While 2025 presented a relentless stream of grim headlines, from devastating wildfires to political turmoil, readers across the United States have pinpointed moments of unexpected joy and hope that pierced the gloom. The Guardian asked its audience to share the news stories that lifted their spirits, revealing a tapestry of human endeavour, creative triumph, and even a dash of animal mischief.
A New Pontiff Brings a Message of Peace
For many, a significant beacon of hope emerged from the Vatican with the ascension of Pope Leo XIV. Dan Cooper, an 81-year-old retired electrician in Casper, Wyoming, celebrated the election, expressing relief that the new pontiff appeared poised to continue the legacy of openness associated with his predecessor, Pope Francis.
In his inaugural Sunday address, Pope Leo XIV made an impassioned plea for global peace, specifically acknowledging the suffering in Ukraine and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. His words, "I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people," resonated widely. Beyond geopolitics, the Pope's social media commentary in October 2025, which championed human dignity for migrants, was viewed by many as a pointed critique of the Trump administration's immigration crackdowns.
Political Idealism and Cinematic Triumph
On the domestic political front, numerous readers cited Zohran Mamdani's mayoral victory in New York City as a defining positive moment. One supporter described being heartened by encountering "kind and thoughtful young people canvassing for Mamdani," seeing it as proof that "idealism and determination to change the world was alive and kicking." Another simply called it one of the only positive US events in recent months.
Meanwhile, in the world of arts, the Oscar success of the Latvian animated film Flow provided a different kind of inspiration. Karen, a retired federal worker from Maryland, chose this as her top story. The dialogue-free film, following a cat's journey after a flood, became the first Latvian production to win an Academy Award, triumphing over major studio blockbusters. For Karen, its victory signalled that there was still room for simple, creative storytelling outside the Hollywood machine.
A Trash Panda's Night Out Unites the Nation
Perhaps the most universally adored story of the year transcended politics and culture entirely: the tale of the drunk raccoon in Virginia. In November, a liquor store employee discovered broken bottles and an apparently inebriated raccoon sleeping on the bathroom floor. The local animal protection service humorously speculated the creature was dealing with "a hangover" and regret over "poor life choices."
The viral story did more than just provoke laughter. It sparked a remarkable fundraising effort. Merchandise featuring the now-iconic image of the sprawled raccoon—branded the "Trashed Panda"—has raised an impressive quarter of a million dollars for the Hanover County animal shelter that cared for him. The shelter noted that while the raccoon provided a laugh, the funds support serious work handling hundreds of wildlife and emergency calls annually.
Bill Combs, a retired professor in Bryce Mountain, Virginia, captured the collective sentiment, observing that the global reaction to the creature was heart-warming proof that "We’re still capable of that, it seems"—a shared moment of unity and light relief in a divided time.
