Despite recent heavy rainfall, San Antonio remains in its most intense drought in decades.

Why it matters: This drought is considered the city's second worst, but it could become what scientists call the drought of record.

How it works: A drought of record is defined as one with historically low water levels. Those conditions are then used to manage future droughts, Paul Bertetti, senior director for aquifer science at the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), tells Axios.

• San Antonio's drought of record occurred in the 1950s. It holds that title in part because of how long it lasted, at about a decade, Bertetti says.
• The EAA uses the 1950s drought to determine stages that dictate how much water utilities, like the San Antonio Water System, can pump from the aquifer.

Context: Bertetti says our current drought started in March 2022. It includes consistently lower water levels than the 1950s event, even if it hasn't been as long-lasting — at least not yet.

State of play: We got nearly 6 inches of rain in May, and we've had more than 7 inches so far in June. Both are above normal.

Yes, but: San Antonio would need 15-20 inches of rain in one month, across the whole region, to end the current drought restrictions, Bertetti says.

• San Antonio Water System customers are currently under Stage 3 restrictions, meaning landscape watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is only allowed once a week during certain hours on an assigned day.

What's next: Bertetti says it's likely we see more short-term droughts in the future as population growth increases demand on the aquifer.

The bottom line: "People should expect that we're in [drought] management much more often than we have been in the past," Bertetti says.

• "Demand is not ever going to go back down."

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San Antonio's two James Beard Awards hopefuls — Mixtli for Outstanding Hospitality and Emil Oliva of Leche de Tigre for Best Texas Chef — left last night's ceremony empty-handed.

Why it matters: San Antonio has never won a James Beard Award, long considered the Oscars of the culinary world.

State of play: We started with seven semifinalists representing the Alamo City, and those were whittled down to the two standout Southtown restaurants.

What they're saying: "I'm walking away from this experience inspired, proud, and more motivated than ever," Oliva tells Axios. "Peruvian food — and what we're doing in San Antonio — is special, and I'm excited to keep pushing it forward."

Between the lines: Going home with an award or not, making it off the long list of semifinalists is something to be proud of.

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The number of migrants found dead in the New Mexico desert rose after the city of El Paso joined Operation Lone Star, Gov. Greg Abbott's border security initiative, in 2022. (Texas Tribune)

⚖️ The Texas Supreme Court sided with the city of San Antonio in a case over Brackenridge Park, saying the city didn't violate religious rights by planning to remove trees at a site the Native American Church considers sacred. (TPR)

🕯️ Two local nonprofits will host a candlelight vigil in Leon Valley tomorrow for the 13 people killed in last week's flash floods. (KENS)

Today marks the 49th anniversary of the Spurs joining the NBA.

Flashback: On June 17, 1976, the American Basketball Association (ABA) merged with the NBA, adding the Spurs to the league along with the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and then-New York Nets.

• The Spurs played their first NBA game on Oct. 22, 1976 (pictured), beating the Philadelphia 76ers 121-118.

Catch up quick: Nearly half a century later, the Spurs have an all-time winning record against most of the league, including their fellow ABA transplants.

• They're also the only team from the 1976 merger group that has five NBA titles.