The year 2024 was marked by numerous notable economic, social, and international events. From historic milestones in sports and technology to devastating natural disasters and political upheavals, here’s a detailed look at the moments that defined the United States over the past year.
January: Economic Focus and Aviation Incident
The year began with cautious optimism as the Federal Reserve considered interest rate cuts to combat inflation. However, a significant aviation incident occurred mid-month when a Boeing aircraft experienced a serious malfunction with an emergency door blowing out mid-flight. Although no injuries were reported, the incident raised widespread safety concerns and prompted extensive investigations.
February: Sports Triumphs and Space Exploration
- Sports: The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious in Super Bowl LVIII, defeating the San Francisco 40ers 25-22 in a thrilling match to claim the prestigious championship trophy, cementing their place as the NFL’s top team for 2024.
- Space Exploration: The Odysseus lunar lander, operated by Intuitive Machines, successfully landed on the Moon. This marked the first U.S.-owned spacecraft to achieve this feat in over 50 years, signifying renewed American leadership in space exploration.
March: Baltimore Bridge Disaster and Global Diplomacy
In March, a container ship collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing severe damage and disrupting transportation for weeks. Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan urged Ukraine to refrain from military strikes in Russia using domestic weaponry, reflecting America’s delicate role in managing global conflicts and stabilizing oil prices.
April: Total Solar Eclipse and East Coast Earthquake
- Astronomical Event: On April 8, a rare total solar eclipse captivated millions across the U.S., with many regions experiencing maximum visibility. The celestial event drew enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe.
- Earthquake: A 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook the New York metropolitan area, causing alarm but minimal structural damage.
May: Advances in Artificial Intelligence
On May 13, OpenAI launched GPT-4 Omni, an AI model representing a major leap in artificial intelligence capabilities. This innovation paved the way for enhanced contextual understanding and multilingual proficiency, influencing industries worldwide.
June: Supporting Global Allies
The U.S. intelligence community played a critical role in assisting a rescue operation for Israeli hostages in Gaza, demonstrating America’s ongoing strategic influence in the Middle East.
July: Political and Financial Turmoil
Former President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania. The incident caused ripples across the stock market, with shares of Trump Media & Technology Group and gun manufacturers experiencing significant surges.
August: Historic Prisoner Swap and International Relations
The United States and Russia reached a groundbreaking prisoner swap agreement. Several American detainees were released in exchange for Russian nationals held in the U.S. The deal sparked debates over the priorities of American diplomacy. Later that month, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to de-escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
September: Hurricane Helene Devastates North Carolina
On September 26, Hurricane Helene, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida and devastated parts of North Carolina. With 96 fatalities and damages exceeding $60 billion, it became the deadliest and costliest hurricane in the state’s history. Recovery efforts continue as communities work to rebuild.
October: Economic Challenges and Record-Breaking Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season was among the costliest on record, with damages approaching $200 billion. Concurrently, economic uncertainty persisted as the Federal Reserve maintained a cautious approach to interest rate policies.
November: A New Political Era
Donald Trump returned to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, marking the first non-consecutive presidency since Grover Cleveland. Later that month, Trump attended a SpaceX launch, emphasizing his administration’s focus on technological innovation.
December: SpaceX Achievements and Corporate Tragedy
The month was marred by tragedy when UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated in Manhattan, by an alleged killer Luigi Mangione, raising concerns about corporate security.
Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States, died Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history.
On December 30, SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 rocket, deploying satellites designed to bring internet connectivity to underserved regions.
Conclusion
The year 2024 was a blend of pride-worthy accomplishments and significant challenges. From natural disasters and technical mishaps to groundbreaking innovations, the United States demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.
-Nguyễn Bách Khoa-