There were loads of contenders for stories that gripped the nation in 2023, many of them still unfolding. From ever-present gun violence to the devastating Maui wildfires to the Hamas attack on Israel, these stories brought out both the best and worst of humanity, and shaped our tumultuous times. GOP political drama The GOP kicked off the year with a hefty dose of drama as the House of Representatives’ majority party flailed around trying to elect a speaker so the government could conduct its business. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., finally snagged his dream role after 15 votes were conducted. But...