Reflecting on a Historic Year, Growth, and Classic Observer Covers
In the heart of San Antonio, the presses at The San Antonio Observer worked tirelessly throughout 2025, documenting a year that tested not only our city, but the very foundation of American democracy and a free press.
As the year comes to a close, we reflect on a period shaped by uncertainty, resistance, and resilience, one that demanded clarity, courage, and commitment to the truth.
This year challenged communities locally and nationally, as political tension intensified and journalism itself became a target. From city hall to the national stage, the SA Observer remained focused on what has always mattered most: telling the stories that affect our community, holding power accountable, and preserving the historical record in real time.
Reflecting on our front covers, we are reminded that they serve as more than headlines. They capture moments, emotions, and movements, demonstrating the power of visual storytelling to convey meaning when words alone are not enough.
Throughout 2025, as attacks on media escalated nationwide, including threats to public broadcasting and independent newsrooms, the SA Observer doubled down on its role as a watchdog. In a time when truth was questioned and journalism was politicized, our responsibility to report accurately, ethically, and fearlessly became even more essential.
This year’s coverage spanned critical issues, including the evolving political climate, voting and elections, criminal justice, culture, sports, and the lived realities of San Antonians. The power of storytelling remained central to our purpose, bridging divides, shedding light on injustice, and celebrating the strength of our community.
2025 also marked a moment of reflection and growth for the SA Observer as we approached a major milestone. Founded in 1995, The San Antonio Observer celebrated 30 years of service, a legacy recognized this year by the City of San Antonio as a longstanding and impactful local business. That recognition belongs not just to the paper, but to the community that has sustained it for three decades.
Sponsored
As part of that growth, the we are expanding reach beyond print and digital reporting with the announcement of a new upcoming podcast, The Paper Drop.
By extending our storytelling into new spaces and audiences our political commentary we will remain grounded in the same journalistic values that have defined The San Antonio Observer since the beginning.
Our success as a publication would not be possible without the continued support of our advertisers, readers, and community partners. Your trust and commitment have fueled our ability to deliver journalism that informs, challenges, and uplifts.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the columnists and contributors who dedicated their voices and expertise to the SA Observer throughout 2025:
- Mario Marcel Salas – Historian
- Fernando Rover Jr. – Current Events
- Connor Wiley – Entertainment and Film
- Ghayliah Ali – Criminal Justice
- Gordon Benjamin – Voting and Elections
- Alana Zarriello – Humanities
- Waseem Ali – “Sports Beat” and Spurs Coverage
As we close out 2025 and reflect on a historic 30th year, The San Antonio Observer remains committed to its role as the pulse beat of the community.
