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Avalanche in Pakistan
On January 15, multiple avalanches in Pakistan ruined and buried houses. At least 77 people have died and 94 have been injured. There are concerns that more people are still trapped in buried houses and the death toll may rise. (CNN) -
Avalanche in Turkey
On February 6, two avalanches struck a Turkey mountainside, killing 41 people and injuring another 84. The second avalanche killed dozens of rescuers who were responding to the first. (CNN) -
US Coronavirus Updates
On March 4, the CDC announced that there were 129 reported Coronavirus cases in the US. This includes cases that have not yet been investigated by the CDC. -
Rohingya Refugees Rescued
On April 18, nearly 400 Rohingya refugees lost at sea were rescued. The group left Bangladesh nearly two months ago. The group did reach Malaysia, but was forced to turn back at the border. Rescuers confirmed that at least 32 people died during the journey. (CNN) -
SpaceX Launch Makes History
On May 30, the SpaceX launched, making it the first time astronauts are carried to the ISS on a private vehicle. The launch was supposed to occur two days prior, but was cancelled due to bad weather. This is the first launch from US soil since 2011. (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. -
Coronavirus Updates
On July 2, after sixteen days in the hospital for coronavirus, Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernadez was released. Many hospitals in Honduras are collapsing due to the overwhelming number of COVID cases. -
Coronavirus Updates (2)
On August 11, New Zealand reinstated coronavirus restrictions after the first locally transmitted case in 102 days. Four new cases appeared in Auckland, which will go back to Level 3 restrictions for the time being. -
Wildfires, Heatwaves, and Snow
On September 6, the wildfires in California set a new record, scorching 2,094,955 acres, which is the most acres burned in one year. Experts believe this number will only grow as wildfire season is typically October and November. The wildfires were only exacerbated after a heat wave hit the state. -
Coronavirus Updates
On October 2, it was reported that Nigerian scientists developed a cheaper and faster testing kid for Covid-19. The country faces many kit shortages, so it is now hopeful that this new invention will help troubled populations. On October 2, the French government announced that the pandemic was worsening in Paris, resulting in a potential lockdown for the capital. The situation will be reevaluated next week before it is determined whether the city will be locked down or not. (CNN) -
Wetlands on Fire
On November 13, CNN reported on the months-long wildfires occurring in South America’s Pantanal region. These fires have burned 28% of of the floodplain that stretches across Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Many homes and habitats have been destroyed by these fires; however, the most damaging effect is on the carbon sinks that exist in the area. These are essential to the ecosystem. (CNN) -
Facebook Lawsuits
On December 9, in various lawsuits, Facebook was accused of breaking antitrust laws by buying out too much of the competition. Losing the lawsuits will mean that Facebook must now sell Instagram and/or Whatsapp. (BBC)