Throughout the year, AP photojournalists capture critical events across the U.S. - from the massive drought that hit California, to the legalization of marijuana across the nation, to the the Fort Hood shooting. 

As the editors of AP Images blog, we are proud to highlight the best photos from the top U.S. news stories of 2014.

View the entire Best U.S. News Photos of 2014 collection

See more of the best photos of 2014

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