My 2025 closing message

In February, the idea of this year ever ending seemed unfathomable. The sheer volume of news at all times felt suffocating and endless, and despite knowing it was impossible, it sure seemed like it would go on like that forever. While the bulk of the Trump administration’s smash-and-grab happened in the first half of 2025, the chaos and destruction continues apace.

After such a monumental year for The Handbasket, there was part of me that thought I owed it to myself (and to you) to write something to sum it up. But the truth is that I don’t think I have enough distance yet to appropriately reflect on a period of time where the most basic understanding of how our society functions has been blown to shreds.

From scoop after scoop after scoop to the mother of all scoops, to keeping tabs on the DOGE wrecking ball, the raid on the United States Institute of Peace which led to my ongoing FOIA lawsuit against the DC Metropolitan Police, federal immigration agents’ reign of terror and Republicans’ complete dehumanization of immigrants, The Handbasket has been there through it all. But despite having so closely covered the staggering changes of this past year, I have no predictions, no summaries, no advice. The only certainty I can bring to 2026 is that the relentless pursuit of the truth—whether through journalism, or the courts, or activism, or basic human decency—is a necessary risk. And the people in power absolutely hate it, which is reason enough for me.

Whether you read one story from The Handbasket this year or all of them, thank you. When I’m asked what my beat is, I often tell people I cover our crumbling institutions, and journalism is certainly one of them. But it’s also one I will fight for fiercely. So thank you for valuing this institution, no matter how flawed, and believing in a sustainable future that rewards art, accuracy and accountability.

And if you want to support the continued growth of The Handbasket and aren’t already a premium subscriber, become one today. I’ve now completed two full years running this thing full time, and I couldn’t do it without you.

Happy New Year to you and yours. May there be brighter days ahead. And in the meantime, we’ll get through the dark ones together.

Marisa