2015 In Review Fast Facts

<strong>January 1:</strong> New Year's fireworks explode over Big Ben in London.

January 1: New Year's fireworks explode over Big Ben in London.

REX/Shutterstock

<strong>January 4: </strong>Law enforcement officers stand outside <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/04/us/gallery/liu-funeral/index.html" target="_blank">the funeral of fallen New York police officer Wenjian Liu.</a> Some officers turned their backs while New York Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke on a monitor. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/22/politics/de-blasio-police-shooting/index.html" target="_blank">The mayor's critics</a> believed his comments after the death of Eric Garner contributed to an anti-police sentiment that led to the shootings of Liu and his partner, Rafael Ramos.

January 4: Law enforcement officers stand outside the funeral of fallen New York police officer Wenjian Liu. Some officers turned their backs while New York Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke on a monitor. The mayor's critics believed his comments after the death of Eric Garner contributed to an anti-police sentiment that led to the shootings of Liu and his partner, Rafael Ramos.

SHANNON STAPLETON/Reuters/Landov

January 6: NASA releases a stunning new image of the so-called Pillars of Creation, one of the space agency's most iconic discoveries. The giant columns of cold gas, in a small region of the Eagle Nebula, were popularized by a similar image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995. See other wonders of the universe

Nasa

<strong>January 7:</strong> A masked gunman runs toward a victim during <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/07/world/gallery/paris-charlie-hebdo-shooting/index.html" target="_blank">a terrorist attack at the Paris office of Charlie Hebdo,</a> a French satirical magazine. From January 7 to January 9, a total of <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/10/world/france-paris-who-were-terror-victims/" target="_blank">17 people were killed</a> in attacks on Charlie Hebdo, a kosher grocery store, and the Paris suburb of Montrouge. Three suspects were killed by police in separate standoffs. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula claimed responsibility for the attacks.

January 7: A masked gunman runs toward a victim during a terrorist attack at the Paris office of Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical magazine. From January 7 to January 9, a total of 17 people were killed in attacks on Charlie Hebdo, a kosher grocery store, and the Paris suburb of Montrouge. Three suspects were killed by police in separate standoffs. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula claimed responsibility for the attacks.

From Youtube.com

<strong>January 8:</strong> U.S. President Barack Obama reaches out to shake hands with someone after he had just spoken in Phoenix about the housing market and the economy.

January 8: U.S. President Barack Obama reaches out to shake hands with someone after he had just spoken in Phoenix about the housing market and the economy.

ART FOXALL/UPI/Landov

<strong>January 11:</strong> The eyes of Charlie Hebdo editor Stephane Charbonnier appear at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/11/world/gallery/paris-unity-rally/index.html" target="_blank">an anti-terrorism rally in Paris.</a> More than a million people took part in the demonstration, a gesture of unity just days after Charbonnier and 16 others were slaughtered.

January 11: The eyes of Charlie Hebdo editor Stephane Charbonnier appear at an anti-terrorism rally in Paris. More than a million people took part in the demonstration, a gesture of unity just days after Charbonnier and 16 others were slaughtered.

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

<strong>January 13: </strong>U.S. Sen. John McCain fools around with colleagues upon arriving at a news conference in Washington.

January 13: U.S. Sen. John McCain fools around with colleagues upon arriving at a news conference in Washington.

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/getty images

<strong>January 17: </strong>Comedian Bill Cosby performs at the Buell Theatre in Denver. For more than 50 years, Cosby <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/19/showbiz/gallery/bill-cosby-evolution-of-an-icon/index.html" target="_blank">has been one of America's leading entertainers:</a> a noted comedian, an Emmy-winning actor and an innovative producer. But over the past year his reputation has been tarnished by <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/20/showbiz/bill-cosby-allegations-repercussions/index.html" target="_blank">allegations of rape.</a> More than 40 women have spoken out to various media outlets about allegations of sexual misconduct. Cosby has <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/15/media/bill-cosby-rape-allegations/" target="_blank">vehemently denied most of the accusations</a> that he drugged and sexually assaulted young women seeking career guidance, but the stories <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/20/media/cosby-comedy-tour/" target="_blank">have taken their toll</a> on his reputation and bankroll.

January 17: Comedian Bill Cosby performs at the Buell Theatre in Denver. For more than 50 years, Cosby has been one of America's leading entertainers: a noted comedian, an Emmy-winning actor and an innovative producer. But over the past year his reputation has been tarnished by allegations of rape. More than 40 women have spoken out to various media outlets about allegations of sexual misconduct. Cosby has vehemently denied most of the accusations that he drugged and sexually assaulted young women seeking career guidance, but the stories have taken their toll on his reputation and bankroll.

Reuters/Landov

<strong>January 17: </strong>Pope Francis wears a plastic poncho as he waves to well-wishers after a Mass in Tacloban, Philippines. During his five-day trip to the country, the Pope visited areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

January 17: Pope Francis wears a plastic poncho as he waves to well-wishers after a Mass in Tacloban, Philippines. During his five-day trip to the country, the Pope visited areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images

<strong>January 20:</strong> An Afghan security officer aims his weapon at a man who was allegedly planning a suicide bomb attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

January 20: An Afghan security officer aims his weapon at a man who was allegedly planning a suicide bomb attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

GHULAMULLAH HABIBI/EPA/LANDOV

<strong>January 27:</strong> An animatronic polar bear visits the London Underground to mark the launch of "Fortitude," Sky Atlantic's new TV drama.

January 27: An animatronic polar bear visits the London Underground to mark the launch of "Fortitude," Sky Atlantic's new TV drama.

David Parry/PA Wire/ZUMA PRESS

<strong>January 29:</strong> In this still image taken from video, a gunman storms NOS, a Dutch television station, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/29/europe/netherlands-gunman-tv-studio/" target="_blank">and demands to be put on air.</a> The unidentified man wanted 10-15 minutes to "tell his story," said Jan de Jong, the director of the state broadcaster. De Jong said the man put a gun to the head of a guard, who took him to a studio that was not in use. In video from inside the studio, police can be heard shouting before the man drops his weapon and is arrested. No shots were fired, and there were no injuries reported.

January 29: In this still image taken from video, a gunman storms NOS, a Dutch television station, and demands to be put on air. The unidentified man wanted 10-15 minutes to "tell his story," said Jan de Jong, the director of the state broadcaster. De Jong said the man put a gun to the head of a guard, who took him to a studio that was not in use. In video from inside the studio, police can be heard shouting before the man drops his weapon and is arrested. No shots were fired, and there were no injuries reported.

Michel Porro/Getty Images

<strong>February 2:</strong> Starlings fly together before sunset in Rahat, Israel.

February 2: Starlings fly together before sunset in Rahat, Israel.

Omer Messinger/Sipa USA

<strong>February 4:</strong> In this still image taken from video, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/04/asia/gallery/taiwan-transasia-plane-crash/index.html" target="_blank">TransAsia Airways Flight GE235</a> clips a bridge in Taipei, Taiwan, shortly after takeoff. The twin-engine turboprop airplane then plunged into the Keelung River. There were only 15 survivors among the 58 people on board. Pilots <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/07/asia/taiwan-transasia-plane-crash/" target="_blank">had grappled with engine problems</a> before the crash, Taiwan's aviation safety agency said.

February 4: In this still image taken from video, TransAsia Airways Flight GE235 clips a bridge in Taipei, Taiwan, shortly after takeoff. The twin-engine turboprop airplane then plunged into the Keelung River. There were only 15 survivors among the 58 people on board. Pilots had grappled with engine problems before the crash, Taiwan's aviation safety agency said.

TVBS TAIWAN/AFP/Getty Images

<strong>February 9:</strong> People watch as the Mount Sinabung volcano shoots ash into the air during an eruption in Karo, Indonesia. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/20/world/gallery/recently-active-volcanos/index.html" target="_blank">See other recently active volcanoes</a>

February 9: People watch as the Mount Sinabung volcano shoots ash into the air during an eruption in Karo, Indonesia. See other recently active volcanoes

ANTARA FOTO/Reuters/Landov

<strong>February 10:</strong> An employee from the Tama Zoo in Tokyo pretends to check a tranquilizer's effectiveness on an employee wearing a snow leopard suit. The annual drill practiced what to do in the event of an animal escape.

February 10: An employee from the Tama Zoo in Tokyo pretends to check a tranquilizer's effectiveness on an employee wearing a snow leopard suit. The annual drill practiced what to do in the event of an animal escape.

TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images

<strong>February 10:</strong> An activist from the Ukrainian feminist group Femen is arrested by police in Lille, France, after protesting in front of the convoy of Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Strauss-Kahn, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund, was on trial for aggravated pimping charges. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/12/europe/france-strauss-kahn-verdict/" target="_blank">He was acquitted</a> in June.

February 10: An activist from the Ukrainian feminist group Femen is arrested by police in Lille, France, after protesting in front of the convoy of Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Strauss-Kahn, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund, was on trial for aggravated pimping charges. He was acquitted in June.

Michel Spingler/AP

<strong>February 11: </strong>A woman cries during a vigil as she sees photos of the three people who were killed at an apartment near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Three Muslim students -- Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23; his wife, Yusor Mohammad, 21; and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19 -- were found shot to death a day earlier. A 46-year-old suspect, Craig Stephen Hicks, was charged with murder.

February 11: A woman cries during a vigil as she sees photos of the three people who were killed at an apartment near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Three Muslim students -- Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23; his wife, Yusor Mohammad, 21; and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19 -- were found shot to death a day earlier. A 46-year-old suspect, Craig Stephen Hicks, was charged with murder.

Chuck Liddy/AP

<strong>February 15:</strong> Rapper Kanye West performs during <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/16/entertainment/feat-snl-40-anniversary-show-saturday-night-live/" target="_blank">the 40th anniversary special</a> of "Saturday Night Live."

February 15: Rapper Kanye West performs during the 40th anniversary special of "Saturday Night Live."

NBC/Getty Images

<strong>February 15:</strong> A pro-Russian rebel rests in Debaltseve, Ukraine, one day after a skirmish with Ukrainian troops. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/02/europe/ukraine-death-toll/" target="_blank">Fighting between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels</a> has left more than 6,000 people dead since April 2014, according to the United Nations. A recent ceasefire, the so-called Minsk Agreement, has been repeatedly violated.

February 15: A pro-Russian rebel rests in Debaltseve, Ukraine, one day after a skirmish with Ukrainian troops. Fighting between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels has left more than 6,000 people dead since April 2014, according to the United Nations. A recent ceasefire, the so-called Minsk Agreement, has been repeatedly violated.

Max Avdeev

<strong>February 16:</strong> Philadelphia firefighters work at the scene of an overnight blaze. The cold weather made icicles out of their water.

February 16: Philadelphia firefighters work at the scene of an overnight blaze. The cold weather made icicles out of their water.

Jacqueline Larma/AP

<strong>February 21:</strong> A woman reacts as she walks to a cemetery to attend the funeral of Carnival stampede victims in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/17/world/haiti-carnival-deaths/" target="_blank">At least 16 people were killed</a> during an accident involving an electrical shock on a float, government officials said. Video from the scene appeared to show a power line striking a man atop a float. Chaos erupted, and revelers ran in all directions. Officials canceled Carnival activities and declared three days of national mourning.

February 21: A woman reacts as she walks to a cemetery to attend the funeral of Carnival stampede victims in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. At least 16 people were killed during an accident involving an electrical shock on a float, government officials said. Video from the scene appeared to show a power line striking a man atop a float. Chaos erupted, and revelers ran in all directions. Officials canceled Carnival activities and declared three days of national mourning.

Reuters/Landov

<strong>February 23:</strong> People run from an explosion at a gas station and storage facility near the Bakara market in Mogadishu, Somalia.

February 23: People run from an explosion at a gas station and storage facility near the Bakara market in Mogadishu, Somalia.

ISMAIL TAXTA/Reuters/Landov

<strong>February 23: </strong>Russian President Vladimir Putin, seen through a red flag, attends a wreath-laying ceremony in Moscow on Defender of the Fatherland Day.

February 23: Russian President Vladimir Putin, seen through a red flag, attends a wreath-laying ceremony in Moscow on Defender of the Fatherland Day.

MAXIM SHIPENKOV/EPA/LANDOV

<strong>February 24:</strong> A U.S. soldier salutes while jumping out of an aircraft in Germany.

February 24: A U.S. soldier salutes while jumping out of an aircraft in Germany.

U.S. Army

<strong>February 25:</strong> Singer Madonna falls as she performs "Living for Love" at the Brit Awards in London.

February 25: Singer Madonna falls as she performs "Living for Love" at the Brit Awards in London.

Samir Hussein/Redferns/Getty Images

<strong>February 25:</strong> The body of a Ukrainian serviceman is removed from rubble after a battle over the airport in Donetsk, Ukraine.

February 25: The body of a Ukrainian serviceman is removed from rubble after a battle over the airport in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Vadim Ghirda/AP

<strong>February 26:</strong> Children stand next to a Banksy mural on the remains of a destroyed house in Beit Hanoun, Gaza. The house was destroyed last year during fighting between Israel and Hamas.<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/14/living/gallery/banksy-street-artist/index.html" target="_blank"> See more work from Banksy, the anonymous street artist</a>

February 26: Children stand next to a Banksy mural on the remains of a destroyed house in Beit Hanoun, Gaza. The house was destroyed last year during fighting between Israel and Hamas. See more work from Banksy, the anonymous street artist

ISMAEL MOHAMAD/UPI/Landov

<strong>March 2:</strong> A weasel hitches a lift on the back of a woodpecker near London. The image, credited to amateur photographer Martin Le-May, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/03/europe/uk-woodpecker-weasel/index.html" target="_blank">went viral on Twitter</a> after it was posted by photographer Jason Ward. Le-May told British television channel ITV that he had been walking with his wife in Hornchurch Country Park when they heard "a distressed squawking" noise and spotted the woodpecker. "Just after I switched from my binoculars to my camera, the bird flew across us and slightly in our direction; suddenly it was obvious it had a small mammal on its back and this was a struggle for life," Le-May said. Eventually, Le-May told ITV, the weasel lost its grip and the bird flew away.

March 2: A weasel hitches a lift on the back of a woodpecker near London. The image, credited to amateur photographer Martin Le-May, went viral on Twitter after it was posted by photographer Jason Ward. Le-May told British television channel ITV that he had been walking with his wife in Hornchurch Country Park when they heard "a distressed squawking" noise and spotted the woodpecker. "Just after I switched from my binoculars to my camera, the bird flew across us and slightly in our direction; suddenly it was obvious it had a small mammal on its back and this was a struggle for life," Le-May said. Eventually, Le-May told ITV, the weasel lost its grip and the bird flew away.

Martin Le-May/Rex USA

<strong>March 3:</strong> A dog looks out of a car at an army checkpoint near Kurakhove, Ukraine.

March 3: A dog looks out of a car at an army checkpoint near Kurakhove, Ukraine.

Vadim Ghirda/AP

<strong>March 4:</strong> A Ukrainian coal miner waits for a bus after exiting the Zasyadko mine, where he helped search for the bodies of his colleagues in Donetsk, Ukraine. Thirty-three workers were killed after <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/04/europe/ukraine-miners-trapped/index.html" target="_blank">an early morning explosion at the mine.</a>

March 4: A Ukrainian coal miner waits for a bus after exiting the Zasyadko mine, where he helped search for the bodies of his colleagues in Donetsk, Ukraine. Thirty-three workers were killed after an early morning explosion at the mine.

Vadim Ghirda/AP

<strong>March 10:</strong> Police hit a student protester in Letpadan, Myanmar. According to multiple media reports and international watch groups, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/10/world/myanmar-student-protest-crackdown/index.html" target="_blank">students were met with violence</a> as they marched to Yangon, the nation's largest city, to protest an education bill they said limits academic freedom.

March 10: Police hit a student protester in Letpadan, Myanmar. According to multiple media reports and international watch groups, students were met with violence as they marched to Yangon, the nation's largest city, to protest an education bill they said limits academic freedom.

SOE ZEYA TUN/Reuters/Landov

<strong>March 14:</strong> A man dressed as the Incredible Hulk uses the restroom during the London Super Comic Convention.

March 14: A man dressed as the Incredible Hulk uses the restroom during the London Super Comic Convention.

REX USA

<strong>March 17:</strong> <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/16/us/gallery/robert-durst/index.html" target="_blank">Robert Durst,</a> a wealthy New York real-estate heir, is transported to Orleans Parish Prison after his arraignment in New Orleans. Durst faces felony firearm and drug charges in New Orleans, and he has been charged with first-degree murder in Los Angeles. Investigators say they believe Durst was behind the slaying of Susan Berman, his longtime friend. Durst is also the focus of the HBO documentary series "The Jinx," which explores his wife's 1982 disappearance and investigators' suspicions that Berman was killed because she knew what happened to her. Durst has long maintained he didn't kill Berman or have anything to do with his wife's disappearance.

March 17: Robert Durst, a wealthy New York real-estate heir, is transported to Orleans Parish Prison after his arraignment in New Orleans. Durst faces felony firearm and drug charges in New Orleans, and he has been charged with first-degree murder in Los Angeles. Investigators say they believe Durst was behind the slaying of Susan Berman, his longtime friend. Durst is also the focus of the HBO documentary series "The Jinx," which explores his wife's 1982 disappearance and investigators' suspicions that Berman was killed because she knew what happened to her. Durst has long maintained he didn't kill Berman or have anything to do with his wife's disappearance.

Gerald Herbert/AP

<strong>March 17:</strong> An iceberg in Antarctica, one of the most remote places on Earth.

March 17: An iceberg in Antarctica, one of the most remote places on Earth.

JUSTIN HOFMAN/SN/Landov

<strong>March 20:</strong> A total solar eclipse forms over Svalbard, Norway. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/20/world/gallery/solar-eclipse-march-2015/index.html" target="_blank">The rare event</a> was visible from parts of Europe.

March 20: A total solar eclipse forms over Svalbard, Norway. The rare event was visible from parts of Europe.

Haakon Mosvold Larsen/AP

<strong>March 26:</strong> A trumpeter falls off his horse as the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment parades in London's Hyde Park. The British Army regiment was undergoing its annual inspection.

March 26: A trumpeter falls off his horse as the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment parades in London's Hyde Park. The British Army regiment was undergoing its annual inspection.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

<strong>March 29:</strong> An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man throws matzo into the air at a bakery in Jerusalem. Matzo, or unleavened bread, is traditionally eaten during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

March 29: An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man throws matzo into the air at a bakery in Jerusalem. Matzo, or unleavened bread, is traditionally eaten during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

ABIR SULTAN/EPA/LANDOV

<strong>March 31:</strong> A supporter of Nigerian presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari is hit by another supporter on a motorbike during celebrations in Kano, Nigeria. Buhari defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.

March 31: A supporter of Nigerian presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari is hit by another supporter on a motorbike during celebrations in Kano, Nigeria. Buhari defeated incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.

GORAN TOMASEVIC/Reuters/Landov

<strong>March 31:</strong> The eye of Super Typhoon Maysak is photographed from the International Space Station. The storm was churning over the Pacific Ocean, days away from making landfall in the Philippines.

March 31: The eye of Super Typhoon Maysak is photographed from the International Space Station. The storm was churning over the Pacific Ocean, days away from making landfall in the Philippines.

Nasa

<strong>April 3:</strong> A housing development meets the edge of undeveloped desert in Cathedral City, California. California Gov. Jerry Brown <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/17/us/gallery/california-drought/index.html" target="_blank">imposed mandatory water restrictions</a> on residents, businesses and farms in the drought-ravaged state, ordering cities and towns to reduce their usage by 25%.

April 3: A housing development meets the edge of undeveloped desert in Cathedral City, California. California Gov. Jerry Brown imposed mandatory water restrictions on residents, businesses and farms in the drought-ravaged state, ordering cities and towns to reduce their usage by 25%.

DAMON WINTER/The New York Times/Redux

<strong>April 4:</strong> Jillian Nguyen, 3, stands with others as they are baptized into the Catholic faith in Philadelphia.

April 4: Jillian Nguyen, 3, stands with others as they are baptized into the Catholic faith in Philadelphia.

Matt Rourke/AP

<strong>April 4:</strong> A bystander's video shows Michael Slager, a police officer in North Charleston, South Carolina, fatally shooting an unarmed man, Walter Scott, as Scott runs away. The graphic footage sparked outrage and reignited a national conversation around race and policing. Slager was charged with murder and fired from his job after the video was released. A grand jury <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/08/us/south-carolina-slager-indictment-walter-scott/" target="_blank">indicted Slager in June,</a> and he was <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/14/us/michael-slager-bond-walter-scott-case/" target="_blank">denied bond in September.</a> Slager told investigators Scott did not comply with his demands and tried to grab his stun gun.

April 4: A bystander's video shows Michael Slager, a police officer in North Charleston, South Carolina, fatally shooting an unarmed man, Walter Scott, as Scott runs away. The graphic footage sparked outrage and reignited a national conversation around race and policing. Slager was charged with murder and fired from his job after the video was released. A grand jury indicted Slager in June, and he was denied bond in September. Slager told investigators Scott did not comply with his demands and tried to grab his stun gun.

Associated Press

<strong>April 4:</strong> Police in Melbourne try to break up a fight between two sets of protesters. "Rally against racism" protesters were clashing with "Reclaim Australia" protesters. The "Reclaim Australia" protesters were rallying against what they called the "Islamization" of the country.

April 4: Police in Melbourne try to break up a fight between two sets of protesters. "Rally against racism" protesters were clashing with "Reclaim Australia" protesters. The "Reclaim Australia" protesters were rallying against what they called the "Islamization" of the country.

Fairfax Media/Getty Images

<strong>April 6:</strong> An infant boy suffering from acute malnutrition is covered by his mother's scarf as he is treated at a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan. Malnutrition, according to the hospital staff, is a chronic problem in the country.

April 6: An infant boy suffering from acute malnutrition is covered by his mother's scarf as he is treated at a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan. Malnutrition, according to the hospital staff, is a chronic problem in the country.

Andrew Quilty/Oculi

<strong>April 7:</strong> Honor guards march in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside Greece's Parliament in Athens.

April 7: Honor guards march in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside Greece's Parliament in Athens.

Chris Stowers/PANOS

<strong>April 8:</strong> A mass grave is seen near the Abattoir in Gwoza, Nigeria. It hadn't been determined who these people were or how they were killed, but they were presented to the media as victims of Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group waging a campaign of violence in northern Nigeria.

April 8: A mass grave is seen near the Abattoir in Gwoza, Nigeria. It hadn't been determined who these people were or how they were killed, but they were presented to the media as victims of Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group waging a campaign of violence in northern Nigeria.

Benedicte Kurzen/NOOR

<strong>April 10:</strong> The mummified body of Peder Winstrup, former bishop of Lund, Sweden, is exhibited to the press after it had been examined by experts in Lund. The research team said the body from the 1600s is one of the best-preserved in Europe, <a href="http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=6138356" target="_blank" target="_blank">according to Radio Sweden.</a>

April 10: The mummified body of Peder Winstrup, former bishop of Lund, Sweden, is exhibited to the press after it had been examined by experts in Lund. The research team said the body from the 1600s is one of the best-preserved in Europe, according to Radio Sweden.

OLA TORKELSSON/TT/Sipa USA

<strong>April 14:</strong> Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talks with people during a surprise stop in Le Claire, Iowa. The former first lady and U.S. secretary of state has been the front-runner in the Democratic race.

April 14: Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton talks with people during a surprise stop in Le Claire, Iowa. The former first lady and U.S. secretary of state has been the front-runner in the Democratic race.

Doug Mills/The New York Times/Redux

<strong>April 18:</strong> Mozambican Emmanuel Sithole, left, was walking down a street in Johannesburg's Alexandra Township when four men surrounded him. Sithole pleaded for mercy, but it was already too late. The attackers bludgeoned him with a wrench and stabbed him with knives, killing him in broad daylight. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/20/africa/south-africa-xenophobia-killing-photos/" target="_blank">Photographer James Oatway was nearby</a> and captured it all on his camera. It was the morning after a night of unrest that saw foreign-owned shops looted and destroyed. At least seven people were killed in xenophobic violence against poorer immigrants.

April 18: Mozambican Emmanuel Sithole, left, was walking down a street in Johannesburg's Alexandra Township when four men surrounded him. Sithole pleaded for mercy, but it was already too late. The attackers bludgeoned him with a wrench and stabbed him with knives, killing him in broad daylight. Photographer James Oatway was nearby and captured it all on his camera. It was the morning after a night of unrest that saw foreign-owned shops looted and destroyed. At least seven people were killed in xenophobic violence against poorer immigrants.

James Oatway/Colour/PANOS

<strong>April 18: </strong>Thom Schulingkamp -- shown with his mother, Miriam -- lives with 4p- syndrome, a condition that causes delayed development. He was a teenager when Hurricane Katrina struck and his family moved to Michigan. They stayed there for eight years, waiting for a school to open <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2015/08/14/news/hurricane-katrina-special-education/" target="_blank">to accommodate Thom's special needs.</a> He's now enrolled at St. Raphael Academy in New Orleans' Irish Channel. This CNN Photos special assignment was taken by legendary photographer Mary Ellen Mark, whose reflection can be seen on the right. She captured the recovery of New Orleans <a href="http://money.cnn.com/katrina/" target="_blank">10 years after Hurricane Katrina.</a> This was her final assignment. She <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/26/news/mary-ellen-mark/" target="_blank">died on May 25</a> at the age of 75.

April 18: Thom Schulingkamp -- shown with his mother, Miriam -- lives with 4p- syndrome, a condition that causes delayed development. He was a teenager when Hurricane Katrina struck and his family moved to Michigan. They stayed there for eight years, waiting for a school to open to accommodate Thom's special needs. He's now enrolled at St. Raphael Academy in New Orleans' Irish Channel. This CNN Photos special assignment was taken by legendary photographer Mary Ellen Mark, whose reflection can be seen on the right. She captured the recovery of New Orleans 10 years after Hurricane Katrina. This was her final assignment. She died on May 25 at the age of 75.

Mary Ellen Mark for CNN

<strong>April 18:</strong> Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is reflected by glass before speaking at a leadership summit in Nashua, New Hampshire. Walker was seeking the Republican Party's nomination for President, but he <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/21/politics/scott-walker-drops-out-2016-election/" target="_blank">dropped out of the race</a> in September.

April 18: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is reflected by glass before speaking at a leadership summit in Nashua, New Hampshire. Walker was seeking the Republican Party's nomination for President, but he d