Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What TEA’s shutdown of Essence Prep means for East Side families

Happening soon: Chris D'Elia on the San Antonio Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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What's up San Antonio! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What TEA’s shutdown of Essence Prep means for East Side families
  • How a historic River Walk hospital is becoming 300+ new apartments
  • How will Project Marvel reshape downtown San Antonio by 2050?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Classics and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in San Antoniofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in San Antoniofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Variable clouds with a shower, with a high of 79 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and very warm, temps: high: 78, low: 64.
  • Thursday: Very warm with some sun, with a high of 80 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Eastside charter school Essence Prep ordered to close by TEA (sanantonioreport.org) — Families on San Antonio’s East Side face a major shakeup as the Texas Education Agency has ordered Essence Preparatory Charter School to close after this school year for repeated failing ratings. About 400 mostly economically disadvantaged students must find new schools for 2026-27, while a state-appointed conservator will oversee the closure and the future of the school’s purpose-built facility.
   

2. More details emerge about historic Nix building renovations (star-telegram.com) — San Antonio is backing a major overhaul of the historic Nix Medical Center on the River Walk, converting the long-vacant tower into more than 300 apartments with significant tax breaks and fee waivers. Work is slated to begin in January and take about two years, preserving the landmark’s historic character while adding new commercial space and much-needed downtown housing.
   

3. Gina Ortiz Jones sheds light on San Antonio's expected growth, search for head of Project Marvel (kens5.com) — San Antonio’s mayor Gina Ortiz Jones says the city is preparing for growth equivalent to adding a city the size of Austin by 2050, driven in part by Project Marvel and related investments. She stresses that choosing a leader for the project must go hand-in-hand with big decisions on downtown housing, walkability, and green space. Expect major long-term changes to the city’s core and infrastructure.
   

4. Mayor Jones asks Gov. Abbott to reconsider veto halting funding for children's summer lunch programs (ksat.com) — San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is urging Gov. Greg Abbott to reverse his veto blocking Texas’ participation in a federally funded summer lunch EBT program for children. She warns the decision could deny millions in nutrition aid to low-income families, including many in San Antonio, unless state leaders cover administrative costs before the Jan. 1, 2026 deadline.
   

5. Beloved Texas TV news personalities announce huge moves amid the holidays (star-telegram.com) — San Antonio viewers will still see KENS-TV meteorologist Ryan Shoptaugh on their screens as he steps into a new TEGNA role covering weather across Texas while remaining based here. The story also tracks Dallas alum Hannah Battah’s jump to national ABC News programs, highlighting how Texas TV talent is moving onto bigger stages.
   

📸 Around San Antonio

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in San Antonio

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Wednesday December 31
  • Chris D'Elia
    Majestic Theatre, 224 E Houston St, San Antonio
    8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 San Antonio Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • MOCHI CAME HOME!!!!
    My baby found his way back to me thank you to everyone who shared!!!! (Nextdoor Oak Crest)
  • Hey neighbors.
    I’ve lived in this neighborhood since I was a kid. I’ve been looking around lately, and let’s be honest—it’s looking rough. I see roofs falling apart… (Nextdoor Candlewood Park)
  • Third graders at Martin Elementary spread holiday cheer by creating handmade Christmas cards for patients at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital and... (X: NISD)
  • Guadalupe County IH-10 Westbound- Seguin There is a report of a crash, involving multiple vehicles, on IH-10 WB at the Guadalupe River Bridge... (X: TxDOTSanAntonio)
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for British Airways Baggage Handler in San Antonio. Apply here.
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit 200 in San Antonio. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Antonio here.

Ok San Antonio! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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