2024 was an “unprecedented” year because almost every news article used the word “unprecedented.” Americans navigated a year marked by intense media scrutiny, social media targeting, and political division. News outlets and social media platforms played pivotal roles, sparking debates about their influence on public opinion and the fine line between fact-checking and censorship. Families and friendships faced challenges, and “unfriend” became a verb dividing long-time relationships.
Since the beginning of the election cycle, news outlets have been tripling down on fear of Trump winning. Here is what didn’t happen. The economy did not collapse. There has been no global destabilization. There has not been a mass exodus of people despite the numerous celebrities who promised to go but did not, and no real civil unrest erupted.
What did happen in 2024? Starting in January, many believed the US was on the verge of Civil War II after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden Administration’s efforts to remove concertina wire at Eagle Pass, Texas. It is estimated that three million illegal/undocumented people entered the US. This includes an estimated 375,000 who now call NC home.
On June 6, Joe Biden publicly stated that he would not pardon his son Hunter Biden if convicted on gun and federal tax-related charges.
On June 27, the Trump-Biden debate took place. Despite Biden’s insistence that his memory was fine, he performed poorly during the debate, which brought into question his mental and physical fitness.
On July 13, America watched 20-year-old Thomas Crooks fire eight shots at Trump, hitting him in the head and killing two others. Moments after a sniper killed Crooks, Trump stood up in defiance, raised his hand, and yelled, “Fight, fight, fight!”. A few days later, Trump accepted the Republican nomination.
On July 21, President Biden announced that he was officially withdrawing from the Presidential election and endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
On September 27, Hurricane Helene moved Western North Carolina from 2024 to 1914 in hours by knocking out power and cell service the size of the state of Massachusetts. Helene caused the worst flooding in state history. The storm brought 30 inches of rain, compounded by earlier heavy rainfall that saturated the ground and swelled rivers. The disaster claimed 103 lives, with others still missing, and caused $53.6 billion in damages. Over 16,000 miles of roads were washed away, and 2,000 landslides were reported. At its peak, the Nolichucky Dam in Tennessee saw water flows twice that of Niagara Falls. Relief efforts continue as Americans rally to support the region's recovery.
On November 5, Donald Trump swept the election over VP Harris. He won the Popular Vote and Electoral College. Republicans secured control of the Senate and House, while the NC gubernatorial election was an exception, with Democrat Josh Stein winning by a 14.8% margin. This will undoubtedly help democrats later, showing what a political roller coaster ride North Carolinians enjoy.
On December 13, Trump reached a settlement with ABC News for defamation by anchor George Stephanopoulos for $15 million and an apology. According to news reports, Trump has more lawsuits on the way.
Despite his promise, on December 1, President Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter for “ANY” federal crimes that Hunter Biden may have committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. Why 2014, and not just for his convictions? In 2014, Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company. While some Americans think Biden is slipping, he covered his bases in case Hunter comes up with any crimes or undiscovered offshore accounts. As of this writing, the United States has obligated $130 Billion and paid out $86.7 billion to Ukraine in its defense against Russia.
As we step into 2025, the future brings hope and challenges. A new administration promises significant policy shifts, focusing on self-reliance, immigration reform, and economic deregulation. Advances in artificial intelligence will continue reshaping the job market, opening doors for some while closing them for others. In Western North Carolina, rebuilding efforts offer opportunities for growth and renewal but also serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those most affected.
If I had one prayer for the new year, it would be for the country to remember the people of the mountains. Many still struggle to rebuild homes and livelihoods despite the harsh winter.
For many there, 2024 is still 1914.