Host Publications won the $10,000 2026 Constellation Award from the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses. The award, underwritten by publisher Penguin Random House, honors independent literary presses that champion writers of color. After Joe W. Bratcher founded Host Publications as an outlet for works in translation in 1988, Annar Veröld and Claire Bowman picked up the press after a hiatus in 2018, reorienting to focus on works by marginalized voices. “As we grow our small organization, these funds will make a great impact on our ability to spend genuine time engaging writers from historically marginalized communities, and to continue going above and beyond for each writer we work with,” wrote the Host team in a press release.
De Nada Cantina is opening a second location in the old El Mercado spot on 1302 South First. The East Cesar Chavez Tex-Mex staple, known for its strong margaritas served in pastel pink cups, will welcome its second installment on National Margarita Day, Feb 22. The Villegras family, which proudly ran El Mercado for 40 years, announced they’d be handing the reins of the beloved restaurant to De Nada last December, telling the Statesman that they were relieved to hand over the spot to “someone who gives a damn.” “El Mercado is 40 years old, and it’s got a funky Eighties vibe with its handmade cut tile and it’s been that iconic keepin’ it weird vibe, but we’re gonna sprinkle some De Nada on it and have it feel even older than its 40 years when we’re done,” Stephen Shallcross, head of 2 Dine 4 Hospitality Group – who runs De Nada Cantina – said at the time.
The Pinky Rings willsay farewell with a “last call” show at Hotel Vegas on March 7. The local act formed at a house party in 2019 and has penned angsty, of-the-moment Riot Grrrl anthems and combined performance art and punk sensibilities for mosh pits ever since. In funeral attire, they’ll take their final bow alongside Fifi Knifefight, Die Mart, and Guiding Light and encourage fans to scoop up soon-to-be-collector’s items at the merch table.