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On January 4, it was announced that veteran California firefighters will go to Australia to help fight the wildfire on the ground. The fires in Australia have killed 23 people so far, and destroyed thousands of homes. (CNN)
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On February 8, the first American citizen died of the coronavirus in Wuhan. The death was announced hours after two flights evacuated US citizens from Wuhan. This is the first American to die from the virus that has killed hundreds in China. (CNN)
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On March 4 Japan announced it will quarantine visitors from China and South Korea due to the Coronavirus.Australia banned visitors from South Korea. March 5 Italy announced it will shut down all schools for a few weeks. All professional sporting events will have no fans in the stadium for the next month.107 people have died from the Coronavirus in Italy. Iran announced it will temporarily free 54,000 prisoners. March 6 the total number of Coronavirus cases worldwide topped 100,000. (BBC/Reuters)
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On April 27, South Korea told CNN that despite speculations, Kim Jong Un is “alive and well.” For a few days, there has been speculation that Kim Jong Un is in a vegitative state, or even dead, after a heart surgery. North Korea has not responded to speculations. (CNN)
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On May 22, a Pakistani plane carrying 99 passengers and a few crew members crashed after the pilot reported technical difficulties. At least 2 people have survived. This is one of Pakistan’s first flights since the coronavirus lockdown. (BBC)
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By June 3, dozens of US cities joined the Black Lives Matter protests, which have since turned violent as protesters clashed with police. On June 1 the White House lights went out and President Trump allegedly was brought to his bunker. On June 5, a Black Lives Matter memorial in Washington DC was painted so large, it can be seen from satellites in space. The mural spans two blocks, leading to the White House, and reads “Black Lives Matter.” (CNN/BBC)
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On July 30, four students were arrested under China’s new security law. The students were accused of “inciting secession” on social media, which became illegal after the law was passed earlier this month. Other people were arrested for creating banners and slogans for protests. On July 31, Hong Kong announced that it is seeking to arrest 6 activists who have fled to the UK. (BBC)
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On August 12, Joe Biden announced that he has chosen Kamala Harris as his running mate. Harris is a strong advocate for diversity and equality. (BBC)
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On September 29, President Trump and presidential candidate Joe Biden had the first debate, which many think could be the last. According to CNN, the debate was filled with shouting and interruptions. The questions discussed included the pandemic, voting fraud, and climate change. (CNN)
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On October 2, President Trump and his wife, Melania, both tested positive for COVID. Following the diagnosis, the two were taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. President Trump has stated that he has developed a fever and chills, but “feels much better” after a brief stay at the hospital. On October 3, it was reported that 24 states saw a 10% increase in positive coronavirus cases. Officials warn that it is still essential that we wear masks and socially distance. (CNN)
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On November 1, Portland police declared a riot after many businesses were broken into during new protests. Law enforcement officials stated that about 150 gathered to march before a few began throwing objects at the police, quickly escalating to throwing objects at surrounding businesses. (CNN)
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On December 14, the electoral college officially affirmed Joe Biden’s win after gathering to submit their ballots. Many Republicans are still claiming fraud, and the election battle appears to be far from over. On December 19, a meeting at the White House turned into a screaming match after attendees suggested President Trump enact martial law to overturn the election. Twitter updated its election misinformation warning labels to say that Joe Biden won the election. (CNN)
