2025: The images that stayed with us

2025: The images that stayed with us As the year draws to a close, photographs offer us a way to look back at the moments that defined the year. This collection brings together images made by NPR photojournalists working in communities across the country, photographers who are documenting moments both consequential and quietly human throughout the year. These images don't just cover the year's biggest headlines, though, they linger on scenes, sometimes not widely known, that stayed with the people behind the cameras. Together, these images and the accompanying reflections from their photographers form a record of just a few of the stories we covered this year. They also remind us that journalism not only documents the facts of history as it unfolds on a national or international stage but also as it is witnessed and felt each day in the many places that we call home. Mason "Bric" LaDue, a hip-hop music industry professional turned cattle rancher, takes the reins off of his horse, Valero, on Feb. 5, 2025, at his family's ranch in Marquez, Texas. Michael Minasi/KUT News hide caption toggle caption Michael Minasi / KUT News Rap To Ranch Marquez, Texas Mason "Bric" LaDue, a hip-hop music industry professional turned cattle rancher, doesn't go by Bric anymore and has largely left behind a decades-long career as a tour manager and promoter for the quiet fields of cattle , his old life still etched in his arms and hands in the form of skeletal tattoos. People outside of Texas might assume it is a cultural monolith of barbecue and cowboy hats, both of which are present and excellent, but I love that LaDue fuses all of that with the vibrant and varied music scenes of places like Houston and Dallas. Capturing this nuance while hanging out with Mason on the ranch feels like what journalism is supposed to do - challenge stereotypes and complicate the stories we tell about ourselves and our neighbors. - Michael Minasi, KUT News Rebecca Zuber comforts her husband, Randy, on the anniversary of their daughter Sarah's death, at their home in Rainier, Ore., on March 13, 2025. Sarah Zuber, 18, was found dead 400 feet from her front door. Six years later, her family still has no clue what happened to their daughter. Kristyna Wentz-Graff/OPB hide caption toggle caption Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB Searching for Sarah Rainier, Ore. It was a crisp March morning when I met Rebecca and Randy Zuber on the sixth anniversary of their daughter's death. Sarah, 18, was found dead just 400 feet from her front door, and authorities have yet to determine what happened to her. As the Zubers shared memories about her, Randy dropped his head and cried. Bearing witness to people's grief and pain is one of the hardest aspects of my work. Why make these photos at all? I believe these moments can help foster connection - they help us relate to others and, at best, perhaps not feel so alone. I see more than...

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