In response to protests across Columbia against a proposed tax increase, Colombian police fired tear gas at a crowd of protestors. The violence occurred on the eighth day of protesting, and police violence has caused about half of at least 24 deaths. The public ombudsman of Colombia stated that 89 people are missing after the protest, which prompted the European Union and the United Nations’ human rights office to warn against the use of force towards these protestors. Although the tax increase has since been cancelled, Colombians continue to pressure the government to properly address an increase in poverty, inequality, and police violence.

Due to the worsening COVID-19 crisis in India, the country’s Supreme Court ruled that the oxygen shortage in the country must be eased by India’s government sending medical oxygen to hospitals in New Delhi. The supply to New Delhi has been raised from 490 tons to 730 tons following the two week shortage. As cases in the country rise to more than 21 million, reports have claimed that the government has not effectively distributed medical supplies coming from foreign countries, although officials have denied such claims.Nevertheless, hospital authorities have been working to manage the distribution of oxygen; they have repaired a supply line, however during the time of repairs, the demand for oxygen doubled. Health experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested a lockdown in India may help reduce the surge and that creating field hospitals will be beneficial to ease the strain on hospitals that are reaching or have reached full capacity.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer vaccine to be distributed among adolescents ages 12 to 15. The approval follows the FDA’s expansion of its emergency use approval of the Pfizer vaccine to include Americans ages 16 and older. Acting FDA commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock stated that before the approval was made, the agency thoroughly examined all of the data available regarding the vaccine. Towards the end of March, Pfizer announced that the company's trials concluded participants who were 12 to 15 years old responded to the vaccine with 100% efficacy. Currently, Pfizer, in addition to Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, are testing the vaccine on children as young as 6 months.

Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney was removed from her position as conference chair, a position that made her the third-highest ranked Republican in the House of Representatives. The vote to remove Cheney resulted from her criticisms towards Donald Trump, which House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy claimed caused divisions in the party that distracted from their agenda. However, McCarthy’s support for Liz Cheney’s removal comes after he helped stop a similar vote this past February. Despite the loss, Liz Cheney told reporters she plans on running for re-election in 2022.

Following violent attacks against Palestinians, Israel ordered airstrikes targeting the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip. The attack killed at least 145 Palestinians, which includes 41 children and 23 women. In addition to the loss of life, the airstrikes destroyed refugee camps, important roads (one of which led to Gaza’s largest hospital), residential buildings, and a building that housed the offices for international news outlets, including the Associated Press and Al-Jazeera. After the attacks, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the military campaign would continue its attacks on Gaza, which U.S. President Biden has expressed his support for in a call with Netanyahu, although Biden also expressed concern for the civilian casualties and protections for journalists.

Volcanoe La Soufrière Explodes in St. Vincent:

After hours of ash and steam coming from La Soufrière, St. Vincent’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) announced the volcano exploded, which follows a smaller eruption from Friday afternoon. Those living in what has been deemed the red zone were ordered to evacuate. NEMO announced removal efforts, part of which includes partnering with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises to assist in safely transporting people. St. Lucia and Grenada, in addition to Barbados and Antigua, have agreed to shelter refugees, although Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves announced that those who will board the cruise ships or go to one of these islands must be vaccinated.

Arkansas Restricts Healthcare for Transgender Youth:

Arkansas’s House and Senate voted to override Governor Asa Hutchinson’s veto on a bill banning transgender individuals under 18 years of age from receiving gender confirming surgery, hormone treatment, and other medical care. In doing so, Arkansas became the first state in the U.S. to forbid such procedures and care. This bill is yet another piece of legislation targeting the transgender community in the state; this past year, Hutchinson signed bills forbidding trans youth from participating on teams that match their gender identity and allowed doctors to refuse treating patients for moral or religious reasons. LGBT+ rights organizations, parents of trans youth, and medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, have denounced the passage of this bill because it can worsen the mental health of transgender individuals who are already at risk for depression and suicide.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Dies at 99:

On April 9, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Philip passed away. As Queen Elizabeth II’s husband and royal consort, he was the first male royal consort since Queen Victoria and the longest-serving consort in the monarchy’s history. However, before his wedding to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip was a member of Greece and Denmark’s royal family. He also had an illustrious military career and fought in World War II. Before the wedding in 1947, Prince Philip renounced his royal titles and navy career and became a British citizen. As a royal consort, Prince Philip, who retired from his duties in 2017, established at least 800 charitable organizations.

The U.S. Temporarily Suspends Use of the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine:

After receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, six American women developed rare blood-clotting disorders, prompting federal health officials to halt the vaccine from being administered. All states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and foreign countries have all suspended use of the vaccine since the announcement, although President Biden has stated that he will still uphold his goal to vaccinate every American adult by the end of the month. Currently, FDA and CDC scientists are conducting tests to determine if there is indeed a link between the clotting and vaccines or if the authorization should be modified. An emergency CDC vaccine advisory committee meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday.

U.S. Troops to be Withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11:

President Biden announced that he will withdraw American soldiers from Afghanistan by September 11, almost 20 years after George W. Bush ordered the invasion. His announcement follows after years of arguing against American presence in the country. United States’ intelligence agencies have reported that Al Qaddafi and other terrorist groups do not pose an immediate threat to America, yet critics have claimed that the withdrawal of troops will allow those groups to resurge. However, supporters of Biden’s decision, including some veteran organizations, praise the withdrawal, as a win to rebuild diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and for military families who have seen loved ones leave for a war that seemed endless.

Trapped Ship Blocks the Suez Canal:

Due to high winds and a dust storm, a container ship called the Ever Given was trapped in the Suez Canal, blocking other trading ships from passing. The Suez Canal allows for quick passage between Europe and Asia and is important for trading oil. A delay in shipping could have a severe impact on different countries’ economie, especially because the rerouted ships may add at least a week to their journey.

Famous Children’s Author Beverly Cleary Dies:

Beverly Cleary, whose famous characters include Henry Huggins and Ramona and Beezus Quimby, passed away on Thursday at the age of 104. Cleary published her first children’s book Henry Huggins in 1950, years of working as a librarian. Cleary has stated that her characters were for children who wanted to see themselves reflected in books. In addition to children’s books, Beverly Cleary released two autobiographies titled A Guro from Yamhill and My Own Two Feet. For her work, Cleary has received many accolades, including being named Living Legend in 2000 and the National Medal of Arts in 2003.

Paid Leave Given to New Zealand Parents After Miscarriage:

New Zealand’s Parliament passed legislation, granting mothers and their parents three days of paid leave after a miscarriage or stillbirth. Ginny Andersen, a member of the governing Labour Party, introduced the bill, in part because one in four women in the country experience a miscarriage. This law follows last year’s decriminalization of abortion and a change in law that allows for abortions to occur up to 20 weeks (5 months) in a pregnancy. Although New Zealand follows in India’s footsteps, as women are allowed to take six weeks of leave after a miscarriage, New Zealanders are also disappointed that only three days are given. A pregnancy loss educator says the three days allow for time to bury the child and not much else.

NCAA Criticized for Unequal Men’s and Women’s Facilicities:

A photo posted on social media by Ali Kershner, a Stanford University sports performance coach sparked outrage because of the unequal men’s and women’s facilities for March Madness athletes. The photo revealed the men’s weight room had an abundance of weights and Olympic bars, while the women’s weight room was stocked with dumbbells and yoga mats. Although NCAA Vice President Lynn Holzman claimed the disparities were due to the sizes of the weight rooms, University of Oregon forward Sedona Price showed extra space within the building where an equally equipped weight room could be created for women’s teams.

International Spectators Banned From 2021 Olympic Games:

In a decision made by the Olympic and Paralympic Games organizers, international observers will not be allowed to watch the events in Tokyo.The Games, which were postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic, previously sold 4.5 million tickets for the Olympics to Japanese residents and 970,000 tickets for the Paralympics. Although the opening ceremonies are scheduled for July 23 (Olympics) and August 24 (Paralympics), a recent poll in the country revealed that about 80% of the population want the events cancelled or postponed again.

First Female Chief Petty Officer Loretta Perfectus Walsh Honored in Boston:

In a ceremony on Sunday, the U.S.S Constitution named a 24-pound long gun Perfectus in honor of Loretta Perfectus Walsh, who became the Navy’s first female chief petty officer in 1917. The U.S.S. Constitution is the oldest warship in the world and was nicknamed Old Ironsides during the War of 1812. Four of the ship’s female crew members spoke during the ceremony. In particular, Command Senior Chief Angela Collins and Seaman Katrina Mastrolia mentioned the significance of Walsh’s achievements, as she paved the way for themselves and so many other women in the service.

Rohingya Refugee Camp Recovering After Fire:

After a deadly fire burned through the a refugee camp in southern Bangladesh, which shelters Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar, rescuers are still working to find hundreds of missing people. Bangladeshi officials confirmed eleven deaths, of which three were children. Additionally, approximately 40,000 huts were burned, which has displaced about 45,000 people. Although a quick evacuation was possible because the fire occurred during the afternoon, barbed wire around the camp made escaping more difficult.

Deb Haaland Makes History As Secretary of the Interior Department:

On March 15, the Senate voted 51-40 in favor of confirming New Mexican Representative Deb Haaland as the Secretary of the Interior Department. Secretary Haaland is also a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, making her the first Native American cabinet member. Her confirmation is incredibly important as the Interior Department manages government relationships between the United States and indigenous tribes. Additionally, the department has great environmental influence, as it manages public land, endangered species, and natural resources. Although Secretary Haaland supports the Green New Deal, a ban on fracking, and limiting fossil fuel development, she continuously pledged during her confirmation hearing to achieve President Biden’s agenda, which differs from her own.

Gustav Klimt Painting To Be Returned to Rightful Family:

In 2019, the French government appointed a task force dedicated to returning art that was stolen or forcibly sold during Nazi occupation. Thanks to the task force, the family of Nora Stiasny will have “Rosebushes Under the Trees,” a painting by Gustav Klimt, returned to them. The painting was purchased in 1980 and is currently showcased at the Musée d’Orsay. However, since the artwork is considered the country’s property, Parliament will need to pass a bill authorizing the return, a process that France Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot said will be done as quickly as possible.

Australians Demand Justice for Women in Rallies Throughout the Country:

Content Warning: Mentions of rape and reference to suicide in article.

Following two rape allegations against government officials, thousands of Australians gathered to demand justice for women and highlight dangerous workplace environments. Attorney General Christian Porter has denied a claim that he raped a teenager when he was 17 in 1988. In a separate incident, Defense Minister Linda Reynolds is receiving criticism for not properly supporting a staffer who alleged she was raped by a colleague. Although rallies have been held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Hobart, Australians protested outside Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, demanding for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to address the crowd, to which he refused.

Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Package:

On Saturday, the U.S. Senate approved a COVID-19 relief package in a 50-49 vote (one senator was absent). The package includes extending unemployment benefits, increasing child tax credit, and $1,400 checks for individuals earning $75,000 or couples earning $150,000. Although a win for the administration, the payments will phase out for individuals making $80,000 and couples making $160,000, which is a lower cutoff than what was originally included to appease moderate Democrats. Another change to the package was the exclusion of raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2025, which was approved in the House of Representatives but stopped in the Senate. Due to the changes made, the House will vote on the final version of the bill on Tuesday before it can be signed into law.

Derek Chauvin’s Trial for Killing George Floyd Begins:

The trial for the killing of George Floyd began on Monday, March 8 with the jury selection process. The defendant, former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin, is charged with second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter for kneeling on George Floyd’s neck, causing the man’s death and sparking the numerous Black Lives Matter protests during the summer of 2020. Chauvin may also be charged with third-degree murder, but it must be approved by a higher court. The jury selection is expected to last for weeks, and opening arguments are expected to start the week of March 29. Chauvin’s trial is predicted to last through the month of April. The other three officers present at the time of George Floyd’s death—Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas K. Lane—are all charged with aiding and abetting murder but have yet to stand trial.

National Women’s Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2021:

The National Women’s Hall of Fame, centered in Seneca Falls, NY, celebrates and honors women who have made great, lasting contributions in some way. The inductees for 2021 include former first lady Michelle Obama, soccer star Mia Hamm, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, retired Brigade General Rebecca Halstead, and many other amazing women. The ceremony will be on October 2, 2021. The event includes a safe in-person portion, as well as a virtual streaming that will be free for the public.

Canada’s Parliament Votes China is Committing Genocide Against Uighurs:

In a 266-0 vote, Canada’s House of Commons declared China is committing genocide against the Uighurs, a primarily Muslim minority who live in the XinJiang region. China has been accused of ethnically cleansing the region by sending Uighurs to concentration camps where they endure various torture methods, continuous abuse, participate in acts forbidden in Islam, and are sterilized. Despite witness accounts from Uighurs who managed to escape, most countries have yet to denounce China’s actions as genocide, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who abstained from voting along with the majority of his cabinet members. Prime Minister Trudeau has called for more evidence and examination before he calls the ethnic cleansing a genocide. After the momentous vote, Canadian lawmakers voted to pass an amendment asking this country to advocate for the 2022 Winter Olympics to not be held in Beijing.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Approved for Use in the United States:

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorization for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults 18 years or older, making this the third vaccine available in the United States. However, the J&J vaccine is the only one thus far that is administered in a single-dose, which should increase the speed with which vaccinations are being administered. Although this vaccine was proven 66% effective against moderate cases, the J&J shot proved most effective against death, hospitalizations, and severe cases (85%) in a study that spanned three continents. The FDA’s press release provides more information on the data collected from Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine study.

President Biden Orders Airstrike in Syria:

On Friday, President Biden said the airstrikes he ordered in Syria the night prior were a warning to Iranian-backed militia groups. Although his administration defended the president’s actions, Congress members criticized the lack of congressional approval, which is required for retaliatory airstrikes that do not prevent immediate threats. The Pentagon revealed that the airstrikes, which were intended to destroy facilities used by the militia groups to attack U.S. forces and Iraqi allies, destroyed facilities and severely damaged two others. An Iraqi militia member said one fighter was killed and multiple injured because of the strike, but the Pentagon’s spokesperson did not elaborate on any casualties.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene Stripped of Committee Assignments:

Freshman Georgian Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene lost her roles on the Education and Labor Committee and Congressional Budget Plan after a 230-199 vote in the House of Representatives. The vote was prompted by a past and recent comments and online support for QAnon conspiracy theories, discriminatory and hateful remarks, and the encouragement of violence towards Democratic leaders. Fellow Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, condemned Greene’s actions. While House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy also released a statement condemning her actions, he did not specify if any disciplinary actions were taken. Although Greene did make a speech defending herself, there has been criticism surrounding the lack of a proper apology and notice that she still has not denounced many of her false claims.

Legendary Actor Christopher Plummer Dies at 91:

Christopher Plummer, whose career spans more than seventy years, passed away on Friday, February 5 at the age of 91. During his decades in the entertainment industry, Plummer has had roles in the films Doctor Dolittle (1967) and Up (2009). However, Plummer’s role as Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music (1965) remains his most famous. For his work in the productions Cyrano and Barrymore, he earned two Tony Awards. For his role as Hal Fields in Beginners (2011), Plummer won an Oscar when he was 82 years old, becoming the oldest person to win an Academy Award. In 1968, he was awarded Canada’s highest civilian honor when Queen Elizabeth II made him Companion of the Order of Canada. That same year, he was inducted into the American Theatre’s Hall of Fame.

Senate Votes to Continue with Donald Trump’s Second Impeachment Trial:

On Tuesday, February 9, the United States Senate voted that Donald Trump’s impeachment trial is constitutional and will therefore be continued. Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives for inciting an insurrection against the Capitol on January 6. However, since the trial officially began on February 8 when he was no longer president, the Senate had to declare if impeaching a former president is constitutional, as this is the first time it has occurred in American history. The final vote was 56-44, with six Republican senators voting in favor with all Democratic Senators. On Wednesday, February 10, House impeachment managers then Trump’s defense will have a maximum of 16 hours over the course of the next two days to argue for his conviction or acquittal. For more information on how the impeachment trial will work, read this article.

Mary Wilson, Founding Member of the Supremes, Dies at 76:

Mary Wilson passed away on Tuesday, February 9 at the age of 76. She was a founding member of the popular trio the Supremes, which she founded along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard. The Supremes released numerous hit songs, such as “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.” The Supremes played an instrumental role in the success of Motown Records and influenced numerous artists and groups; however, the trio broke up in 1977, though Wilson was the original member with the Supremes at that time. Following the break up, Mary Wilson released a self-titled solo album in 1979, but her second album was not released until 1992 due to her being dropped by Motown Records. In 1986, Wilson published an autobiography titled Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme. Her most recent projects include competing on Dancing with the Stars in 2019 and published another book titled Supreme Glamour, this time featuring photographs of the Supremes’ fashion.

Protests Continue in Russia After Arrest of Alexei Navalny:

Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader and major critic of President Vladimir Putin, was arrested earlier in January after returning to Russia from Germany, following a poisoning suspected to be ordered by Putin. Officially, Navalny was charged with violating parole for not meeting with law enforcement while recovering in Germany; a conviction will send Navalny to prison for years. After his arrest, thousands have taken to the streets in protest of the arrest, which caused the detention of at least 4,000 people. According to Amnesty International, Moscow’s detention centers are nearing capacity as a result. As Navalny’s team works towards an appeal, they continue to urge more people to join in the protests.

Coup Staged in Myanmar, Protesting Election Results:

In November, Myanmar’s parliamentary elections resulted in the loss of a military-led political party. Ever since, the armed forces have claimed that the election results were rigged and staged a coup when the new parliament was supposed to meet. During this coup, some of the country’s leading officials were arrested, including Aung San Suu Kyi, a civilian leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Suu Kyi and Mynamar’s military have a history of a tenuous relationship; the military kept Suu Kyi under house arrest for at least 15 years, and she has tried to change the country’s constitution, which grants a lot of power to the army, including control of the defense and home ministries and reserving a quarter of parliament’s seats for the military. The story is still developing, which the military declaring the election will be redone within a year.

Legendary Actress and Civil Rights Activist Cicely Tyson Passes Away at 96:

Cicely Tyson’s remarkable and barrier-breaking career established her as a Hollywood legend. Sadly, Tyson passed away on Thursday, January 28 at the age of 96. The same week as her death, Tyson published her memoir Just As I Am, another accomplishment to add to her career. Tyson is well-known for taking roles of complex Black women who did not fall into the racial stereotypes relegating those characters to nannies or addicts. Her more acclaimed works include the films Sounder (1972) and The Help (2011) and the revived plays The Trip to Bountiful and The Gin Game. She was also the first Black woman to have a recurring role in a television series because of East Side, West Side. During her career, Tyson was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame and Television Academy’s Hall of Fame, earned the Medal of Freedom, won three Emmys, won a Tony (the oldest person to do so), and was awarded by various civil rights and women’s groups, and so much more.

2021 Nobel Prize Nominees Announced:

Although the Norwegian Nobel Committee will not reveal the complete list of nominees for the next 50 years, some of those who nominated people or groups for the prestigious award made their choices public. The Nobel Prize, which is given to nominees who greatly contributed to the world, is divided into five categories: peace, literature, chemistry, physics, and physiology or medicine. Some of the people nominated for a Nobel Prize are Stacey Abrams for her work in voting rights, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and Belarusian democratic activists Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Veronika Tsepkalo, and Maria Kolesnikova. The World Health Organization, NATO, and Reporters Without Borders are some of the groups nominated for the prize. The winners will be announced in October, followed by an awards ceremony on December 10th. For more information on the known nominees and the nomination process, read this article.

Dr. Martinus Veltman, Who Made Key Contributions to Physics, Dies at 89:

On Monday, January 18th, Dr. Martinus Veltman, a Dutch theoretical physicist, died at the age of 89. Dr. Veltman, with the help of his graduate student Dr. Gerardus’t Hooft, developed the mathematical formulas that proved the electroweak interaction theory, which was the idea that electromagnetism and the weak force--two of the four fundamental forces of the universe--are unified. By creating his own computer program called Schoonschip, Dr. Veltman and Dr. Hooft performed the calculations using renormalization, which allows experimental results to be substituted in calculations that provide infinite answers.Their work proved that electromagnetism and the weak force result from the same force at a high energy level and supported the prediction of the W and Z Bosons that would fill in the missing elements of the Standard Model. The two men were awarded the 1999 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Lubomir Kavalek, Czech Chess Champion, Dies at 77:

On Monday, January 18, Lubomir Kavalek passed away at the age of 77 due to cancer. Kavalek was among the most elite chess players in the world who peaked at No.10 in the 1974 world ranking. Lubomir Kavalek won the Czechoslovak championship in 1962, he became the country’s youngest champion at the age of 19 and won again in 1968 before the Soviets occupied Czechoslovakia in August 1968, which was when he and his wife fled from the country, although it was not until 1970 when Kavalek could emigrate to the U.S. and took two more years after that for his wife to join him. Before the occupation, however, the World Chess Federation awarded him the title of grandmaster in 1965, which is the game’s highest title and made him one of less than 100 grandmasters at the time. Lubomir Kavalek eventually joined the United States Chess Olympiad Team from 1972 to 1986; in 1976, the team was the first from the U.S. to win a gold medal since the 1930s. This great chessmaster is survived by his wife, son,and grandson.

The U.S. Declares China’ Oppression of Uighur Muslims is ‘Genocide’:

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo released a statement on Tuesday, January19 where he officially declared the Chinese government is committing genocide by oppressing Uighur Muslims. This minority group is located in the northwest region of Xinjiang and have been forced into concentration camps since 2017 where they endure torture and various types of abuse. Uighurs are also forced to denounce Islam and are fed alcohol and pork, which are forbidden in the religion. The government has denounced any criticism by explaining the camps as part of antiterrorism programs, despite evidence to the contrary. Pompeo’s announcement is the strongest given by a government since a Canadian parliamentary subcommittee concluded that the Chinese Communist Party was culpable of committing genocide. His statement could allow for the Biden administration to legislate sanctions against China. President-elect Biden already said the policies “amounted to genocide” last year.

Biden Administration Begins with Inauguration Day:

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Joseph R. Biden Kamala D. Harris were inaugurated as the 46th President and 49th Vice President of the United States, respectively. This inauguration was historic as President Biden is the oldest inaugurated president, and Vice President Harris is the first woman, Black American, and Asian American to hold the position. Biden was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts, and Harris was sworn in by Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who was also the first Latina member of the U.S. Supreme Court. After the ceremony, President Biden signed multiple executive orders, some of which ended Trump’s travel ban on Muslim and African countries and allowed for the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord and World Health Organization. Vice President Harris also began her duties by swearing in Georgia Senators Jon Ossof and Raphael Warnock, as well as her Senate replacement Alex Padilla.

Donald Trump’s Second Impeachment Trial To Begin on Feb. 8:

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Donald Trump’s impeachment trial will begin on February 8, although the article of impeachment will be delivered on Monday, January 25, and trial jurors will be sworn in on Tuesday, January 26. This is Trump’s second impeachment, making him the first president to be impeached twice. He is being charged with inciting an insurrection for the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol. The later trial date will allow for the Senate to also confirm some nominees for President Biden’s Cabinet and consider his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan. A ⅔ majority vote is required to convict an individual for impeachment, and afterwards, the Senate may vote to forbid the individual from holding public office, which would only require a simple majority.

Broadcasting Legend Larry King Dies at Age 87:

Larry King was 87 years old when he passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Although no cause was given, King was hospitalized with COVID-19 last month, which followed a history of health issues, the most recent being a stroke and chest pains causing a 2019 hospitalization. Best known for his talk show Larry King Live (1985-2010), which was CNN’s biggest success, Larry King started as a radio show host for the WAHR station in Miami when he was just 23 years old. As he continued his career, he discussed any and all topics from crime to sports and is well-known for his non-confrontational interview question and objectiveness. During his career, King wrote multiple books, appeared in numerous movies and shows, had a newspaper column, and established himself as one of the most famous American TV and radio personalities. A true American icon, Larry King will be forever remembered.

The U.S. Capitol Attacked by Pro-Trump Supporters:

On Wednesday, January 6th, a large crowd of Trump supporters gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol to protest the Congressional certification of the 2020 presidential election. Soon, the protest turned into an insurrection; these rioters, displaying Confederate, American, and Trump flags, breached the Capitol Building, broke into politicians’ offices, erected nooses and crosses outside, and stole and damaged federal property. Tear gas was deployed, causing lawmakers and staff to wear gas masks while they sheltered-in-place or evacuated the premises. D.C. Mayor Muriel Browser issued a 6pm curfew, as National Guard members were eventually deployed to support Capitol Police. As a result of the insurrection, 5 people died and dozens of arrests were made. Congress members have since called for Donald Trump’s impeachment, with a vote planned for Wednesday, January 13th.

First Female Inmate Executed By U.S. Federal Government Since 1953:

On Monday, January 11, Lisa Montgomery was executed by lethal injection at a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was the first female inmate to be executed since 1953, the 11th executed prisoner during the Trump Administration, and the “first of the final three inmates scheduled to die before next week’s inauguration.” Montgomery was sentenced to death for murdering Bobbie Jo Stinnett in 2004 and kidnapping her child who was still in the womb. However, Montgomery’s lawyers argued that she was mentally ill, due to severe trauma as a child, which resulted in her being psychotic during the crime and lack of comprehension over the consequence of being put to death, which was why a stay of execution was granted. However, a Supreme Court ruling overturned the stay of execution, and Montgomery died at 1:31 in the morning.

Original Boba Fett Actor Jeremy Bulloch Passes Away at Age 75:

On December 17, Jeremy Bulloch, British actor who played iconic Star Wars

character Boba Fett in the original trilogy, passed away at the age of 75 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. In addition to playing Boba Fett, Bullock also had roles in the movies The Devil’s Agent (1962) and Mary, Queen of Scots (1971), as well as the television shows Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School (1961), The Newcomers (1965-68), and Agony (1979-81).

FDA Approves Second COVID-19 Vaccine in the U.S.:

On Friday, December 18, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in the United States, which makes the U.S. the first country to approve this particular vaccine. Moderna’s vaccine is also the second one to be approved for the U.S.; Pfizer’s vaccine was first approved last week. Moderna’s vaccine must be administered in two doses 28 days apart to achieve 94% effectiveness against COVID-19.

New COVID-19 Strain Discovered in U.K.:

Earlier this month, a new COVID-19 strain was discovered in the U.K.,

though new data shows it had been present in patients as early as September. Researchers have revealed that the new strain is up to 70% more transmissible and makes children equally as susceptible as adults. While scientists are still trying to collect as much information as possible about this new strain, it is more important than ever to continue practicing social distancing protocols, wash your hands, and wear a mask. Here is an article with a list of pertinent questions and answers.

Alex Padilla Chosen to Replace VP-Elect Kamala Harris in U.S. Senate:

When Kamala Harris won the vice presidency, California Governor Gavin

Newsom had to select a replacement for her seat in the United States Senate. On December 22, Governor Newsom finally announced Alex Padilla will assume that position, a decision that is not entirely surprising since the two men are political allies. However, Padilla, who is currently California’s Secretary of State, will become the first Latino to represent California in the Senate. As a confirmation is not needed, Padilla will fill the Senate seat until 2022 when he will need to win the election to keep his position.

The FDA Approves Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for U.S. Distribution:

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) granted emergency authorization to

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week. Pfizer shipped out 2.9 million doses for U.S. distribution, and the first round of vaccination will occur in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities; recipients will require a second injection within three weeks of receiving the first dose. This is a major breakthrough in the United States as reports confirm more than 3,000 COVID deaths occurred in a single day, the most on record for a single day thus far.

British Author John le Carré Passes Away at Age 89:

On Saturday, December 12, John le Carré passed away at the age of 89 due to

pneumonia. He was a British spy before becoming an author of spy novels set in the Cold War era. Since beginning his career as an author, le Carré has written one memoir and 25 novels that inspired numerous television and movie adaptations. Though his books are purely fiction, le Carré experience as a spy gave his novels credibility and authenticity, which contributed to readers’ praise for both le Carré and his work. In October of 2019, he published his final book, Agent Running in the Field.

Tony Award-Winning Choreographer Ann Reinking Passes Away at Age 71:

On Saturday, December 12, Ann Reinking passed away at the age of 71. In

addition to being a Tony Award-WInning choreographer, Reinking was an actress and dancer. Though her first Broadway role was in Cabaret as part of the ensemble, Reinking’s 1977 role as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago launched her to fame. She choreographed the revival of Chicago and co-choreographed Fosse, a musical showcasing the work of Bob Fosse. Her movie credits include All That Jazz (1979) and Annie (1982). Reinking’s quirky dancing style and numerous accolades and credits cement her legacy as a true Broadway legend.

Country Music Superstar Charley Pride Passes Away at Age 86:

Charley Pride passed away at the age of 86 due to COVID-19 complications on

Saturday, December 12. His death comes one month after his appearance at the Country Music Awards in November where he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Pride was an extremely celebrated country music superstar, as well as the first Black country music superstar. Pride’s music career began in the 1950s and 1960s, and his first single “Just Between You and Me” became his first top 10 country music hit. He had thirty No.1 hits, earned a star on the Walk of Fame in 1999, received another Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Grammys, and was awarded numerous other awards. Read here for more on his legacy and music.

Jesy Nelson Leaves Little Mix, Citing Mental Health Purposes:

Jesy Nelson, one-fourth of the highly successful British girl group Little Mix,

announced she was leaving the group on Monday, December 14. In a statement posted on social media, Nelson revealed her decision was so she could focus on herself and her mental health after nine years with the group. The remaining members Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirwall, and Perrie Edwards released their own statement in support of Nelson’s decision and confirmed they will continue Little Mix with just the three of them.

TIME Magazine Names Gitanjali Rao as First-Ever Kid of the Year:

Gitanjali Rao, age 15, is a young scientist from Colorado who was chosen out of

5,000 nominees. This brilliant young woman uses technology to solve issues like cyberbullying, contaminated water, and opioid addiction; she even started her own “innovation sessions” where she plans labs and contests for the participants; Rao has even partnered with local schools and international organizations to get more people, especially girls, involved in STEM activities. Here is Gitanjali Rao’s interview with Angelina Jolie and information on the other finalists.

Pfizer and Moderna Applied for U.S. Vaccine Emergency Authorization:

Pfizer and Moderna have applied for an emergency authorization waiver from the

FDA for their respective COVID-19 vaccines. The efficacy rate of the Pfzer vaccine is over 90% and Moderna’s vaccine is 95%. The emergency authorization waiver is a temporary waiver that will be used because it requires less data than full approvals, though these vaccines still went through rigorous testing. Health care workers and first responders such as EMS, police officers, and firefighters will get the first doses of the vaccines if they are approved. For more information on the timeline of the vaccine testing and approval and to any questions you may have regarding the vaccines, we recommend reading this article.

The Ethiopia-Tigray Conflict Escalates as Thousands Flee to Sudan:

Back in November, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, ordered a military response targeting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) after accusing the TPLF of attacking military camps. After warnings of a potential conflict and pleas for de-escalation from the international community, the Tigray region was invaded by government soldiers who began killing those civilians. Now, at least 40,000 Ethiopians are fleeing to the Hamdayet and Um Rakuba refugee camps in Sudan, hoping to escape the bloodshed, but many fear they will never be able to return to their country.

Farmers in India Lead Massive Protests Against Economic Reforms:

The Indian government passed reforms that would get rid of restrictions on large companies and farms that previously prevented them from making deals directly with consumers. By no longer restricting this practice, small farmers are at risk for losing business that brings in the profits needed to maintain their land. Outrage at the new laws sparked protests, namely in the Punjab and Haryana states. These protests have since spread to New Delhi, India’s capital, and smaller protests in Canada and the U.K. have been held to show solidarity with those farmers.

Complied by Layla Ahmed and Samuel Harsanyi

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Begin to Announce Administration Members:

While the transition position had a rocky start, President-Elect Biden and Vice

President-Elect Harris are working to build their administration and respective staff members. The two have stated their commitment to creating an administration that better reflects the people in this country. While positions such as Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of State, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget require Senate confirmations, the Biden-Harris administration continues to make a lot of firsts. Read on to learn more about the people they have chosen thus far, background information on the members, and what each position entails.

Period Products are Free by Law in Scotland:

In April 2019, Monica Lennon, a Member of Scottish Parliament, introduced the

bill, citing poverty as the main reason for making period products free. In Scotland, approximately 220,000 girls and women live in poverty, which forces a choice “between buying food or menstrual products.” Without properly changing a tampon, women risk Toxic Shock Syndrome, a potentially fatal medical condition, and anxiety and shame may prevent them from asking for necessary products. However, on November 24, the passing of the proposed bill will ensure access to those products, as public facilities and authority figures must make them accessible.

Argentinian Soccer Legend Diego Maradona Passes Away at 60:

Diego Maradona was 60 years old when he passed away on Wednesday,

November 25. A brilliant and talented player, Maradona was most known for playing at Barcelona and Napoli. In the 1986 World Cup, Maradona and the team for Argentina, whom he captained, won the game. During this World Cup, he scored two of the most famous goals: the Hand of God Goal and the Goal of the Century, which were scored four minutes apart. His unmatched abilities earned him the nickname “El Pibe de Oro,” which translates to “The Golden Boy,” and numerous achievements, such as being named the World Champion with the Argentina National Team (1986) and FIFA’s Best Soccer Player of the Century in (2000). An outpouring of tributes were given and President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning after news broke on Diego Maradona’s death.

English Actor David Prowse Passes Away at 85:

In entertainment news, David Prowse passed away on Saturday, November 28; he

was 85 years old. Most known for portraying Julian in A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, Prowse also had roles in the movies Casino Royale (1967), The Horror of Frankenstein (1970), Callan (1974), and was in the I am Your Father documentary as himself, though his career includes more credits. For those curious about how other celebrities responded to news of his passing read here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Developers Seek Authorization for Use in Europe:

Having already requested approval for emergency use in the U.S., Pfizer,

BioNTech, and Moderna are looking to have their vaccines approved by the European Union. The European Medical Agency must review the data and determine if the trials prove both the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, though all of the vaccine developers have stated at least 90% effectiveness was shown in their respective trials. If approval is granted, there is hope for distribution to begin in early 2021. As the race in vaccine approval and distribution continues, the pandemic has infected at least 62.25 million people and 1.47 million have died.