Every year, USA TODAY Network visual journalists across the country capture meaningful stories in their local communities that inform, delight and inspire, while documenting historic moments for the nation.
We live in an era where digital manipulation of visual content in society is widespread. However, visual journalists continue to be responsible for capturing and reporting authentic scenes from real life and producing work rooted in truth and accuracy. In 2025, they did just that. From breaking news stories to in-depth investigations and everything in between, our visual journalism has taken readers to people’s stories and places they wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach.
USA TODAY’s 2025 Photos commemorates images from a turbulent year in which visual journalists enlightened our curiosity and captured our attention with moments of joy, political divisions, awe-inspiring nature, the beauty of sporting achievements and struggles.
As the Los Angeles fires raged through Southern California communities, USA TODAY Network’s visual journalists were there to capture the immediate impact and devastation revealed in the aftermath. As the Trump administration ramped up deportations and detentions, the network’s visual journalists were on the ground documenting immigration crackdowns and backlash. As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history sent food pantries and families scrambling for relief, the network’s visual journalists shared stories that shed light on humanity.
This collection is part of thousands of images taken by USA TODAY Network’s visual journalists in 2025. We hope you enjoy these great photos.
— Camille Fine, visual editor
Extreme weather overwhelms local communities
In early 2025, a horrific wildfire broke out that left an indelible mark on Los Angeles. Other parts of the country, including New Jersey and Oklahoma, experience wildfires throughout the year, and devastating tornadoes ripped through the middle of the country in the spring. Canada’s wildfires have caused air quality problems in cities across the country, turning once-vivid skylines into scenes resembling the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
This summer, Chandler, Arizona, was covered in haboobs, walls of dust that can fly hundreds of feet into the air, creating a scene that looked like something straight out of an apocalyptic movie. This November, an extreme space weather event created a dazzling aurora show that dazzled sky-gazers in several states.
Protests sweep across the country
The backlash against Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in January spread quickly and swept the nation. Thousands of people gathered to protest the regime’s polarizing policies.
In Louisville, Kentucky, photojournalists continued to follow Breonna Taylor’s story as supporters protested the U.S. Department of Justice’s recommendation of a one-day prison sentence for former detective Brett Hankison.
memorable sports moments
Win or lose, snow or shine, our photographers worked tirelessly to document the biggest names in sports at major events, and in 2025 we went beyond the surface. We also captured up-and-coming high school athletes who will become the next generation of stars.
Stars at concerts, courtside and red carpets
Photojournalists from Nashville, Southern California, New York and beyond captured the stars’ most memorable moments at concerts, courtside, red carpets, awards shows and more.
See more images that defined the year in USA TODAY’s 2025 Pictures of the Year.
Contributed by Carlie Procell, USA TODAY Graphics
