Good morning.
As we approach the new year, we’re taking a beat to reflect on everything that’s happened throughout 2025. Of course, we can’t recap every single thing — trust us, it’s probably best for your mental health if we don’t. Instead, we’ve sifted through the archives to highlight the most-clicked stories of 2025, from news and pop culture to health and wellness. Now, before we dive in, here are some of my favorites from the year:
The heist straight out of a movie: More than $100 million worth of jewels remain missing from the Louvre. But at least we uncovered the identity of the mysterious “Fedora Man.” Quick, someone check if the alleged surveillance security password is still “LOUVRE.”
Trends I couldn’t ignore: I still don’t know what 6-7 means — and I’ve made peace with that. I don’t think I ever made it into Group 7, but that’s probably a good thing? At least, I managed to save my wallet from the Labubus (and Lafufus) craze.
Pop culture moments that live rent-free in my mind: I’ll always remember where I was when I learned America was getting its own royal wedding. I’ll do my best to forget that Blue Origin flight. And the CEO kiss-cam scandal? It unlocked my 2010s Coldplay phase.
Now, let’s get to the moments you couldn’t get enough of this year…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Your most-clicked stories…
…in news:
🍳 When the FDA expanded its list of “don’t use” cookware products due to potential lead concerns.
📸 The internet needed to point out this glaring detail from VP Kamala Harris’s photo at Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
📰 Remember when Elon Musk and President Donald Trump had their first public fight of the year? Awwwkwaaard.
…in health and wellness:
🤸 Sorry, millennials, leggings are out. And you really wanted to learn about activewear’s next chapter.
🧬 Many “superagers” have this one thing in common. Spoiler: You found that it’s not diet and exercise.
😬 You know you’ve seen it, and you learned its name: “Ozempic face.”
…in pop culture:
🔥 Michelle Obama’s date night outfit is still a talker.
🪨 The Rock debuted a new look and it was… different. Like your gym crush went method.
✨ The year Nicole Kidman raised the bar for the “revenge gown.”
What we learned about you…
Costco and you, a real love story… Whether it’s a beloved snack that’s back in stock, a Crumbl dupe, or the drama with its Lululemon-type pants, we can definitely tell you’re all about the membership. This doesn’t mean you rule out others, like Trader Joe’s — those tote bags got you good, as did these “rude” faux pas. Or Target, even if its “10-4” policy makes you uncomfortable.
Relationships are hard… and you want to learn how to navigate all of them. Communication is key — and this phrase is something you clearly didn’t want in your vocabulary. When it comes to parenting tips, you’re curious about what Kylie Kelce has to say. And at work, it seems like flexibility reigns supreme (hello, microshifting).
Protein is on your menu… If there’s a fruit or type of nut that packs a major protein punch, you want to know about it. Building muscle is top of mind — and you’re looking for easy ways to make it happen. Just like you’re curious about aging and maintaining your brain health.
Once and for all, let's settle this…
The questions you absolutely needed answers to…
🤔 Costco is planning to open this first standalone business operation. What is it?
🏠 Which room is disappearing from new home designs?
💪 Are these nine foods actually high in protein?
👀 Could eating this fruit give your muscles a protein-like boost?
🥤 President Trump’s executive order is bringing back plastic straws. Does he have a point?
In Case You Missed It
Welcome to Q5 — a made-up thing where the sales are still really good but you’re not really sure what day it is. Hopefully you’re not working, which means more time for shopping:
Game Time
Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.
Photos by Getty Images, Brand Partners
Design by theSkimm
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
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