What Happened This Year 2020
Historical Events from This Year 2020
Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash in Calabasas
A Sikorsky S-76B helicopter crashed in Calabasas, killing all nine occupants, including NBA star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. The aircraft was en route from John Wayne Airport to Camarillo Airport when it went down in foggy conditions about 30 miles west of Los Angeles. The accident shocked the sports world and fans globally, leading to an outpouring of grief and tributes.
Continue ReadingWHO Declares COVID-19 a Global Emergency
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the outbreak of COVID-19 constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration was made in response to the rapid spread of the outbreak originating in Wuhan, China. The decision followed urgent discussions among global health experts, emphasizing the need for increased international cooperation and preparedness against the novel coronavirus. The PHEIC designation underscored the severity of the situation and aimed to mobilize resources to combat the epidemic.
Continue ReadingUK Officially Exits the European Union
After 47 years of membership, the United Kingdom officially ceased its membership in the European Union. The withdrawal process was formalized through Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, kicking off a significant transition period for both the UK and the EU. The culmination of years of negotiation and public debate, the event marked a new chapter in the UK's relationship with Europe and the wider world. Brexit, as it was commonly known, set the stage for changes in trade, immigration, and political dynamics across the continent.
Continue ReadingMacau Casinos Close Amid COVID-19 Concerns
All casinos in Macau were temporarily closed for 15 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made by the Macau government as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus. This marked a significant disruption to the gaming industry in the region, which is highly reliant on gambling revenue. The casinos, major contributors to the local economy, took measures to protect the health and safety of employees and visitors.
Continue ReadingSenate Acquits Donald Trump in First Impeachment
Donald Trump was acquitted by the Senate after being impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The trial took place in Washington, D.C., culminating in a vote where the majority supported his innocence. This political event centered around accusations that Trump solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election and withheld military aid to Ukraine as leverage. The trial raised questions about presidential power and accountability.
Continue ReadingPegasus Airlines Flight 2193 Crash at Sabiha Gökçen
Pegasus Airlines Flight 2193, a Boeing 737-800, overshot the runway while landing at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Istanbul. The aircraft skidded into a bank and broke apart, resulting in three fatalities. Despite the crash, 179 passengers and crew were rescued from the wreck. Investigations into the cause revealed challenging weather conditions.
Continue ReadingMass Shooting at Nakhon Ratchasima Shopping Center
A soldier opened fire in a military camp and later in a shopping center in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, resulting in 29 deaths and 58 injuries. The perpetrator, Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma, stole weapons from the camp before his rampage. The incident began in the early hours and lasted for more than 12 hours, causing panic among civilians and leading to a large police presence. The standoff ended when police shot and killed Thomma the following day.
Continue ReadingArmy Soldiers Enter Assembly for Security Plan
On February 9, 2020, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele ordered army soldiers to enter the Legislative Assembly in San Salvador. The presence of the military aimed to exert pressure on lawmakers to approve a controversial security plan designed to address rising violence in the country. The act sparked accusations of authoritarianism and briefly intensified a political crisis in El Salvador.
Continue ReadingWHO Names Coronavirus as COVID-19
The World Health Organization designated the new coronavirus outbreak as COVID-19 and named the virus SARS-CoV-2, marking a critical step in understanding and combating the virus. This announcement aimed to standardize the terminology to prevent stigma. The name COVID-19 was derived from 'coronavirus disease 2019' and highlighted the urgency for global response and public awareness. The decision reflected ongoing developments in the outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China, which had rapidly spread worldwide, necessitating coordinated international action.
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