16.12.2025

"2025: A Year of Change Captured in Powerful Images"

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors

The Associated Press has curated a compelling photo collection showcasing significant events from November 2025, reflecting a diverse range of social, political, and environmental issues across the globe. Each image captures a unique narrative, illustrating both moments of triumph and those of tragedy.

In Broadview, Illinois, on November 1, 2025, a tense standoff unfolded between law enforcement and protesters outside an ICE processing facility. This event highlighted ongoing debates around immigration policies and enforcement in the United States. The following days saw President Donald Trump speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, as he appeared on November 5, 2025, engaging with business leaders at the Kaseya Center. The political landscape was further marked by the high-stakes competition seen in New York, where mayoral candidates, including independent Andrew Cuomo, gathered on election night on November 4, 2025, to monitor their campaign outcomes.

Amidst political events, natural disasters also made headlines. In Louisville, Kentucky, a plume of smoke was observed over the airport property on November 4, 2025, after reports of a plane crash, raising concerns about aviation safety. The plight of the people affected by climate impacts was emphasized at the People's Summit in Belem, Brazil, where Indigenous groups gathered on November 12, 2025, as part of the COP30 UN Climate Summit. Additionally, a Day of the Dead celebration took place in Susques, Jujuy province, Argentina, on November 1, 2025, where family members lit candles to honor their deceased loved ones, showcasing the rich cultural traditions that continue to bind communities together.

Environmental issues also played a crucial role in news coverage. In New Delhi, on November 2, 2025, migratory birds were seen gathering around a boat as people fed them near the river Yamuna, bringing attention to the delicate balance of urban ecosystems. Meanwhile, the ongoing effects of migration were poignantly captured in a photo of an asylum seeker from Ecuador hugging her father, who was detained by federal agents on July 31, 2025.

Sports and entertainment provided moments of celebration. On November 18, 2025, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, fans erupted with joy after their national soccer team secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Concurrently, the 2025 Miss Universe pageant was held in Nonthaburi, Thailand, where competitors such as Miss Mexico and Miss Thailand awaited the announcement of the winner on November 21, 2025.

The arts also featured prominently, with visuals capturing social movements. Notably, a national march in Brasilia, Brazil, on November 25, 2025, highlighted the fight for racial and gender justice, symbolized by a participant carrying a container marked with the phrase "Who carries the weight?" Furthermore, the gender-based violence protest held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 21, 2025, gained international attention, showcasing the global fight for women’s rights and safety.

In health and humanitarian crises, the impact of Typhoon Fung-wong in the Philippines was evident on November 9, 2025, as families took refuge in evacuation centers. Meanwhile, in Sudan, an injured woman who fled violence in the Darfur region sat in a tent at a camp on October 31, 2025, emphasizing the profound human suffering resulting from geopolitical conflicts.

In sports, Novak Djokovic's reactions during the ATP 250 tennis tournament final in Athens, Greece, on November 8, 2025, highlighted the emotional stakes in competitive sports, while the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated a thrilling Game 7 victory in the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays on November 2, 2025, illustrating America's deep connection to its pastime.

Finally, images from the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict showcased the tense atmosphere, with Israeli soldiers used in crowd control during a protest in Tulkarem, West Bank, on November 18, 2025. In contrast, the story of a hippo calf exploring its environment at the Berlin Zoo on November 6, 2025, offered a glimpse of hope and new beginnings amidst the challenges faced worldwide.

This collection of photographs candidly presents the myriad human experiences encountered daily, from moments of joy to those of despair, demonstrating not only the resilience of individuals but also the urgent and pressing issues that continue to shape our society globally.