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U.S. Supreme Court clears Texas' GOP-favored congressional map

The ruling won't change anything for elections in Texas.

Politics & Policy

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struck down a lower court ruling that blocked Texas from using its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/08/20/texas-democrats-redistricting-gerrymandering-trump" data-vars-content-id="55d0e518-d03f-4f30-9361-be7800e43b7e" data-vars-headline="U.S. Supreme Court clears Texas&#x27; GOP-favored congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/08/20/texas-democrats-redistricting-gerrymandering-trump" target="_self">new congressional map</a> favoring Republicans, with the high court cementing the new map that was already in use.Why it matters: The ruling ends <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/22/supreme-court-texas-congressional-map-redistricting" data-vars-content-id="55d0e518-d03f-4f30-9361-be7800e43b7e" data-vars-headline="U.S. Supreme Court clears Texas&#x27; GOP-favored congressional map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/22/supreme-court-texas-congressional-map-redistricting" target="_self">a lawsuit</a> over the new map in Texas, the first state to begin what turned into a nationwide redistricting battle.

Spurs fans blocked from Commerce Street after win

Commerce Street honking was disrupted Sunday, but fans found workarounds.

Culture

Spurs fans hoping to flood Commerce Street on Sunday to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrate the team&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/20/san-antonio-spurs-clinch-playoffs-2019-2026" data-vars-content-id="429ad725-ae04-456f-a63a-d47718c3af54" data-vars-headline="Spurs fans blocked from Commerce Street after win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/20/san-antonio-spurs-clinch-playoffs-2019-2026" target="_self">celebrate the team&#x27;s</a> Game 4 win over the Portland Trail Blazers were diverted away because of Fiesta celebrations, authorities say. Why it matters: The post-game honking tradition is a uniquely San Antonio expression of pride that dates back to the team&#x27;s 1999 championship.

How much health insurance is costing Texans

It can be tough to afford health care, even with insurance.

Local Brief

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Health insurance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/15/aca-enrollment-texas-health-care-subsidies-free" data-vars-content-id="dbc30ecf-3c08-4693-943b-5d09cb212367" data-vars-headline="How much health insurance is costing Texans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/01/15/aca-enrollment-texas-health-care-subsidies-free" target="_self">Health insurance</a> costs ate up 10% or more of median family income in 19 states including Texas, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="dbc30ecf-3c08-4693-943b-5d09cb212367" data-vars-headline="How much health insurance is costing Texans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: The findings show how tough it can be to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="afford health care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/16/health-care-costs-texans" data-vars-content-id="dbc30ecf-3c08-4693-943b-5d09cb212367" data-vars-headline="How much health insurance is costing Texans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/16/health-care-costs-texans" target="_self">afford health care</a>, even with insurance.

Camp Mystic won't reopen for summer 2026

The camp says it will cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Energy & Climate

Camp Mystic won&#x27;t reopen for summer 2026 after withdrawing its license renewal application following the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2025 flood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/what-to-know-about-camp-mystic-texas" data-vars-content-id="c71e7663-39c1-42b2-8598-233f6edee90b" data-vars-headline="Camp Mystic won&#x27;t reopen for summer 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/what-to-know-about-camp-mystic-texas" target="_self">2025 flood</a> that killed 27 girls.Why it matters: The announcement Thursday comes as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="families are still seeking answers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/11/families-sue-camp-mystic-over-texas-flood-deaths" data-vars-content-id="c71e7663-39c1-42b2-8598-233f6edee90b" data-vars-headline="Camp Mystic won&#x27;t reopen for summer 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/11/families-sue-camp-mystic-over-texas-flood-deaths" target="_self">families are still seeking answers</a> on what went wrong and whether camp leaders were sufficiently prepared for the rapid flooding that overtook campers.

San Antonio to see more rain, but drought isn't over

A flood watch is in effect until 9pm Friday.

News

It&#x27;s been a rainy April, helping to ease — but not eliminate — immediate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought conditions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/06/17/record-drought-rainfall-san-antonio-texas" data-vars-content-id="8df0ad0b-342f-4a99-af51-6da4fa040922" data-vars-headline="San Antonio to see more rain, but drought isn&#x27;t over" 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 conditions</a> across San Antonio.The big picture: Drought is now a part of daily life in the Alamo City. While the rain is welcome, it&#x27;s not a magic wand.

San Antonio council wary of SAWS rate hike

The water system has aging infrastructure.

The City Council appears hesitant to approve a significant customer rate increase for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio Water System" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/22/drought-plants-san-antonio-water-system-grass" data-vars-content-id="eac5b5ce-cdb9-48fb-8168-4dd9625288bb" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council wary of SAWS rate hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/22/drought-plants-san-antonio-water-system-grass" target="_self">San Antonio Water System</a>.Why it matters: SAWS says it needs more funding to care for aging infrastructure and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water mains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/29/drought-texas-water-main-breaks-leaks-hot-weather" data-vars-content-id="eac5b5ce-cdb9-48fb-8168-4dd9625288bb" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council wary of SAWS rate hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/29/drought-texas-water-main-breaks-leaks-hot-weather" target="_self">water mains</a> that are breaking. But Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and councilmembers say they worry about charging more in an economy that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="showing signs of cracks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/05/jolts-data-december-jobs-market" data-vars-content-id="eac5b5ce-cdb9-48fb-8168-4dd9625288bb" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council wary of SAWS rate hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/05/jolts-data-december-jobs-market" target="_self">showing signs of cracks</a>.

What it's like to soak at the new Ottine Mineral Springs

The experience is like a mix between a spa and a classic pool day.

Things to Do

My birthday treat to myself this year was a day trip to the newly opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ottine Mineral Springs" data-vars-click-url="https://ottinemineralsprings.com/" data-vars-content-id="d659d58d-8c42-447a-8690-892e2ccaf64b" data-vars-headline="What it&#x27;s like to soak at the new Ottine Mineral Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ottinemineralsprings.com/" target="_blank">Ottine Mineral Springs</a> near Luling.State of soaks: Billed as a spa experience, Ottine has five soaking pools filled with mineral water, including a hot tub and a cold plunge.

Get up to $500 for a new garden with help from SAWS

San Antonio Water System is helping you turn your thirsty lawn into a water-saving — and beautiful — landscape.

Partners

After a long, dry summer, it&#x27;s already time to start planning for next year — and San Antonio Water System (SAWS) wants to give you up to $500 to make your yard and garden more drought-resistant.Why now: Fall is prime planting time in South Texas. &quot;New plants will have all fall, winter and spring to establish their roots before the heat of next summer,&quot; SAWS Vice President of Conservation Karen Guz said.<ul><li>These new plants need hand-watering to settle in. After that, they&#x27;ll be ready to handle San Antonio&#x27;s climate.</li></ul>

Where San Antonio drought stands after floods

Rain must fall in the right place to replenish the Edwards Aquifer.

Even as the Hill Country was inundated during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deadly flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/07/09/texas-hill-country-flooding-talk-children-tips" data-vars-content-id="0ffc4259-6e0d-4c59-850c-8c0a81287983" data-vars-headline="Where San Antonio drought stands 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/2025/07/09/texas-hill-country-flooding-talk-children-tips" target="_self">deadly flooding</a>, rain was more scarce closer to San Antonio, offering little relief to the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiyear 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="0ffc4259-6e0d-4c59-850c-8c0a81287983" data-vars-headline="Where San Antonio drought stands 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/2025/06/17/record-drought-rainfall-san-antonio-texas" target="_self">multiyear drought</a>.The big picture: San Antonio remains several years into its most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="intense drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/23/drought-saws-edwards-aquifer-water-restrictions" data-vars-content-id="0ffc4259-6e0d-4c59-850c-8c0a81287983" data-vars-headline="Where San Antonio drought stands 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/2024/10/23/drought-saws-edwards-aquifer-water-restrictions" target="_self">intense drought</a> in decades, which could still become what scientists call the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought of record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.edwardsaquifer.org/about/history/timeline/" data-vars-content-id="0ffc4259-6e0d-4c59-850c-8c0a81287983" data-vars-headline="Where San Antonio drought stands after floods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.edwardsaquifer.org/about/history/timeline/" target="_blank">drought of record</a>.

What to know about San Antonio drought after recent rains

The current drought is about our second worst on record.

Despite recent heavy rainfall, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="50a7ce2b-250b-44f4-8623-d558d38e6e91" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio drought after recent rains" 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> remains in its most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="intense drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/23/drought-saws-edwards-aquifer-water-restrictions" data-vars-content-id="50a7ce2b-250b-44f4-8623-d558d38e6e91" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio drought after recent rains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/23/drought-saws-edwards-aquifer-water-restrictions" target="_self">intense drought</a> in decades.Why it matters: This <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/06/21/new-drought-rules-san-antonio-water-system-lawn" data-vars-content-id="50a7ce2b-250b-44f4-8623-d558d38e6e91" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio drought after recent rains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/06/21/new-drought-rules-san-antonio-water-system-lawn" target="_self">drought</a> is considered the city&#x27;s second worst, but it could become what scientists call the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought of record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sierraclub.org/texas/alamo/jun25#drought" data-vars-content-id="50a7ce2b-250b-44f4-8623-d558d38e6e91" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio drought after recent rains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sierraclub.org/texas/alamo/jun25#drought" target="_blank">drought of record</a>.

Why San Antonio is slowly, but steadily, sinking

A new study reveals many non-coastal cities are sinking.

Despite its distance from the coast, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="968d57c4-3aa5-4579-8529-ad5698e1b54d" data-vars-headline="Why San Antonio is slowly, but steadily, sinking" 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> is slowly sinking into the ground, a new study reveals.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Land subsidence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.twdb.texas.gov/flood/science/subsidence.asp" data-vars-content-id="968d57c4-3aa5-4579-8529-ad5698e1b54d" data-vars-headline="Why San Antonio is slowly, but steadily, sinking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.twdb.texas.gov/flood/science/subsidence.asp" target="_blank">Land subsidence</a> is an invisible but growing threat to San Antonio&#x27;s stability caused by the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rapid population growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/13/san-antonio-texas-population-growth-census-data" data-vars-content-id="968d57c4-3aa5-4579-8529-ad5698e1b54d" data-vars-headline="Why San Antonio is slowly, but steadily, sinking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/13/san-antonio-texas-population-growth-census-data" target="_self">rapid population growth</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/12/19/san-antonio-construction-project-spurs-airport" data-vars-content-id="968d57c4-3aa5-4579-8529-ad5698e1b54d" data-vars-headline="Why San Antonio is slowly, but steadily, sinking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/12/19/san-antonio-construction-project-spurs-airport" target="_self">development</a> and demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/23/drought-saws-edwards-aquifer-water-restrictions" data-vars-content-id="968d57c4-3aa5-4579-8529-ad5698e1b54d" data-vars-headline="Why San Antonio is slowly, but steadily, sinking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/10/23/drought-saws-edwards-aquifer-water-restrictions" target="_self">water</a> that follow it.

Labor shortage could threaten Texas water supply

The next water system failure could be a workforce issue.

Texas&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water supply" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/06/21/new-drought-rules-san-antonio-water-system-lawn" data-vars-content-id="acc279ca-fc73-4ae9-bc86-3f42415ac938" data-vars-headline="Labor shortage could threaten Texas water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/06/21/new-drought-rules-san-antonio-water-system-lawn" target="_self">water supply</a> — and the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/02/07/texas-job-growth-forecast-2025-dallas-fed" data-vars-content-id="acc279ca-fc73-4ae9-bc86-3f42415ac938" data-vars-headline="Labor shortage could threaten Texas water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/02/07/texas-job-growth-forecast-2025-dallas-fed" target="_self">economic growth</a> — could be endangered by a worsening shortage of workers in water and wastewater utilities, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d88b5ada6a5f409ddb3da56/t/67aa42ccc379461f07dc5350/1739211470589/TX+Water+and+Broadband+Workforce+Report+Final.pdf" data-vars-content-id="acc279ca-fc73-4ae9-bc86-3f42415ac938" data-vars-headline="Labor shortage could threaten Texas water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d88b5ada6a5f409ddb3da56/t/67aa42ccc379461f07dc5350/1739211470589/TX+Water+and+Broadband+Workforce+Report+Final.pdf" target="_blank">new report</a>.Why it matters: A lack of workers helping to secure infrastructure is one more threat to Texas&#x27; water supply, which is already under stress from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2023/12/14/texas-weather-hotter-drier-extreme" data-vars-content-id="acc279ca-fc73-4ae9-bc86-3f42415ac938" data-vars-headline="Labor shortage could threaten Texas water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2023/12/14/texas-weather-hotter-drier-extreme" target="_self">climate change</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/03/fastest-growing-texas-counties-population-census" data-vars-content-id="acc279ca-fc73-4ae9-bc86-3f42415ac938" data-vars-headline="Labor shortage could threaten Texas water supply" 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">growing population</a>.

Worsening drought conditions loom for San Antonio

San Antonio hasn't seen rain in a month and a half.

Water

San Antonio hasn&#x27;t seen measurable rain for about a month and a half, and the coming months aren&#x27;t likely to bring much relief.Why it matters: As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/09/06/san-antonio-rain-chances-totals-this-week-weather" data-vars-content-id="566557d3-fdb7-4948-9193-e5cf982e4bb9" data-vars-headline="Worsening drought conditions loom for 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/2024/09/06/san-antonio-rain-chances-totals-this-week-weather" target="_self">drought</a> continues to worsen, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is close to enacting stage 5 water restrictions — which means San Antonio would have to cut back further on drawing from the aquifer.

What to know about San Antonio's new drought rules

The Edwards Aquifer, our primary water source, is stressed.

A slew of changes to San Antonio&#x27;s drought rules, including when to water your lawn, are set to take effect after the City Council approved them Thursday.Why it matters: The Edwards Aquifer — the city&#x27;s primary water source — remains stressed by the region&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/05/17/san-antonio-texas-top-city-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="079cbed4-994d-4b9f-a498-ddf931b52af2" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio&#x27;s new drought rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2024/05/17/san-antonio-texas-top-city-population-growth" target="_self">population growth</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/29/drought-texas-water-main-breaks-leaks-hot-weather" data-vars-content-id="079cbed4-994d-4b9f-a498-ddf931b52af2" data-vars-headline="What to know about San Antonio&#x27;s new drought rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/08/29/drought-texas-water-main-breaks-leaks-hot-weather" target="_self">drought</a> that&#x27;s continued into a fifth year.