Visualizations of the top news stories of 2015

The top ten news stories of 2015, according to the Associated Press, include topics such as Daesh (ISIS), mass shootings, climate change, gay marriage, and Europe’s migrant crisis. To tell the years biggest stories, here are some data visualizations below. 

Countries Involved in U.S.-Led Coalition Against Daesh (ISIS)

The U.S. led an intervention along with 60 other countries against the Islamic State militants Daesh in Iraq and Syria, including expanding roles for the Western European countries worried about IS-backed terrorism. Daesh claimed to have carried out or inspired the bombing of a Russian airliner, attacks in Beirut and Paris, and the deadly shooting in San Bernardino, California.

Data curated by InsideGov

Attitudes on Same-Sex Marriage by State

Fifteen years after Vermont pioneered civil unions for same-sex couples, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June allowing them to marry in all 50 states. Gay-rights activists said that this was their movement’s biggest breakthrough, but not everyone agreed with the new law. A county clerk in Kentucky, Kim Davis, spent a few days in jail after refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples in her jurisdiction.
Data curated by InsideGov

Paris Terror Attacks and Aftermath

The first Paris attack happened only a week into the new year. Two brothers who called themselves members of al-Qaida barged into the offices of the satiric newspaper Charlie Hebdo, and later attacked a Jewish market, gunning down 17 people in all. Nov. 13 was the date of an even deadlier attack: Eight Islamic State militants killed 130 people in coordinated assaults around Paris. Targets included restaurants, bars and an indoor rock concert.

Data curated by InsideGov

Fatalities and Injuries from Mass Shootings in the U.S.

Throughout the year, there were multiple mass shootings in communities across the U.S. and growing frustration on how to stop them. Some of the highly publicized shootings are: The 14 victims in San Bernardino. Nine black people were killed by a white gunman at a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina; a professor and eight students died at an Oregon community college. In Chattanooga, four Marines and a sailor were killed by a Kuwaiti-born engineer; three people, including a policeman, were shot dead at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado.

Data curated by InsideGov

Following Terrorist Attacks, Views on Muslims in America

Fears about terrorism in the U.S. surged after a married couple in California — described by investigators as radicalized Muslims — carried out the attack in San Bernardino that killed 14 people. The attack started a heated debate over whether to accommodate refugees from Syria, and prompted Republican presidential Donald Trump to call for a ban on Muslims coming to the U.S.

Data curated by InsideGov

RCP Poll Average for Top 5 Republican Presidential Candidates

A varied group of Republicans launched bids for the presidency, with billionaire businessman Donald Trump moving out to an early lead in the polls and remaining there despite a series of controversial statements. He helped bring in ratings for the GOP’s televised debates. In the Democratic race, Bernie Sanders surprised many with a strong challenge of Hillary Clinton, but she remained the solid front-runner

Data curated by InsideGov

Global Land and Sea Temperatures 

Negotiators from nearly 200 countries reached a first-of-its kind agreement in Paris on efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Some still question how climate change will be enforced and implemented, but many supporters are still excited to finally see change. 

Data curated by InsideGov

Hate Crimes in the United States Broken Down By Bias

A Bible study session at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, suddenly turned into carnage when a white gunman opened fire, killing nine blacks, including the pastor. The alleged killer’s affinity for the Confederate flag sparked debate over the role of Civil War symbols in today’s South. In less than a month, the flag was removed from the South Carolina State House grounds

Data curated by InsideGov

Syrian Asylum Applications in European Countries

Fleeing war and hardship, more than 1 million migrants and refugees flooded into Europe during the year, overwhelming national border guards and reception facilities. Hundreds are believed to have drowned; 71 others were found dead in an abandoned truck in Austria. The 28-nation European Union struggled to come up with an effective, unified response.

Data curated by InsideGov
 
Graphiq and The Associated Press contributed to this story.