January

Alec Baldwin was indicted on January 19th for involuntary manslaughter following the 2021 shooting on the set of Rust that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Although later cleared due to prosecutorial errors, Baldwin returned to public life, including participating in Saturday Night Live.

February

Mitch McConnell announced on February 28th that he would step down as Senate Republican leader, marking the end of the longest tenure in modern history for that role. This transition sets him up for a two-year lame-duck period as a regular senator while John Thune steps in to assume leadership .

March

Vladimir Putin was reelected for a fifth term as Russia’s president during elections held from March 15th to March 17th. The election results, claiming an implausible 110% turnout, highlighted the pervasive control and propaganda of his regime .

April

The total solar eclipse on April 8th captivated viewers across its path of totality, including in Austin, Texas, where a last-minute clearing of clouds created a breathtaking experience. For many, it was a rare opportunity to witness such a celestial event in perfect conditions .

May

The historic coronation of King Charles III took place on May 6th, marking the first such event in 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II. This regal ceremony was watched worldwide, emphasizing the continuation of Britain’s monarchy .

June

The 80th anniversary of D-Day was commemorated on June 6th with major ceremonies in the UK and France, celebrating the historic Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. The event was marked by political controversies, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leaving early to campaign, and a tense moment where President Joe Biden faced direct questions about his family .

July

Senator Bob Menendez was convicted in July, involving allegations of accepting gold bars and money from Egyptian sources. His case highlighted corruption scandals and attracted significant media attention .

August and September

We skipped to discuss God.

October

Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday in October, marking a historic milestone for the elder statesman. His centennial was widely celebrated, highlighting his long-standing contributions to public service and humanitarian efforts .

November

The U.S. election dominated November, alongside a significant ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. Both events marked critical geopolitical and political moments in a year filled with transformative events .