What Happened This Year 2018
Historical Events from This Year 2018
Tariffs on Solar Panels and Washing Machines Initiated
President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imports of Chinese solar panels and washing machines, marking a key moment in the escalating trade war between the United States and China. The tariffs were fueled by concerns over unfair trade practices and the U.S. trade deficit. This decision aimed to protect American manufacturers and workers from foreign competition that was perceived as benefiting from subsidies and undervalued currencies. The measure received immediate backlash from China, which threatened to retaliate against U.S. goods.
Continue ReadingMajor 7.9 Mw Earthquake Strikes Gulf of Alaska
A powerful 7.9 Mw earthquake struck in the Gulf of Alaska, registering as one of the largest earthquakes recorded in the United States. The seismic event occurred on January 23, 2018, and while it was significant in its magnitude, there were no reports of significant damage or fatalities. The earthquake's depth and location in the ocean contributed to the absence of destructive impact on coastal communities.
Continue ReadingLarry Nassar Receives 175-Year Sentence
Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics doctor, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing over 150 young female athletes. The sentencing took place in Michigan, where emotional statements from victims detailed the long-term trauma caused by Nassar's actions, which spanned nearly two decades. His position granted him unsupervised access to these athletes, allowing him to exploit their trust and vulnerability. The lengthy prison term aims to serve justice and give a voice to the victims, marking an important moment in the movement against sexual abuse in sports.
Continue ReadingSpaceX Falcon Heavy's Historic Maiden Launch
On a chilly afternoon, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking its debut flight. The rocket is one of the most powerful operational launch vehicles in the world. During this mission, it carried a red Tesla Roadster as a dummy payload, driven by a mannequin named Starman. The successful launch captivated audiences globally, showcasing SpaceX's innovative technology and ambitions for interplanetary travel.
Continue ReadingPyeongchang Hosts Spectacular Winter Olympics Opening
The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics took place in Pyeongchang, South Korea, showcasing diverse cultural performances and the unity of nations. The event featured the Olympic flame lighting and the Parade of Nations, where athletes from around the world paraded in their national uniforms. Artistic performances highlighted Korean culture and themes of peace and inclusivity. The ceremony aimed to bring together over 2,800 athletes competing in 102 events across 15 sports, marking a significant global gathering.
Continue ReadingKowloon Bus Overturns in Fatal Incident
A Kowloon Motor Bus double decker carrying passengers on route 872 overturned in Hong Kong, resulting in the tragic deaths of nineteen individuals and injuries to sixty-six others. The accident occurred in the afternoon, causing a significant response from emergency services. Local authorities began an investigation into the causes of the overturn, with early reports suggesting possible driver error or mechanical failure as contributing factors. The incident prompted discussions about bus safety regulations and traffic management in urban environments, drawing attention to the need for improvements in public transportation safety measures.
Continue ReadingSaratov Airlines Flight 703 crash near Moscow
Saratov Airlines Flight 703 crashed in Russia, resulting in 71 fatalities, all passengers and crew onboard. The incident involved a Antonov An-148 aircraft which went down shortly after takeoff from Domodedovo International Airport. Bad weather conditions and potential human error were cited as contributing factors to the crash.
Continue ReadingJacob Zuma steps down as President of South Africa
Jacob Zuma announced his resignation as President, after significant pressure from his party, the African National Congress. The announcement was made from the official residence in Pretoria, where Zuma indicated his decision was influenced by the desire for a smooth transition of leadership. This came after a series of scandals, including accusations of corruption and mismanagement, which had eroded public trust and party support.
Continue ReadingMass Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
A gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, leading to 17 fatalities and 17 injuries. The shooter, Nikolas Cruz, was a former student of the school and carried out the attack using an AR-15-style rifle. The incident sparked nationwide protests and calls for stricter gun control laws, with students from the school becoming prominent advocates for gun reform. This shooting became one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.
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