The Guardian is launching a call to its readers across the United States, asking them to reflect on the year 2025 and share the news moments that provided a beacon of hope. This initiative seeks to highlight the uplifting headlines that shone through amidst what has been a period of difficult and challenging global events.
A Search for Light in the Headlines
While the news cycle is often dominated by stories of conflict, crisis, and concern, The Guardian recognises the profound importance of positive developments. The publication is now actively soliciting personal accounts from Americans about the specific news items that lifted their spirits over the past twelve months. They want to hear which events or reports served as a personal "ray of light" during 2025.
The request is open-ended, encouraging contributors to think about any story that resonated with them on a positive level. This could range from a major scientific breakthrough and acts of community kindness to a significant cultural moment or a political agreement that fostered optimism. The core question posed to readers is: what gave you hope or brought you happiness in the news this year?
How to Share Your Story Securely
The Guardian has established multiple secure channels for readers to submit their responses. Participants must be aged 18 or over and can choose to contribute anonymously if they prefer. The primary method is via an encrypted form on The Guardian's website, to which only the newspaper's editorial team has access.
All personal data provided will be used solely for the purpose of this feature and will be deleted once it is no longer required. For those seeking alternative secure communication methods, The Guardian also offers options via WhatsApp and Signal on +447766780300. For fully anonymous communication, they direct users to their Secure Messaging service.
Terms and Participation Details
Prospective contributors are advised to review the full terms of service and privacy policy before sharing their experiences. The Guardian assures that all responses will be handled with the utmost care for security and confidentiality. This project aims to curate a collection of personal reflections that showcase the hopeful undercurrents of the past year, as identified by the public themselves.
The callout is symbolically framed by an image from the start of the year: an electronic board in Times Square displaying 'Happy New Year' on 1 January 2025, captured by photographer Adam Gray for Reuters. It serves as a reminder of the optimism with which the year began and the moments worth celebrating as it concludes.
