The news that shaped San Antonio in 2025
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It's been a year, San Antonio — one that saw major news in sports and politics define our city for 2025 and years to come.
The big picture: Here's how history unfolded this past year, in chronological order.
Wemby's health: The Spurs' star player, Victor Wembanyama, was sidelined in February for the 2024-25 season after doctors discovered a blood clot in his right shoulder.
- He returned this fall for the current season but sat out 12 games due to a left calf strain.
Final Four: The city this spring hosted its fifth Men's Final Four, which brought tens of thousands of visitors and major musicians to downtown San Antonio.
- But whether the city hosts a future Final Four could hinge on whether the city makes upgrades to the Alamodome — a piece of Project Marvel that could take a back seat to the new Spurs arena.
Coach Pop: Longtime Spurs coach Gregg Popovich announced in May that he was retiring.
- His legacy will be felt in San Antonio, and the league, for years to come.
New mayor: City voters in June elected Gina Ortiz Jones as San Antonio's first openly gay mayor — and the first in a long time from outside City Hall. The Democrat emerged from a crowded field that came down to a partisan runoff for the nonpartisan office.
Flooding: June flooding in the city killed 13 people. July Fourth floods in the Hill Country left more than 130 people dead.
- We wrote about locals helping locals and the political response aimed at preventing more tragedy.
Redistricting: We saw our congressional districts at the center of a national battle for control of the U.S. House.
- After an initial court fight, the U.S. Supreme Court cemented for the midterms Texas Republicans' new congressional map that aims to create five new GOP seats. We let you know what that means for San Antonio area voters.
Arena deal: Bexar County voters in November narrowly supported a venue tax increase to help fund a new downtown Spurs arena.
- The election became a flashpoint in San Antonio politics. There will be more news to come in 2026 as the development takes further shape.
New marathon: San Antonio this month held its first-ever standalone marathon, giving the city a signature running event beyond the longstanding Rock 'n' Roll series.
- The inaugural race — bolstered by the booming run club scene — drew big crowds and strong local pride, marking a milestone weekend for the city's growing running community.
What's next: We're mapping out our coverage for 2026, and we'd love to know what you want to see.
- Email [email protected] to share your thoughts.