Emma Ruby
Audio By Carbonatix
It’s been a year, right? In many ways, of course, it hasn’t been the best year. The Observer’s news section has been filled with stories involving the federal government shutdown, tensions involving ICE and immigration, predators in the pulpit and classroom, and the Texas Legislature going even farther to the right in order to further restrict the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Although not as life-and-death serious as the aforementioned items, the Luka Doncic trade in February, less than two weeks after President Donald Trump was inaugurated, didn’t exactly help the year get off to a sunny start.
But thankfully, there have been some stories worth telling that aren’t so dark and troubling. Believe it or not, there have been a pleasantly surprising number of Observer news stories we dare say are absolutely positive. Each year we run this recap, we still find ourselves amazed that we could pull enough together, but we’re glad we can.
See below for some of the Observer’s most positive news stories of 2025:
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Deez Nuts: See the Funniest, Grossest Rejected Texas Vanity Plates
Just keeping it light, here. Nothing too complicated. Every year, the state has to shoot down a ton of odd, gross, profane and violent license tag requests. We picked some of the funniest.
Dallas Is a Pothole Hellscape. This Man is On A Mission to Fix That
After an unmarked curb left him with a flat tire, Adam Sharkey knew something had to be done about Dallas’ streets. Here’s to a resident who shows more initiative in one afternoon than most of us do all year.
Richardson Mayor Amir Omar Is an Outsider No More
For decades, Richardson residents didn’t vote to elect their mayor, but that changed with the help of Amir Omar. North Texas’ first Muslim mayor won because of his ability to connect with others, not because of what makes him different.
Dallas Police Blow Past Hiring Goals After Dropping Degree Rule, Upping the Pay
For years, headlines in Dallas have highlighted the DPD’s inability to hire and retain more police officers. Perhaps the tide turned in 2025.
Fried Dough and Fresh Starts: How the State Fair Gives People Second Chances
For many Texans, the annual State Fair is just a fun time. But for many others, it’s a rare opportunity for a second chance at making their lives worth living.
On the Verge of Eviction, a Dallas Family Gets Angry to Save Their Long-Time Home
This isn’t a warm and fuzzy feel-good story, but it does offer some hope. At one point earlier this year, the Mendozas had resigned themselves to losing their longtime home through no fault of their own. However, this update to our original story on their plight reveals that sometimes, people can take more control of their fate than they initially thought.
Ding Dong, Nico Is Gone. The Mavericks Fire the GM Who Traded Luka Doncic
It’s not often that someone losing their job is cause for positivity, let alone outright celebration, but sorry, Nico Harrison, we were ready to party when you were fired in November. He should never have traded our Luka, and he should not have followed that up by doubling down on your alleged reasons for doing so. Harrison made millions as the Mavs GM over the past few years, so we like to think he and his family are doing OK as the team moves forward without him. Finally.
Dallas City Council Saves Voters a Trip to the Polls
No need to circle two dates on your calendars for Election Day. Dallas will have only one going forward, which makes it easier for us all to do our civic duty, which is super positive, we think.
