As 2025 draws to a close, here’s a month-by-month look back at some of the biggest stories that defined the year—a whirlwind of political shifts, natural disasters, global conflicts, and cultural moments.
January kicked off with tragedy and transition. A devastating attack in New Orleans claimed lives on New Year’s Day, while massive wildfires ravaged Southern California, particularly around Los Angeles, forcing widespread evacuations and causing billions in damage. President Trump was inaugurated for his second term on January 20, swiftly issuing a record number of executive orders and pardoning January 6 participants. TikTok faced a brief shutdown under a divest-or-ban law before resuming amid delays.
Credit: KSAT via Graham Media Group)
(Credits: Al Jazeera)
(Credits: Wikipedia; U.S. Embassy in Montenegro)
February saw Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, where the Philadelphia Eagles avenged a prior loss by dominating the Kansas City Chiefs. A heated Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war. Tariffs began rolling out, sparking economic debates and market reactions.
(Credits: Axios; CNN)
March brought intensified conflicts abroad, with Russia reclaiming territory in Ukraine and escalating strikes. Domestically, federal workforce changes continued amid Trump’s administration priorities.
April marked profound loss with the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at age 88, leading to global mourning. Rory McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam by winning the Masters. Stock markets fluctuated amid ongoing tariff implementations and trade negotiations.
May featured the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, bringing a new era to the Catholic Church. Severe weather events continued, contributing to a year of record natural disaster losses.
(Credit: Vatican News)
(Credits: Detroit Catholic; Ignatian Solidarity Network)
June saw progress in AI and space exploration, alongside persistent global challenges.
July highlighted economic policies like the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and labor reforms in various countries.
August included high-profile talks, such as Trump-Putin discussions, amid efforts to broker peace in ongoing conflicts.
September brought breakthroughs in tech and renewed focus on international diplomacy.
October featured a major ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, with hostage releases and partial withdrawals, offering hope after years of devastation—though challenges remained for full implementation.
(Credit: Al Jazeera)
November saw back-to-back World Series glory for the Los Angeles Dodgers, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling Game 7.
(Credits: YouTube; Los Angeles Times)
December wrapped the year with reflections on a transformative 12 months: Trump’s extensive executive actions, AI advancements, extreme weather impacts totaling hundreds of billions in losses, the Epstein files releases sparking widespread discussion, and cultural highs like major sports victories and entertainment milestones.
(Credit: NPR)
From political realignments and heartbreaking losses to moments of triumph and tentative peace, 2025 was a year of profound change. Here’s to hoping 2026 brings more stability and progress. Happy New Year!
VeteranJaime 
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