HOTTEST HEADLINES OF 2025

These are San Antonio's 10 most popular headlines of 2025

Former KENS 5 reporter Savannah Louie (l) won the 49th season of Survivor.

Photo courtesy of Paramount.

Editor’s note: As 2025 comes to a close, we're looking back at the most-read stories in San Antonio this year. We've already covered the top dining, arts and entertainment, real estate, city life, and travel headlines, as well as the best and worst movies of the year. Now it's time to set our sights on the hottest headlines of them all.

Here are the 10 most-read San Antonio stories of 2025:

1. Former KENS 5 San Antonio reporter wins 'Survivor' crown. After almost 25 years on the air, Survivor still has a loyal following. Local fans were pleased as punch to see a former KENS 5 reporter outlast the competition, taking home a cool $1 million and a guaranteed spot in the 50th all-star season.

2. U.S. News ranks 2 San Antonio high schools among America's best in 2025. Two prestigious San Antonio high schools lived up to their reputations for top-tier education after being ranked among the best high schools in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Basis San Antonio's Shavano Campus and San Antonio Independent School District's Young Women's Leadership Academy both appeared on the top 100 list.

3. Shelley Duvall's sprawling Blanco ranch hits market for $699K. In September, the former Blanco home of The Shining star Shelley Duvall hit the market for $699,000. Fans also got the chance to buy movie memorabilia from an estate sale and online auction.

4. San Antonio suburb surges among best places to live in United States. New Braunfels was at the top of readers’ minds all year. And relocation marketing platform Livability.com named the Hill Country suburb among "the 100 Best Places to Live in 2025" in the U.S. in April.

Brenner's on the River Walk was recognized as one of the best fine dining restaurants in the nation. Brenner's on the River Walk/Facebook

5. San Antonio steakhouse ranked among best fine dining restaurants in US. New-ish River Walk restaurant Brenner’s was the only Texas restaurant to earn honors on booking and review platform Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards: Best of the Best Restaurants, beating its famous Houston sibling.

6. Longtime San Antonio Mexican restaurant says goodbye after 18 years. San Antonio’s Tiago’s Cabo Grille at The Rim shopping center announced its closure in July, leaving locals hungry for its signature dessert — a gooey Mexican chocolate cake served with a molten drizzle and a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.

7. Upscale San Antonio Mexican restaurant mysteriously closes after 2 years. San Antonio Tex-Mex upstart Palomar Comida & Cantina quietly closed in September, but locals needed the help of Knives Out’s Benoit Blanc to figure out the rest of the plotline. A mysterious rebranding is occurring at its former site.

8. Beloved San Antonio burger joint temporarily closes ahead of big move. Favorite Helotes burger joint Cuarto de Kilo announced its temporary closure in November as it prepares to move to a larger space in San Antonio proper.

9. Dallas group suddenly closes San Antonio bowling alley and restaurant. The General Public and Bowl & Barrel said goodbye to The Rim in August after its Dallas parent company decided not to renew the two concepts’ leases.

10. 7 weird and wild places to stay in the Texas Hill Country. The Texas Hill Country hides some of the most unique properties in the world. From safari ranches with rhinos to a life-sized bird's nest, these are the weirdest, wildest, and most unforgettable places to rest your head in Texas.

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SAFETY FIRST

7 tips for keeping San Antonio pets safe and calm during fireworks

Photo by Tracey Hocking/ Unsplash

San Antonio Animal Care Services reports a sharp rise in 311 calls during New Year's celebrations.

Alamo City locals might be thrilled by fireworks, but the booming skies can be stressful for pets. Each year, San Antonio Animal Care Services reports a sharp rise in 311 calls about roaming pets and an influx of anxious owners searching for missing dogs and cats.

While the thunder from displays like Celebrate SA — not to mention neighborhood kids lighting firecrackers — might be hard to avoid, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are seven practical steps the agency says will help keep pets calm, contained, and safe during the annual spectacle.

1. Bring pets indoors early
Fireworks don’t just happen on New Year's Eve and Day. Loud pops can start days before and linger well after. Pets left outside may panic and escape by jumping fences or digging under them. If your pet spends time outdoors, bring them inside for the week leading up to — and after — major fireworks holidays. Always supervise bathroom breaks while fireworks are going off.

2. Set up a safe space
Most pets want one thing when they’re scared: a quiet place to hide. Prepare a calm, familiar area inside your home with

Access to food and plenty of water
Soft background noise, like classical music or TV, to muffle outside sounds
A crate or single room they’re comfortable in (leave crate doors open to avoid panic)
A favorite toy or blanket

3. Burn off extra energy
In the days leading up to fireworks, tire your pet out physically and mentally. Longer walks, trips to a new park, and enrichment toys like snuffle mats or puzzle feeders can help reduce restlessness. DIY enrichment toys work, too — just supervise playtime with anything new.

4. Update microchips and ID tags
If a pet does get loose, updated identification is the fastest way home. Make sure microchip information is current and collars have readable tags. Many pet stores offer on-site tag engraving. If your pet isn’t microchipped, your veterinarian can handle it quickly. Having both tags and a chip adds a crucial layer of protection.

5. Talk to your veterinarian about anxiety
Some pets are mildly nervous. Others experience intense distress. Signs of serious anxiety can include:

Heavy panting or pacing
Shaking or trembling
Hiding or cowering
Destructive behavior
Excessive chewing or licking
Loss of appetite or frequent urination

If these symptoms show up during fireworks, consult your veterinarian. While calming products are widely sold, a vet can help determine what’s safe and appropriate for your specific pet.

6. Leave pets at home during gatherings
Even small get-togethers can overwhelm pets already on edge. If you’re hosting or attending a gathering, keep pets in their designated safe space at home. As much as it feels wrong to exclude them, most pets are far happier in a quiet room than around unfamiliar people and noise.

7. Skip alcohol and table scraps
Alcohol is extremely dangerous for pets, and common party foods can pose choking hazards or cause allergic reactions. Bones are especially risky. Keep pets away from food service areas and monitor what they’re exposed to. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Fees may apply.

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