2020: A year that needed a lot of visual explanation

USA TODAY created dozens of visual stories and graphics to inform Americans about COVID-19, the evolving science around it and how to cope during the pandemic.

We also dug deep into politics – from the third impeachment of a U.S. president to the results of November's elections. When politics and COVID-19 crossed paths throughout the year, we explained that, too.

We hope this sampling of our work – including a few graphics unrelated to the pandemic and politics – might offer additional understanding or guidance for you as vaccines move closer to broader distribution and Inauguration Day nears.

COVID-19's toll

Since March 1, we've recorded the daily toll that the virus has taken on America and the rest of the world and taken note of some milestones. Click an image to read any of the stories.

The science behind COVID-19

Researchers have learned a great deal in recent months about how this coronavirus is transmitted, affects humans and how best to prevent its transmission.

How to protect yourself from COVID-19

Here are a few of the tips we've offered since the first reported U.S. case in March: how to cut your own hair, maintain your car, maintain your mask(s). A few of the other visual stories:

Allegations against President Trump

The year started with a mysterious virus vexing a Chinese city, but much of the U.S. media focused its attention in the dawning weeks of 2020 on President Donald Trump and his impeachment trial. The year included questions about his finances and another allegation about sexual misconduct.

The 2020 election

Regardless of the claims leveled against him in the months leading up to the election, more than 74 million Americans voted for him. Our analysis found that Joe Biden's victory turned more on him attracting more voters than Trump losing support.

Coronavirus and Washington

The White House became one of the hot spots in Washington shortly after President Trump introduced Amy Comey Barrett as his Supreme Court nominee at a Rose Garden ceremony. Some of the intersections of COVID-19 and Washington lawmakers this year:

Helping readers in print

Our dozens of pages in USA TODAY's print edition helped readers understand the effects of COVID-19 on our bodies, the science of vaccines and even a template for making your own mask.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2020: A look at the year in USA TODAY's graphics