2025 highlights: The stories, moments that shaped the year

by · UPI

Dec. 23 (UPI) -- From politics and global affairs to health, entertainment, sports and photography, UPI published a range of year-end reviews in 2025. Here is a curated roundup of those stories and photo collections looking back at the year so far.

Politics and global affairs

2025 in review: Trump's White House return dominates headlines -- Donald Trump's return to the White House drove much of the political news cycle in 2025, shaping domestic policy debates and global reaction.

Organized crime drove political shift in Latin America in 2025 -- Organized crime played a central role in reshaping political outcomes across several Latin American countries during 2025.

Related

2025 was tumultuous year at U.S. health agencies under Trump, RFK Jr. -- Leadership changes and policy shifts led to a turbulent year for U.S. health agencies amid political pressure and public scrutiny.

Movies and entertainment

2025's best movies: Outrageous horror, unsettling indies -- UPI's critic highlighted a year dominated by bold horror films and independent movies that challenged audiences.

2025's worst movies: Soulless product, ill-conceived awards bait -- Big budgets and prestige ambitions fell flat in a year marked by underwhelming sequels and misfires.

Video games and pop culture

The Top 5 video games of 2025 -- From major franchises to breakout titles, these five games stood out in a competitive year for the industry.

Odd News

Odd 2025: The 10 oddest Guinness World Records of the year -- From quirky feats to jaw-dropping accomplishments, these unusual records stood out in 2025.

Photos of the Year

UPI Pictures of the Year: 25 stunning images -- A curated collection of striking photographs capturing defining moments from around the world in 2025.

UPI Pictures of the Year 2025: Moving news moments -- Powerful images documenting emotional and historic news events from the year.

UPI Pictures of the Year 2025: Winning moments in Sports -- Photos capturing championship celebrations and defining athletic achievements from 2025.

UPI Pictures of the Year: Most photogenic celebrity moments -- A look at standout celebrity images from red carpets, premieres and major cultural events.

Notable deaths of 2025

Greg Biffle
Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle waits for a chance to return to practice at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla., on February 20, 2016. Biffle, his wife and two children were among six people killed in a small plane crash on December 18. Biffle was 55. Photo by Edwin Locke/UPI | License Photo