December 2023 in photos: USA TODAY's most memorable images

We will update this page with more images as the month progresses.

Embattled Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y, was expelled from Congress after a scathing House Ethics Committee report found that he misused campaign finances for his own personal benefit and committed federal crimes. The vote that removed George Santos from Congress was the third vote; the two prior failed as other members of Congress wanted more evidence that a crime had been committed. 

Communities around the country celebrated Hanukkah. This year's National Menorah lighting in Washington, D.C., took place under a cloud of rising instances of antisemitism and heightened tensions among Americans prompted by the latest war between Israel and Hamas.

The drug overdose crisis in the United States still runs rampant. However, people like Amanda, an addict herself, are doing the most they can to curb disease and death caused by drug addiction. Detroit Free Press photographer Mandi Wright spent a year following Amanda and learning about her efforts. “The interesting thing about Amanda is that she distributes clean needles, Narcan and other harm-reduction supplies to help drug users in her area avoid disease, infection and death," said Wright. "This photo shows Amanda in her motel room after a morning of drug use. She is getting ready to pass out Narcan. This image offers a glimpse into the struggles people who are living in addiction face. She finds her purpose in helping other addicts stay healthy.”

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