TIME Picks the Top 100 Photos of 2014

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Protesters march in the street as lightning flashes in the distance in Ferguson, Mo, Aug. 20, 2014.
In this unranked gallery, TIME presents the top 100 photos of the yearProtesters march in the street as lightning flashes in the distance in Ferguson, Mo, Aug. 20, 2014.Jeff Roberson—AP
By TIME Photo and Phil Bicker

2014 was heart wrenching year that brought with it a litany of terror, turbulence and tragedy — from the escalating conflict in Ukraine between government forces and pro-Russian separatists to an reignited war in Gaza that led to the death of more than 2000 Palestinians and 73 Israelis; and from Ebola’s deadly outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone t0 the renewed debate about race in America after the killing of unarmed black men Michael Brown and Eric Gardner.

On a lighter note, though, 2014 also saw New York bid farewell to Yankees captain Derek Jeter who signed off with a walk-off hit, and Germany’s footballers won the FIFA World Cup by famously beating hosts Brazil 7-1 in a one-sided semi-final and defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final.

TIME’s photo editors present an unranked selection of the best 100 images of the year.

Read next: The Most Surprising Photos of 2014

Listen to the most important stories of the day.

Protesters march in the street as lightning flashes in the distance in Ferguson, Mo, Aug. 20, 2014.
In this unranked gallery, TIME presents the top 100 photos of the yearProtesters march in the street as lightning flashes in the distance in Ferguson, Mo, Aug. 20, 2014. Jeff Roberson—AP
A golfer hits a tee shot as African migrants sit atop a border fence during an attempt to cross into Spanish territories between Morocco and Spain's north African enclave of Melilla, Oct. 22, 2014.
A golfer hits a tee shot as African migrants sit atop a border fence during an attempt to cross into Spanish territories between Morocco and Spain's north African enclave of Melilla, Oct. 22, 2014. Jose Palazon—Reuters
The collapsed minaret of mosque seen from the destroyed living room of a Palestinian family in a building across the street in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, July 30, 2014.
The collapsed minaret of mosque seen from the destroyed living room of a Palestinian family in a building across the street in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, July 30, 2014. OLIVER WEIKEN—EPA
Umu Fambulle stands over her husband Ibrahim after he staggered and fell knocking him unconscious, in an Ebola ward in Monrovia, Liberia., Aug. 15, 2014.
Umu Fambulle stands over her husband Ibrahim after he staggered and fell knocking him unconscious, in an Ebola ward in Monrovia, Liberia., Aug. 15, 2014. John Moore—Getty Images
An ISIS militant is seen just after an air strike on Tilsehir hill near Turkish border at Yumurtalik village, Sanliurfa province, Turkey, Oct. 23, 2014.
An ISIS militant is seen just after an air strike on Tilsehir hill near Turkish border at Yumurtalik village, Sanliurfa province, Turkey, Oct. 23, 2014. BULENT KILIC—AFP/Getty Images
Eritrean Wedding in Haifa, Israel.
An Eritrean wedding in Haifa, Israel. April 12, 2014Malin Fezehai for TIME
Fireworks streak past in front of the supermoon outside the town of Mosta, celebrating the feast of its patron saint, in central Malta, Aug. 10, 2014.
Fireworks streak past in front of the supermoon outside the town of Mosta, celebrating the feast of its patron saint, in central Malta, Aug. 10, 2014. DARRIN ZAMMIT LUPI—Reuters
CA Fires
The El Portal Fire burns on a hillside in the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, July 27, 2014. Stuart Palley
A handout photo of Palestinian refugees waiting for food aid in the Yarmouk camp on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, Jan. 31, 2014.
A handout photo of Palestinian refugees waiting for food aid in the Yarmouk camp on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, Jan. 31, 2014.UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS—Reuters
Midwife Norena Malate delivers the baby of Analyn Pesado 18, as Analyn's husband, Ryan Bacate, 21, looks on on the side of the road in Tolosa, outside of Tacloban, in the Philippines, Jan. 11, 2014.
Midwife Norena Malate delivers the baby of Analyn Pesado, 18, as Analyn's husband, Ryan Bacate, 21, looks on on the side of the road in Tolosa, outside of Tacloban, in the Philippines, Jan. 11, 2014. Lynsey Addario—Getty Images Reportage
A protester sets fire to a Molotov cocktail during clashes with police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Jan. 20, 2014. Maxim Dondyuk
Chickens are seen in the midst of plants covered by ash from Mount Sinabung near Sigarang-Garang in Indonesia's North Sumatra province, Jan. 12, 2014.
Chickens are seen in the midst of plants covered by ash from Mount Sinabung near Sigarang-Garang in Indonesia's North Sumatra province, Jan. 12, 2014.RONI BINTANG—REUTERS
An Afghan refugee girl, laiba Hazrat, 6, poses for a picture, while playing with other children in a slum on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan. Jan. 24, 2014.
An Afghan refugee girl, laiba Hazrat, 6, poses for a picture, while playing with other children in a slum on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan. Jan. 24, 2014. Muhammed Muheisen—AP
Riot police keep a fire hose aimed at protesters continuously during rioting on Hrushevskoho Street in central Kiev, Jan. 25, 2014.
Riot police keep a fire hose aimed at protesters continuously during rioting on Hrushevskoho Street in central Kiev, Jan. 25, 2014. Ross McDonnell
Members of the Central African Armed Forces lynch a man suspected of being a former Seleka rebel in Bangui, Feb. 5, 2014.
Members of the Central African Armed Forces lynch a man suspected of being a former Seleka rebel in Bangui, Feb. 5, 2014. ISSOUF SANOGO—AFP/Getty Images
Stuyvesant apartment complex on an early winter morning with 10°F temperature two days after a snow.
The Stuyvesant apartment complex in New York, on the morning of Feb. 12, 2014 two days after snowfall. George Steinmetz—New York Air
People look at the carcass of the giraffe Marius after it was killed in Copenhagen Zoo, Feb. 9, 2014.
People look at the carcass of the giraffe Marius after it was killed in Copenhagen Zoo, Feb. 9, 2014. Kasper Palsnov—Scanpix Denmark/Reuters
A ski jumper at the Winter Olympic Games, Feb. 17, 2014 Sochi, Russia.
A ski jumper at the Winter Olympic Games, Feb. 17, 2014, Sochi, Russia. David Burnett—Contact for IOC
UKRAINE-UNREST-EU-RUSSIA-POLITICS
Protesters burn as they stand behind barricades during clashes with police on February 20, 2014 in Kiev. BULENT KILIC—AFP/Getty Images
Carmen Gonzalez cries over the body of her son, Jimmy Vargas Gonzalez, who was killed in clashes with national police in San Cristobal, Venezuela, Feb. 24, 2014.
Carmen Gonzalez cries over the body of her son, Jimmy Vargas Gonzalez, who was killed in clashes with national police in San Cristobal, Venezuela, Feb. 24, 2014. Meridith Kohut—The New York Times/Redux
An image posted by Oscars show host Ellen DeGeneres on her Twitter account shows movie stars, including Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong'o, Angelina Jolie and Bradley Cooper as well as Nyong'o's brother Peter. March 2, 2014.
An image posted by Oscars show host Ellen DeGeneres on her Twitter account shows movie stars, including Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong'o, Angelina Jolie and Bradley Cooper as well as Nyong'o's brother Peter. March 2, 2014. Ellen DeGeneres—Reuters
People attend a Sunday church service in the village of Kitshanga, in Masisi territory, Democratic Republic of Congo.
People attend a Sunday church service in the village of Kitshanga, in Masisi territory, Democratic Republic of Congo, March 9, 2014.Pete Muller—Prime
Firefighters scale a vast pile of debris that remained after a gas leak explosion destroyed two buildings on Park Avenue in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York.
Firefighters scale a vast pile of debris that remained after a gas leak explosion destroyed two buildings on Park Avenue in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, March 12, 2014. ASHLEY GILBERTSON—The New York Times/VII/Redux
The national guard disperses water cannons on anti-government protesters during a protest at Altamira square in Caracas
The national guard disperses water cannons on anti-government protesters during a protest at Altamira square in Caracas, March 14, 2014. TOMAS BRAVO—REUTERS
South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is seen leaning back after applying eye drops as he prepares himself for another day in the dock during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria, South Africa, March 14, 2014.
South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is seen leaning back after applying eye drops as he prepares himself for another day in the dock during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria, South Africa, March 14, 2014. KIM LUDBROOK—EPA
An aerial view of a mudslide that killed at least eight people and left dozens missing near Arlington, Wash. March 24, 2014.
An aerial view of a mudslide that killed 43 people near Arlington, Wash. March 24, 2014. Ted S. Warren—AP
Afghans line up to register to vote for Presidential elections at a center run by the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission in Shah Shaheed, Kabul, Afghanistan, March 25, 2014.
Afghans line up to register to vote for Presidential elections at a center run by the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission in Shah Shaheed, Kabul, Afghanistan, March 25, 2014. Lynsey Addario—Getty Images Reportage for TIME
March 30, 2014. There are still many victims whose bodies were never found. At Rana Plaza ground zero people continue digging with bare hands even after a year, to find something, some forgotten traces among the ruins. There are dozens of people, relatives of the victims, who daily honor the memory of their loved ones, wandering around through the remains of the building.
There are still many victims whose bodies were never found. At Rana Plaza ground zero people continue digging with bare hands even after a year, to find something, some forgotten traces among the ruins. There are dozens of people, relatives of the victims, who daily honor the memory of their loved ones, wandering around through the remains of the building, March 30, 2014. Annalisa Natali Murri
A shadow of a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion aircraft is seen on low cloud cover while it searches for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in Perth, Australia, March 31, 2014.
A shadow of a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion aircraft is seen on low cloud cover while it searches for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in Perth, Australia, March 31, 2014. Rob Griffith—AP
Children play in the background as a penitent watches a march in Zamora, Spain, April 14, 2014.
Children play in the background as a penitent watches a march in Zamora, Spain, April 14, 2014. Andres Kudacki—AP
Relatives mourn the death of two men and one woman, murdered by Seleka fighters, April 14, 2014.
Relatives mourn the death of two men and one woman, murdered by Seleka fighters, April 14, 2014. William Daniels—Panos
The mother of Abdolah Hosseinzadeh, who was murdered in 2007, slaps Balal who killed her son during the execution ceremony in the northern city of Nowshahr just before she removed the noose around his neck with the help of her husband, sparing the life of her son's convicted murderer, April 15, 2014.
The mother of Abdolah Hosseinzadeh, who was murdered in 2007, slaps Balal who killed her son during the execution ceremony in the northern city of Nowshahr just before she removed the noose around his neck with the help of her husband, sparing the life of her son's convicted murderer, April 15, 2014.ARASH KHAMOOSHI—AFP/Getty Images
The South Korean ferry "Sewol" is seen sinking in the sea off Jindo, South Korea as lighting flares are released for a night search.
The South Korean ferry "Sewol" is seen sinking in the sea off Jindo, South Korea as lighting flares are released for a night search, April 16, 2014.Kim Hong-Ji—Reuters
A woman waits to cast her vote at a polling station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
A woman waits to cast her vote at a polling station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. April 17, 2014. Daniel Berehulak—The New York Times/Redux
The body of Nur Husain, who died after suffering from a respiratory condition, is buried near his home in a camp near Sittwe, Myanmar. The Rohingya are a Muslim minority persecuted by Myanmar's Buddhist-led government.
The body of Nur Husain, who died after suffering from a respiratory condition, is buried near his home in a camp near Sittwe, Myanmar. The Rohingya are a Muslim minority persecuted by Myanmar's Buddhist-led government, April 20, 2014.Adam Dean—The New York Times/Panos/Redux
U.S. President Barack Obama acts out the line "gnashed their terrible teeth" from the children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" during the 136th annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., April 21, 2014.
U.S. President Barack Obama acts out the line "gnashed their terrible teeth" from the children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" during the 136th annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., April 21, 2014. Kevin Lamarque—Reuters
The morgue in Sejkovaca. A corpse from a mass grave in Tomasica, where there was remarkably little decomposition because of the clay content in the soil in which the bodies were buried. Sanski Most, Bosnia, April 28, 2014.
The morgue in Sejkovaca. A corpse from a mass grave in Tomasica, where there was remarkably little decomposition because of the clay content in the soil in which the bodies were buried. Sanski Most, Bosnia, April 28, 2014. Paolo Pellegrin—Magnum
Sue admires the detailing of Gena's dress for Junior Prom.
Gena Buza'a dress for Junior Prom, May 1, 2014. Buza was paralyzed from the chest down after a car accident.Taylor Baucom for TIME
Steam rises from a thoroughbred racehorse after morning workouts on the day of the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 3, 2014.
Steam rises from a thoroughbred racehorse after morning workouts on the day of the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 3, 2014. Luke Sharrett—Bloomberg/Getty Images
The shirt of Hauwa Mutah, one of more than 200 girls who was kidnapped from a school in Chibok in Borno State on April 15, 2014 by Boko Haram, a terrorist group in northern Nigeria.
The shirt of Hauwa Mutah, one of more than 200 girls who was kidnapped from a school in Chibok in Borno State on April 15, 2014 by Boko Haram, a terrorist group in northern Nigeria. Glenna Gordon
The crushed fire truck of Ladder Company 3 at the 9/11 Memorial Museum, May 2, 2014.
The crushed fire truck of Ladder Company 3 at the 9/11 Memorial Museum, May 2, 2014.Andrew Moore—The New York Times
Fence post. Allensworth, CA. 35°51'53"N 119°23'21"W #geographyofpovertyAllensworth is a community in Tulare County, California, United States. The population was 471 at the 2010 census. Residents have a $7,274 per capita income and 54% live below the poverty level. Allensworth was a once all black town founded 1908 by Col. Allen Allensworth, an ex-slave and Buffalo Soldier. The self sufficient community he envisioned foundered for lack of water and protracted land disputes with the Santa Fe railroad. www.geographyofpoverty.com
Fence post, Allensworth, Calif., May 9, 2014. Allensworth is a community where 54% of the population live below the poverty level.Matt Black
Referendum in Donbass
Around 12 armed men identified as members of the Ukrainian national guard opened fire on the voters outside the town hall in Krasnoarmeisk, Ukraine, May 11, 2014.JEROME SESSINI—MAGNUM
Once filled with cafes and shops, the Qabaris neighborhood in the Old City area of Homs has been reduced to rubble, May 12, 2014.
Once filled with cafes and shops, the Qabaris neighborhood in the Old City area of Homs has been reduced to rubble, May 12, 2014. Yuri Kozyrev—NOOR for TIME
A man kisses his son, rescued from a mine in Manis, Turkey, May 13, 2014.
A man kisses his son, rescued from a mine in Manis, Turkey, May 13, 2014.BULENT KILIC—AFP/Getty Images
Spanish bullfighter Jimenez Fortes, top second left, kills a Los Chospes ranch fighting bull after being tossed by the bull during a bullfight at Las Ventas bullring in Madrid, Spain, May 20, 2014.
Spanish bullfighter Jimenez Fortes, top second left, kills a Los Chospes ranch fighting bull after being tossed by the bull during a bullfight at Las Ventas bullring in Madrid, Spain, May 20, 2014. Andres Kudacki—AP
Clothes laid out on a bed for seven-year-old Kenneth Castellanos, whom police say was tortured to death by gang members in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, May 23, 2014.
Clothes laid out on a bed for seven-year-old Kenneth Castellanos, whom police say was tortured to death by gang members in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, May 23, 2014. Meridith Kohut—The New York Times/Redux
Two bolts of lightning hit the antenna on One World Trade Center
Two bolts of lightning hit the antenna on top of One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, New York, May 23, 2014.Gary Hershorn—Corbis
Indian villagers gather around the bodies of two teenage sisters hanging from a tree in Katra village in Uttar Pradesh state, India. The teenage sisters in rural India were raped and killed by attackers who hung their bodies from a mango tree, May 28, 2014.
Indian villagers gather around the bodies of two teenage sisters hanging from a tree in Katra village in Uttar Pradesh state, India. The teenage sisters in rural India were raped and killed by attackers who hung their bodies from a mango tree, May 28, 2014. Nand Kishor Patak—AP
Air Force Academy graduates throw their caps into the air at the completion of the graduation ceremony for the class of 2014, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 28, 2014.
Air Force Academy graduates throw their caps into the air at the completion of the graduation ceremony for the class of 2014, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 28, 2014.Brennan Linsley—AP
A woman stands alone in the niqab she recently started wearing. Her 17 year old sister has just married, leaving her alone in the house with her widowed mother and four siblings. The marriage proposals are already coming to her. She had dreamt of finishing high school and becoming a teacher.
A Syrian refugee woman stands alone in the niqab she recently started wearing. Her 17 year old sister has just married, leaving her alone in the house with her widowed mother and four siblings. The marriage proposals are already coming to her. She had dreamt of finishing high school and becoming a teacher. Ramtha, Jordan, June 1, 2014.Tanya Habjouqa
Japan, Okuma, 2014. Inside the Central Control Room for Reactor 1 and 2 which both had a meltdown and exploded after the earthquake and tsunami hit the east coast of japan in 2011.
The abandoned control room for Reactors 1 and 2, both of which overheated and suffered meltdowns, Fukushima, Japan, June 3, 2014. Dominic Nahr for TIME
Poppies bloom amid wheat fields that were once the front line during World War I in Marne, France, June 4, 2014.
Poppies bloom amid wheat fields that were once the front line during World War I in Marne, France, June 4, 2014.Tomas Munita—The New York Times/Redux
Italian navy rescues asylum seekers traveling by boat off the coast of Africa. More than 2,000 migrants in 25 boats arrived in Italy, June 12, 2014.
Italian navy rescues asylum seekers traveling by boat off the coast of Africa. More than 2,000 migrants in 25 boats arrived in Italy, June 12, 2014. Massimo Sestini—Polaris
Pope Francis with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres during a joint peace prayer at the Vatican Gardens, Vatican City, June 8, 2014.
Pope Francis with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres during a joint peace prayer at the Vatican Gardens, Vatican City, June 8, 2014. Antonello Nusca—Polaris
In Burma, more than 140,000 minority Rohingya Muslims have been forced to live in camps, where disease and despair have taken root. Here, Abdul Kadir, 65, who has a severe stomach ailment and malnutrition, is cared for by his wife in one of the camps, June 9, 2014.
In Burma, more than 140,000 minority Rohingya Muslims have been forced to live in camps, where disease and despair have taken root. Here, Abdul Kadir, 65, who has a severe stomach ailment and malnutrition, is cared for by his wife in one of the camps, June 9, 2014. James Nachtwey for TIME
Members of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces take their positions during clashes with the al Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the city of Ramadi.
Members of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces take their positions during clashes with the al Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the city of Ramadi, June 19, 2014.Reuters
Police patrol the area near where a man was killed following a shooting Naples, Italy.
Police patrol the area near where a man was killed following a shooting Naples, Italy, June 21, 2014.CIRO DE LUCA—REUTERS
Fans react as Brazil's forward Neymar is carried off the pitch on a stretcher after being injured during the quarter-final football match between Brazil and Colombia at the Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, July 4, 2014.
Fans react as Brazil's forward Neymar is carried off the pitch on a stretcher after being injured during the quarter-final football match between Brazil and Colombia at the Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, July 4, 2014. FABRIZIO BENSCH—AFP/Getty Images
People run to shelter from hailstorm on the beach at Ob River, Novosibirsk, Russia, July 12, 2014.
People run to shelter from hailstorm on the beach at Ob River, Novosibirsk, Russia, July 12, 2014. Nikita Dudnik—AP
Richard, 2, who had to have his leg partially amputated after falling from a train, waits for a bath from his mother, Emily Bermudez, in Ixtepec, Mexico, July 7, 2014
Richard, 2, who had to have his leg partially amputated after falling from a train, waits for a bath from his mother, Emily Bermudez, in Ixtepec, Mexico, July 7, 2014Meredith Kohut—The New York Times/Redux
A man carries a child as another lies dead after two explosions on a beach in Gaza, July 16, 2014.
A man carries a child as another lies dead after two explosions on a beach in Gaza, July 16, 2014. Tyler Hicks—The New York Times/Redux
Relatives of four boys, all from the Bakr family, killed by Israeli naval bombardment, mourn during their funeral in Gaza City, July 16, 2014.
Relatives of four boys, all from the Bakr family, killed by Israeli naval bombardment, mourn during their funeral in Gaza City, July 16, 2014. ALESSIO ROMENZI
The body of a passenger from Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 which was shot down over Ukraine, July 17, 2014.
The body of a passenger from Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 which was shot down over Ukraine, July 17, 2014. Jerome SESSINI—Magnum
A Palestinian family who fled their homes is seen en route to seek shelter in a UN school in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, July 18, 2014.
A Palestinian family who fled their homes is seen en route to seek shelter in a UN school in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, July 18, 2014. OLIVER WEIKEN—EPA
Wounded Israeli soldiers are brought to a helicopter near Kafar Aza, Israel, July 23, 2014.
Wounded Israeli soldiers are brought to a helicopter near Kafar Aza, Israel, July 23, 2014. Andrew Burton—Getty Images
A Yazidi family, from Sinjar, wait to cross the Syrian-Iraqi border after being rescued from Mount Sinjar, Iraq, Aug. 10, 2014.
A Yazidi family, from Sinjar, wait to cross the Syrian-Iraqi border after being rescued from Mount Sinjar, Iraq, Aug. 10, 2014. Ayman Oghanna
Three men found guilty by a Somali military court of killing civilians and masterminding a recent attack on the Presidential Palace stand tied to poles shortly before they were executed by a firing squad in capital Mogadishu, Aug. 3, 2014.
Three men found guilty by a Somali military court of killing civilians and masterminding a recent attack on the Presidential Palace stand tied to poles shortly before they were executed by a firing squad in capital Mogadishu, Aug. 3, 2014.Feisal Omar—Reuters
The funeral of Avraham Walz, 29, killed in an attack earlier that day by a Palestinian in a stolen digger in Jerusalem Aug. 5, 2014
The funeral of Avraham Walz, 29, killed in an attack earlier that day by a Palestinian in a stolen digger in Jerusalem Aug. 5, 2014. Peter van Agtmael—Magnum
The chess set made by the group of Western hostages held in Northern Syria by ISIS, Aug 8, 2014.
The chess set made by the group of Western hostages held in Northern Syria by ISIS, Aug 8, 2014.Glenna Gordon—The New York Times
Indonesian villagers walk to the crater during the Kasodo ceremony at Mount Bromo, Probolinggo, Indonesia, Aug. 12, 2014.
Indonesian villagers walk to the crater during the Kasodo ceremony at Mount Bromo, Probolinggo, Indonesia, Aug. 12, 2014. FULLY HANDOKO—EPA
A man backs away as law enforcement officials close in on him and eventually detain him during protests over the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., Aug. 11, 2014.
A man backs away as law enforcement officials close in on him and eventually detain him during protests over the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., Aug. 11, 2014.Whitney Curtis—The New York Times/Redux
Survivors of a helicopter crash, including Yazidi refugees and Kurdish and Iraqi Army personnel, onboard a rescue helicopter that transported them from the crash site back to Kurdish-controlled Dohuk Province in the Sinjar Mountains, Iraq, Aug. 12, 2014.
Survivors of a helicopter crash, including Yazidi refugees and Kurdish and Iraqi Army personnel, onboard a rescue helicopter that transported them from the crash site back to Kurdish-controlled Dohuk Province in the Sinjar Mountains, Iraq, Aug. 12, 2014.Moises Saman—Magnum for TIME
A man is doused with milk and sprayed with mist after being hit by an eye irritant from security forces trying to disperse demonstrators protesting against the shooting of Brown in Ferguson
A man is doused with milk and sprayed with mist after being hit by an eye irritant from security forces trying to disperse demonstrators protesting against the shooting of unarmed black teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., Aug. 20, 2014.ADREES LATIF—REUTERS
Damaged goods lie in a damaged kitchen in downtown Donetsk, Ukraine, Aug. 26, 2014.
Damaged goods lie in a damaged kitchen in downtown Donetsk, Ukraine, Aug. 26, 2014. SERGEI ILNITSKY—EPA
Rahaf Yousef, 13, a Syrian refugee from Daraa, poses for a portrait in her family's trailer as she is surrounded by female relatives on the day of her engagement party at the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, Aug. 29, 2014.
Rahaf Yousef, 13, a Syrian refugee from Daraa, poses for a portrait in her family's trailer as she is surrounded by female relatives on the day of her engagement party at the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, Aug. 29, 2014. Lynsey Addario—Getty Images Reportage
Children play on the hills in Kathmandu, Sept. 3, 2014.
Children play on the hills in Kathmandu, Sept. 3, 2014. NAVESH CHITRAKAR—REUTERS
Medical staff carry James Dorbor, 8, suspected of having Ebola, into a treatment facility in Monrovia, Liberia.
Medical staff carry James Dorbor, 8, suspected of having Ebola, into a treatment facility in Monrovia, Liberia, Sept. 5, 2014. DANIEL BEREHULAK—The New York Times/Redux
The cabin inside the 66 ft long fishing boat that sunk off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa Oct. 3, 2013, killing 366 migrants, is seen on Sept. 22, 2014.
The cabin inside the 66 ft long fishing boat that sunk off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa Oct. 3, 2013, killing 366 migrants, is seen on Sept. 22, 2014. Francesco Zizola—NOOR
Japan's swimmers compete in the free combination synchronised swimming event final during the 2014 Asian Games at the Munhak Park Tae-hwan Aquatics Centre in Incheon, Sept. 23, 2014.
Japan's swimmers compete in the free combination synchronised swimming event final during the 2014 Asian Games at the Munhak Park Tae-hwan Aquatics Centre in Incheon, Sept. 23, 2014. PHILIPPE LOPEZ—AFP/Getty Images
New York Yankees' Derek Jeter jumps after hitting the game-winning single against the Baltimore Orioles in the ninth inning of a baseball game, New York, Sept. 25, 2014.
New York Yankees' Derek Jeter jumps after hitting the game-winning single against the Baltimore Orioles in the ninth inning of a baseball game, New York, Sept. 25, 2014. Julie Jacobson—AP
Mariattu Kanu, 4, who is suspected of being infected with Ebola, lies on the floor amid body fluids in a ward for Ebola victims at a hospital in Makeni, Sierra Leone, Sept. 27, 2014.
Mariattu Kanu, 4, who is suspected of being infected with Ebola, lies on the floor amid body fluids in a ward for Ebola victims at a hospital in Makeni, Sierra Leone, Sept. 27, 2014. Samuel Aranda—The New York Times/Panos/Redux
Mountain lodges near the top of Mt. Ontake in Tokyo, Japan are covered in volcano ash, Sept. 28, 2014.
Mountain lodges near the top of Mt. Ontake in Tokyo, Japan are covered in volcano ash, Sept. 28, 2014. Kyodo—Landov
Joshua Wong, a 17-year-old protest leader at democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong.
On a wall just outside Hong Kong's main government office, protesters leave words of support for one another and demands for political action, Oct. 5, 2014. Correction: The original version of this caption incorrectly identified the subject in the photograph.James Nachtwey for TIME
A pro-democracy protester sleeps on a concrete road divider on a street outside the Hong Kong Government Complex in Hong Kong, Oct. 5, 2014.
A pro-democracy protester sleeps on a concrete road divider on a street outside the Hong Kong Government Complex in Hong Kong, Oct. 5, 2014. Chris McGrath—Getty Images
A man in a hazardous material suit cleans the apartment unit where a man diagnosed with the Ebola virus was staying in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 6, 2014.
A man in a hazardous material suit cleans the apartment unit where a man diagnosed with the Ebola virus was staying in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 6, 2014. Jim Young—Reuters
A suspected migrant runs back to Miguel Aleman, Mexico after being pursued by agents near Roma, Texas, Oct. 8, 2014.
A suspected migrant runs back to Miguel Aleman, Mexico after being pursued by agents near Roma, Texas, Oct. 8, 2014. Kirsten Luce
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic attend a military parade to mark 70 years since the city's liberation by the Red Army in Belgrade, Oct. 16, 2014.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic attend a military parade to mark 70 years since the city's liberation by the Red Army in Belgrade, Oct. 16, 2014.MARKO DJURICA—REUTERS
A Turkish couple share a romantic sunset at the back of a ferry on the Bosphorus, in Istanbul, Oct. 17, 2014.
A Turkish couple share a romantic sunset at the back of a ferry on the Bosphorus, in Istanbul, Oct. 17, 2014. BULENT KILIC—AFP/Getty Images
A camp full of Rohingya refugees on the edge of Sittwe, Burma, Oct. 18, 2014.
A camp full of Rohingya refugees on the edge of Sittwe, Burma, Oct. 18, 2014.Tomas Munita—The New York Times/Redux
PALESTINE. Gaza. 2014. Schoolchildren head to class at the Sobhi Abu Karsh School in the Shujai'iya neighborhood. Operation Protective Edge lasted from 8 July 2014 – 26 August 2014, killing 2,189 Palestinians of which 1,486 are believed to be civilians. 66 Israeli soldiers and 6 civilians were killed. It's estimated that 4,564 rockets were fired at Israel by Palestinian militants.
Schoolchildren head to class at the Sobhi Abu Karsh School in the Shujai'iya neighborhood of Gaza, Oct. 20, 2014.Peter van Agtmael—Magnum
CHINPALCINGO, MEXICO - 31 OCTOBER 2014:Holding portraits of the missing students in Chinpalcingo Zocalo (Main Square) while a woman sell ballons for the Dia de los Muertos. Chilpancingo de los Bravo is the capital of Guerrero State and is located just 14 km from the Raul Isidro Burgos de Ayotzinapa College. This city is the head of the demonstrations against the government for the lack of proof and responsibilities for the 43 disappeared students on September 26th in Iguala.
Portraits of 43 missing students allegedly abducted and killed by a drug gang, aided by corrupt police officers, in Mexico’s Southern Guerrero state. hang in the main square of Chilpancingo de los Bravo, the capital of Guerrero State where the drug cartels operate with impunity, Oct. 31, 2014.Sebastian Liste—NOOR for TIME
A scaffold carrying two workers hangs 69 floors up at One World Trade Center in New York City, Nov. 12, 2014.
A scaffold carrying two workers hangs 69 floors up at One World Trade Center in New York City, Nov. 12, 2014. Spencer Platt—Getty Images
A snow-covered field is seen near Buffalo, New York, Nov. 21, 2014.
A snow-covered field is seen near Buffalo, New York, Nov. 21, 2014. Lindsay DeDario—REUTERS
Odell Beckham of the New York Giants scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 23, 2014.
Odell Beckham of the New York Giants scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 23, 2014.Al Bello—Getty Images
Ferguson, Mo. after Grand Jury decision
Dasha Jones, 19, is arrested for unlawful assembly during a protest ahead of the grand jury decision in the case against Darren Wilson, who shot unarmed black teenager Michael Brown, outside the Ferguson Police Department in Ferguson, Mo. on the evening of Nov. 20, 2014.Barrett Emke
Riots break out on West Florissant Avenue between Ferguson Avenue and Chambers Road following the news that the St. Louis County grand jury has decided to not indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown, Nov. 25, 2014.
Riots break out on West Florissant Avenue between Ferguson Avenue and Chambers Road following the news that the St. Louis County grand jury has decided to not indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown, Nov. 25, 2014.PHILIP MONTGOMERY
Blue Sky Days
House boats appear next to the shoreline of Bidwell Canyon on Lake Oroville in Northern California on November 25, 2014. Lake Oroville is California's second largest reservoir, and is currently 70% empty as a result of the state's severe drought.Tomas van Houtryve—VII
Egypt's former president Hosni Mubarak waves as he is transported from a military helicopter to an ambulance outside Maadi military hospital in Cairo, Nov. 29, 2014.
Egypt's former president Hosni Mubarak waves as he is transported from a military helicopter to an ambulance outside Maadi military hospital in Cairo, Nov. 29, 2014. KJALED DESOUKI—AFP/Getty Images
Sweetie Sweetie, believed to be 4, who was orphaned by Ebola, sits in her bedroom at the group home where she now lives in Port Loko, Sierra Leone.
Sweetie Sweetie, believed to be 4, who was orphaned by Ebola, sits in her bedroom at the group home where she now lives in Port Loko, Sierra Leone, Dec. 6, 2014. Ebola has been wretched for children, but the worst off, by far, are the orphans, many of whom are stigmatized and shunned by their own communities. DANIEL BEREHULAK—The New York Times/Redux

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