1st. Brian Snyder / Reuters
SUMMARY: Protests against racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man killed last year after being seen lying face down in the street while a white police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, took place throughout the United States and around the world. And also sometimes led to counter-protests.
2nd. Craig Walker / The Boston Globe
SUMMARY: The pandemic pushed many health care workers to the brink as it came close to overwhelming hospitals in the Massachusetts, which experienced one of the worst outbreaks in the country. In 2020 Massachusetts confirmed 359,445 coronavirus cases and a death toll of 12,157 according to the Department of Public Health.
Although daily coronavirus cases are declining health care workers are struggling with exhaustion from long hours and a crushing emotional toll from the drawn-out crisis. TheyÕre seeing more severe illness with fewer treatment options, and more death. Often working with far-from-ideal protective gear, theyÕre fearful of getting sick or infecting their families.
3rd. David Goldman / Associated Press
SUMMARY: A motorist raises her fist in solidarity with a march protesting the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. The protests began after a white police officer shot Blake, who is Black, in the back seven times as Blake walked away from officers Aug. 23. The shooting sparked days of protests in Kenosha, a city of about 100,000 halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago. Some of the demonstrations turned violent. More than 20 businesses were set on fire and prosecutors say a 17-year-old shot and killed two men during a chaotic protest and accused him of shooting and wounding a third man in the arm.
HM1. Erin Clark / The Boston Globe
SUMMARY: In the weeks leading up to the first-in-the-nation primary, candidates descended on veterans halls and school gyms and town halls as they attempt to win the hearts of voters in the 2020 primary cycle.
HM2. Erin Clark / The Boston Globe
SUMMARY: As the world collectively took a knee for slain Black Americans, most killed by police, Boston was no exception. Marches, rallies and demonstrations shook the past year, unifying Bostonians and demanding that action be taken against police violence throughout the region.
HM3. Brian Snyder / Reuters
SUMMARY: Senator Elizabeth Warren campaigned offering the promise that every girl and woman could achieve anything they wanted, even being nominated for the presidency. Warren withdrew from the race March 5, 2020.
HM4. Allison Dinner / Freelance
SUMMARY: 2020 was another record setting year for wildfires in Southern California. There were over 9,000 fires and over 4 million acres of forest burned.