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Single Use Plastic Banned in China
On January 20, China announced it will ban all single-use plastic. Non-degradable bags are the first to go, hopefully being completely distinguished by 2022. Restaurants will be banned from using single use straws by the end of 2020. The goal is for China to reduce the garbage generated by its 1.4 billion citizens. -
Violent Attacks in Jerusalem
On February 6, a Palestinian assailant attacked Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem. The soldiers were new recruits working on protecting a tourist destination. The attack left three Palestinians dead and injured 12 Israeli soldiers. (CNN) -
Shooting in Baltimore
On March 8, a shooting outside a Baltimore dance studio left one 13-year-old dead and five more teens injured. The group was leaving an event at the studio when a suspect approached them and an altercation ensued. The five injured have already been released from the hospital, and Baltimore Police Department is offering a reward for any information on the suspect. (CNN) -
Deadly Tornadoes Hit Southern States
On April 13, deadly tornadoes and flooding have hit various US states, leading to at least 13 deaths. Tornadoes hit Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, while severe thunderstorms hit Alabama and Georgia. Over 900,000 households are currently without power right now, while others have been completely destroyed. (BBC) -
New Black Hole Discovered
On May 7, scientists discovered a new black hole that may be the nearest to Earth. This black hole is 1,000 light years away (9.5 thousand, million, million km). While that sounds rather far, in the world of space, this makes the black hole our neighbor. (BBC) -
Black Lives Matter Protests
By June 6, as US protests entered their 12th consecutive day, various European countries and Australia participated in Black Lives Matter protests themselves. On June 5, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a knee during BLM protests in Canada. On June 6, after a court overturned the ruling that protests are illegal due to coronavirus, over 10,000 people protested for justice in Sydney, Australia. (CNN) -
Coronavirus Updates Part 1
On July 2, two Texas counties sent out emergency alerts urging residents to shelter in place as hospitals reached capacity. On July 3, it was reported that two more inmates in San Quentin died from coronavirus complications. On July 3, California banned singing in places of worship, though the state will still allow gatherings. On July 3, MLB announced that despite the late start for the season, the annual All-Star game will be canceled due to coronavirus. -
Coronavirus Updates Part 2
On July 3, despite rising coronavirus cases, President Trump held a rally at Mount Rushmore. The rally did not require social distancing or masks. Before the rally, one of President Trump’s campaign workers, and Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, allegedly tested positive for coronavirus. -
Coronavirus Updates Part 3
On July 4, more than 1,400 healthcare workers signed a petition asking the Georgia governor to take more action regarding COVID-19. In the past few weeks, Georgia’s cases have skyrocketed by over 50%. Healthcare workers are asking the governor to close bars, nightclubs, and any gatherings that exceed 25 people. As of July 4, twenty-one states are requiring residents to wear masks when outside. (CNN) -
Apple Fire in California
On August 3, the Apple Fire in California counties Riverside and San Bernardino spread over 20,000 acres and is only 5% contained. The steep and rugged terrain is making it difficult for officials to fight the fire. As of now, more than 2,000 responders are attempting to fight the fire. (CNN) -
TikTok and WeChat Officially Banned
On September 18, the US announced that in 48 hours, residents will no longer be allowed to download either TikTok or WeChat. WeChat will be shut down immediately, while those who already have TikTok will be able to use the app until November 12. The ban may be reversed if President Trump agrees to a trade deal, but for now, he claims the app (and its parent company) steal data to sell to China. -
Shooting in Philadelphia
On October 27, police in Philadelphia fatally shot a black man who was allegedly wielding a knife, leading to nights of protests and looting in the city. On October 28, a curfew was put in place and the Pennsylvania National Guard was deployed in an attempt to prevent looting. The victim, 27-year-old Walter Wallace Jr., was said to have been a mental health patient and was on lithium. -
Apple to Pay $113 Million
On November 18, Apple was ordered to pay $113 million to settle what users are calling “batterygate.” Thirty-three US states accused Apple of slowing down battery ability to sway people to buy new devices. Apple refused to comment on the situation. (BBC) -
Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolboys Rescued
On December 19, Nigeria announced that 344 Nigerian schoolboys were rescued after being kidnapped by bandits pretending to be the terrorist group Boko Haram. The boys were kidnapped December 11, and told tales of abuse and torture and starving for two days. (CNN)
