San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones outlined her focus on affordability in a televised “Inside Texas Politics” interview, describing how rising housing and living costs, possible cuts to social programs, and statewide economic trends shape the city’s planning for 2026, including budget decisions, housing strategy, and partnerships with community and business leaders.
TxDOT has started construction on a $473 million expansion of US 90 in west Bexar County between Loop 410 and SH 211. The multi-year project will widen and upgrade the highway to increase capacity, reduce congestion, improve safety and shorten commute times for drivers, freight traffic and regional travelers. Officials say the corridor serves fast-growing residential, commercial and industrial areas on the west side of the San Antonio region. The agency plans phased construction, active work zones and ongoing traffic advisories while keeping lanes open where possible.
San Antonio Zoo will open on Christmas Day 2025 with $8 admission for all visitors and no residency requirement, featuring its seasonal Zoo Lights displays. The zoo will highlight illuminated pathways, holiday décor, and evening light installations while maintaining regular animal care operations, safety rules, and accessibility services. Guests can review hours, ticketing options, and parking details through the zoo’s official channels and can access both daytime exhibits and nighttime Zoo Lights under the discounted entry offer.
San Antonio International Airport is urging travelers to arrive early, plan parking, and check flight status as U.S. holiday air travel surpasses 8 million domestic passengers. Officials report increased flight activity, higher parking demand, and longer security lines, and advise use of rideshare and off-site parking options. The airport is coordinating with airlines, TSA, and local agencies to manage record holiday crowds while maintaining safety and operational readiness.
More than 50 military and veteran families remain on the waiting list for holiday support through the Soldiers’ Angels Adopt-A-Family program in 2024. The nationwide initiative matches sponsors with eligible households of deployed service members and low-income veterans to provide children’s gifts and grocery gift cards for holiday meals. Organizers report the program is in its final stretch and continue to seek individual, group, and corporate sponsors before seasonal deadlines. Interested sponsors can register online, review guidelines, and adopt one or more families still awaiting assistance.
San Antonio City Council will vote on a proposal to move city elections from May to November to cut costs and increase voter turnout. The measure would align municipal races with state and federal contests, adjust the city’s election calendar, and change logistics for Bexar County election officials. The article details the proposed changes, legal framework, turnout and cost data, public input, and potential implementation steps if the council approves or rejects the change.
Local philanthropist Harvey E. Najim will partner with the San Antonio Food Bank in December 2025 to expand holiday food distributions for children and families facing hunger. The collaboration will fund additional food, logistics and outreach to reach thousands of households in high-need areas when schools close and regular meal programs pause. The food bank will use its network, warehouses and volunteers to deliver child-focused food boxes through multiple distribution events and will track the number of children and families served to guide future efforts.
San Antonio-area schools will receive $647,156 to expand student mental health services, with funding directed to training and retaining school-based mental health professionals, increasing crisis response capacity, enhancing counseling access, and supporting data tracking, outreach and partnerships with community providers across multiple campuses.
San Antonio will hold a public Hanukkah menorah lighting to honor a rabbi with ties to the city who was killed in a terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney that left 15 dead. Local Jewish leaders, interfaith clergy, and city officials plan to attend the event, which will feature traditional prayers, the reading of victims’ names, and heightened security. Organizers say the ceremony will serve as a public act of remembrance and solidarity and will be open to all residents during the Hanukkah period.
The San Antonio Zoo opens Congo Falls, a new gorilla habitat featuring what officials describe as the world’s tallest gorilla tower, bringing gorillas back to the zoo in San Antonio, Texas. The immersive exhibit offers multi-level viewing areas, naturalistic landscaping, and educational displays on gorilla biology and conservation. Congo Falls aims to support animal welfare through vertical space, enrichment, and flexible habitat design while providing visitors with close viewing opportunities within a controlled and accessible environment.