The Eagles won the Super Bowl, of course, and the Phillies captured the NL East title before falling out of the playoffs in excruciating fashion. These were the biggest stories for Philadelphia fans in 2025, but there was much more.
Dazzling rookie VJ Edgecombe brought new hope for the Sixers, while the downtrodden Flyers showed new fight under coach Rick Tocchet. The city’s iconic events, the Broad Street Run and the Philadelphia Marathon, were as thrilling as ever. The PGA Tour paid a visit this summer. And the NCAA wrestling championships brought a different vibe to the city.
The Inquirer’s photographers were there to capture it all. Here’s a look at our best photos of 2025.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Rams safety Jaylen McCollough during their playoff matchup on Jan. 19. The Eagles won, 28-22.A reveler climbs a pole on Broad Street near City Hall as Eagles fans celebrate the NFC championship rout of the Washington Commanders on Jan. 26.
A tailgater makes use of a personal porta-potty in a Lincoln Financial Field parking lot on Jan. 19. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni gets a Gatorade shower from DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown late in the Super Bowl rout of the Kansas City Chiefs.Eagles players are reflected in the Lombardi Trophy after the 40-22 win against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9.Fireworks fly at the Art Museum at the conclusion of the Super Bowl LIX victory parade on Feb. 14.Imhotep Charter star RJ Smith (1) celebrates with his teammates after they beat Samuel Fels High, 71-66, in the Public League championship game on Feb. 23. Fans sramble to avoid a foul ball during a Phillies spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Feb. 25 in Port Charlotte, Fla.St. Joseph’s guard Laura Ziegler (left) is mobbed by Paula Maurina (right) and teammates after her game-winning shot against Richmond in the Atlantic 10 semifinals on March 8.La Salle’s retiring basketball coach, Fran Dunphy (left), receives a six-pack of beer and other mementos from St. Joseph’s coach Billy Lange on March 8.
Brandon Graham hugs his daughter Emerson after his retirement announcement at the NovaCare Complex on March 18. The Eagles defensive end unretired and is playing again this season. Oklahoma State heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson celebrates after defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson of Minnesota during the NCAA wrestling championship at the Wells Fargo Center on March 22.Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards grabs a rebound between a fallen Quentin Grimes and Adem Bona of the Sixers on April 5. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley looks at President Donald J. Trump during the Super Bowl champions’ visit to the White House on April 28.
Runners pass a beer sign near Windrim Avenue during the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run on May 4.PGA player Keegan Bradley hits a challenging shot from a hill at the par-4 17th hole during the Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club on May 9. Bradley shot a double bogey on the hole.
Edmundo Sosa of the Phillies is tagged out at the plate by Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson during the fourth inning on July 4. Baseball’s greatest entrance: Newly acquired closer Jhoan Duran making his Phillies debut to finish off the Detroit Tigers at Citizens Bank Park on Aug. 1.
Phillies shortstop Trea Turner leaps into the celebration after his game-winning hit against the Braves. The Phillies beat Atlanta, 3-2, in 10 innings on Aug. 30.Wendy Cooper of Reading takes in the scene at the TrueFan tailgate party before the Eagles played the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 4.Phillies outfielders Nick Castellanos and Harrison Bader greet each other with their ring fingers before a game against the Mets on Sept. 9.Kyle Schwarber acknowledges the crowd at Citizens Bank Park on Sept. 9 after he hit his 50th home run of the season in a game against the Mets.Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering shows his dejection as the Dodgers celebrate their series-clinching playoff win on Oct. 9 in Los Angeles.
Weston Wilson (left) and Edmundo Sosa console Orion Kerkering after the reliever’s 11th-inning error handed the Dodgers a walk-off win in the NL Division Series. Temple’s Peter Clarke reacts after quarterback Blake Horvath’s 51-yard touchdown run lifted Navy past the Owls, 32-31, on Oct. 11 at the Linc. Au’vion Horton hangs on during the bull riding event at the 8 Seconds Rodeo inside the Liacouras Center on Oct. 11. Flyers captain Sean Couturier leaps over Florida Panthers goaltender Daniil Tarasov during the team’s 5-2 win over the defending champs on Oct. 13.The Eagles defense celebrates after linebacker Jalyx Hunt’s interception return for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 19. Eric McGarry of Manayunk talks to his wife, Gwen Jones, on the phone after finishing the Philadelphia Marathon on Nov. 23. It was his first marathon and he was most excited about running through his neighborhood, where his wife and friends were there to cheer him on.Central High’s players celebrate after they won the annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry game against Northeast, 22-14.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, the Eagles dominated the Las Vegas Raiders, 31-0, to end a three-game losing streak and secure their first shut out win since 2018.
The Flyers took the Carolina Hurricanes to a shootout last Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena, but lost 4-3. The Sixers, though, defended home court with a strong performance by Joel Embiid in last week’s 10-point win over the Indiana Pacers.
Meanwhile, Villanova picked up a much-needed nonconference win over Pittsburgh, buoyed by a strong performance from Duke Brennan.
And finally, our Alex Coffey spoke to Billy Gordon’s family, who still has his VHS collection of basketball games of nearly five decades in Cobbs Creek.
Our photographers were on hand for it all.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett gets his jersey grabbed by Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt during the third quarter of Sunday’s game.Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts evades Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter during a run in Sunday’s game.Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt watches the action as snow falls at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert drops a pass in the end zone against the Raiders on Sunday.Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the football with Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter in coverage during the second quarter of Sunday’s game.Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson (center) stops a shot attempt from Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (right) with teammate Ty Murchison last Saturday night.Flyers center Trevor Zegras celebrates his first period goal against the Hurricanes last Saturday.Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe is fouled by Pacers forward Pascal Siakam while attempting a dunk last Friday. The Sixers won 115-105.Villanova forward Duke Brennan (center) is defended by Pittsburgh forward Roman Siulepa (right) during the first half at Finneran Pavilion on Saturday. Villanova own 79-61.Crates filled with various tapes of NCAA, NBA, and WNBA games from 1986 to 2024 in the room of Billy Gordon in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday. Gordon taped and collected men’s and women’s college and professional game broadcasts for 38 years until his death in 2024.
And it was an eventful one for our photographers and videographers who captured images that gave visual life to The Inquirer’s journalism and told stories in ways that transcend words. (For proof, see those racing hot dogs.)
They were on the scenes after two high-profile shootings that, combined, left five peopledead and18 others wounded, and for the march that poignantly drew attention to the tragic killing of Kada Scott.
In the months after the Eagles’ convincing Super Bowl victory, and the cheers in Chinatown when the 76ers decided they would rebuild in South Philly instead of moving, the region showed its resilience among challenges.
Dramatic decreases in homicides continued in Philly — 208 through Dec. 10, down from 527 through the same date in 2021. The city workers’ strike was over ineight days. The one in 1986 lasted three weeks.
SEPTA kept rolling despite fires, threatened drastic cuts, a possible strike, and serious railcar shortage.
Our visual staff was there for it all, and that won’t change in 2026.
— Anthony R. Wood
Saturnalian captain Thomas Dougherty dances on Second Street in Philadelphia during the Mummers after-party on New Year’s Day.Under the watchful eye of the eagle statue at the Wanamaker Building on Jan. 10, Bob Koherr, 64, and Walter Batt, 62, of Center City, embrace, remembering the time they spent together there.Lloyd Morgan (right) and a friend carry a cutout of President Donald Trump on a surfboard through Washington on Jan. 19, the day before Trump’s second inauguration.Saquon Barkley celebrates as he nears the end zone on a 78-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 19. The Eagles eked out a 28-22 win.Eagles players lift the Lombardi Trophy after their 40-22 Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.Saquon Barkley leaps into the end zone for one of his three touchdowns against the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 26. The Eagles won 55-23 to clinch their second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons.Family and friends skate on the ice rink that Fox Chase resident David Bara built in his backyard last winter. “There aren’t many people in Philly who are crazy enough to do what I do,” Bara said.Jada Pichardo produced Pennsauken’s first state wrestling title when the senior won the 126-pound division at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association championships in March.Emergency workers battle a fire at the 7200 block of Calvert Street in Northeast Philadelphia after a medical jet crashed nearby on Jan. 31.National Transportation Safety Board officials walk through debris from the medical jet crash along Cottman Avenue near Roosevelt Boulevard.Marisol Nelson was among the hundreds of thousands of Eagles fans who lined Philly streets on Feb. 14 for the Birds’ Super Bowl victory parade.A sea of fans greets Eagles team buses as they coast along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during the Super Bowl victory parade.St. Joseph’s guard Laura Ziegler (center) celebrates with teammates after hitting the game-winning shot against Richmond in the Atlantic 10 tournament semifinals in March.Actor and rapper Will Smith, with mother Caroline Bright, attends a street renaming ceremony in West Philadelphia in March. The city renamed the 2000 block of North 59th Street “Will Smith Way.”Gabby Thomas poses for photos with fans after racing in the women’s 100 meters during the Grand Slam Track meet at Franklin Field on June 1.
City workers and volunteers move dumped tires toward garbage trucks during the Philly Spring Cleanup at Tacony Creek Park in April.Visitors tour Lucy the Elephant in April. The historic six-story structure has been a Margate, N.J., landmark for more than a century. Celal Emanet (center), with son Muhammed (right) and family friend Mustafa Tug, waits for his wife, Emine, to be released from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement center in Elizabeth, N.J., on March 12. The Emanets were arrested at their Jersey Kebab restaurant in Haddon Township two weeks earlier.Fulya Labernas (left) takes a picture of her 1-year-old son, Ibrahim, and her cousin, Neslihan Kalkan, outside Jersey Kebab on March 30. Celal and Emine Emanet prepared a feast to thank community members who rallied and raised money on their behalf after they were arrested by ICE agents.Andrew Ahl of the Reptile and Amphibian Department at the Philadelphia Zoo holds a Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise that hatched in April.Montgomery County seniors in their 70s, 80s, and 90s cross Egypt Road from their continuing care retirement community in Audubon to protest the Trump administration on May 1. Members of the Camden High Marching Band attend a college signing day celebration at Rutgers Camden on May 2. Front row from left: Jazmynne Houston and Shaleah Navarro. Second row from left: Marjhani Land, Shalynn Mitchell, and Jaida Mitchell.Spectators watch the action during the Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course on May 8. A roller blader passes the “Weaver’s Knot: Sheet Bend” artwork along the Delaware River Waterfront on May 12. Spectators people-watch outside Rim Cafe during the annual South 9th Street Italian Market Festival on May 18 in Philadelphia. From left: Joe Mirarchi, Howie Brown, William Gambino, and a person who didn’t want to give his name.On June 2, Saquon Barkley stopped by to help out at Geno’s Steaks, which was dubbed “Steakquon’s,” in celebration of the Eagles running back’s “Madden NFL 26” video game cover announcement.The aftermath of a large fire that engulfed multiple SEPTA buses at the Roberts Yard SEPTA Railroad Facility in Nicetown on June 5. Officials said 40 buses in the lot were damaged.Independence National Historical Park staff members fired muskets on June 6 during Revolutionary War weapons training. The training on reproduction flintlock muskets took place on the lawn south of Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia.Women dressed in colonial garb march in the “No Kings” political demonstration protesting the Trump administration on June 14 in Philadelphia.Wydad fans celebrate a goal as their team plays Juventus in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group G match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 22. Juventus won 4-1.Justin and Erica Vidal, of Galloway, N.J., enjoy ice cream cones in their 1967 Dodge Dart convertible with sons Alessio, 2 months; Nino, 2; and Alexander, 5, at Kustard Korner in Egg Harbor City.The Jewell and Alisio families celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with a block party on Roseberry Street in Philadelphia on July 5.Angel Luis Rosado with Athena Contracting Inc. works to clear garbage at a dump site at Caldera and Red Lion Roads on July 8 during the second week of AFSCME District Council 33’s strike.Mayor Cherelle L. Parker walks from her City Hall office on July 9 to speak hours after her administration struck a tentative contract agreement with AFSCME District Council 33 leaders, ending a strike. With her are Chief Deputy Mayor Sinceré Harris (from left), Chief of Staff Tiffany W. Thurman, and Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley.A wild turkey found itself stuck in traffic with many others after a crash on the northbound side of the North-South Freeway (I-76) in Gloucester City, N.J., on July 11.Phillies starter Ranger Suárez unraveled in the second inning of a game on July 20 against the Los Angeles Angels. The blur was created in-camera using a slow shutter speed and panning with the movement.Eagles players Nakobe Dean (from left), Jalen Hurts, Moro Ojomo, and Jordan Davis relax on the field after training camp practice on July 26.Willa Allen, the widow of Dick Allen, waves to the crowd as she rides in the Hall of Fame Legends Parade with her family on July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y. Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki, and Billy Wagner were among those inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.Union forward Mikael Uhre (second from left) celebrates his second half go-ahead goal with his teammates against the Colorado Rapids at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa., on July 26.James Burton, 59, of West Oak Lane (from left), Raymond Johnson, 62, of West Oak Lane, and Mike Johnson, 58, of Newport, Del., sit at the bay door watching a downpour at Ray’s Auto in Germantown on July 31.Closer Jhoan Duran makes his Phillies debut against the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 1 at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies win 5-4.Ari from Philly (back to camera) gets decorated by “the glitter guy” on Aug. 23 before the start of the 2025 Philly Naked Bike Ride at Lemon Hill.Philadelphia schools Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. (left) and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker greet a student at Edward T. Steel School on Aug. 25, the first day of school.A rider carries his plants on the 66 bus at the SEPTA Frankford Transportation Center on Aug. 25. Frustration and confusion were being seen at Center City transit hubs amid SEPTA cuts.Steve Jamison, owner of Blue Sole Shoes at 1805 Chestnut St., on Aug. 26. After a vandal damaged the store’s window with a brick, Jamison cut a boot in half and glued each half on opposite sides of the window to create a “lighter situation” while he waited for new glass to be installed.Audenried players Myhaj Oliphant (26) and Jaylin Simms rest while head coach Roy-Al Edwards (far right) talks with another coach during halftime at Chichester High, in Boothwyn on Aug. 28. Chichester got the win 36-16.Phillies catcher Rafael Marchan tags out Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson at home plate in the fifth inning on Aug. 29 in Philadelphia. Phillies win 2-1.A guest views Alexander Calder’s sculpture “Tripes” (1974) in the Vestige Garden, at Calder Gardens during a preview on Sept. 15.People gather for a prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk at Fluehr Park in Northeast Philadelphia on Sept. 17. Kirk was killed on Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University.Michael Coard, an attorney and leader of Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, speaks with a megaphone prior to a silent protest on Sept. 19, near the President’s House. “What can’t occur is slavery being censored in this historical place. We must show the harm,” Coard said. During the rally, the group led a nine-minute tribute to the nine enslaved people that George Washington brought to the Philadelphia residence.Defensive tackle Byron Young celebrates with fans a blocked a field goal sealed the team’s 33-26 comeback win over the Rams on Sept. 21 in Philadelphia.Hurricane Imelda brought conditions for an aurora sunset seen behind the Philadelphia skyline, captured from the Camden Waterfront on Sept. 30.Josh and Tabitha Filomeno, of Northern Liberties, enjoy the weather with their daughter, Joia, 5 months, along Kelly Drive on Oct. 3.Motorcyclists compete on the sand during the Race of Gentlemen in Wildwood on Oct. 5.Tanelsa Franklin-Phillips and moviegoers wait outside the Film Society Center on Oct. 5.Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández (left) slides safely by Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto to score in the seventh inning of Game 2 of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park on Oct. 6.The Dodgers’ Max Muncy celebrates after Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering’s errant throw home allowed the winning run in the 11th inning of Game 4 of NLDS on Oct. 9 in Los Angeles. Dodgers won 2-1, ending the season for the Phillies.Friends Dennis Donnelly (left) and Jack Sharkey of Northeast Philadelphia are soaked as the surf crashes over the North Wildwood seawall during a nor’easter Oct. 12. Donnelly said they were in Wildwood to retrieve his jet ski so it wouldn’t get damaged by the storm.Flyers captain Sean Couturier leaps over Florida Panthers goaltender Daniil Tarasov during the first period of the Flyers’ home opener on Oct. 13, in Philadelphia. The Flyers won 5-2 over the defending Stanley Cup champs.Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey and forward Trendon Watford were all smiles after their 110-108 victory over James Harden and the Clippers on Nov. 17 in Philadelphia.Kada Scott’s mother, Kim Matthews (center right), holds a sign featuring her daughter while releasing balloons at a Domestic Violence Awareness walk at the Philadelphia Art Museum on Oct. 26.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, the Flyers played the team with the NHL’s best record, Colorado, and came away with a narrow defeat. Two nights later, they manhandled the San Jose Sharks.
Villanova proved to be the top team on the women’s basketball scene by beating St. Joseph’s for the Big 5 championship.
And in Inglewood, Calif., the Eagles dropped their third straight game in a 22-19 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Villanova’s Denae Carter (25) and Kelsey Joens guard St. Joseph’s Aleah Snead during the Big 5 championship at Finneran Pavilion on Sunday. Villanova won, 76-70.
Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown can’t pull in a pass in overtime as Donte Jackson of the Chargers defends him. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley tosses the football to a fan after scoring on a 52-yard run against the Chargers. Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (top) and linebacker Zack Baun sack Justin Herbert in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Dressed for the holidays, an Eagles fan watches the loss to the Chargers in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith pulls in a catch as Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman tackles him. Embattled Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo talks into his play chart during the Monday night loss in Inglewood, Calif.An Eagles fan makes his feelings known with a sign during the team’s loss to the Chargers. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni absorbing the defeat at SoFi Stadium.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, we’ve got Trevor Zegras and the Flyers taking some hits, Nick Sirianni and the Eagles getting dealt a Black Friday loss, and Joel Embiid making moves — both on and off the court. …
Flyers forward Trevor Zegras lays on the ice after being boarded by Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin in the second period. Zegras scored one of the Flyers’ five goals in Thursday’s win over the Sabres.
Flyers right wing Bobby Brink gets hit by the puck as he tries to settle in behind Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang and set a screen on goaltender Tristan Jarry. The 5-1 loss on Monday ended the team’s three-game winning streak.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reacts as he walks off the field after his team’s Black Friday loss to the Chicago Bears. The 24-15 loss was the Eagles’ second straight and their fourth in their last eight games.
A.J. Brown had his best statistical game of the season against the Bears, and has three touchdowns in the Eagles’ last two games — but the Birds are 0-2 in those games.
First-year offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has been the target of much of the criticism around the Eagles, with some crossing the line and vandalizing his N.J. home.
Joel Embiid signs autographs for Quentin Zheng, 10, left, and Mason Zheng, 9, center, during a release event for the Sixers center’s first signature shoe from Skechers, the SKX JE1, at Lapstone & Hammer on Wednesday.
Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors pick the best Philly sports images from the last seven days. This week, we’ll take another look at the latest big night from the Eagles defense, the return of Paul George against the Los Angeles Clippers, and the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s friendly in Chester. We’ve even got one of Philly’s three new Michelin star chefs, Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club, ringing the bell before a Sixers game …
Sixers forward Paul George made his season debut Monday against the Clippers. He played 21 minutes, but finished with just 9 points (on 2-of-9 shooting), 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, in 21 minutes. After the game, George admitted he was “rusty.”
Sixers center Andre Drummond, seen here getting fouled on a rebound against the Clippers, has been starting in place of Joel Embiid, who missed his sixth straight game Thursday night as he deals with a knee injury.Her Place Supper Club chef-owner Amanda Shulman rings the ceremony bell at the Sixers game on Wednesday. A night earlier, her restaurant became one of three in Philly to earn the city’s first Michelin stars.
Members of the Penn Quakers — Ethan Roberts (23), Cam Thrower (5), AJ Levine (0), and Augustus Gerhart (25) — react in the final minutes of their 83-74 win over the Saint Joseph’s Hawks at The Palestra on Monday.
USA midfielder Tanner Tessmann (center) beats Paraguay’s Julio Enciso (left) and Alex Arce (right) to the ball during the United States’ 2-1 win over Paraguay at Chester’s Subaru Park on Saturday.Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham waits to be introduced before the team’s game against the Detroit Lions. Graham came out of retirement earlier this year to rejoin the team he helped win a pair of Super Bowls.
Eagles fans celebrate after the defense stops the Lions on fourth-and-goal in the third quarter of Sunday’s win. The defense has allowed just 16 points in its last two games.
Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean hits Lions quarterback Jared Goff, causing him to fumble. Vic Fangio’s defense has allowed just 14.5 points per game during the Eagles’ current four-game win streak.While the Eagles defense has soared, the offense has soured. They’ve scored just 26 points in their two games since the bye, and earlier this week a report said there was internal frustration with Jalen Hurts.
Inquirer photographers and videographers captured tens of thousands of images in 2024. Here are some of our favorites.
By
Inquirer Staff Photographers
Published Dec 12, 2024
By the time the votes were counted, Donald Trump and rival Kamala Harris had shown up at more than 100 events in the Philly region and across the state in a year when Pennsylvania became the center of the political universe in the 2024 presidential election.
The sports year began with the retirement (and subsequent ubiquity) of Eagles legend Jason Kelce, photographed as he left the field in a final deflating defeat. It didn’t get much better for Philly’s other pro sports teams, failures perhaps best encapsulated by the image of a 76er who ended up in the stands, upside down, his red sneakers pointing to the ceiling.
Along the way, the people behind the cameras provided our readers with magical images — a 1-year-old in bunny costume on Easter Sunday on a South Jersey farm among 400,000 daffodils, a white-robed bishop being lowered into the Atlantic Ocean to bless the waters, skywatchers admiring the eclipse, an overweight Bull mastiff – eating a carrot.
Words have their place, but it is true that some things must be seen to be believed — like an apron-clad Donald Trump at a McDonald’s drive-through window.
Eagles center Jason Kelce walks off the field after the game. Eagles lose 32-9 to the Buccaneers in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fl. on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerSixers forward Danuel House Jr. falls into the fans during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 3 at the Wells Fargo Center.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerSiddeeq Shabazz, a leading Philly Black cyclist who took up cycling during the pandemic and helped grow a local biking movement to increase diversity within the sport was shot and paralyzed last year. His 12-year-old daughter, Suri Shabbaz, his only child, is a student teacher dancer at a local studio. Every year for the last eight or so years, they have attended the father/daughter dance at the studio. This was the first year they didn't attend because of his injuries. They strike a dancing pose together on Feb. 27 at B’ella Ballerina Performing Arts Center.Charles Fox / Staff Photographer
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Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts pauses in prayer before the start of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome in New Orleans on Sept. 22.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhillies catcher J.T. Realmuto leaps past Pittsburgh Pirates baserunner Jared Triolo in the second inning during a split squad spring training game at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla., on March 18.. Triolo was safe on the play.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Nov. 3.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Making of a Photo: Witnessing Saquon Barkley's backward jump
Philadelphia Inquirer photographer, Yong Kim, was at the Linc when Eagles’ running back, Saquon Barkley, made an eye-catching play against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A video deep dive of Yong Kim’s iconic photo.Gabe Coffey
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Marchers carry a 400-foot-long rainbow flag — the largest in Philadelphia history — moving it up Walnut Street on June 2 as Pride March and Festival kicks off with a march from Washington Square with the theme “Be You.”Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Allie Katch in the ring during Effy's Big Gay Brunch presented by Game Changer Wrestling at Penn's Landing Caterers in Philadelphia on April 6. The event was one of several that took place during Wrestlemania week. The event is a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ wrestlers that seeks to promote their talent. “I’m glad they are starting to pay attention,” Taylor Gibson, better known by the ring name Effy, said to the sold-out crowd. “We have some of the best talent in the world.”Heather Khalifa / Staff PhotographerDrag queen Martha Graham Cracker (Dito van Reigersberg) performs at B. West in Philadelphia on March 15.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
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One-year-old Olivia Clavijo of Elizabeth, N.J., tightly hugs her tulips while spending the day with her family at the 2024 Dalton Farms Festival of Tulips! in Swedesboro, N.J. on Easter Sunday. The farm has 400,000 daffodils and 150 varieties of tulips and planted one million bulbs.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff PhotographerStudents at the Antonia Pantoja Charter School watch the eclipse in Philadelphia on April 8.Jessica Griffin / Staff PhotographerThe khachapuri Adjaruli and Lobio at Gamarjoba in Philadelphia. Food styling by Emilie FosnochtMonica Herndon / Staff PhotographerDennis Sullivan, bishop of the Diocese of Camden, is helped into an Atlantic City Beach Patrol boat on Aug. 15. Bishop Sullivan blessed the water by tossing a wreath into the surf. The tradition is called Wedding of the Sea. According to organizers the tradition began in Venice around the year 1000 AD. The tradition came to Atlantic City through St. Michael’s Church, a historically Italian parish.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerThe Avalon Beach Patrol team celebrates the Lifeguard Championship in Brigantine on Aug. 12.Steven M. Falk / Staff Photographer
Ron Wolffe of Iowa watches Ariell Flight, of West Chester, on the Wall of Death. Acrobatic riders performed at the Race of Gentlemen in Wildwood on Oct. 4.Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff PhotographerAs the fog moves in, Caleesi Cohen (left), 10, and her sister Senaia-Imani Cohen, 17, move out after spending the day on the beach with their family in Wildwood on Memorial Day weekend. The girls’ father, Michael Cohen, (not in photo) said he pulled the cart across the expansive Wildwood beach when they arrived and now it was the girls’ turn. The family is from Sicklerville.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators march on Market Street as they head to Independence Mall prior to the Sept. 10 presidential debate at the National Constitution Center.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff PhotographerPeople get set up to camp out for the night to support Palestine on College Green in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus on April 25.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
Making of a Photo: Covering the Pro-Palestinian encampment at Penn
Philadelphia Inquirer photographer, Elizabeth Robertson, describes how she spent time overnight at the encampment where Penn students protested the war in Gaza.
A video deep dive of Elizabeth Robertson’s coverage of the Pro-Palestinian encampment at Penn.Gabe Coffey
A protester with the Penn Gaza Solidarity Encampment is arrested at South 34th St. near the Penn campus on May 17.Steven M. Falk / Staff PhotographerInside, after waiting in line outside in the heat for hours on July 31, a supporter takes a drink of water in the restroom at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, before an appearance by former President Donald Trump.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (center) arrives in City Council chambers to deliver her first budget address on March 14.Heather Khalifa / Staff PhotographerMel Lee, of Lansdale, with the Woori Center, marches along 11th Street during a Sept. 7 rally to protest the Sixers’ plans to build a new arena near Chinatown.Tyger Williams / Staff PhotographerVice President Kamala Harris greets children in the crowd of supporters after speaking at a Republicans for Harris event in Washington Crossing on Oct. 16.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerAn excited Elon Musk is about to greet former President Donald Trump at his Oct. 5 rally in Butler, Pa.Steven M. Falk / Staff Photographer
Jim Worthington gets a hug from Linda Mitchell as they learn Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania during an election night party in Newtown, Bucks County.Steven M. Falk / Staff PhotographerFormer President Donald Trump works the drive-through window at the McDonald’s in Feasterville, Bucks County, on Oct. 20 after saying on “Fox & Friends” he will “do everything” at the Golden Arches.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Making of a Photo: Documenting an election year in Pennsylvania, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer photographer
Philadelphia Inquirer photographer, Tom Gralish, has covered presidential elections for decades over his 40-year career as a photojournalist. This year’s election was unlike any other.
A video deep dive of Tom Gralish’s coverage of the 2024 election year in Pennsylvania.Gabe Coffey
Firefighters work the scene where two police officers were injured while responding to reported standoff in East Lansdowne on Feb. 7.Charles Fox / Staff PhotographerA person, who did not want to be named, struggles to pull a shopping cart past a mural on Somerset Street off Kensington Avenue on March 18. The mural is on a wall outside of Cantina La Martina.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
A man kneels in prayer near the crime scene after multiple people were shot at an Eid al-Fitr gathering at Clara Muhammad Square in Philadelphia on April 10.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerRetired Army Maj. Andre McCoy, a member of American Legion Post 405 and the Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission, salutes the grave of Navy Cmdr. John Montgomery Dale after an abbreviated Memorial Day ceremony at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Old City. The Christ Church Preservation Trust program honored Dale (1797-1852).Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Nyshyia Thomas (right) is shown at home with her family, during an interview during which she talked about her son Da'Juan Brown, who was killed in a random shooting.Jessica Griffin / Staff PhotographerHigh School student, Ivan Bailey-Green is photographed with his paintings on May 7 during art class at St. Joseph's Preparatory School. Ivan was a member of the St. Joe's Prep football team and recently committed to East Stroudsburg. He is also considered by many to be the best artist in the school, something he came to lately but fell in love with. He plans to major in nursing but also explore art in college as a minor or possibly a career.Jose F. Moreno / Staff PhotographerRising sophomore Kylie Price, of Wilmington, stands in front of the University of the Arts Dorrance Hamilton Hall on South Broad Street in Philadelphia on June 9. Just over one week earlier, university officials announced that the school would be closing permanently.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff PhotographerPeople riding dirt bikes and four wheelers ride down the Art Museum steps on Feb. 3.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
People watch the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori during a flyover at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Aug 12.Jose F. Moreno / Staff PhotographerSpectators watch as a group from Pace Roofing try to climb the greased pole during the Italian Market Festival on May 19.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Tugboats taking the Battleship New Jersey to the Paulsboro Marine Terminal pass near the flight plan for Philadelphia International Airport on March 21. After a stop in Paulsboro, the World War II-era battleship turned museum headed to the Navy Yard for repainting and repairs.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerAlmond Street resident Ryan Annau checks the depth of a large sinkhole on the 3100 block of Almond Street in Port Richmond on Jan. 28.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
Birders gather along South 51st Street at Botanic on Jan. 23 to look at a colorful male Painted Bunting, a bird that normally breeds in southern climates.Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff PhotographerRalphie, a bullmastiff who reached about 30% overweight. He's lost about 10 pounds but he has a good bit left to go. Healthy treats like carrots are now used to reward him.Charles Fox / Staff Photographer
Pennsylvania State Police and Philadelphia police keep an eye on a horse reported to have been running wild on I-95 on Feb. 20.Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer
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Staff Contributors
Introduction: Tony Wood
Art Direction: Julia Duarte
Editing: Brian Leighton
Photography: Alejandro A. Alvarez, Steven M. Falk, Charles Fox, Tom Gralish, Jessica Griffin, Monica Herndon, Heather Khalifa, Yong Kim, David Maialetti, Jose F. Moreno, Elizabeth Robertson, Tyger Williams
Videography: Gabe Coffey, Astrid Rodrigues
Photo Editing: Jasmine Goldband, Danese Kenon, Frank Wiese
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