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2020 in a THREAD. Let’s get into it..
JANUARY 1st
• Lexii Alijai passes away
Rising rapper Lexii Alijai, who rose to fame with viral remixes of popular Drake & Nas songs, passes away from a lethal dose of fentanyl. During her up & coming career, she released two albums, Joseph’s Coat (‘15) & Growing Pains (‘16).
• Lexii Alijai passes away
Rising rapper Lexii Alijai, who rose to fame with viral remixes of popular Drake & Nas songs, passes away from a lethal dose of fentanyl. During her up & coming career, she released two albums, Joseph’s Coat (‘15) & Growing Pains (‘16).
JANUARY 2nd
• Australian Wildfires
A 3rd state of emergency is called due to Australian bushfires after months of continuous blazing. Tens of millions of acres are burned, at least one billion animals were believed to have died, & multiple cities forced to evacuate.
• Australian Wildfires
A 3rd state of emergency is called due to Australian bushfires after months of continuous blazing. Tens of millions of acres are burned, at least one billion animals were believed to have died, & multiple cities forced to evacuate.
JANUARY 2nd
• Possible popping off of WW3
On orders from Donald Trump, Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was killed by US military drone strike.
• Possible popping off of WW3
On orders from Donald Trump, Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was killed by US military drone strike.
JANUARY 3rd
• Possible popping off of WW3 cont.
Iran’s supreme leader promises “harsh retaliation” & “a forceful revenge” after the killing of General Soleimani
• Possible popping off of WW3 cont.
Iran’s supreme leader promises “harsh retaliation” & “a forceful revenge” after the killing of General Soleimani
JANUARY 7th
• WHO notified of “2019-nCoV” (now known as coronavirus) in China
The Chinese branch of the World Health Organization is officially notified of the novel coronavirus, despite cases being reported as early as November 2019.
• WHO notified of “2019-nCoV” (now known as coronavirus) in China
The Chinese branch of the World Health Organization is officially notified of the novel coronavirus, despite cases being reported as early as November 2019.
JANUARY 8th
• Harry & Meg step down
Prince Harry & Meghan Markale, Duke & Duchess of Sussex, announce they are stepping down from their duties as senior royals in Buckingham Palace. They announce their plans to be financially independent & split time between America & the UK.
• Harry & Meg step down
Prince Harry & Meghan Markale, Duke & Duchess of Sussex, announce they are stepping down from their duties as senior royals in Buckingham Palace. They announce their plans to be financially independent & split time between America & the UK.
JANUARY 8th
• Possible popping off of WW3 cont.
Iran launches ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq, injuring American soldiers. No deaths were reported but more than 100 troops were later diagnosed with ‘traumatic brain injuries’ from the retaliatory attacks.
• Possible popping off of WW3 cont.
Iran launches ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq, injuring American soldiers. No deaths were reported but more than 100 troops were later diagnosed with ‘traumatic brain injuries’ from the retaliatory attacks.
JANUARY 8th
• Ukrainian flight crashes, killing 176
Shortly after Iran’s attack on US troops, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashes in Tehran, Iran, killing all 176 passengers. Iran later claims responsibility stating the plane was mistaken as a threat & shot down.
• Ukrainian flight crashes, killing 176
Shortly after Iran’s attack on US troops, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashes in Tehran, Iran, killing all 176 passengers. Iran later claims responsibility stating the plane was mistaken as a threat & shot down.
JANUARY 10th
• Tornado outbreak of Jan. 10-11th
A 2-day severe weather event took place stretching from South-Central Plains to Southeast US, including hundreds of damaging wind reports & 80 tornadoes. This resulted in $1.1 billion in damages, 318,000 power outages & 7 deaths.
• Tornado outbreak of Jan. 10-11th
A 2-day severe weather event took place stretching from South-Central Plains to Southeast US, including hundreds of damaging wind reports & 80 tornadoes. This resulted in $1.1 billion in damages, 318,000 power outages & 7 deaths.
JANUARY 11th
• China reports 1st COVID death
China reports its first death from coronavirus, days after the World Health Organization (WHO) learned of the virus outbreak.
• China reports 1st COVID death
China reports its first death from coronavirus, days after the World Health Organization (WHO) learned of the virus outbreak.
JANUARY 16th
• Impeachment trial for Trump begins
After Trump was impeached in 2 articles of impeachment - abuse of power & obstruction of Congress - his impeachment trial in the Senate begins. This was prompted by Trump asking Ukrainian President for “a favor” regarding Biden
• Impeachment trial for Trump begins
After Trump was impeached in 2 articles of impeachment - abuse of power & obstruction of Congress - his impeachment trial in the Senate begins. This was prompted by Trump asking Ukrainian President for “a favor” regarding Biden
JANUARY 20th
• 1st coronavirus case reported in US
The 1st COVID case was reported in Washington state via a man in his 30s. According to the CDC, he landed in Seattle after visiting China. At the time there were 17 dead & more than 470 infected in China as it began to spread.
• 1st coronavirus case reported in US
The 1st COVID case was reported in Washington state via a man in his 30s. According to the CDC, he landed in Seattle after visiting China. At the time there were 17 dead & more than 470 infected in China as it began to spread.
JANUARY 23rd
• Wuhan, China goes on lockdown
City officials in Wuhan, China - the epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic - went under an unprecedented lockdown, impacting its 11 million residents as travel in or out of the city is prohibited.
• Wuhan, China goes on lockdown
City officials in Wuhan, China - the epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic - went under an unprecedented lockdown, impacting its 11 million residents as travel in or out of the city is prohibited.
JANUARY 24th
• Houston explosion
A building at Watson Grinding & Manufacturing in northwest Houston, Texas exploded at 4:24am. An absence of zoning ordinances was believed to be the cause. The explosion resulted in ~200 nearby homes & buildings damaged, 18 injuries, & 3 deaths
• Houston explosion
A building at Watson Grinding & Manufacturing in northwest Houston, Texas exploded at 4:24am. An absence of zoning ordinances was believed to be the cause. The explosion resulted in ~200 nearby homes & buildings damaged, 18 injuries, & 3 deaths
JANUARY 26th
• the loss of Kobe & Gigi Bryant
Headed to a basketball game, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13 year old daughter Gianna, & 7 other passengers were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The helicopter flew during dangerously foggy weather conditions.
• the loss of Kobe & Gigi Bryant
Headed to a basketball game, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13 year old daughter Gianna, & 7 other passengers were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The helicopter flew during dangerously foggy weather conditions.
JANUARY 31st
• UK withdraws from European Union
After over 3 years of political turmoil & deliberation, the United Kingdom officially leaves the European Union sparking a mix of celebration & protest across the country.
• UK withdraws from European Union
After over 3 years of political turmoil & deliberation, the United Kingdom officially leaves the European Union sparking a mix of celebration & protest across the country.
JANUARY 31st
• FTP subway protests in NYC
Protests from the ‘FTP Coalition’ (formed in response to ‘19 video of police drawing guns inside of a subway car) take place in NYC in response to a crackdown on fare evasion & an increased police presence in the city’s transit system.
• FTP subway protests in NYC
Protests from the ‘FTP Coalition’ (formed in response to ‘19 video of police drawing guns inside of a subway car) take place in NYC in response to a crackdown on fare evasion & an increased police presence in the city’s transit system.
FEBRUARY
• Plague of locusts
Kenya & Ethiopia are experiencing their worst infestation in decades. Locust are now spreading into Uganda & Tanzania. The swarms threaten to damage the crops of five countries in the region.
• Plague of locusts
Kenya & Ethiopia are experiencing their worst infestation in decades. Locust are now spreading into Uganda & Tanzania. The swarms threaten to damage the crops of five countries in the region.
FEBRUARY 5th
• Trump acquitted by Senate
Trump becomes the third president to be impeached & subsequently acquitted by the GOP-controlled senate. For abuse of power, he was acquitted 52 to 48. For obstruction of Congress, he was acquitted 53 to 47.
• Trump acquitted by Senate
Trump becomes the third president to be impeached & subsequently acquitted by the GOP-controlled senate. For abuse of power, he was acquitted 52 to 48. For obstruction of Congress, he was acquitted 53 to 47.
FEBRUARY 11th
• WHO names coronavirus disease
The disease caused by novel coronavirus, referred to at the time as ‘2019-nCoV,’ is officially named ‘COVID-19’ by World Health Organization adding that the name was “chosen for being ‘pronounceable & related to the disease.’”
• WHO names coronavirus disease
The disease caused by novel coronavirus, referred to at the time as ‘2019-nCoV,’ is officially named ‘COVID-19’ by World Health Organization adding that the name was “chosen for being ‘pronounceable & related to the disease.’”
FEBRUARY 14th
• Esther Scott passes away
Veteran character actress, Esther Scott, who appeared in movies & shows such as Boyz N the Hood, Dreamgirls, Transformers, Beverly Hills, & 90210, passes away at aged 66 after suffering a heart attack.
• Esther Scott passes away
Veteran character actress, Esther Scott, who appeared in movies & shows such as Boyz N the Hood, Dreamgirls, Transformers, Beverly Hills, & 90210, passes away at aged 66 after suffering a heart attack.
FEBRUARY 22nd
• B. Smith passes away
B. Smith, model, lifestyle expert, restaurant owner, book author, tv show host, & the first African American model to cover Mademoiselle magazine in 1976, passes away from early onset Alzheimer’s at aged 70.
• B. Smith passes away
B. Smith, model, lifestyle expert, restaurant owner, book author, tv show host, & the first African American model to cover Mademoiselle magazine in 1976, passes away from early onset Alzheimer’s at aged 70.
FEBRUARY 24th
• Harvey Weinstein found guilty
After weeks long trial & in the midst of #MeToo
movement, Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein, is convicted of third-degree rape & first-degree criminal sexual act. He was acquitted on the charge of predatory sexual assault.
• Harvey Weinstein found guilty
After weeks long trial & in the midst of #MeToo
movement, Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein, is convicted of third-degree rape & first-degree criminal sexual act. He was acquitted on the charge of predatory sexual assault.
FEBRUARY 26th
• Milwaukee brewery mass shooting
A mass shooting occurred at the Molson Coors Beverage Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at ~2:10pm. The perpetrator, 51 year old Anthony Ferrell, murdered five employees before killing himself.
• Milwaukee brewery mass shooting
A mass shooting occurred at the Molson Coors Beverage Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at ~2:10pm. The perpetrator, 51 year old Anthony Ferrell, murdered five employees before killing himself.
MARCH 1st
• First known COVID case in NY
The first known coronavirus case in New York was reported after a health-care worker showed symptoms of the disease shortly after returning from Iran.
• First known COVID case in NY
The first known coronavirus case in New York was reported after a health-care worker showed symptoms of the disease shortly after returning from Iran.
MARCH 2nd
• Public Enemy breaks up with Flav
American rap group Public Enemy parted ways with Flavor Flav after 35 years over the issue of performing for free at Bernie Sanders’ political campaign rally.
• Public Enemy breaks up with Flav
American rap group Public Enemy parted ways with Flavor Flav after 35 years over the issue of performing for free at Bernie Sanders’ political campaign rally.
MARCH 3rd
• Manuel Ellis murdered by police
Manuel Ellis (33) is killed during an arrest by police in Tacoma, Washington. Video of the incident showed Ellis on the ground being hit repeatedly by cops as he pleaded “I can’t breathe!” Witnesses say cops started the confrontation
• Manuel Ellis murdered by police
Manuel Ellis (33) is killed during an arrest by police in Tacoma, Washington. Video of the incident showed Ellis on the ground being hit repeatedly by cops as he pleaded “I can’t breathe!” Witnesses say cops started the confrontation
MARCH 5th
• Elizabeth Warren drops out
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, one of the leading candidates in the 2020 Democratic primary, ends her campaign after poor performances in the initial primaries.
• Elizabeth Warren drops out
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, one of the leading candidates in the 2020 Democratic primary, ends her campaign after poor performances in the initial primaries.
MARCH 5th
• Nathaniel Woods executed by state
Nathan Woods was executed at Atmore state prison in Alabama, despite several protests & petitions for clemency, including a call to the governor by a victim’s sister stating “He didn’t kill my brother & he didn’t kill the other[s]”
![MARCH 5th• Nathaniel Woods executed by stateNathan Woods was executed at Atmore state prison in Alabama, despite several protests & petitions for clemency, including a call to the governor by a victim’s sister stating “He didn’t kill my brother & he didn’t kill the other[s]”](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EhCTb7iWsAAavUs.jpg "MARCH 5th• Nathaniel Woods executed by stateNathan Woods was executed at Atmore state prison in Alabama, despite several protests & petitions for clemency, including a call to the governor by a victim’s sister stating “He didn’t kill my brother & he didn’t kill the other[s]”")
• Nathaniel Woods executed by state
Nathan Woods was executed at Atmore state prison in Alabama, despite several protests & petitions for clemency, including a call to the governor by a victim’s sister stating “He didn’t kill my brother & he didn’t kill the other[s]”
MARCH 11th
• WHO declares COVID a pandemic
With the number of infected persons exceeding 121,000 people & the death toll exceeding 4,300 people, WHO officially declared coronavirus outbreak a pandemic after spreading to more than 100 countries around the world.
• WHO declares COVID a pandemic
With the number of infected persons exceeding 121,000 people & the death toll exceeding 4,300 people, WHO officially declared coronavirus outbreak a pandemic after spreading to more than 100 countries around the world.
MARCH 11th
• Weinstein sentenced to 23 years
Harvey Weinstein is sentenced to 23 years in prison for the crimes of rape & sexual assault & abuse.
• Weinstein sentenced to 23 years
Harvey Weinstein is sentenced to 23 years in prison for the crimes of rape & sexual assault & abuse.
MARCH 11th
• NBA suspends 2019-20 season until further notice after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tests positive for coronavirus.
• NBA suspends 2019-20 season until further notice after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tests positive for coronavirus.
MARCH 13th
• Breonna Taylor murdered by police
Breonna Taylor (26) is shot EIGHT times in her sleep when police raid her home in Louisville, Kentucky. LMPD were executing a no-knock warrant at wrong house for a suspect already in custody. 1 officer fired, other 2 put on leave.
• Breonna Taylor murdered by police
Breonna Taylor (26) is shot EIGHT times in her sleep when police raid her home in Louisville, Kentucky. LMPD were executing a no-knock warrant at wrong house for a suspect already in custody. 1 officer fired, other 2 put on leave.
MARCH 13th
• Trump declares national emergency
After weeks of downplaying the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, Trumped declares a national emergency, triggering the Stanford Act which allows states to access $50 billion in federal aid.
• Trump declares national emergency
After weeks of downplaying the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, Trumped declares a national emergency, triggering the Stanford Act which allows states to access $50 billion in federal aid.
MARCH 13th
• R. Kelly faces new charges
An incarcerated R. Kelly was charged with 9 more counts including racketeering & 8 violations of the Mann Act, prohibiting sex trafficking across state lines, for a total of 22 federal criminal charges as well as an array of civil suits.
• R. Kelly faces new charges
An incarcerated R. Kelly was charged with 9 more counts including racketeering & 8 violations of the Mann Act, prohibiting sex trafficking across state lines, for a total of 22 federal criminal charges as well as an array of civil suits.
MARCH 16th
• Dow plunges 2,997 points
US stocks took the biggest drop since 1987 amidst mounting fears surrounding the COVID pandemic. The Dow fell 2,997 points & the S&P 500 plummeted 8.1% within one minute at the open, triggering a 15 minute market-wide trading halt.
• Dow plunges 2,997 points
US stocks took the biggest drop since 1987 amidst mounting fears surrounding the COVID pandemic. The Dow fell 2,997 points & the S&P 500 plummeted 8.1% within one minute at the open, triggering a 15 minute market-wide trading halt.
MARCH 20th
• Kenny Rogers passes away
American singer-songwriter & entrepreneur, Kenny Rogers dies of natural causes at age 81
• Kenny Rogers passes away
American singer-songwriter & entrepreneur, Kenny Rogers dies of natural causes at age 81
MARCH 24th
• 2020 Summer Olympics cancelled
The 2020 Summer Olympics, which were supposed to take place in Tokyo, was officially postponed to July 23, 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• 2020 Summer Olympics cancelled
The 2020 Summer Olympics, which were supposed to take place in Tokyo, was officially postponed to July 23, 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
MARCH 30th
• Bill Withers passes away
American singer-songwriter & R&B musician, known for hits such as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Grandma’s Hands,” & “Lean on Me,” succumbs to heart complications at the age of 81.
• Bill Withers passes away
American singer-songwriter & R&B musician, known for hits such as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Grandma’s Hands,” & “Lean on Me,” succumbs to heart complications at the age of 81.
