The top 12 milestones in current events of 2012:

1. KONY 2012

Campaign launched March 5th

2. The London Olympics

July 27th through August 12th

London Olympics, credit: Wikimedia Commons — London Olympics. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

3. George Zimmerman Charged with Murder of Trayvon Martin

Murder of Florida teen sparks on February 26th sparks serious discussion about Florida’s “Stand your Ground” law and racial discrimination; Zimmerman was charged with second degree murder on April 11th.

Trayvon Martin shooting protest, credit: Wikimedia Commons — Trayvon Martin shooting protest. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

4. Obamacare upheld by Supreme Court

The much debated Patient Protection and Affoardable Care Act was upheld June 28th 2012

Supreme Court, credit: Wikimedia Commons — Supreme Court. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

5. Mohamed Morsi Becomes 5th President of Egypt

Sworn in June 30th, Morsi is first freely elected leader of Egypt. Syrian rebels, however, continue to protest the government.

Mohamed Morsi, credit: Wikimedia Commons — Mohamed Morsi. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

6. Lance Armstrong stripped of all seven Tour de France titles

U.S. Anti-Doping Agency charged Armstrong with the use of performance enhancing drugs in August.

Lance Armstrong, credit: Wikimedia Commons — Lance Armstrong. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

7. Malala Yousufzai shot on way to school

October 9th, the Pakistani teen blogger was targetted by the Taliban for her demands to protect girls’ education.

Malala Yousafzai, credit: Wikimedia Commons — Malala Yousafzai. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

8. President Barack Obama Wins Re-election

November 6th, as reported on by the Hewitt Times’ editorial staff (marking our first live collaborative post!)

44th President of the U.S. Barack Obama, credit: Wikimedia Commons — 44th President of the U.S. Barack Obama. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

9. Advances for Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S.

Obama officially announced his support for the legalization of same-sex marriage on May 9th. Washinton, Maine, and Maryland legalized same-sex marraige by popular vote November 6th.

Wedding rings, credit: Wikimedia Commons — Wedding rings. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

10. Hurricane Sandy

The super storm hit the Northeast on November 29th, ravaging NYC and the Jersey shore

Hurricane_Sandy_New_Jersey_Pier — Pier destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

11. Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting

December 14th, 26 victims still in our minds and hearts.

Makeshift memorial in Newtown, CT, credit: Wikimedia Commons — Makeshift memorial in Newtown, CT. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

12. 23-year-old medical student dies after being gang raped in New Delhi

Her December 16th attack and December 29th death have caught worldwide attention, will it lead to legal changes in India to protect women’s rights?

The Hewitt Times

2012 in Retrospect: Current Events