The following is part of The Lasso’s annual end-of-year tradition, in which we look back on the most outstanding parts of the past twelve months. Be sure to check out our other Top 11 pieces! Wishing you all a happy new year.

As we approach the end of this crazy and unpredictable year, we can reflect on all the major news headlines and international events that have taken place and changed our world. These range from sports moments and political news to developments in COVID-19, all which took the world by storm over the previous year. Here are the top 11 major news events that we believe most dramatically shaped 2021.

January 6th – On January 6th, 2021, a crowd of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. in an attempt to stop the congressional counting of the electoral college votes that would officially declare Joe Biden President of the United States. This resulted in five deaths and countless injuries, including the injuries of 138 police officers, and prompted months of investigation into some of the building’s staff and terrorists who breached the Capitol. 

Inauguration – On January 20th, Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States. Vice President Kamala Harris was inaugurated to become the first female, first Black, first South Asian vice president in United States history. Joe Biden stepped into his role inheriting historic challenges including a global pandemic, national civil unrests, and significant border security challenges. 

Super Bowl – The 55th Super Bowl of 2021 was long anticipated, as the pandemic was rough on sporting events in general. The game took place at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with a halftime show performed by The Weeknd. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in a heated game. This caused much celebration from Tampa fans and disappointment in the opposing team’s supporters.

Vaccine Developments – In a country that is facing the highest number of COVID-19 cases throughout the pandemic, vaccine developments have delivered a sense of relief. The three most common vaccinations authorized for emergency use in the United States are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. 200 million Americans to date have been fully vaccinated (60% of the population of the United States). Booster shots have been recently available to everyone 16 and older.

Cargo Ship/Suez Canal – On the morning of March 23, a container ship named the “Ever Given” ended up stuck in the Suez Canal in Egypt, wedging its bow and stern into canal banks. This blocked ship traffic for six days between the Mediterranean and Red Sea, preventing a large majority of world trade and costing over $400 million in damages.  

Cicadas – In early summer of 2021, the cicadas took over the front lawns of many. Trillions of cicadas emerged, saturated the trees, yards, and bushes of the local area and filling the air with a constant and deafening buzzing noise. At least we don’t have to worry about where we step for another 17 years! 

Derek Chauvin Conviction – The murder of George Floyd in May of 2020 by former police officer Derek Chauvin prompted protests across the globe for racial justice, especially for better treatment of people of color by law enforcement. Following the outcries of many to apprehend and charge the officer, he was arrested on May 29th, 2020. The trial began on March 8th, 2021, at Hennepin County Courthouse and ended on April 20th with him becoming the first white Minnesotan police officer to be convicted of murdering a black person. He was sentenced to twenty two and a half years in prison. 

Afghanistan – With the goal of the United States complete the departure of troops in Afghanistan followed with great drama and criticism. After 20 years of US military engagement, US forces departed Afghanistan by August 31st 2021. There was great urgency to depart the country as the Taliban took over the capital city of Kabul. The departure included one of the largest evacuations and airlifts in US history. The dramatic airlift occurred with 13 deaths of US troops and over 100,000 people successfully evacuated from Afghanistan. 

Texas Abortion Law – On September 1, a Texas state law was passed that essentially banned all abortions after six weeks. The law has been vigorously challenged consistently up to the date of publication, and has prompted peaceful protests all over the country and push for action to block the ruling. 

VA Election – On November 2, businessman Glenn Youngkin (R) defeated former Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) in this year’s Virginia gubernatorial election. Youngkin was the first Republican to be elected Governor since Bob McDonnall in 2009.  There was a variety of support for both democratic candidate Terry Mcualiff and republican candidate Glenn Youngkin so many weren’t surprised with the election’s outcome.

COVID Variants – Variants based off of the original stand of COVID-19 dramatically started spawning new variants. Recently, another variant of covid-19 has emerged, this time in South Africa. Little is known about the overall rate of transmissibility or long lasting effects from the disease, as it has just appeared in the health scene. It has caused much panic amongst Americans, as it is so new and little is known about it, but medical professionals say the disease doesn’t appear to be any more severe or deadly compared to other variants of COVID-19.