San Antonio's Metro Health is now tracking heat-related deaths on its online dashboard, giving the public its strongest view yet into the fatal impacts of extreme heat in Texas.

Why it matters: Texas has recorded more heat-related deaths in recent years that correlate with record-high temperatures — but Bexar County residents haven't had access to local data before.

The big picture: Extreme heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S. Still, experts say the deaths are likely an undercount. There is no standard way that cities and counties track heat-related deaths across Texas.

• A study published this year found that "heat kills far more people in Texas than official records show." The study modeled how different ways of counting heat-related deaths result in very different numbers.

Flashback: Progressive councilmembers Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Teri Castillo filed a policy proposal last year asking San Antonio to track heat-related deaths, calling them a "silent killer."

What they're saying: "Metro Health's primary focus remains on preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths by promoting heat safety awareness and encouraging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others during extreme heat conditions," Claude Jacob, the city's Metro Health director, tells Axios in a statement.

By the numbers: The dashboard showed zero heat-related deaths so far this season as of Friday. It tracked 16 heat-related illnesses, primarily heat exhaustion.

How it works: The city is using state data from death certificates for its dashboard, Jacob says. That will capture deaths in which heat was a contributing factor, in addition to those where it's the main cause of death.

Context: Not all officials will list heat as a contributing factor. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office does not, county spokesperson Monica Ramos tells Axios.

• The office also does not publicly share the number of deaths in which heat was the primary cause.
• Death certificates will capture deaths beyond those investigated by the medical examiner.

The bottom line: San Antonio will have its best view yet into the number of local heat-related deaths this summer, but don't expect the data to be perfect.

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The city and H-E-B are again teaming up to help San Antonians pay for insulin prescriptions.

Why it matters: About 1 in 6 adults in San Antonio has diabetes, per UT Health San Antonio. More than 95% of those cases are Type 2 diabetes.

The big picture: One vial of insulin can cost more than $300 without insurance. Access can be difficult in Texas, which has the highest rate of people without insurance in the nation.

The latest: Metro Health and H-E-B on Friday announced the Diabetes Insulin Assistance Program, which helps eligible residents cover up to $100 per insulin prescription, including refills.

How it works: Residents can submit prescriptions to participating H-E-B pharmacies or drop them off in person. See participating pharmacies here.

• To participate, residents must complete a consent form allowing Metro Health's Diabetes Prevention and Control Program to share information about free diabetes education workshops. Participation in the workshops is optional and not required to receive assistance.
• The program will remain available until funding runs out.

What they're saying: "Access to insulin is critical for individuals living with diabetes," Metro Health director Jacob said in a statement.

• "This program helps reduce financial barriers so residents can continue managing their health and avoid serious complications."

⚖️ Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says Texas Children's Hospital must create a "detransition clinic" for patients "who were subjected to 'gender-transition' procedures" under a legal settlement with the state. (Axios)

📋 ICE is moving forward with plans to convert warehouses in San Antonio and near El Paso into immigration detention centers despite lawsuits and a federal watchdog probe. (Washington Post 🔑)

🏭 Toyota is considering a roughly $2 billion expansion at its San Antonio manufacturing site that could add thousands of local jobs. (Express-News 🔑)

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Bettina's Sailing Club Tiki Bar is back for summer days in Boerne.

Catch up quick: The pop-up at Camp Bar and Feed is a collaboration between owner Paula Hayward and Assemble Cocktail Workshop founder Lillian Oler.

• The second-year concept opened Friday and runs through July 19, with an encore "Christmas in July" event set for July 25.

The vibe: Located in downtown Boerne, Bettina's draws inspiration from vintage bars throughout the U.S.

What to expect: There's no look at this year's menu just yet, but last year's offerings included classic Tiki drinks like Mai Tais and daiquiris, priced $13-$17.

If you go: Bettina's is open Thursdays through Sundays, 4-10pm.

• Happy hour is all day on Sundays.

Emma, Olivia, Liam and Noah are still the most popular baby names in the state, per the Social Security Administration.

The big picture: The U.S. fertility rate dipped to a historic low last year, declining 1% compared to 2024 and almost 20% compared to 20 years ago.

The intrigue: Emma came out on top last year, after flip-flopping with Olivia for the most popular girl name in Texas for several years.

• Liam dethroned Noah in 2018 and remains the most popular boy name in Texas.

Zoom out: While Liam and Olivia have been the country's top baby names for seven years in a row, Kasai and Klarity were considered the fastest-risers of last year.

• Other novel spellings climbing the ranks: Neithan and Madisson.