1. Las Vegas shooting
The shooting in Las Vegas claimed the lives of 58 people on Oct. 1, and injured nearly 550 more. It was the deadliest shooting committed by an individual in United States history. This was a national tragedy that had particular resonance in Gallup, as one of the victims, Lisa Romero-Muniz, was a discipline secretary at Miyamura High School.
2. Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria
Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria swept across the U.S. and Puerto Rico within weeks of each other in a devastating hurricane season. The storms took lives, destroyed power grids, and cost states billions of dollars in repairs. The full extent of the damages in Puerto Rico are still unknown.
3. Charlottesville protests
In August, a “Unite the Right” rally brought white nationalists to Virginia’s Emancipation Park in protest of the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Counter protesters arrived to challenge the group. In retaliation, James Alex Fields,, Jr. drove his car into the counter protesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer and bringing the city into a state of emergency.
4. Solar eclipse
A rare total solar eclipse crossed over the United States in August, aweing spectators and inspiring some to travel great distances to get the perfect view.
5. Trump’s inauguration
President Trump took the oath of office on Jan. 20 to a polarized reaction from the country. Trump’s swearing in was followed by the Jan. 21 Women’s March on Washington, credited as the largest single-day protest in U.S. history.
6. Allegations against Harvey Weinstein
Actresses opened up with stories of assault and harassment from powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, sparking a national conversation about sexual violence, and implicating many others in the world of arts and entertainment. The ramifications of Weinstein’s ousting from power were also felt in the political sphere, with Republican Roy Moore losing a special election in part due to similar allegations, and the resignation of Sen. Al Franken.
7. Wildfires in California
California wildfires broke records in 2017, with over 250 fires igniting in October alone. Strong winds and harsh drought conditions exacerbated the flames, which burned more than 505,900 acres as of the end of December.
8. North Korea nuclear scare
Tensions between the U.S. and North Korea were heightened by North Korean missile tests, which ignored sanctions and were regarded as direct threats by U.S. politicians and journalists. North Koreans are reportedly working on missiles that are capable of reaching the United States.
9. Russia investigations
Investigations into possible collusion between Russia and Trump’s presidential campaign dominated the news cycle following his election, and new information continued to surface throughout the year, despite Trump’s firing of several officials probing the claims. Fraudulent news reports made popular on Facebook and controversial testimony from members of Trump’s administration made the Russia investigations one of the most polarizing stories of 2017.
10. Texas church massacre
A shooting in a church near San Antonio left 26 dead, after a gunman with unclear motives used a military-style rifle to kill victims, who were between five and 72-years-old. It was the deadliest shooting in Texas history, and reignited debates over gun control across the nation.
