🎉 Friday, we're so glad to see you!

Today's weather: More of the same, with "feels like" temps above 100.

• Things might cool down to the upper 90s this weekend.

🎂 Happy birthday to our member Alexa Garcia-Ditta and happy early birthday to member George Tharp!

Today's newsletter is 1,084 words — a 4-minute read.

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway in San Antonio.

Why it matters: Nearly two-thirds of San Antonians are Hispanic or Latino, shaping the city's culture, traditions, politics and business.

The big picture: Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

• The month kicked off with the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua on Tuesday, followed by Mexico on Wednesday and Chile today.

Here's how to celebrate around San Antonio:

🇲🇽 See the Guadalupe Dance Company celebrate its 35th anniversary today at 7:30pm with "Celebrando Tradiciones: Corazón y Raíz," featuring traditional Mexican dance and Mariachi Azteca de América.

• Tickets are $20-$30.

📚 Dig into the stories and research behind "Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story" at the Briscoe Western Art Museum with a panel discussion and guided exhibition tour, 2-4pm tomorrow.

• Free, but advance registration is required.

🐎 See Mexican rodeo traditions in action at the Diez y Seis Charreada, featuring charros and a girls' escaramuza performance, 3-6pm tomorrow at the San Antonio Charro Ranch.

• Tickets are $25; kids under 12 are free.

🧱 Bring the kids to Legoland Discovery Center for a collaborative Lego mosaic, a Señor Mariachi meet-and-greet and cultural displays throughout Miniland tomorrow and Sunday.

• Tickets start at $22.

🎬 Catch a movie at Mission Marquee Plaza as part of its Outdoor Family Film Series. "Elio" screens Oct. 3, 6-10pm.

• Admission and parking are free; blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.

🎺 Hear student musician groups from San Antonio and across the region perform at the free Mariachi Festival, 1-9pm Oct. 10 at the Arneson River Theatre.

🎉 Close out Hispanic Heritage Month at Fiesta Alegria, a family-friendly free celebration with food, drinks and local artisan vendors at Plaza Guadalupe, 5-11pm Oct. 10.

Waymo's robotaxis are once again available for rides in San Antonio, five months after the company halted operations in the city when one of the autonomous vehicles drove into flood waters.

Why it matters: San Antonio's flood-prone terrain and extreme weather exposed weaknesses in Waymo's technology and led to a nationwide software recall to fix flooding-related issues.

The latest: Riders who previously had access to Waymo in its initial rollout can now call a ride in the app. The relaunch offers service in a limited area, including San Antonio International Airport.

• The company plans to make the app available to new users in San Antonio later this year. It will welcome waitlisted riders over time.

What they're saying: "Safety is our highest priority, and that unwavering commitment guided every step of the way during this pause," Robert Chen, product lead for weather at Waymo, said in a statement.

Zoom in: Waymo said it audited potential flood zones and implemented location-specific limitations.

• Software improvements focused on Waymo's ability to detect flood waters — and how to navigate away when necessary — have worked well in other cities where Waymo continued to operate this summer, per the company.
• It also changed its triggers and alerts for conditions like heavy rain, saying it can act quickly if it needs to "adjust operations."

State of play: Waymo could decide to temporarily pause service during extreme weather.

• Its technology has sensors that can track hyperlocal road conditions around it.

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The City Council yesterday 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 votes ended weeks of heated council debate. The average city homeowner will pay an extra $35 per year in property taxes.

Context: The city faced a shortfall of $158 million over two years. Officials filled the gap with a combination of fee increases, cuts and the tax hike.

• Like other cities, San Antonio faced a loss in revenue stemming in part from declining property values and less consumer spending.

What they're saying: "We do need to maintain our services and maintain what we provide for the least of our community," said District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran, who supported the tax increase.

The other side: "Our neighbors are left wondering if this tax increase was necessary or whether we can definitively say it's the lowest it could be," said Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, who voted against the budget and the tax increase. "I think the answer to both questions is no."

More tax increases

💸 The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio received last-minute city funding to keep its East Side location open for a few more months. It must have a plan to be financially stable to receive more money. (Express-News 🔑)

🏥 Texas hospitals will see nearly $12 billion in Medicaid funding restored, ending a stalemate with the federal government. (Texas Tribune)

😋 The Spurs picked 12 restaurants to showcase their signature dishes at the Frost Bank Center during the upcoming season. They include Mina & Dimi's Greek House, Cuatro Food Truck and Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar. (SA Business Journal 🔑)

The Spurs Jackals will hold auditions tomorrow at the Frost Bank Center as the fan-led supporter section prepares to expand for the upcoming season.

Catch up quick: Victor Wembanyama founded the Jackals ahead of last season, creating a dedicated section of die-hard fans who lead chants and bring the energy at Spurs home games.

The latest: The Jackals are expanding their home — dubbed "The Lair" — across two sections, making room for 100 additional members this season. There were about 75 members last season.

How it works: Auditions begin at 9am. Fans must RSVP to participate.

• Membership costs $999 and includes admission and parking for eligible home games, with first-come, first-served seating in The Lair.
• Members must be 18 or older, attend at least 75% of eligible games and participate in Jackals chants and traditions.

The bottom line: Consider this your latest reminder that Spurs season is so, so close.

Thanks to our editors Astrid Galván and Bob Gee.

💪 Madalyn is going to pretend to be tough at the 13th Floor this weekend.

✍️ Megan is excited to be pen pals with a friend in Prague. She picked up some fun stationary from Belle & Union, which has its own printing press.