PHOTOS: 2025 AJC Photos of the Year

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AJC photographers captured the daily joys, losses, celebrations and protests across metro Atlanta and the state — including the funeral ceremony of President Jimmy Carter, UGA's pursuit for football victory, the All-Star game, college graduations, ICE protests, weddings and everyday life.

Crystal Edmonson (from left), broadcast editor of
Atlanta Business Chronicle, Thomas Marshall, general counsel and executive vice president of USPS, Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, and Beth Davis, chief operating officer at the Carter Center, unveil the Jimmy Carter Forever Stamp during the Jimmy Carter Commemorative Forever Stamp First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony at the Carter Center on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. The U.S. Postal Service launched a Forever stamp commemorating Carter on Oct. 1, which would have been his 101st birthday. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Juana Alzaga, director of Buford Highway Orchestra, instructs her orchestra at Latin American Association on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Atlanta. This orchestra is comprised of the children of Central and South American immigrants who’ve made new homes along north Atlanta’s Buford Highway, one of the most diverse corridors in the South. For most, this is their only opportunity for music education. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

T. Williams, 7, finishes first in his age group during Peachtree Junior on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Atlanta. More than 3,000 kids gathered at Lenox Square to participate in the the youth edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Peachtree Road Race sponsored by Chick-Fil-A. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (left) and Bayern Munich midfielder Konrad Laimer collide on a header during a Club World Cup quarterfinals match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Atlanta. Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 over Bayern Munich. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Sen. Colton Moore, R-Trenton, scuffles with a staff member as he attempts to enter the state House of Representatives for the State of the State address at the Georgia Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. Moore was banned from the House last year after comments he made about the late House Speaker David Ralston. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Michigan State forward Coen Carr dunks against Mississippi in the NCAA Tournament’s South Regional semifinal at State Farm Arena on Friday, March, 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Aubrey Allen, 17, holds up an American flag while posing for photos outside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the last day of Beyoncè’s “Cowboy Carter” tour on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

2025 winner Rory McIlroy celebrates as his green jacket is put on by 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Augusta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

2025 AJC Super 11 Buford athlete Tyriq "Ty Boogie" Green, verbally committed to Georgia, poses for a portrait at Buford High School on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Buford. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Cirque du Soleil acrobat and Atlanta resident Terrance Robinson flips through a hoop during rehearsal at The Big Top on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Fitzgerald Webb looks at his chest for the first time after top surgery at his home in Atlanta on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is sacked by Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Georgia players take on the field before an NCAA football game against Mississippi at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens. Georgia won 43-35 over Mississippi. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Thousands lined up along Peachtree Street for the annual Dragon Con Parade on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Mayor Andre Dickens shakes hands with supporters during his Election Day watch party at the Hyatt Regency hotel after winning a second term on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Atlanta-born rapper JID poses for a photo at Walter's Clothing store on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Atlanta. JID released his highly-anticipated fourth studio album on Aug. 8. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

The Honor Guard surrounds former President Jimmy Carter’s flag-draped casket as he lies in repose at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Atlanta. Carter passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in Plains. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Vice President JD Vance speaks at ALTA Refrigeration on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Peachtree City. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

A Donald Trump supporter becomes emotional as Trump’s inauguration is played on a livestream at Capital One Arena on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (center) is upended by Georgia Tech defensive back Ahmari Harvey at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies slides into home during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Atlanta. The Braves won 10-0. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Obie Brannon hits a shot from the downed tree stump from Hurricane Helene as Walt Steward, both students at Dental College of Georgia, looks on from their front yard — located within a mile away from Augusta National Golf Club — on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Augusta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Rory McIlroy tees off from the 18th hole during the final round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Augusta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Georgia defensive back Daylen Everette (right) breaks up a pass intended for Mississippi wide receiver Deuce Alexander during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Athens. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Porto’s Samu Aghehowa makes a shot on goal past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari during a Club World Cup group A soccer match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Graduates react as Bishop T.D. Jakes delivers a commencement address during the 2025 Morris Brown College commencement exercises at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Deep South Wrestling’s Luka Daniels is boo’d by children in the audience during the Summer Shade Festival at Grant Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge signs balls before the Home Run Derby during MLB All-Star Week at Truist Park on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Samuel Perry salutes during the national anthem while attending the Memorial Day ceremony at Marietta National Cemetery on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Marietta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Photographer Jim Alexander sits with a small portion of images from his archive at Emory University’s Rose Library on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. His collection is being preserved at the library as part of its permanent archive. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Atlanta United supporters fire a flare as they cheer, ready to march to Mercedes-Benz Stadium before Atlanta United faces Inter Miami, on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Dekalb police advance on activists protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests along Buford Highway on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Daisy Moran (left) and Constance Felton stand as police block their marching route during a protest on ICE raids and deportation arrests along Chamblee Tucker Road on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Buford. Ceudy is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Dan Moore Jr., president of the Apex Museum, poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. The museum, founded by the late Dan Moore Sr., highlights Black history and culture. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Georgia tight end Oscar Delp (left) runs past the tackle attempt by Florida defensive back Sharif Denson after a reception by Delp during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Jason Getz/AJC)

A soldier holds a Fort Gordon flag during a base renaming ceremony at Fort Gordon on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Augusta. Fort Gordon, originally named after a Confederate general and renamed Fort Eisenhower in 2023, has gone back to its previous name. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

A member of the DeKalb County police honor guard hands Dekalb County police officer David Rose’s daughter a flag during his funeral at First Baptist Church Atlanta on Friday, August 22, 2025. Rose was killed in the line of duty when responding to a shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this year. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

A DeKalb County police officers attend the Final Honors following the memorial service for DeKalb County police Officer David Rose, who was killed while responding to the Aug. 8 shooting at the CDC, outside the First Baptist Church Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Bullet holes are visible in a CDC building on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, after a deadly shooting Friday in Atlanta. A man opened fire on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, killing a police officer who tried to stop him, authorities said. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

A young girl holds a sign outside of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Atlanta. As Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. purges and reconstitutes the CDC vaccine advisory panel, advocates gather to protest on the dangers to health. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Kelly Vinal walks through debris in her space at South River Arts Studio in DeKalb County on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. The artist studio was damaged in a fire. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Leigh Fant, the wife of Preston Fant, becomes emotional after receiving a proclamation honoring her late husband during the memorial service for fallen DeKalb County firefighter Preston Fant at Truist Park on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Metro Atlanta firefighters line the field as a hearse carrying Preston Fant arrives for the memorial service at Truist Park on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

The casket of R&B singer Angie Stone rests at Word of Faith Cathedral on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Austell. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Kirk Franklin sings during the funeral service for singer Angie Stone at Word of Faith Cathedral on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Austell. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

“Cadillac Chronicles TV” creator and host Brian Freeman sits in his 1974 Cadillac Eldorado on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Fans line up along Peachtree Street before the annual Dragon Con Parade on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Jessica Rock is pictured with her dogs Stella (left), a 6-year-old Shorty Bull, and Dakota Blue, a 7-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier, at her home on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Peachtree Corners. Rock is Georgia’s animal law prosecutor. Rock helped convict a dogfighter who was sentenced to 475 years in prison. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Cortney LaFloy relaxes in her home garden on Monday, June 9, 2025, in Decatur. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Mallorye Crowell, founder of The Higher Foundation, washes Layla Brown’s hair at Lux Studio Salon Suites on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The Higher Salon, which operates under the foundation, provides free hair care services to Georgians in need. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Savannah Elahee, 18, visits Piedmont Park in Atlanta on Monday, May 19, 2025. Elahee, who has mental health struggles, finds peace at the park. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Mark Boggs (center) hugs Kirstyn Bauer after the verdict of the sentencing hearing for Matthew Lanz at the Cobb County Superior Court on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Marietta. Boggs is the father of one of the two victims, Amber Hicks. Matthew Lanz is convicted of murdering Justin Hicks, a Cherokee firefighter, and his wife, Amber, in their Acworth home in 2021. (Jason Getz /AJC)

Chara and David Lee get married on Halloween at the Fulton County Courthouse on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Atlanta rapper Quavo smiles after being surprised with a special gift by Derek Schiller, president and CEO of the Atlanta Braves, with the team’s 2021 championship ring during the MLB All-Star Celebrity Game at Truist Park on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Zookeeper Kirby Miller feeds African savanna elephant Kelly at Zoo Atlanta on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Baseball players watch the fireworks show after the HBCU Swingman Classic game at Truist Park on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Oumou Diallo (left) and Ablie Sarr dance to a slow song at The Jheri Curl, a spinoff event of Slow Drag, the monthly dance party that celebrates ’70s soul music, at Atlantucky Brewing on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (Natrice Mille/AJC)

Supporters and public health workers, including fired Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers, gather at the Capitol on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, in Atlanta to protest the CDC cuts of hundreds of employees. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Malachi Chaney, 19, takes a closer look at the remains of their Henry County home for the first time after it was destroyed by an EF-2 tornado on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Locust Grove. Chaney was thrown 300 feet during the tornado on May 29. (Jason Getz/AJC)

An aerial photo shows Bourbon Street where a vehicle drove into a crowd and killed at least 14 people on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The deliberate attack forced the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, where University of Georgia was to compete. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

A runner goes through the cooling station at “Cardiac Hill” during the 56th running of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

“City Lights” host Lois Reitzes conducts a pre-taped interview at WABE on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Atlanta. She has retired after 46 years with the station. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

A woman walks in the rain past an art installation in Woodruff Park on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Former State Rep. “Able” Mabel Thomas fist bumps a member of the community following a protest to rally against the new Georgia Power substation being built in Vine City on Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Store clerk Connell Daniels Jr. works behind a bulletproof glass as his shift has just started at 12:30 a.m. at JJ Food Mart on Thursday, June 27, 2025, in Atlanta. The 24-hour store remains a key grocery source for residents in an area known for its dangers. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Stetson Ely, 12, watches television while his father, Matt, looks on at their home on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Canton. At 17 months old, Stetson was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Storyteller Josie Bailey tells “The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales” in front of guests from Jack and Jill Atlanta at The Wren's Nest on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Fans film as BunnaB performs at Center Stage on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Atlanta. “The past few months have been going really fast, actually, faster than I thought,” she said. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Pope David, acted by second grader David Levergood, makes his appearance after being elected as the new pope during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Cumming. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Mahendra Patel appears for his bond hearing in a Cobb County courtroom on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Marietta. Patel, who was accused of trying to kidnap a child at a Walmart in March, was in the Cobb jail for more than 40 days without bond. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Lauren Chambers feeds her 6-month-old son Hayden as her daughter Lola, 2, plays at their home on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Smyrna. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

A wedding party crosses Howell Mill Road near the Interlock in the west Midtown neighborhood of Atlanta on Friday, March 14, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Rosalyn Martin sits inside her apartment at Mary Hall Freedom Village on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Martin is currently training to become a correctional officer after being homeless and recovering from addiction following the deaths of her father and brother. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

State Rep. Imani Barnes, D-Tucker, tosses a paper airplane at the House of Representatives inside the Capitol in Atlanta on Sine Die, Friday, April 4, 2025, the final day of the legislative session. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Atlanta rapper Trinidad James poses for a photo at his new boutique, Hommewrk, inside Underground Atlanta on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

“The Round Table Game Show” cast members Beverly “Bevvy Boo” Buo (from left), Vanessa D. Fant and Tee Sanders hold in their laughs during the filming of Season 3 on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Atlanta. The viral show is a competition that brings the cast members together to say funny fake deep quotes to make each other laugh. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Pageant winners Tatenda Ramaeu (from left), Alyssa Fields and Vitalia Collins wait for a tea party sponsored by state Sen. Donzella James, D-Atlanta, in the Capitol on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

HHS and CDC staff salute to departing leaders Debra Houry, Demetre Daskalakis and Daniel Jernigan at the CDC headquarters on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Atlanta. Top leaders who resigned their positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after the ouster of the agency’s director were escorted out of the building Thursday morning. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Snow falls on Centennial Olympic Park Drive in downtown Atlanta on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

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Crystal Edmonson (from left), broadcast editor of Atlanta Business Chronicle, Thomas Marshall, general counsel and executive vice president of USPS, Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, and Beth Davis, chief operating officer at the Carter Center, unveil the Jimmy Carter Forever Stamp during the Jimmy Carter Commemorative Forever Stamp First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony at the Carter Center on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. The U.S. Postal Service launched a Forever stamp commemorating Carter on Oct. 1, which would have been his 101st birthday. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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