Gold medalist Aristo Sham, left, bronze medalist Evren Ozel, middle, and silver medalist Vitaly Starikov, right, watch the firework show celebration following the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Awards Ceremony at Sundance Square in Fort Worth on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Chris Torres
ctorres@star-telegram.com
When a year comes to an end, we tend to reflect on what we’ll remember most – those events in our lives and around the nation that will come to define 2025.
We’ve been thinking about all the stories we’ve told this year – from breaking news, politics and education to entertainment and sports.
We’ve chronicled the impact in our communities of President Trump’s new term, and strived to hold our government leaders accountable for the decisions they make. We’ve covered memorable moments in sports, such as the surprising trade of Micah Parsons, which gave him the opportunity to sack his former teammate Dak Prescott. And we kept you in the loop about Fort Worth’s ever-changing restaurant scene.
Some of our stories and photographs have been heartbreaking. Others have provided inspiration, joy and hope. For us, it is a privilege to share stories about the community that we love so much.
Take a look back at 2025 with these photographs from our visual journalists. The Star-Telegram’s photographers captured so many powerful moments that tell the story of North Texas and the people who make it special.
JANUARY
Stripling Middle School students Ariana White, 14, Isabella Rodriguez, 14, and Cecilia Rico, 14, make snow angels in their neighborhood park in Southwest Fort Worth on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The winter storm led to all Fort Worth ISD schools to close for the rest of the week. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
The Tarrant County Courthouse as light snow begins to fall in downtown Fort Worth on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Chase Pierre of Brookshire competes in the steer wrestling event of the Cowboys Color Rodeo on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
General manager Brandi Moan surveys the aisles at Justin Discount Boots in Justin on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Moan has worked in Justin for 16 years and has seen the community grow with rapid pace. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Rayleigh Whitt, 9, of Kaufman County 4H gives her show sheep Cali a shower the day prior to competing in the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in Fort Worth on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Whitt was one of the younger competitors at the stock show. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
FEBRUARY
Students at Young Women’s Leadership Academy in downtown Fort Worth walk out of school on Feb. 3, 2025, to protest federal immigration policies they say are harming their families. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
City Market employee Matt Nitzinger unloads customer Regena Morris’ groceries into her vehicle on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. “We try to be the hometown store,” said owner Kurt Jaeger. “We take people’s groceries out.” Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
La Vernia resident Mattison Koepp, 16, is embraced by her father Matt after her steer won Grand Champion Steer of the Show at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Timber Creek High students gather with other Keller ISD students after walking out of school on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, to protest the proposed split of the school district. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Diamond Hill-Jarvis goalkeeper Reyes Medina defends the goal while teammates run drills during practice on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Fort Worth. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Fort Worth musician Abraham Alexander at Niles City Sound in Fort Worth on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. Alexander, known for his soulful music, picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for “Like a Bird” for the film “Sing Sing.” Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Pallbearers carry the casket of Judge Clifford Davis from Saint Andrews United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 in Fort Worth. Davis, the first Black judge to be elected in Tarrant County, left a long legacy behind including his work to desegregate North Texas schools. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
TCU guard Hailey Van Lith (10) celebrates after making a three-point shot in the first half of an NCAA game between TCU and Houston at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
MARCH
Windmills are silhouetted at sunset on Highway 81 in Bowie, Texas, on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Cody Bates, the Vice President of Operations for the American Hat Company, tosses beaded necklaces from the front of the pirate-ship themed parade float for the 15th Annual Mardi Gras Nocona Style on Clay Street in Nocona on Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
The TCU women’s basketball team celebrate after defeating Baylor 51-48 to win the Big XII conference title at Foster Pavilion in Waco on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
The Blood moon lunar eclipse is visible in the Fort Worth sky on Friday, March, 14, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
President George W. Bush and his wife Laura arrive for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the National Medal of Honor Museum Grand Opening Celebration in the Arlington Entertainment District on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien (2) fails to tag out Red Sox short stop Trevor Story (10) on a steal attempt in the ninth inning of the MLB Opening Day game between the Rangers and Red Sox at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
APRIL
Piano tutor Robin Hufford tunes a piano on stage at Nicholas Martin Hall on the Texas Wesleyan University campus in Fort Worth on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Cody Collins of Capital Hatters shapes a hat for a customer at the Cattle Raisers Expo and Convention’s exhibit hall on Friday, April 11, 2025, in Fort Worth. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Opal Lee reacts to seeing guests at the April 17 grand opening of The Opal, a $55 million mixed-income apartment complex with 338 units named in honor of the grandmother of Juneteenth. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Thousands of protestors march down W 5th Street for the national ‘Hands Off’ protest movement in downtown Fort Worth on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Festival attendees pack the streets and party on their parade float during the Lao New Year parade on the third day of the Lao New Year festival at Wat Lao Thepnimith Temple in Saginaw on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
MAY
Maddison Ledesma, 4, meets Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker following the grand opening ceremony of the brand new Riverside Campus in the Morningside neighborhood of Fort Worth on Friday, May 2, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Paschal quarterback Annie Parsons slips past the Arlington Heights defense during the FWISD girls’ flag football championship on May 13 at Herman Clark Stadium. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Parents and students in support of keeping Briscoe Elementary open hold signs during a FWISD School Board Meeting at the District Administration Building in Fort Worth on Tuesday, May, 20, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
JUNE
Gold medalist Aristo Sham, left, bronze medalist Evren Ozel, middle, and silver medalist Vitaly Starikov, right, watch the firework show celebration following the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Awards Ceremony at Sundance Square in Fort Worth on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
A protester speaks through a bullhorn on East Abram Street in Arlington for the “No Kings Day” protest on June 14, 2025. Jaime Moore-Carrillo
The Fort Worth Fire Department responds to a six-alarm fire at an apartment complex in the 1000 block of West Rosedale on Monday, June 23, 2025. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Preston Benjaman-Sewell, right, fist bumps his neurosurgeon Dr. Daniel Hansen following an appointment on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Cook Children’s Dodson Specialty Clinics with his mother, Meghan Czarobski, center. Benjaman-Sewell is one of 125,000 children or expecting mothers in North Texas who could have their access to health care disrupted after the Texas Health and Human Services Commission denied Cook Children’s Health Plan a Medicaid contract. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts after hitting a three-point shot at the halftime buzzer of a WNBA game between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Friday, June 27, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Fort Worth resident Brian Fehler during Trinity Pride Fest on South Main Street in Fort Worth on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
JULY
Two gharial hatchlings are revealed at the Fort Worth Zoo on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. This is the zoo’s third year in a row to successfully hatch gharial newborns, a critically endangered species. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Drill team captain Lesa Ellinger takes the saddle off her horse Rayyaa after Circle L5 drill team practice at Papa Doddie Arena in east Fort Worth on Sunday, July 21, 2025. Founded more than 70 years ago, Circle L5 is a Black equestrian group that showcases cowboy culture through rodeos and various community events. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Gretchen Rea, a three-year Cooper resident, throws her mattress out of the balcony of her apartment during a protest outside the Cooper Apartments in Fort Worth on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. After growing restless waiting for more than a month for access, Rea evaded security, entered her apartment unit, and tossed multiple belongings out onto the sidewalk. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Sean Moore stands in the backyard of home that fronts Mary’s Creek in Benbrook on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Residents are concerned rezoning an 80-acre plot of land on the eastern edge of Mary’s Creek for development could alter the floodplain and potentially cause seious flooding issues. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
AUGUST
Keller residents Lisa Escaloni, left, and Judy Williams, right, protest with the group prior to the Keller City Council meeting at Keller Town Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Protesters gathered to reject the 287(g) program that would allow the Keller police department to work with ICE to determine a person’s immigration status if they are booked in to the Keller city jail. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Southlake Carroll football coach Riley Dodge talks to his players during morning practice on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Southlake. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Mike Morath, the Texas Education Commissioner, tours through a classroom following a press conference regarding the updated A-F scores of Dallas and Fort Worth schools at Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy in Dallas on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons greets players after an NFL preseason game between the Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
SEPTEMBER
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott celebrates a drive towards the end zone during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Dallas Cowboys won in overtime, 40-37. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Wanda Fields, 75, interacts with children at the Early Head Start program at J.A. Hargrave Elementary School on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, in Fort Worth. Fields spends 20 hours a week volunteering through the Texas Health and Human Services’ Foster Grandparent program. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
TCU wide receiver Ed Small (18) catches a touchdown pass with one hand in the first half of an NCAA game between TCU and Abilene Christian at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Members of the Euless-Trinity football team participate in their pregame ceremonial Sipi Tau prior to a high school game between Southlake Carroll and Euless-Trinity at Dragon Stadium in Southlake on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
A large crowd marches to the Tarrant County Courthouse during the rally to honor Charlie Kirk, Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025. John Rowland Special to the Star-Telegram
TCU wide receiver Jordan Dwyer (7) and safety Austin Jordan (1) celebrate with the Iron Skillet after defeating SMU 35-24 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
FBI agents investigate the scene where a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility occurred in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Green Bay Packers’ Micah Parsons returns to AT&T to face his former Dallas Cowboys teammates on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) chases down and tackles Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) in the second half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Jeff Pointer sits at the steps of his childhood home where he grew up at Fite Street and Mosier Valley Road on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Pointer is a member of the Mosier Valley Property Owners Association and is working on revitalizing the community and highlighting its historical significance. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
OCTOBER
Former Dunbar High School principal Shirley Knox Benton reacts to seeing her street topper during a dedication ceremony outside the school in Fort Worth on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. The tribute highlights Benton’s lasting impact on Dunbar and its role in the broader Fort Worth community. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) greets fans following the second half of a preseason NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Leon Bridges attends the ceremonial street naming in his honor on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at the corner of South Calhoun Street and East Daggett Avenue in Fort Worth. Bridges, a Grammy-winning artist and native of Fort Worth, recorded his debut album at Niles City Sound, located across the street from the sign topper. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
TCU linebacker Devean Deal (11) and defensive end Chad Woodfork (9) force a fumble on Baylor running back Bryson Washington (7) in the first half of a Big XII football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Baylor Bears at Amon G Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams runs the ball during the third quarter against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
NOVEMBER
A parade participant from Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth dances on their float on Ellis Avenue for the Dia De Los Muertos Parade in Northside Fort Worth on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
A statue of the Angel Moroni is seen as the Beaver Super Moon rises behind at the Dallas Texas Temple in Dallas on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Volunteers distribute food to those in need at the Community Food Bank of Fort Worth on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
TCU guard Jayden Pierre (1) is blocked at the rim by Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) in the first half of a NCAA basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Michigan Wolverines at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth on Friday, Nov.14, 2025. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Antonio Harris lost his daughter, Tonishea Harris, 36, to suspected domestic violence. Tonishea and her unborn child died from a gunshot wound on Oct. 10. “I will miss her voice and her laugh because she was always joyful,” said Harris. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson runs into the locker room with the turkey on his hand after winning an NFL game between the Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. Dallas won 31-28. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
The Southlake Carroll football team celebrates after winning the UIL Division II Regional playoff game 49-31 against Prosper at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Christopher Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
DECEMBER
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) tackles linebacker Bryce Ramirez (3) to celebrate after winning the Big XII championship game against the BYU Cougars at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
Guests descend the steps of the Fort Worth Convention Center’s new southeast entrance to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the Phase 1 expansion on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in downtown Fort Worth. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott takes the field before the start of the NFL matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston beats Dallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel to complete a pass in the end zone for touchdown during the first quarter on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at AT&T Stadium. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com
Amanda McCoy is a visual journalist that produces daily and documentary videos. Before moving to Fort Worth in 2018, she spent 11 years telling the stories of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including the recovery from Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. She is a native of Michigan and graduate of Michigan State University.
