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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Sara Braun

A new pope, a mayoral victory and a drunk raccoon: Guardian US readers on their favorite news moments of 2025

Leo XIV United States Zohran Mamdani Dan Cooper
a comp showing a man in a suit smiling with his hand over his heart, a drunk raccoon passed out on a bathroom floor, and a man in religious vestments smiling with his hand over his heart
Readers cited Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win, the drunk raccoon, and Pope Leo’s ascension as some of their feelgood stories of the year. Composite: The Guardian, Hanover County Protection via AP, Reuters

2025 has been a trying year. From the devastating Los Angeles wildfires to mass federal layoffs in Washington DC to the assassination of the rightwing political activist Charlie Kirk, individuals of all walks of life have been affected by economic concerns, political division, climate change and beyond.

Still, there were bright spots in the darkness. We asked Guardian readers to share some of their favorite news moments of the year.

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