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📸  2022: A year in photos

It's hard to believe this year is almost over. There have been many major news events in 2022: Russia's war in Ukraine, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the death of Britain's long-reigning Queen Elizabeth II, to name a few. 

CNN Digital's Photo Desk has selected more than 250 images that defined this year in its annual "Year in Pictures" interactive. It's an immersive, stunning look at recent history — moments you might remember and others you might have missed. Here are a few of our top picks:

Russia's war on Ukraine

Russia invaded Ukraine in February and the war that ensued continues today. In this photo, Ukrainian servicemen fire toward Russian positions in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas on June 15.

The slap

Actor Will Smith shocked the nation in March when he stormed on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a dig at Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith has since apologized. He also received a 10-year ban from attending the Oscars.

A warmer Earth

For the first time in nearly a decade, China announced a nationwide drought alert after a historic heat wave triggered by rising global temperatures. Above, people sit on a parched river bed in Wuhan, China.   

Queen Elizabeth II's death 

The United Kingdom's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died in September. Her funeral in London drew crowds numbering in the tens of thousands. The 96-year-old monarch began her reign in 1953.

🔎 Explore more: The Year in Pictures interactive

💳   CNN insider rec of the week

Brought to you by CNN Underscored

With nine seasons of her CNN docuseries, This Is Life with Lisa Ling, under her belt Journalist Lisa Ling is no stranger to traveling. She spoke exclusively to Underscored about the 10 items she can't travel without.

📢  before you go

🧠  Learn: Your dementia risk may increase if you’re eating too much of these ultraprocessed foods, according to a new study. 

🇮🇷  Read:  A top Iranian official has said that the nation’s mandatory hijab law is being reviewed. State media played down the same official’s claim that the country’s much-feared morality police force had been “abolished” amid ongoing protests.

🎥  Remember: Gary Strieker helped establish CNN’s presence in Africa. He passed away in July at the age of 78. Despite covering some of the most horrific events, he never lost his optimistic spirit or his passion to shed light on critically important but often underreported stories. 

✉️  talk to us

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- Written and edited by Kyle Almond, Tricia Escobedo and Jessica Sooknanan