Axios San Antonio

April 16, 2026
๐ Happy Fiesta! The celebration starts today and runs through April 26.
โ Today's weather: Cloudy, then sunny, with a high near 90.
Today's newsletter is 1,023 words โ a 4-minute read.
1 big thing: Judge blocks repairs to Camp Mystic
A state district judge said yesterday she would continue to block the owners of Camp Mystic from making repairs in the area where 27 girls died in the July 4 floods, per multiple news reports.
- The judge also said that Camp Mystic may have violated rules by not having a written evacuation plan.
Why it matters: The 3-day hearing, which included emotional testimony by members of the family that runs the camp and a night security guard who rescued girls, provided the most insight into the catastrophe the public has gotten since the flood more than nine months ago.
The big picture: The parents of 8-year-old Cile Steward, whose body has not been found, sued the camp's owners for negligence, one of several lawsuits filed against the camp.
Catch up quick: At the request of the Steward family, who wants the Guadalupe River site to be preserved for evidence, Travis County state District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble last month temporarily blocked Camp Mystic from renovating or altering it.
- The Eastland family, which has long operated the camp, wants to reopen another site that is roughly 2 miles from the Guadalupe site, saying 850 families have enrolled for this summer.
What they're saying: Edward Eastland, the son of camp director Dick Eastland, who died during the flooding, testified Tuesday that he slept through a flash flood warning that came in at 1:14am, per the New York Times.
- "I think it should have been a more urgent alert," he said. "I think it should have been one of those government alerts that sounds like an Amber Alert."
Between the lines: State regulators have said they are investigating complaints alleging violations by the camp last summer, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is opposing the reopening.
What's next: Guerra Gamble moved up the date of the trial to June 2027, according to the Kerr County Lead.
- A hearing in an appeals court on the temporary injunction is scheduled for Monday in Austin.
2. Talarico's record fundraising haul
Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico raised more than $27 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Why it matters: Talarico's fundraising dwarfs the amount incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn raised during the same period and will play a key role in persuading voters in what is shaping up as a very expensive race.
- Cornyn is facing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a May runoff.
Driving the news: Yesterday was the Federal Election Commission filing deadline for first quarter campaign finance reports.
Stunning stat: Talarico's latest haul is the largest amount ever raised by a U.S. Senate candidate in the first quarter of an election year, per his campaign.
- Talarico's campaign said 97% of contributions to the campaign have been $100 or less.
What they're saying: "This grassroots fundraising haul puts our movement in a strong position to spread our message in some of the most expensive media markets in the country," Talarico for Texas campaign manager Seth Krasne said in a statement.
- Texans for Talarico finished the quarter with $9.9 million in cash on hand.
The other side: The Cornyn campaign said it raised nearly $9 million in the first quarter, including $3.4 million in the four weeks after the March 3 primary.
- Ken Paxton for Senate raised $1.15 million in the period covering Feb. 12 to March 31, per its quarterly FEC filing. The campaign finished the period with $2.1 million on hand.
3. Inside the Loop
๐ Judson ISD approved a plan to close some schools, reassign students to new campuses next year and cut staff to help close a budget gap. (KSAT)
๐ธ Lowcountry, a longtime Southtown cocktail bar, will close at the end of May. (Instagram)
๐ข Bexar County commissioners approved a $7 million purchase of a former bank building near Wonderland of the Americas that could house multiple precinct offices and expand public services in one centralized location. (SA Report)
4. Downtown's new tiki escape
๐ Madalyn here! I checked out Paradise Unknown, a new tiki-themed bar by the team behind Be Kind & Rewind, this week.
State of play: The downtown bar is steps away from Be Kind & Rewind on Losoya Street.
The vibe: Paradise Unknown transports guests to a shadowy tiki world with boozy drinks and hidden coves.

What to try: Dr. Blood's Spa Day ($17) is a refreshing (and very photogenic) mix of gin, lemon juice, cucumber and blueberries, topped with cucumber-lemon foam.
- The Missionary's Downfall ($14) is a frozen rum drink with mint โ think of it as an icy mojito.
- Big Al's Party Boat ($42) is a super boozy rum, guava, lime and cinnamon syrup concoction meant to be shared.
The intrigue: Certain drinks trigger a light-and-sound show when they hit the table. We won't spoil which ones โ part of the fun is spotting which drinks set it off.
What's next: Paradise Unknown officially opens today at 238 Losoya St.
5. ๐ฅณ Weekender guide: Fun beyond Fiesta
Oyster Bake, A Taste of New Orleans and Chanclas y Cervezas may be this weekend's Fiesta headliners, but there's plenty more happening.
Thursday
๐ค Celebrate the Queen of Tejano's birthday at Stella Public House in true Selena fashion with double pepperoni pizzas and Coke for purchase, 7โ10 pm.
Friday
๐ถ Dance it out at "All Your Friends," an indie party made for nostalgic nights at Stable Hall.
- Tickets cost $21.92; doors open at 8pm.
Saturday
๐ณ Bowl for free at Lucky Strike's launch party, noonโ3pm.
- Bowling is first come, first served and based on lane availability.
๐ Travel the Silk Road without leaving San Antonio at the World Heritage Center's free celebration, 10am-2pm.
- Expect art, live performances, and a sneak peek at an outdoor exhibit.
Sunday
๐ฅ Mark a decade of Down On Grayson with a patio party, 11am-5pm, featuring live music, specials, giveaways, and pet adoptions.
๐ Watch the Spurs take on the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs.
- Tickets vary, starting in the $100s. Tipoff is at 8pm.
Thanks to our editors Astrid Galvรกn and Bob Gee.
๐ซถ Madalyn is kicking off her favorite time of the year with friends tonight.
๐ค Megan is out.
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