year in property taxes.

Family's lawsuit says San Antonio woman died due to abortion ban

Tierra Walker died in December 2024 after she was diagnosed with preeclampsia.

The family of a San Antonio woman who died from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pregnancy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/25/texas-abortion-ban-mental-health-jama-study" data-vars-content-id="391dcdc8-7c50-4343-a539-524e4ae3eda7" data-vars-headline="Family&#x27;s lawsuit says San Antonio woman died due to abortion ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/25/texas-abortion-ban-mental-health-jama-study" target="_self">pregnancy</a> complications is suing local officials and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/04/texas-abortion-pills-ban" data-vars-content-id="391dcdc8-7c50-4343-a539-524e4ae3eda7" data-vars-headline="Family&#x27;s lawsuit says San Antonio woman died due to abortion ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/04/texas-abortion-pills-ban" target="_self">abortion ban</a> is unconstitutional.The big picture: Tierra Walker died in December 2024 at age 37 after she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related disorder marked by high blood pressure. She had spent months in and out of the hospital with worsening conditions. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://abortioninamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Walker-Petition.pdf" data-vars-content-id="391dcdc8-7c50-4343-a539-524e4ae3eda7" data-vars-headline="Family&#x27;s lawsuit says San Antonio woman died due to abortion ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abortioninamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Walker-Petition.pdf" target="_blank">The lawsuit</a> alleges she was denied an abortion.

Planned diversion center could keep people out of Bexar County jail

The pilot would connect some people with treatment instead of jail.

A new center that would divert some people experiencing mental illness or addiction away from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bexar County jail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/28/bexar-county-jail-deaths-reforms-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="e48b51a2-e804-4b70-ae16-254a6e73affe" data-vars-headline="Planned diversion center could keep people out of Bexar County jail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/28/bexar-county-jail-deaths-reforms-san-antonio" target="_self">Bexar County jail</a> and into treatment could begin operating in January.Why it matters: The Bexar County Adult Detention Center has increasingly been under scrutiny from criminal justice reform advocates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sacurrent.com/news/san-antonio-news/activists-demand-accountability-as-deaths-at-bexar-county-jail-pile-up/" data-vars-content-id="e48b51a2-e804-4b70-ae16-254a6e73affe" data-vars-headline="Planned diversion center could keep people out of Bexar County jail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sacurrent.com/news/san-antonio-news/activists-demand-accountability-as-deaths-at-bexar-county-jail-pile-up/" target="_blank">who say</a> it&#x27;s had the highest fatality rate among Texas jails over the past decade.

Critics question using tax zone to buy land for new Spurs arena

A tax increment reinvestment zone could fund the land for a new arena.

Skeptics of a plan to use public money to help finance a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spurs arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/17/san-antonio-city-council-votes-no-spurs-arena-election" data-vars-content-id="f4918506-230d-4592-9ea5-f50f7dc90252" data-vars-headline="Critics question using tax zone to buy land for new Spurs arena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/17/san-antonio-city-council-votes-no-spurs-arena-election" target="_self">Spurs arena</a> are raising questions about a special tax zone that would fund the purchase of land for the project.Why it matters: The city financing tool, called a tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ), is intended to revitalize neighborhoods that lack amenities, but critics question whether the downtown area where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/15/election-vote-fund-new-san-antonio-spurs-arena" data-vars-content-id="f4918506-230d-4592-9ea5-f50f7dc90252" data-vars-headline="Critics question using tax zone to buy land for new Spurs arena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/15/election-vote-fund-new-san-antonio-spurs-arena" target="_self">the arena</a> would be built is a good use of that tax money.

Jesse Salame named San Antonio police chief

The City Council must confirm the 26-year veteran's appointment.

Jesse Salame, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="26-year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SAPD/About/Command" data-vars-content-id="09d0efa8-b427-4c7e-827e-c33eb44320c9" data-vars-headline="Jesse Salame named San Antonio police chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SAPD/About/Command" target="_blank">26-year</a> veteran of the San Antonio Police Department, is the city manager&#x27;s pick to be the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next police chief" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/16/san-antonio-police-chief-william-mcmanus-retire" data-vars-content-id="09d0efa8-b427-4c7e-827e-c33eb44320c9" data-vars-headline="Jesse Salame named San Antonio police chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/16/san-antonio-police-chief-william-mcmanus-retire" target="_self">next police chief</a>.Why it matters: The leadership change marks a new era for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="department" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/03/05/community-policing-study-san-antonio-texas" data-vars-content-id="09d0efa8-b427-4c7e-827e-c33eb44320c9" data-vars-headline="Jesse Salame named San Antonio police chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/03/05/community-policing-study-san-antonio-texas" target="_self">department</a> — but signals that officials aren&#x27;t looking for a major shakeup as they promote from within.

San Antonio City Council looks to regulate data centers

Councilmembers appear split on a temporary data center ban.

The San Antonio City Council appears poised to restrict <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" data-vars-content-id="21c402ec-bb40-4f07-89d6-58b4d5082fce" data-vars-headline="San Antonio City Council looks to regulate data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" target="_self">data center</a> development this fall, but could stop short of a temporary ban as sought by some councilmembers.Why it matters: Voter pushback against data centers has swelled in recent months. The issue is now garnering bipartisan political blowback — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including in Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sanantonio&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="21c402ec-bb40-4f07-89d6-58b4d5082fce" data-vars-headline="San Antonio City Council looks to regulate data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sanantonio&amp;stream=top" target="_self">including in Texas</a> — that&#x27;s set to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roil the November midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="21c402ec-bb40-4f07-89d6-58b4d5082fce" data-vars-headline="San Antonio City Council looks to regulate data centers" 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">roil the November midterms</a>.

Exclusive: Democrats target De La Cruz over SNAP cuts

Democrats are trying to focus on economic issues in South Texas.

U.S. House Democrats&#x27; campaign arm is releasing billboard ads Wednesday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="targeting U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/04/09/2026-dccc-monica-de-la-cruz" data-vars-content-id="dd5164d1-d36a-4777-9afc-d93c59f3ba28" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Democrats target De La Cruz over SNAP 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/2025/04/09/2026-dccc-monica-de-la-cruz" target="_self">targeting U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz</a> (R-Edinburg) over federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).Why it matters: Texas kicked off a redistricting fight to put more Republicans in Congress in part based on increased support for the party among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hispanic voters in South Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/16/texas-primary-election-redistricting-house" data-vars-content-id="dd5164d1-d36a-4777-9afc-d93c59f3ba28" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Democrats target De La Cruz over SNAP 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/2026/03/16/texas-primary-election-redistricting-house" target="_self">Hispanic voters in South Texas</a> in the last election.

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.

Politics 🇺🇸

President Trump rallies voters in San Antonio

How Paxton vs. Talarico compares to Cruz vs. O'Rourke

Scoop: Personal security scaled back for Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones

San Antonio city property taxes to rise

Family's lawsuit says San Antonio woman died due to abortion ban