As 2025 slips into the rearview mirror, the Tribune’s selections for persons of the year bring glimmers of hope at the end of a year that nearly erased the word from the dictionary.
2025 brought National Guard troops into cities, ostensibly to protect ICE agents against Portland protestors wearing frog costumes; to help ICE agents invade a Chicago apartment building, as they indiscriminately arrested occupants; and pick up trash in Washington DC. It also brought the “Big Beautiful Bill”, making tax cuts permanent for the wealthiest while cutting life-saving access to food and health care. 2025 also brought new attention to the ongoing cover-ups that have protected Epstein’s pedophile ring with its high-profile enablers and participants, that appear to include Trump himself. Etcetera, ad nauseum.
And yet — in the season where multiple faith traditions celebrate light and all it symbolizes — winter solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanza — real light did shine.
Judge Gibson’s decision took great courage, rightfully earning her the “readers’ choice” Person of the Year honor. However, note that her decision was the capstone to the work done by citizens who put Prop 4 on the ballot, voted for it, and then litigated to protect it. Similarly, the editorial board’s selection of “Protect Utah Workers” honors the work of multiple organizations and volunteers who pushed back against the union-busting HB267. Nationwide, public pressure is beginning to open the Epstein files and to put cracks in other walls that block hope and light.
So, as 2026 begins, keep finding ways to let in light and hope. Just as “death by a thousand cuts” is a reality, a single candle can light a room and many candles light the whole night. As we look toward a legislative session where efforts will be made to reverse these “wins,” choose life. Light candles.
Ellen Brady, Murray
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