The Guardian's 2025 collection of photojournalism captures the raw truths of American communities, documenting their hardships and resilience amidst climate threats, inequality, and political turmoil.
This compelling collection of photojournalism, commissioned by The Guardian in 2025, offers a layered portrait of the United States, showcasing both the profound hardships and the enduring resilience of its communities. The images and accompanying stories delve into critical issues such as intensifying climate threats, widening inequality, and political and economic turmoil, going beyond breaking news to capture the complex lives of individuals and groups. Featured narratives include a gun violence survivor who became a therapist, community efforts for food sovereignty in the Blackfeet Nation, a Palestinian organizer's reflections on exile and liberation after ICE detention, and the rise of the 'trad' movement advocating for an older, stricter family order. The collection also highlights a Republican lawmaker's support for clean energy, the lasting emotional wounds of a Black Lives Matter protester shot by police, and the rapid growth of datacenters fueling AI's demand for power and water. It explores the legacy of the Black Panthers through their children, the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Mexican Americans regarding deportation, and a rare story of hope for a Gaza war survivor receiving treatment in the US. Further stories cover faith leaders challenging ultraconservative theology in Oklahoma, the profound transformation of American Jewry, the chaotic impact of Trump's steel tariffs on Rust Belt towns, and the integral role of incarcerated firefighters in battling devastating wildfires. The collection also sheds light on the struggles of unhoused individuals affected by drug policy changes and housing crises, the vulnerable conditions of immigrant workers in disaster recovery, New Mexico's pioneering free childcare initiative, and transgender youth advocating for their healthcare. Other topics include Black men's mental health support groups, food insecurity in Maine, the personal impact of Medicaid cuts, a former White House press secretary's decision to leave the Democratic party, the nation's political polarization, a climate scientist fleeing political attacks on science, and harm reduction efforts for overdose deaths in Alaska.
