Whew… We finally made it to the end of 2025! This year was filled with enough drama to satisfy the next decade, from President Donald Trump completely demolishing the East Wing for his personal ballroom to the viral Coldplay CEO cheating scandal. Now, it’s safe to say that 2025 was chaotic, confusing but definitely entertaining!
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But while it’s hard to keep up with all the mess in the news, we’ve got you covered with some of the biggest stories this year and the plot twists that followed. Just take a look…
Toosii Becomes D1 Athlete
Atlanta singer Toosii is putting his music career on hold to chase another one of his dreams. But while fans are congratulating him for committing to Syracuse University as a Division 1 football athlete, the news came as a shock to many, we previously told you. Before committing to Syracuse, the “Love Cycle” singer made visits to Duke University and Sacramento State. In the end, Toosii wanted to return to the place he was born, Syracuse.
Brian McKnight vs. His Own Sons
While singer Brian McKnight disowned his oldest children way before 2025, no one could’ve predicted how low he’d go following the tragic death of his own son, Niko. We told you Niko died from cancer earlier this year, and according to McKnight’s oldest child, Brian McKnight Jr., the singer was extremely cruel in Niko’s last days alive.
McKnight Jr. told interviewer Marc Lamont Hill, “All my brother wanted, and needed, asked for, was my father to tell him that he loves him. And my father responds to my brother: ‘I can’t arbitrarily say that I love you.’ But this is the man that wanted to help him?” McKnight Jr. said.
Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns
Ga. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced plans to resign from Congress in January 2026. The move shocked the nation given the tension between the Republican and the rest of her party. Greene even stunned MAGA when she repeatedly criticized Trump and the entire Republican party over the past year. It’s unclear what is next for Greene, but insiders believe she may be plotting her revenge against Trump.
‘Love Island’ Star Olandria Carthen Becomes ‘It Girl’
Even though Olandria Carthen didn’t win season seven of “Love Island,” she surely won over the hearts of America! The reality television star was a fan favorite while on the dating show, and after leaving the villa, Carthen’s stardom never dimmed. No one expected Carthen to capitalize off the success of the show. Now, she’s landed major brand deals, partnerships and even scoring invitations to the most exclusive fashion rooms. That’s why she’s one of the 2025 The Root 100 honorees.
Trump and Mamdani Get Along
A Democratic socialist and an accused fascist being in the same room sounds like the beginning of a joke, but that’s exactly what happened when Trump and New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani had their very first meeting on Nov. 21. Most folks figured the meeting would result in the two leaders with conflicting ideals never getting along. But instead, Trump and Mamdani were able to come to a common ground about how to best serve New York City residents.
Army Helicopter Crashes into American Airlines Plane
On Jan. 29, an U.S. army helicopter— model Sikorsky H-60— collided with a passenger plane carrying 60 people, according to CBS News. Footage of the crash shows the Black Hawk helicopter flying directly into the plane. The Independent reported that among the victims were several US Figure Skating Championship contestants and coaches. There were no survivors.
Democrats Dominate Elections
In the Nov. 4 election, Democrats celebrated major wins across the nation. From Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s win to Virginia choosing the first female governor in Democrat Abigail Spanberger, it’s clear that American voters resonated with Democrats more than Republicans in the face of Trump. Californians overwhelming voted in favor of Prop 50, which gives the state the right to redraw voting district lines ahead of the 2026 midterms. It seems the Democrats are regrouping and gaining more popularity among voters, and this could spell out trouble for the president.
Diddy’s Verdict
The jury in the federal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs reached a mixed verdict on July 2, which sent shockwaves across the nation. Diddy was found not guilty on racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking of his ex-girlfriends Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura and Jane Doe. He was however sentenced to 50 months in prison on two counts of prostitution.
Cuts to SNAP Benefits
Over 40 million Americans went without food assistance benefits for the first time in American history this past Nov. 1. Several judges ordered the president to fund SNAP benefits despite the active government shutdown. The president fought back, refusing to hand out the funding. Eventually, Democrats gave in to Republican demands and the government opened back up, restoring SNAP. But the president announced that millions of SNAP recipients will have to undergo another application process in efforts to root out unnecessary spending. Almost half of the states have sued over the matter.
Coldplay Cheating Scandal
During a July Coldplay concert, a couple was put on the jumbo screen in an interaction that went viral. Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were coupled up until they realized they were on camera and dramatically separated. Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin reacted saying, “Oh look at these two. Alright, come on. You’re OK. Wait, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.” Byron’s wife has since filed for divorce.
No Kings Protests
June 14 marked the 250th anniversary of the Army and the president’s 79th birthday. To celebrate, he organized a military parade that was met with national outrage. This ultimately led to the “No Kings Day” protests on June 14 and again on Oct. 18. The protests were reportedly the largest in American history, suggesting that more and more Americans are loudly opposing Trump and exercising their First Amendment right.
Renovating the White House
In October, Trump made yet another change to the White House when he decided to completely tear down the East Wing to build a ballroom which could occupy 1,000 people. The move was heavily criticized… but when has scrutiny ever stopped Trump from doing exactly what he wants?
Kendrick Lamar Name Drops Drake at Superbowl
We know what you’re thinking: “Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was really this year?!” Although it seems like forever ago, the Compton rapper’s Superbowl performance will go down as one of the most memorable in halftime history. For starters, to name-drop Canadian rapper Drake after beefing with him for months was already shocking. But Lamar also performed “Not Like Us,” his diss to Drake, in full while on stage. During the show, the entire stadium could be heard screaming “A minorrrrrrrr…” Ouch.
Trump, Elon Musk Break Up
No one could’ve predicted Trump would get into a social media war with his biggest campaign donor, tech CEO Elon Musk. In July, the pair split after Musk took issue with Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Act and the consequences were explosive. Musk claimed on X that Trump wouldn’t have won a second term without him. He also claimed Trump’s name is in the Epstein files, which sent the internet ablaze.
Handing Out Pardons to Capitol Rioters
Just as he promised in 2024, Trump pardoned, commuted the prison sentences or vowed to dismiss the cases of all 1,500 people charged with crimes connected to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, according to the White House. Trump announced the pardons on the very first day of his second term. One of the convicted rioters– a woman named Pamela Hemphill– refused the president’s pardon. “The J6 criminals are trying to rewrite history by saying that it was not a riot; it wasn’t an insurrection,” Hemphill told BBC. “I don’t want to be a part of their trying to rewrite what happened that day.”
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