The wealth gap between white and Latino households poses deep problems for the U.S. economy in the coming decades, according to a recent report.

Why it matters: Latinos are the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., but have 22 cents in household wealth for every $1 held by white households.

The big picture: This could limit consumer spending, business formation and long-term growth if unaddressed.

• Latinos contribute an estimated $4.1 trillion annually in economic output in the U.S. and are projected to make up nearly 28% of the U.S. population by 2060.
• The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute–UnidosUS report claims the Latino wealth gap isn't accidental but a result of decades of U.S. policy decisions that shape economic inequality today.

By the numbers: Median Latino household wealth sits at $62,000 vs. white household wealth of $284,000.

• Only 28% of Latinos have retirement accounts compared to 62% of white Americans.
• 51% of Latinos own homes vs. 73% of white Americans.

Zoom in: The disparities are also evident in Texas, where the Latino median household income is about $65,000 annually compared to $80,000 for white households, Gabriella Carmona, the report's lead author and a senior research analyst at the institute, tells Axios.

• Median hourly wages show a similar divide: $17 for Latino workers versus $26 for white workers, with noncitizen workers earning closer to $15 an hour.
• Just 18% of Latinos age 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree, compared to 42% of white Texans.
• Even with a degree, Latinos earn less than white workers due to persistent pay gaps and discrimination. In Texas, Latino college grads make about $29 an hour versus $37 for white peers.

The bottom line: "We can be productive members of society, but still face a lot of barriers when it comes to actually being able to be shareholders in wealth," Carmona says.

The average gas prices in San Antonio — and in Texas — hit $4 this week, per AAA.

The big picture: Gas prices have been climbing for weeks, tied to the Iran war, but hitting the $4 mark lands hard for consumers already squeezed by higher costs — plus, analysts warn prices could keep rising.

Driving the news: The gasoline price surge is reigniting political chatter about suspending the federal tax on fuel to help consumers, including from state Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin), who is running for U.S. Senate.

Reality check: It's one of those go-to ideas that often surfaces when prices climb. Congress would have to approve a suspension of the gas tax, and so far, it never has.

By the numbers: The Bipartisan Policy Center notes that suspending the 18.3-cent-per-gallon federal gas tax would lower prices by 10 to 16 cents per gallon for consumers.

State of play: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a Republican, and state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, an Austin Democrat running for governor, last month called on Gov. Greg Abbott to suspend the state's 20-cent-per-gallon tax.

The other side: Abbott campaign spokesperson Eduardo Leal pushed back on the proposal, telling Axios the governor doesn't have the authority to pull the tax back.

• He adds: "That revenue generates well over $300 million per month, which is constitutionally dedicated to fund roads and public schools. Looks like Democrats want to defund Texas public schools, but I guess ignorance is bliss."

How a gas holiday works

💵 City officials will propose raising San Antonio's tax rate for the first time in 33 years, looking to add an extra $25 million in next year's budget.

• Even so, the city would need to cut $70 million out of the next two budgets to keep up with rising expenses amid falling property values. (SA Report)

🙁 Mambo Seafood has closed all four of its San Antonio locations less than two years after opening its first restaurant. (MySA)

🐐 Screaming Goat Yard — a Spring Branch restaurant and taproom known for its outdoor hangout space and herd of goats — plans to open its first San Antonio location near the new College Park H-E-B by the end of 2026. (CultureMap SA)

💰 Stat du jour

64% of San Antonio applicants approved for Texas' school voucher program come from Northside or North East ISD, where the median family income is about $80,000. (SA Current)

The city of San Antonio is asking residents to help shape the future of the River Walk, starting with a public meeting this weekend.

Why it matters: The landmark destination — historically a major tourist draw — has struggled to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

What to expect: Attendees at Saturday's 10am meeting at the Central Library will hear an overview of the planning process, learn project goals and timelines, and share feedback through interactive activities.

Threat level: River Walk businesses saw an 11–12% drop in sales from summer 2024 to summer 2025, Marco Barros, a trustee and founder of the River Walk Business Group, told city councilmembers in October, per the SA Report.

• Casa Rio owner Bill Lyons also told the Report that sales have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. The restaurant has cut some menu items and raised prices.

Thursday

🍽️ Eat your heart out at San Antonio Flavor at the San Antonio Museum of Art, with bites from 30-plus restaurants, drinks and live cooking demonstrations, 6-10pm.

• General admission tickets start at $80.

Friday

🎸 Honor what would be blues legend Robert Johnson's 115th birthday at The Gunter Hotel with a concert featuring Sue Foley, The Peterson Brothers and Nicky Diamonds, 7:30-10:30pm.

• Ticket start at $40 for general admission.

Saturday

🎶 Explore the free 17th annual Paseo Por El Westside at Rinconcito de Esperanza, featuring live music, workshops, poetry, vendors and games, 9am-3pm.

🎉 Experience San Antonio's Asian culture at a family-friendly festival featuring live performances, entertainment and food at Civic Park, 4-10pm.

• Tickets are $12, but will go up to $15 the day of the event.

😂 Laugh with comedian Cristela Alonzo at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre with shows at 4pm and 7:30pm.

• Tickets start at $39.

Sunday

💐 It's all about mom this weekend. Destinations and restaurants including The Missions, Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio Museum of Art, Esencia, Cavalier and Briscoe Western Art Museum, are among the places celebrating her.