I’m Wesley Ratko, a newsroom developer and data journalist at the San Antonio Express-News. I combine data, design, and storytelling to make complex local issues clear and relevant — showing how San Antonio’s built and natural environments shape the way people live.
wesley ratko|
data journalist & interactive developer
Transportation & Infrastructure
COVID cut San Antonio's transit services. Will they ever be restored?
Data analysis reveals VIA's pandemic service cuts disproportionately affected routes serving low-income neighborhoods
Analysis of VIA Metropolitan Transit service data showing impact of pandemic cuts on San Antonio's public transportation network.
Read story →Map: See which San Antonio bridges are slated for repairs
Interactive map tracks city's multi-million dollar bridge repair program
Searchable database and map showing condition ratings and planned repairs for bridges across San Antonio.
Explore map →Tracking San Antonio's highway construction projects
Live map shows TxDOT construction timelines and traffic impacts
Interactive tool helping commuters navigate major highway projects across the metro area.
View tracker →Public Safety & Crime
Map: Explore a decade of San Antonio road rage incidents
Geospatial analysis reveals patterns in aggressive driving reports
Mapping 10 years of road rage incidents from SAPD data, showing hotspots and temporal trends.
Explore data →Texas police agencies make the case for shields
Investigation into police equipment purchases following mass shootings
Data journalism project examining how Texas law enforcement agencies justify ballistic shield purchases.
Read investigation →What the data — and SAPD chief — say about San Antonio crime
In-depth analysis challenges common narratives about local crime trends
Statistical breakdown of San Antonio crime patterns, comparing official statements with data trends.
Read analysis →Environment & Climate
Is your San Antonio home at risk of sinking? Use our searchable map.
Subsidence risk mapping using geological survey data
Interactive tool allowing homeowners to check their property's vulnerability to ground subsidence.
Check your address →Photos: See how the drought is affecting Central Texas lakes
Visual documentation of declining reservoir levels
Photo story with data visualizations tracking water levels across Central Texas reservoirs during historic drought.
View photos →San Antonio's airport struggles explained: Short runways, lack of travelers and more
Runway length and alignment a limiting factor to how many destinations are served by San Antonio International Airport
This analysis combined data on runway lengths, flight routes and traveler trends to explain the challenges facing San Antonio International Airport.
Read the story →Photos: Summer camps before, after Guadalupe River flooding
Documenting flood damage to recreational areas
Before-and-after imagery showing impact of historic flooding on popular summer camp facilities.
See coverage →Consumer Protection
Are deceptive solar operators active in your neighborhood? Here's the data.
Investigation maps consumer complaints against solar installers
Database tool tracking complaints filed with state regulators against solar energy companies operating in Texas.
Search complaints →