Our newest issue of Outword is officially out—and it’s a big one. Leading the way, Disney’s The Lion King is roaring into Sacramento, so we were thrilled to put it front and center on the cover. The image is fantastic, magical, and full of energy. If the show lives up to that cover moment, it’s going to be epic.

We’re also taking a look back at all the issues we published in 2025. Our Year in Review revisits each one—where we were at the time and what mattered most to our community. It’s part scrapbook, part time capsule, and always fun to see all those different covers again. Missed an issue? Just click the image while you’re reading and you’ll be whisked to our website to catch up—for free.

We also included a tribute to Rob Reiner, honoring not only his legendary film career but his long-standing commitment to equality and speaking up when it mattered most—for everyone.

For book lovers, you’ll find our Best of Books 2025, featuring ten smart, satisfying picks across fiction and nonfiction to carry you into the new year.

You’ll also spot plenty of smiles—and maybe yourself—in our WEAVE Toy Drive Happy Hour photos. So much generosity, so many familiar faces, and proof once again that our community shows up.

And farther in, film fans can dive into Chris Narloch’s latest movie reviews, covering four very different titles—some to seek out, and a couple you may want to skip.

And that’s not all. We have only glossed at all the great stuff in this new issue. Click over to our web site so you can read it, today. As always, Outword is free, local, and made with love for the Sacramento community.

Grab a cup of something warm and spend a little time with us. See you next year.