2021 was a year to remember, although some may want to forget the deep freeze in February and the continued problems posed by the pandemic. Here’s a look at the most-viewed stories on dallasnews.com in 2021.
1. The big wreck
At least six people died and dozens were taken to hospitals after an accident involving more than 100 vehicles on Interstate 35W in Fort Worth in a pileup that was the harbinger of the problems to come during the deep freeze in February that left people across Texas without power and water and led to more than 200 deaths.
2. Mask mandate lifted
In early March, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said it was time to open up Texas, ending the statewide mask mandate.
3. Do COVID vaccines, alcohol mix?
The third most-read story came from Al Dia, a Spanish-language explanation about the effects of the COVID-19: does it hurt, can you drink alcohol if you get vaccinated and allergies and the vaccine.
4. Allen murder-suicide
In April, two young brothers in Allen killed four members of their family and themselves.
5. Wreck victims identified, investigation sought
Readers were interested in the followup to the deadly pileup on Interstate 35 in Fort Worth that included the identities of the victims and lawmakers calling for an investigation into ice prevention on the road.
6. China thwarts local mask effort
Watchdog columnist Dave Lieber wrote about two men who tried to produce quality N95 masks in a Fort Worth factory but were undercut by Chinese manufacturers.
7. QAnon supporters gather in Dallas expecting JFK Jr. to appear
In November, hundreds of QAnon supporters who expected the late John F. Kennedy Jr. to appear gathered in Dealey Plaza in Dallas, the site of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
8. H-E-B really is coming to North Texas
News in March that San Antonio grocery giant H-E-B would break ground on two Collin County stores in the summer in excited grocery shoppers across North Texas.
9. Arlington congressman dies from the coronavirus
COVID-19 claimed Rep. Ron Wright, Republican congressman from Arlington, in February. Wright had also been battling cancer.
10. Ted Cruz in Cancun
Finally, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s trip to Cancun during the freeze and power problems in February rounded out the Top 10.
