As 2025 wraps up, The Associated Press has curated a list of memorable stories and enjoyable reads published this year that you may have missed in the flurry of news and the busyness of living.
Robert Friedrichs and the Search for Miss Atomic Bomb
Historian and retired scientist Robert Friedrichs spent decades hunting a 1957 promotional photograph of a Las Vegas showgirl known as Miss Atomic Bomb. The image, used to market nuclear tourism, had vanished from the historical record. Friedrichs finally solved the mystery, closing a long-standing gap in mid-century American history.
Khaled Kazziha’s Lion-Killing Tragedy
Nairobi assistant AP news director Khaled Kazziha recounts the shock of a lion killing a 14-year-old girl about a kilometer (0.6 mile) from his home. He lives alongside lions in Nairobi, and the incident highlights the human-wildlife collision that is both dazzling and dangerous. Kazziha says the problem’s solution requires greater awareness of how to behave around predators.
Miami Superstar and the Pitbull Fan Trend
In a lighter story, a Miami superstar explains how his fan base embraced a nationwide dress-up trend. White shirts, black ties, bald caps, and goatees became the new fashion, turning fans into a living clone army. The superstar’s observation underscores how pop culture can quickly spread a new style worldwide.
Sechita McNair’s Fight for Education
Out-of-work film veteran Sechita McNair in Atlanta refuses to give up. After an eviction, she relentlessly pursues a better education for her child, navigating a seesaw of wins and setbacks. McNair’s story is a realistic portrait of resilience, not a fairy-tale ending.
Nicole Winfield’s Inside Look at Pope Francis
AP Vatican correspondent Nicole Winfield reports on her complex relationship with Pope Francis during his papacy. A tense exchange aboard the papal plane about the clergy sex-abuse scandal in Chile marked a turning point. Pope Francis later told her that it was a turning point in his understanding of the depths of the abuse scandal. Francis died in April.
Big Tech’s Role in China’s Surveillance State
AP’s investigation into U.S. Big Tech’s involvement in China’s digital surveillance state required interviewing more than 100 sources, scouring tens of thousands of documents, and obtaining several major leaks of internal and classified material. The story reveals how Silicon Valley enabled brutal mass detention and surveillance in China.
Tom Cillo’s College Football Dream
At 58, Tom Cillo enrolls at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and survives NCAA Division III football tryouts. He plays in his first-ever college football game this year, turning a lifelong dream into reality. Cillo’s story reminds readers that it’s never too late to pursue a passion.
U.S. Scheme to Lure Maduro’s Pilot
A story full of intrigue details a secret meeting at an airport hangar and high-stakes diplomacy. The U.S. sought to lure Nicolás Maduro’s pilot into betraying the Venezuelan leader. The events read like a Cold War spy thriller but actually happened, illustrating the lengths to which governments will go to topple a regime.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Friedrichs solved a long-standing mystery about a 1957 nuclear tourism photo.
- A lion killed a 14-year-old girl in Nairobi, spotlighting dangerous human-wildlife interactions.
- Pope Francis’s conversation with Nicole Winfield marked a pivotal moment in his understanding of clergy abuse.
- AP’s Big Tech investigation exposed the U.S. tech industry’s role in China’s surveillance.
- Tom Cillo’s 58-year-old debut shows that dreams can be pursued at any age.
The AP roundup captures a year of diverse and impactful stories, from historic mysteries to bold political maneuvers, reminding us that the world is full of unexpected narratives worth revisiting.
