This year, New York City provided the setting for some of the biggest headlines. From a Blackety-Black Met Gala to a historic mayoral election to one of the most high-profile trials of the century, all eyes were on the Big Apple in 2025.
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Before we close the books on 2025, we’re looking back at some of the biggest news stories that went down in New York City this year.
The Blackety-Black Met Gala
From the Gala co-chairs, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and Colman Domingo to the dress code, “Tailored for You,” everything about the 2025 Met Gala was a celebration of Black style and culture.
This year’s theme was inspired by the Costume Institute’s exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which explored the best of Black men’s style from the 18th century to today.
A New Political Era
The race to become New York City’s next mayor was one of the city’s biggest stories of the year. In September 2025, current Mayor Eric Adams dropped his bid for reelection, making way for New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani to win both the Democratic nomination and the general election. Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist who ran on a platform of affordability, managed to beat his opponents, Republican Curtis Sliwa and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent.
Taking a Dig at 50
Although many residents were excited about Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York’s next mayor, one prominent native son was not on board.
Rapper-entrepreneur and Queens native 50 Cent has been extremely outspoken on social media about his feelings since the Mamdani win, even offering the mayor-elect $258,750 and a first-class one-way ticket out of the city for good.
The “In Da Club” rapper said he believes Mamdani’s economic policy of raising taxes on the wealthy will cause many of the businesses that call New York City home to leave in droves,
The Diddy Verdict
One of the most high-profile trials in recent history came to an end this year. After a two-months of testimony, former Bad Boy Records CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking and guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution in July 2025. In October 2025, he was sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison.
Shakeup at Hot 97
There was plenty of shakeup at popular New York radio station Hot 97 after two popular shows came to an end. In August, legendary DJ Funkmaster Flex announced on social media that Labor Day would be his last show on the station.
On Dec. 12, hosts of “Ebro in the Morning” confirmed that their long-running gabfest was coming to an end. In a video released online, co-host Ebro Darden claimed that the decision to cancel the show was a business decision based on his outspoken criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Letitia James
President Donald Trump wasted no time kicking off his retribution tour when he took office in January 2025, going after New York Attorney General Letitia James who sued Donald Trump and the Trump organization in 2022, accusing him of inflating his net worth.
James was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on one count after a mortgage fraud investigation in October 2025, but a federal judge dismissed the case against her in November.
Luigi Mangione
Luigi Mangione stayed in the headlines in 2025 as his trial got underway in Manhattan in September 2025. Mangione is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in late 2024.
Purpose on Broadway
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Purpose” took home the Tony Award for Best Play in 2025. The award made Jacobs-Jenkins one of only three playwrights who have won back-to-back Tony Awards and the first Black playwright to do so. Directed by Phylicia Rashad, the play follows a prominent Black family who have scandalous secrets beneath the surface.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
All eyes were on Brooklyn as the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show kicked off Oct. 15 in a star-studded showcase of sexy intimate apparel and colorful sportswear from the iconic brand. WNBA star Angel Reese was among the beautiful angels who strut their stuff on the star-studded runway. Rapper Missy Elliot helped provide a banging soundtrack, treating the audience to a medley of her hits.
Misty Copeland Takes Her Final Bow
Misty Copeland took her final curtain call at New York City’s Lincoln Center on Oct. 22, her last performance with the American Ballet Theatre. Copeland made history in 2015 when she became the first Black woman to be named a Principal Dancer in the company’s history. Although her days on stage are behind her, Copeland says she plans to continue to work to make ballet more accessible to all people.
“Although I’ll be saying farewell to the stage, I’ll always be committed to opening doors, creating space, and making ballet a place where everyone belongs,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
Venus Williams Returns to the Court
Tennis star Venus Williams made a triumphant return to the court in 2025 when she played in her 25th US Open. Although she lost in the first round of singles, she made it to the quarterfinals in women’s doubles with partner Leylah Fernandez of Canada.
At age 45, Williams was the oldest singles player in the tournament since Renee Richards played in 1981 at age 47.
A Brand New Studio Museum in Harlem
Seven years after closing in 2018, the Studio Museum in Harlem opened its doors to art lovers in a new 82,000-square-foot building in November.
In addition to a 9,000-piece permanent collection, the new museum also has a rotating canvas to showcase works from various artists in residence.
“It was always this museum’s goal to be a home for Black art. And the collection really represents a cross-generational, amazing conversation between artists who made works over 100 years ago, and artists who are making work right now,” museum director, Thelma Golden told Gothamist.
Casino Wars
Rappers Nas and Jay-Z found themselves locked in yet another beef in 2025 as they battled over the right to build a new casino in their beloved hometown. In late September, Jay-Z’s bid to erect a casino in Times Square was squashed. However, Nas’ dream is still alive, as the New York State Gaming Commission voted on Dec. 15 to approve his pitch to build a casino at the Aqueduct Resorts World in Queens.
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