The Guardian has released a collection of its best photographs from 2025, offering a layered portrait of the United States as it faced intensifying climate threats, widening inequality, and political and economic turmoil. The images, taken by photojournalists across the country, go beyond breaking news to capture the truths and complex lives of individuals and communities.
Among the stories featured is that of Edith Langford, a 73-year-old therapist who survived being shot at age nine and learned to walk again. In Montana’s Blackfeet Nation, community members are working to achieve food sovereignty through traditional practices and modern science. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and Palestinian organiser, reflects on exile after his release from ICE detention in June.
Other subjects include Mike Thomas and his family, part of the “trad” movement advocating a return to traditional family structures, and John Davis, a Republican lawmaker who supports clean energy despite his party’s opposition. LaToya Ratlief, shot with a rubber bullet during a 2020 protest, finally settled her case but still bears emotional scars.
The collection also highlights the rapid growth of datacenters in Nevada, where tech giants like Google and Microsoft are building massive facilities. K’Sisay Sadiki, daughter of Black Panther parents, speaks about her father and freedom. Christine Valenciana draws parallels between the Great Depression deportations of Mexican Americans and recent ICE actions. Mazyouna Damoo, a 13-year-old Gaza survivor, receives treatment in Texas after an Israeli missile strike.
