The Top New Yorker Stories of 2021

Democracy under threat, the possibility that aliens have visited Earth, and marital loneliness. View in browser | Update your preferences Friday, December 31, 2021 Photographs by Balazs Gardi for The New Yorker; Arvida Byström for The New Yorker; Illustrations by Sun Bai; Karlotta Freier; Photo illustration by Paul Sahre The year 2021 has had a suspended quality. The New Yorker stories that most resonated with readers, as measured by data that tracks what people have read on their way to becoming subscribers, seem to reflect our moment of in-betweenness. The complete list includes a slew of stories about democracy under threat, but there are also two articles about the possibility that aliens have visited Earth, an essay on marital loneliness, and a feature about the science of energy and how to get it. At times, readers simply looked to us for diversion. There are two essays by the humorist David Sedaris on the list. And people lapped up a lancing Profile of the “Succession” actor Jeremy Strong, who insists that the show isn’t a comedy. We’re all looking for a laugh. May we do it more often in 2022. —Michael Luo, editor of newyorker.com The Top New Yorker Stories of 2021 A Reporter at Large Among the Insurrectionists The Capitol was breached by Trump supporters who had been declaring, at rally after rally, that they would go to violent lengths to keep the President in power. A chronicle of an attack foretold. By Luke Mogelson Video Dept. A Reporter’s Footage from Inside the Capitol Siege Luke Mogelson followed Trump supporters as they forced their way into the Senate chamber, using his phone’s camera as a reporter’s notebook. By The New Yorker American Chronicles Britney Spears’s Conservatorship Nightmare How the pop star’s father and a team of lawyers seized control of her life—and held on to it for thirteen years. By Ronan Farrow and Jia Tolentino News Desk An Air Force Combat Veteran Breached the Senate The Texas-based pilot was with a group that descended on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office suite. By Ronan Farrow Letter from Washington Why McConnell Dumped Trump After the Capitol assault—and after losing his perch as Majority Leader—the senator finally denounced the outgoing President. Was it a moral reckoning or yet another act of political self-interest? By Jane Mayer A Reporter at Large The Big Money Behind the Big Lie Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy are being promoted by rich and powerful conservative groups that are determined to win at all costs. By Jane Mayer Personal History How to Practice I wanted to get rid of my possessions, because possessions stood between me and death. By Ann Patchett A Reporter at Large Can Cyrus Vance, Jr., Nail Trump? Insiders say that the Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation has dramatically intensified since the former President left office. By Jane Mayer Daily Shouts Fran Lebowitz’s One-Star Amazon Reviews Instead of “Welcome,” the doormat should say “O.K. Fine. You’re here. I’m here. Let’s get this over with.” By Mike DiCenzo A Reporter at Large How the Pentagon Started Taking U.F.O.s Seriously For decades, flying saucers were a punch line. Then the U.S. government got over the taboo. By Gideon Lewis-Kraus Humor from The New Yorker Name Drop Play Today’s Quiz Can you guess the notable person in six clues or fewer? By Will Nediger Daily Cartoon Friday, December 31st By Maggie Larson Daily Shouts A Philosophy Course Taught by Your Favorite 2021 Memes Lawyer Cat teaches you about nihilism, and the Ever Given cargo ship discusses Marx. By Ali Fitzgerald You’re receiving this e-mail because you signed up for The Daily from The New Yorker. Manage your preferences | View our Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2021. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.