I think we can all agree that 2024 has been a very eventful and chaotic year. with the continued Israeli and Palestinian conflict, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and the tragic collision of a container ship with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. The collision caused the total collapse of the bridge and led to the deaths of six people.

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In England and Northern Ireland, far-right, anti-immigration protests and riots erupted following a mass stabbing in Southport on 29 July, in which three children were killed. The riots were fueled by false claims circulated by far-right groups alleging that the perpetrator of the attack was a Muslim asylum seeker.

 

The disgraced Donald Trump twice impeached, twice indicted, was re-elected as President of the United States, despite a more qualified candidate running against him.

 

The year also saw the deaths of One Direction member Liam Payne and music legend Quincy Jones. Additionally, two devastating hurricanes struck the United States: Hurricane Francine hit Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, while Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Both hurricanes destroyed thousands of homes, with Hurricane Helene tragically taking 232 lives.

 

However, amidst the chaos, there have been moments of positivity. Sir Keir Starmer became the new British Prime Minister, succeeding Rishi Sunak. In February, Prince William announced plans to build 24 homes on Duchy of Cornwall land to help tackle homelessness. Two survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing also won a High Court case against former television producer Richard Hall, who had alleged that the terrorist attack was staged.

 

 

In the world of entertainment, Nymphia Wind was crowned the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16, making her the first East Asian winner. Ariana Grande released new music after a four-year hiatus, and Tia Kofi became the first person of color to win a UK season of Drag Race when she triumphed on UK vs The World.

 

With so much happening, much like last year, I have turned to artists, podcasts, and YouTubers I love for escape, hope, and inspiration. Here, I take a look at all the things that have been getting me through this wild year with lists of my favorite songs, albums, remixes, and podcasts.