January: A New Presidential Era Begins

The year 2021 commenced with the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. This milestone marked a significant transition in American politics. However, the month was also marred by violence when supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. The riot resulted in over 700 arrests and the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.

February: Climate Action Takes Center Stage

In February, the United States formally rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, an international treaty aimed at mitigating global warming. This move signified the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing climate change. The decision was widely welcomed by world leaders and marked a significant shift in U.S. climate policy.

March: Global Trade Disrupted

The month of March saw a major disruption in global trade when the container ship Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal. The incident blocked the vital waterway, impacting billions of dollars in trade. The ship was eventually freed six days later, but the incident highlighted the fragility of global supply chains.

April: Justice for George Floyd

In April, former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd. The verdict brought a measure of closure to Floyd’s family and sparked widespread relief across the United States. Chauvin’s conviction was seen as a significant step towards accountability for police brutality.

May: Space Exploration Milestone

May marked a historic achievement in space exploration when SpaceX’s first operational spaceflight successfully splashed down. This milestone demonstrated the potential of private companies in advancing space travel. Elon Musk’s vision for space exploration took a significant leap forward with this achievement.

June: Tragedy Strikes in Surfside

June was marked by tragedy when a 12-story condominium in Surfside, Florida, collapsed, claiming the lives of 98 residents. The disaster sparked an outpouring of support for the affected families and raised concerns about building safety.

July: Tokyo Hosts the Olympics

The 32nd Summer Olympics took place in Tokyo, Japan, in July, after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The games showcased exceptional athleticism and unity among nations. The United States topped the medal count with 113 medals.

August: End of an Era in Afghanistan

August saw the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, ending a 20-year war. The Taliban’s rapid takeover raised concerns about the country’s future. The withdrawal sparked debates about the effectiveness of the war and the implications for global security.

September: Abortion Rights Restricted

In September, Texas implemented the “Heartbeat Act,” banning abortions after roughly six weeks. The law sparked controversy and raised concerns about reproductive rights. The Supreme Court declined to block the law, citing the need for lower court review.

October: Breakthrough in Malaria Prevention

The World Health Organization endorsed the world’s first malaria vaccine in October. This breakthrough offered hope in the fight against the disease, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually.

November: Sports Triumph

The Atlanta Braves won their fourth World Series title in November, defeating the Houston Astros. The victory marked a triumphant return to form for the team.

December: Tornadoes Devastate the South

December was marked by devastating tornadoes that swept across the South and Midwest, claiming at least 91 lives. The disaster highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

December: COVID-19 Update

As the year drew to a close, the FDA authorized two antiviral pills to treat COVID-19, offering new hope in the fight against the pandemic.