It hasn’t been an easy year around Washington, but there were still moments that offered levity. From fun animal news to athletic victories, here are seven stories that made us smile in 2025.

The pandas met their adoring public

The year started out strong, with the National Zoo’s new giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao making their public debut in January. Despite the cold temperatures, fans waited outside the gates in anticipation, some donning panda gear in homage to the black-and-white bears. After a grueling 14 months without laying eyes on a panda, we could finally rest easy knowing DC’s most beloved residents were back in the mix.

Alexander Ovechkin smashed a record

Already considered the greatest Capitals player of all time, Ovechkin solidified his legendary status across the entir

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