The number of patients that hospitalized for COVID-19 in California reaches a record high of 7,415. (Los Angeles Times)
The United States Bureau of Land Management reports the Utah monolith has been removed by an "unknown party". (The New York Times)
2019 Whakaari / White Island eruption The government of New Zealand announce that charges have been filed against organizations and individuals following a volcanic eruption at White Island that killed 22 people in December 2019. (The New York Times)
The government of New Zealand announce that charges have been filed against organizations and individuals following a volcanic eruption at White Island that killed 22 people in December 2019. (The New York Times)
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs, with the full moon dimming slightly as it passes through the Earth's penumbral shadow. It is visible from most of North America, the Pacific Ocean, parts of East Asia, and New Zealand. (Space.com)
Cannabis in the United States Cannabis in Arizona Arizona Proposition 207 comes into effect, making Arizona the 12th state to legalize recreational cannabis. (KSAZ-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Tennessee Tennessee reports a record 7,975 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total of confirmed and probable case to 374,793. (WKRN-TV) COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois Illinois reports 6,190 cases, the lowest in the state since October 28. (WBBM-TV) Scott Atlas announces that he will resign from the White House Coronavirus Task Force. (The Washington Post)
Iraqi and local officials say a senior Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander and three others have been killed in a drone strike near the Iraq–Syria border. The identity of the commander and who conducted the airstrike is currently unknown. (Reuters)
November 2020 lunar eclipse A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs, with the full moon dimming slightly as it passes through the Earth's penumbral shadow. It is visible from most of North America, the Pacific Ocean, parts of East Asia, and New Zealand. (Space.com)
Scott Atlas announces that he will resign from the White House Coronavirus Task Force. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan tests positive for COVID-19, a day after vice-governor Ahmad Riza Patria tests positive. (The Straits Times) COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Palestine Hamas Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar tests positive for COVID-19. A spokesman for the group says he is "following the advice of health authorities and taking precautionary measures". (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey reports a record 190 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 13,936. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Palestine Hamas Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar tests positive for COVID-19. A spokesman for the group says he is "following the advice of health authorities and taking precautionary measures". (Reuters)
Hamas Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar tests positive for COVID-19. A spokesman for the group says he is "following the advice of health authorities and taking precautionary measures". (Reuters)
Canada–United States relations, Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that the country will not reopen their borders with the United States until COVID-19 is significantly under control. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that the country will not reopen their borders with the United States until COVID-19 is significantly under control. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Chang'e 5, Chinese Lunar Exploration Program China National Space Administration probe Chang'e 5 successfully lands at Mons Rümker on the Moon for the first lunar sample-return mission since the Soviet Union's Luna 24. (The New York Times) (BBC News)
China National Space Administration probe Chang'e 5 successfully lands at Mons Rümker on the Moon for the first lunar sample-return mission since the Soviet Union's Luna 24. (The New York Times) (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Queensland reopens its land border with Greater Sydney and Victoria. Travellers from both areas will now be allowed into the state without needing to quarantine. (7 News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Florida Florida surpasses one million cases, becoming the third state to do so after California and Texas. (Newsweek)
COVID-19 pandemic in Texas Texas reports 15,182 new cases in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record since the pandemic began. (The Dallas Morning News)
Florida surpasses one million cases, becoming the third state to do so after California and Texas. (Newsweek)
Queensland reopens its land border with Greater Sydney and Victoria. Travellers from both areas will now be allowed into the state without needing to quarantine. (7 News)
Texas reports 15,182 new cases in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record since the pandemic began. (The Dallas Morning News)
COVID-19 pandemic in France Former President and Co-Prince of Andorra Valéry Giscard d'Estaing dies from complications of COVID-19. (The New York Times)
Former President and Co-Prince of Andorra Valéry Giscard d'Estaing dies from complications of COVID-19. (The New York Times)
Hungarian MEP, EPP Chief Whip and Vice-President, and one of the founders of the anti-LGBT Fidesz party, József Szájer, resigns after being detained by police at a homosexual orgy in Brussels alongside several other diplomats. He stands accused by Belgian authorities of being in possession of illegal drugs and violating COVID-19 restrictions. (BBC News)
LGBT rights in Hungary Hungarian MEP, EPP Chief Whip and Vice-President, and one of the founders of the anti-LGBT Fidesz party, József Szájer, resigns after being detained by police at a homosexual orgy in Brussels alongside several other diplomats. He stands accused by Belgian authorities of being in possession of illegal drugs and violating COVID-19 restrictions. (BBC News)
Climate change in New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces that the country has declared a climate change emergency and promises that it will become carbon neutral by 2025. (U.S. News & World Report) (TVNZ)
COVID-19 pandemic in California Los Angeles issues a safer-at-home order as an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. (Los Angeles Times)
COVID-19 vaccine Moderna says that it will test their potential vaccine on children ages 12 to 17. (New York Times)
Legality of cannabis, Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) votes to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug after removing it from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, where it was listed alongside opioids such as heroin. This change is expected to bolster medical research and legalization efforts around the world. (The New York Times)
Moderna says that it will test their potential vaccine on children ages 12 to 17. (New York Times)
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces that the country has declared a climate change emergency and promises that it will become carbon neutral by 2025. (U.S. News & World Report) (TVNZ)
The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in one day in the United States surpasses 100,000, according to the COVID Tracking Project. (NBC News)
The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) votes to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug after removing it from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, where it was listed alongside opioids such as heroin. This change is expected to bolster medical research and legalization efforts around the world. (The New York Times)
The United States surpasses 14 million cases of COVID-19, less than a week after surpassing 13 million cases. (The Hill)
Unusually high rain fall causes flooding and landslides in Haines, Alaska, United States. Numerous homes are destroyed, and six people are missing. (KTOO-TV) (CNN)
President-elect Joe Biden announces that Dr. Vivek Murthy and Jeff Zients will lead his administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also asked Dr. Anthony Fauci to remain in the White House Coronavirus Task Force and become its chief medical advisor. (Politico)
2020 California wildfires A wildfire breaks out in Orange County, California, U.S., and spreads to over 2,000 acres, prompting evacuations. (Los Angeles Times)
2020–2021 United States racial unrest Kenosha unrest shooting The Kenosha County Circuit Court orders Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old teen accused of shooting three people, two fatally, during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to stand trial for first degree homicide and reckless endangerment. His lawyers are claiming he did so in self defense. (ABC News)
A wildfire breaks out in Orange County, California, U.S., and spreads to over 2,000 acres, prompting evacuations. (Los Angeles Times)
California Governor Gavin Newsom introduces a regional stay-at-home order that requires the closure of bars, wineries, hair salons, and barbershops for three weeks in regions where ICU capacity falls below 15% and also restricts non-essential travel in those regions. The order divides the state into five regions. (CBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in California California Governor Gavin Newsom introduces a regional stay-at-home order that requires the closure of bars, wineries, hair salons, and barbershops for three weeks in regions where ICU capacity falls below 15% and also restricts non-essential travel in those regions. The order divides the state into five regions. (CBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota North Dakota lawmakers issue a mask mandate for their upcoming legislative season at the state capitol. The measure will take effect on January 5. (Grand Forks Herald) (U.S. News & World Report)
Nauru–United States relations The United States and Nauru sign a trade deal which is expected to provide access to the full range of investment support offered by the United States to the Pacific Island nation. Nauru High Commissioner Michael Aroi thanked Joseph Cella, the U.S. Ambassador to several Pacific Island nations, for continuing American support to boost relations between both countries. (RNZ)
North Dakota lawmakers issue a mask mandate for their upcoming legislative season at the state capitol. The measure will take effect on January 5. (Grand Forks Herald) (U.S. News & World Report)
The United States and Nauru sign a trade deal which is expected to provide access to the full range of investment support offered by the United States to the Pacific Island nation. Nauru High Commissioner Michael Aroi thanked Joseph Cella, the U.S. Ambassador to several Pacific Island nations, for continuing American support to boost relations between both countries. (RNZ)
Somali Civil War American military intervention in Somalia U.S. President Donald Trump orders the withdrawal of almost all U.S. troops and assets from Somalia by January 15, according to the Department of Defense. (BBC News)
American military intervention in Somalia U.S. President Donald Trump orders the withdrawal of almost all U.S. troops and assets from Somalia by January 15, according to the Department of Defense. (BBC News)
Federated States of Micronesia–United States relations The Federated States of Micronesia declines to host the annual Operation Christmas Drop with the U.S. Air Force. The annual operation, which delivers food and other humanitarian aid to Pacific islanders, has been cancelled by Micronesian President David W. Panuelo, who cited the threat of COVID-19. (RNZ)
The Federated States of Micronesia declines to host the annual Operation Christmas Drop with the U.S. Air Force. The annual operation, which delivers food and other humanitarian aid to Pacific islanders, has been cancelled by Micronesian President David W. Panuelo, who cited the threat of COVID-19. (RNZ)
A 13-year-old Palestinian is killed by Israeli troops during clashes in the West Bank. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States records 227,885 new cases of COVID-19, breaking a record set the previous day. (The Associated Press via WEYI-TV) COVID-19 pandemic in Canada Canada exceeds 400,000 cases of COVID-19. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States records 227,885 new cases of COVID-19, breaking a record set the previous day. (The Associated Press via WEYI-TV)
Decriminalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States The House of Representatives votes 228–164 to pass a bill, known as the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, that would decriminalize recreational cannabis at a federal level. (BBC News)
Israeli–Palestinian conflict A 13-year-old Palestinian is killed by Israeli troops during clashes in the West Bank. (The Washington Post)
The House of Representatives votes 228–164 to pass a bill, known as the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, that would decriminalize recreational cannabis at a federal level. (BBC News)
The United States records 227,885 new cases of COVID-19, breaking a record set the previous day. (The Associated Press via WEYI-TV)
A fire partially destroys the Middle Collegiate Church in New York City, United States. (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in California The California Department of Public Health issues a stay-at-home order for the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California as part of an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The order will take effect tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. (The Washington Post) (ABC News)
The California Department of Public Health issues a stay-at-home order for the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California as part of an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The order will take effect tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. (The Washington Post) (ABC News)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics, COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona The Arizona State Legislature announces that the House and Senate will close for a week starting tomorrow due to COVID-19 concerns. The move comes shortly after Rudy Giuliani, who met with several Republican lawmakers to discuss supposed election fraud in the 2020 presidential election, tested positive for COVID-19. (KSAZ-TV) (The Washington Post)
The Arizona State Legislature announces that the House and Senate will close for a week starting tomorrow due to COVID-19 concerns. The move comes shortly after Rudy Giuliani, who met with several Republican lawmakers to discuss supposed election fraud in the 2020 presidential election, tested positive for COVID-19. (KSAZ-TV) (The Washington Post)
2020 Romanian legislative election Voters in Romania head out to elect the members of their country's Chamber of Deputies and Senate. Widespread lack of interest in politics and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have raised fears of a low voter turnout. (France 24)
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, tests positive for COVID-19 and is admitted to a hospital in Washington, D.C. (CNN)
2020 NFL season In American football, the Cleveland Browns defeat the Tennessee Titans 41-35 to secure their first winning season since 2007. (USA Today)
An expert committee of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine releases a report, concluding that "directed" microwave radiation was the likely cause of illnesses among American diplomats in Cuba and China. (BBC News)
Havana syndrome An expert committee of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine releases a report, concluding that "directed" microwave radiation was the likely cause of illnesses among American diplomats in Cuba and China. (BBC News)
In American football, the Cleveland Browns defeat the Tennessee Titans 41-35 to secure their first winning season since 2007. (USA Today)
Voters in Romania head out to elect the members of their country's Chamber of Deputies and Senate. Widespread lack of interest in politics and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have raised fears of a low voter turnout. (France 24)
2020 Ghanaian general election Voters in Ghana head to the polls to elect their president as well as the members of parliament. Current president Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party is expected to have a tight race with his most promising challenger, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress. (Reuters)
2020 Venezuelan parliamentary election President Nicolás Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela has reportedly won almost 68% in Venezuela's latest parliamentary election. The vote was overshadowed by a boycott of the political opposition led by Juan Guaidó and a low voter turnout of only 31%. (DW) The United States refuses to recognize the results, describing the election as a "charade". The European Union also rejects the legitimacy of the election. (Reuters) (VOA)
Voters in Ghana head to the polls to elect their president as well as the members of parliament. Current president Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party is expected to have a tight race with his most promising challenger, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress. (Reuters)
China–United States trade war, Censorship of TikTok Carl J. Nichols, a federal judge for the District Court for the District of Columbia, blocks the Commerce Department from imposing restrictions on China-based app TikTok. (Reuters)
Islamic Defenders Front, Islam in Indonesia Six suspected supporters of controversial Indonesian Islamic cleric Muhammad Rizieq Shihab are killed in a clash with police on a highway near Jakarta. The incident occurred when a police car was attacked while following a car believed to be carrying supporters of the cleric, resulting in a shootout. The police have been investigating the cleric for violations of health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic after large gatherings occurred to celebrate his return to the country from self-exile in Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
