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Why bookstores are gaining ground in San Antonio

While fewer Americans read, people are loving bookstores.

Business

Fewer Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reading books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" data-vars-content-id="b050455c-c79b-44e4-a79a-f2de133aa0d3" data-vars-headline="Why bookstores are gaining ground in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" target="_self">reading books</a>, but here&#x27;s the plot twist: The bookstore is staging a comeback, especially in San Antonio.Why it matters: Once left for dead in the wake of Amazon&#x27;s rise and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death of Borders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" data-vars-content-id="b050455c-c79b-44e4-a79a-f2de133aa0d3" data-vars-headline="Why bookstores are gaining ground in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" target="_blank">death of Borders</a>, Barnes &amp; Noble and independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booksellers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/02/san-antonio-library-top-books" data-vars-content-id="b050455c-c79b-44e4-a79a-f2de133aa0d3" data-vars-headline="Why bookstores are gaining ground 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/2026/03/02/san-antonio-library-top-books" target="_self">booksellers</a> have pulled off a stunning turnaround, opening new stores and reporting higher sales.

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.

Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales' old seat

There could potentially be two elections on one ballot.

Politics

Voters in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; 23rd Congressional District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/15/democrats-latino-voters-2026" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/15/democrats-latino-voters-2026" target="_self">Texas&#x27; 23rd Congressional District</a>, stretching from San Antonio to El Paso, potentially could have the opportunity to vote in two separate elections on one ballot this fall.Why it matters: The district, home to more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="778,000 people" data-vars-click-url="https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST48/CD118_TX23.pdf" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST48/CD118_TX23.pdf" target="_blank">778,000 people</a>, has been without representation in Congress for more than three months since former Republican U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tony Gonzales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/house-ethics-investigation-tony-gonzales-affair" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/house-ethics-investigation-tony-gonzales-affair" target="_self">Tony Gonzales</a> resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Advocates call for Bexar County jail reforms after deaths

A coalition of advocates has a new plan to prevent deaths.

News

A coalition of advocates on Tuesday proposed stronger mental health treatment options and more independent accountability at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bexar County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/15/bexar-county-clerk-hits-the-road" data-vars-content-id="d3ff6bbb-eda3-44ca-a2fd-4b0aabafe538" data-vars-headline="Advocates call for Bexar County jail reforms after deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/15/bexar-county-clerk-hits-the-road" target="_self">Bexar County</a> jail, changes aimed at preventing further in-custody deaths.The big picture: At least 92 people have died while in custody at the Bexar County jail since 2020.

San Antonio homicides rise for first time in years

San Antonio homicides rose but other violent crime fell.

San Antonio homicides rose in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 2025, new data shows.Why it matters: The increase comes after several years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual declines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/14/san-antonio-homicides-down-rates" data-vars-content-id="f4d9ff60-4cfc-4619-9da4-2c455122ec2b" data-vars-headline="San Antonio homicides rise for first time in years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/14/san-antonio-homicides-down-rates" target="_self">annual declines</a> in the city&#x27;s homicides, and makes San Antonio an outlier in national trends.

Most violent crime on the decline in San Antonio

San Antonio follows a national trend of declining violent crime rates.

Most violent crimes dropped in San Antonio in 2025, per new data.Why it matters: Much like other large cities, San Antonio is experiencing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decrease in violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/14/san-antonio-homicides-down-rates" data-vars-content-id="5218d948-09e8-4eff-b6e8-9ae5269e3b7c" data-vars-headline="Most violent crime on the decline 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/2025/08/14/san-antonio-homicides-down-rates" target="_self">decrease in violent crime</a> after sharp increases during the pandemic.

San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight

The dispute comes as major police decisions loom.

A battle over police staffing is brewing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio City Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/09/san-antonio-city-council-saws-rate-increase" data-vars-content-id="976caafe-06f1-43f6-b2cc-a499d6f30831" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/09/san-antonio-city-council-saws-rate-increase" target="_self">San Antonio City Hall</a>.Why it matters: The dispute highlights contrasting spending priorities on the City Council in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tight budget year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/18/san-antonio-city-council-budget-deficit" data-vars-content-id="976caafe-06f1-43f6-b2cc-a499d6f30831" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/18/san-antonio-city-council-budget-deficit" target="_self">tight budget year</a> and ahead of major decisions related to the police department&#x27;s next chief and union contract.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to retire

McManus is the city's longest-serving police chief.

San Antonio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Police Chief" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/03/05/community-policing-study-san-antonio-texas" data-vars-content-id="91350738-7ad6-43b0-8d53-c948014e0761" data-vars-headline="San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to retire" 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">Police Chief</a> William McManus will retire by September, the city announced Friday. Why it matters: McManus, the city&#x27;s longest-serving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/24/san-antonio-police-immigration-enforcement-trump" data-vars-content-id="91350738-7ad6-43b0-8d53-c948014e0761" data-vars-headline="San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/24/san-antonio-police-immigration-enforcement-trump" target="_self">police</a> chief, oversaw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major policy changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/It-s-been-two-years-since-SAPD-started-using-12625722.php" data-vars-content-id="91350738-7ad6-43b0-8d53-c948014e0761" data-vars-headline="San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to retire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/It-s-been-two-years-since-SAPD-started-using-12625722.php" target="_blank">major policy changes</a> and led through moments of upheaval during his two decades on the job.

Police union slams D.A. after verdict in Melissa Perez shooting

A jury deliberated for 90 minutes before acquitting the police officers.

The San Antonio police union accused District Attorney Joe Gonzales of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prosecutorial misconduct" data-vars-click-url="https://sapoa.org/official-statement-from-danny-diaz-following-not-guilty-verdict/?brid=zkfa_d8Pa-FSwm4VOJYdwA" data-vars-content-id="eafda251-028d-45d5-abc2-63886d69f91e" data-vars-headline="Police union slams D.A. after verdict in Melissa Perez shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sapoa.org/official-statement-from-danny-diaz-following-not-guilty-verdict/?brid=zkfa_d8Pa-FSwm4VOJYdwA" target="_blank">prosecutorial misconduct</a>&quot; after a jury acquitted three former officers in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 death of Melissa Perez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/26/san-antonio-texas-police-charged-murder-death-woman-mental-health-crisis" data-vars-content-id="eafda251-028d-45d5-abc2-63886d69f91e" data-vars-headline="Police union slams D.A. after verdict in Melissa Perez shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/26/san-antonio-texas-police-charged-murder-death-woman-mental-health-crisis" target="_self">2023 death of Melissa Perez</a>, who was experiencing a mental health crisis when police shot her. The big picture: The case is widely believed to be the first time San Antonio police officers were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="charged with murder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/29/murder-charges-police-officers-rare-san-antonio-shooting" data-vars-content-id="eafda251-028d-45d5-abc2-63886d69f91e" data-vars-headline="Police union slams D.A. after verdict in Melissa Perez shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/29/murder-charges-police-officers-rare-san-antonio-shooting" target="_self">charged with murder</a> related to an on-duty shooting.

Nirenberg says San Antonio did not get heads-up about Texas National Guard

Abbott's decision comes amid national debate.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg said San Antonio did not request, nor receive notice of, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas National Guard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/11/no-kings-day-protest-texas-national-guard-greg-abbott" data-vars-content-id="7b1ae23d-fb7a-4539-8aa4-e99f2756bcba" data-vars-headline="Nirenberg says San Antonio did not get heads-up about Texas National Guard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/06/11/no-kings-day-protest-texas-national-guard-greg-abbott" target="_self">Texas National Guard</a> being here ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="protests planned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/10/no-kings-protest-san-antonio-locations" data-vars-content-id="7b1ae23d-fb7a-4539-8aa4-e99f2756bcba" data-vars-headline="Nirenberg says San Antonio did not get heads-up about Texas National Guard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/10/no-kings-protest-san-antonio-locations" target="_self">protests planned</a> on Saturday against the Trump administration.Why it matters: Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s decision to send the Texas National Guard to major city protests comes amid a national debate about the militarization of law enforcement and the rights of protesters.

What's new with security at Fiesta San Antonio 2025

2024 was the second year in a row that a free Fiesta event was marred by a shooting.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fiesta San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/local-brief" data-vars-content-id="82efad30-feb5-43c4-b8ab-9830afe10b9b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new with security at Fiesta San Antonio 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/local-brief" target="_self">Fiesta San Antonio</a> partygoers will see several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new security measures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/04/29/shooting-fiesta-market-square-security-changes" data-vars-content-id="82efad30-feb5-43c4-b8ab-9830afe10b9b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new with security at Fiesta San Antonio 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/04/29/shooting-fiesta-market-square-security-changes" target="_self">new security measures</a> this year amid high-profile incidents at large gatherings recently.Why it matters: 2024 was the second year in a row that a free Fiesta event was marred by a shooting. Officials also pointed to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="terrorist attack in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/01/new-orleans-attack-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="82efad30-feb5-43c4-b8ab-9830afe10b9b" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new with security at Fiesta San Antonio 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/01/new-orleans-attack-what-we-know" target="_self">terrorist attack in New Orleans</a> amid New Year&#x27;s Eve celebrations this year.

Violent crime, homicides drop in San Antonio in 2024

The trend in San Antonio follows that in other big cities.

Homicides in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/04/18/violent-crime-murders-decrease-hot-spot-policing" data-vars-content-id="79b7b224-0a9b-454b-b566-80d97c51a07a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime, homicides drop in San Antonio in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/04/18/violent-crime-murders-decrease-hot-spot-policing" target="_self">San Antonio</a> continued to decline in 2024, data shows.The big picture: Much like other large cities, San Antonio is experiencing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decrease in violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/16/homicide-rate-us-voters-trump" data-vars-content-id="79b7b224-0a9b-454b-b566-80d97c51a07a" data-vars-headline="Violent crime, homicides drop in San Antonio in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/16/homicide-rate-us-voters-trump" target="_self">decrease in violence</a> after sharp increases during the pandemic.

Public Safety

Advocates call for Bexar County jail reforms after deaths

San Antonio homicides rise for first time in years

Most violent crime on the decline in San Antonio

San Antonio council gears up for police funding fight

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to retire