COVID-19 pandemic in California California surpasses two million cases of COVID-19, becoming the first U.S. state to do so. (CBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, COVID-19 vaccine Mexico begins vaccinations with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. An intensive care unit nurse in Mexico City becomes the first person in the country to receive the vaccine. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina, COVID-19 vaccine Over 300,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine arrive in Argentina. (Livemint) COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, COVID-19 vaccine Chile begins its vaccination campaign against COVID-19 after the arrival of 10,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to the country. (Prensa Latina)
Mexico begins vaccinations with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. An intensive care unit nurse in Mexico City becomes the first person in the country to receive the vaccine. (The Washington Post)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces that American passengers traveling from the United Kingdom will be required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours due to the emergence of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. The order is expected to take effect on December 28. (MarketWatch)
Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Variant of Concern 202012/01 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces that American passengers traveling from the United Kingdom will be required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours due to the emergence of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. The order is expected to take effect on December 28. (MarketWatch) United Airlines and Delta Air Lines will require passengers from the United Kingdom to test negative for COVID-19 due to the emergence of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. (Reuters)
2020 Nashville bombing An explosion occurs in a recreational vehicle in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., causing structural damage and injuring three people. Police believe the explosion was an "intentional act". (CNN) (The Tennessean) The explosion also results in AT&T service outages across the U.S. due to infrastructure damage to a service facility located near the blast site. Cellular, wireline telephone, Internet, and U-verse television service, as well as multiple local 9-1-1 and non-emergency phone networks, are among the services affected. (WKRN-TV) (The Tennessean)
An explosion occurs in a recreational vehicle in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., causing structural damage and injuring three people. Police believe the explosion was an "intentional act". (CNN) (The Tennessean)
Greg Norman, Australian former world number one champion of the 1986 and 1993 Open Championships, tests positive for COVID-19 and is hospitalized in the United States due to having symptoms. (BBC Sport)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports Greg Norman, Australian former world number one champion of the 1986 and 1993 Open Championships, tests positive for COVID-19 and is hospitalized in the United States due to having symptoms. (BBC Sport)
The explosion also results in AT&T service outages across the U.S. due to infrastructure damage to a service facility located near the blast site. Cellular, wireline telephone, Internet, and U-verse television service, as well as multiple local 9-1-1 and non-emergency phone networks, are among the services affected. (WKRN-TV) (The Tennessean)
2020 Nashville bombing Federal investigators identify a person of interest in yesterday's bombing in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, and join local police in raiding his home. (AP) Authorities announce that they suspect the incident was a suicide bombing, following the discovery of human remains at the blast site. (CNN)
A statue of Breonna Taylor, a black woman killed by police during a raid at her home in March 2020, has been smashed and destroyed during a racist assault. The statue was erected two weeks ago in Oakland, California. (BBC News)
Breonna Taylor protests, 2020 United States racial unrest A statue of Breonna Taylor, a black woman killed by police during a raid at her home in March 2020, has been smashed and destroyed during a racist assault. The statue was erected two weeks ago in Oakland, California. (BBC News)
China lowers the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old for "abominable" crimes such as murder or causing injury that leads to death or severe disabilities by extremely cruel means. The measure was passed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee. (Al Arabiya)
COVID-19 pandemic in Russia Russia surpasses three million cases of COVID-19, becoming the fourth country to do so after the United States, India, and Brazil. (Arab News) (Mint)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues guidelines stating that people with underlying health conditions can receive the vaccine. (The Hill) One out of every 1,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to a comparison of census and death toll estimates. (CNN)
Crime in China China lowers the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old for "abominable" crimes such as murder or causing injury that leads to death or severe disabilities by extremely cruel means. The measure was passed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee. (Al Arabiya)
Federal investigators identify a person of interest in yesterday's bombing in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, and join local police in raiding his home. (AP)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports, 2020 NFL season The Cleveland Browns announce that they will close their facility and delay their flight to New Jersey for an upcoming matchup with the New York Jets after a player on the team tested positive for COVID-19. (Reuters)
Mass shootings in the United States Three people are killed, and three others are injured, during a mass shooting at a bowling alley in Rockford, Illinois. Police believe the suspect, in custody, identified as a soldier from Florida, randomly selected his victims. (Al Jazeera)
One out of every 1,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to a comparison of census and death toll estimates. (CNN)
Russia surpasses three million cases of COVID-19, becoming the fourth country to do so after the United States, India, and Brazil. (Arab News) (Mint)
The Cleveland Browns announce that they will close their facility and delay their flight to New Jersey for an upcoming matchup with the New York Jets after a player on the team tested positive for COVID-19. (Reuters)
Three people are killed, and three others are injured, during a mass shooting at a bowling alley in Rockford, Illinois. Police believe the suspect, in custody, identified as a soldier from Florida, randomly selected his victims. (Al Jazeera)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States President Donald Trump signs the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which contains a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, before Monday's deadline, in order to avert a government shutdown. This comes after Trump called the bill a "disgrace" last week. (The Washington Post) (Politico)
President Donald Trump signs the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which contains a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, before Monday's deadline, in order to avert a government shutdown. This comes after Trump called the bill a "disgrace" last week. (The Washington Post) (Politico)
Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourão tests positive for COVID-19. (Diário do Nordeste)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourão tests positive for COVID-19. (Diário do Nordeste)
COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourão tests positive for COVID-19. (Diário do Nordeste) COVID-19 pandemic in Uruguay Uruguay reported a record of 11 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 158. (El País)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa South Africa surpasses one million cases of COVID-19, becoming the first African country to reach this milestone. (Voice of America)
South Africa surpasses one million cases of COVID-19, becoming the first African country to reach this milestone. (Voice of America)
The Supreme Committee decides to reopen Oman's land, sea, and air borders on December 29 after closing them on December 21 due to fears of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. All travellers must show a negative PCR test within 72 hours before entering the country and must have valid health insurance. In addition, all travellers must quarantine for seven days and take another test after completing their quarantine. (Hindustan Times)
China–European Union relations The European Union announces that it is close to reaching an investment deal with China. The deal would immensely impact the global economy, especially with the U.S.-China trade war. (AFP via ABS-CBN News)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States House of Representatives passes the CASH Act, a bill that increases direct payments from $600 to $2,000, with a vote of 275–134. The bill is expected to head to the United States Senate for a vote. (Newsweek) (The Hill) U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders announces that he will filibuster a Senate vote to override President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 if the Senate doesn't vote on providing $2,000 direct payments to Americans. (Politico)
Insurgency in the North Caucasus Two knife-wielding assailants kill a police officer and wound another in Grozny, Chechnya. The attackers are shot dead while trying to seize weapons. It is the second attack against police in the city in recent months; in October, two officers were killed by militants. (Reuters)
The European Union announces that it is close to reaching an investment deal with China. The deal would immensely impact the global economy, especially with the U.S.-China trade war. (AFP via ABS-CBN News)
The United States House of Representatives votes 322–87 to override President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. (NBC News)
Two knife-wielding assailants kill a police officer and wound another in Grozny, Chechnya. The attackers are shot dead while trying to seize weapons. It is the second attack against police in the city in recent months; in October, two officers were killed by militants. (Reuters)
2020–2021 United States racial unrest, Andre Hill protests Officer Adam Coy, who fatally shot Andre Hill was fired. Coy had failed to follow the required protocol by not turning on his body camera and failed to aid the dying man. Hill's killing was the second police-involved shooting in Columbus, Ohio in weeks, setting off renewed protests against the authorities for excessive use of force. (NPR)
COVID-19 vaccine Novavax announces it will begin phase 3 trials of its vaccine candidate in the United States and Mexico. (NBC News)
Japan–United States relations, COVID-19 vaccine The United States Forces Japan announces that American troops in the country will begin vaccinations and prioritize front-line medical workers. (The Japan Times)
Novavax announces it will begin phase 3 trials of its vaccine candidate in the United States and Mexico. (NBC News)
Russian-led consortium Nord Stream AG says it has completed the construction of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline in Germany's exclusive economic zone in the Baltic Sea. The U.S. had previously threatened to impose wider sanctions on the project if work continued. (Reuters)
The United States Forces Japan announces that American troops in the country will begin vaccinations and prioritize front-line medical workers. (The Japan Times)
The United States House of Representatives passes the CASH Act, a bill that increases direct payments from $600 to $2,000, with a vote of 275–134. The bill is expected to head to the United States Senate for a vote. (Newsweek) (The Hill)
COVID-19 vaccination in the United States Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff receive the Moderna vaccine. (CBS News)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocks an attempt by Senate Democrats to increase the direct payments from $600 to $2,000. However, McConnell also said that the Senate will consider a process to provide $2,000 in stimulus checks to Americans, a measure that is supported by both Democrats and President Donald Trump. (NBC News) (Business Insider)
President-elect Joe Biden announces that three more officials will join his COVID-19 Advisory Board. (Politico)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocks an attempt by Senate Democrats to increase the direct payments from $600 to $2,000. However, McConnell also said that the Senate will consider a process to provide $2,000 in stimulus checks to Americans, a measure that is supported by both Democrats and President Donald Trump. (NBC News) (Business Insider)
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff receive the Moderna vaccine. (CBS News)
2020–2021 United States racial unrest, Killing of Breonna Taylor The Louisville Metro Police Department announces that they will fire Joshua Jaynes and Myles Cosgrove, two of the officers involved in the botched raid of Breonna Taylor's home. (The New York Times)
Abortion in Argentina Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy Bill The Senate begins to debate the legalization of abortion up until the 14th week of pregnancy. If passed, Argentina will become the third Latin American country to allow abortion to be performed on demand, after Cuba and Uruguay. The Catholic Church opposes the move. The bill has already been approved by the lower house. (Reuters)
California extends a regional stay-at-home order in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley due to rise of hospitalizations in the state. (NBC News)
Colorado reports the United States' first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 from the United Kingdom. The patient is a man in his 20s who is in isolation in Elbert County and has no travel history. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in California California extends a regional stay-at-home order in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley due to rise of hospitalizations in the state. (NBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Colorado reports the United States' first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 from the United Kingdom. The patient is a man in his 20s who is in isolation in Elbert County and has no travel history. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Louisiana Republican U.S. congressman-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana's 5th congressional district, who was scheduled to be sworn-in to the upcoming 117th United States Congress on January 3, 2021, dies from COVID-19 complications after previously testing positive for the disease, becoming the first member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives to die before taking office since former astronaut Jack Swigert. (Politico)
COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina, COVID-19 vaccine Argentina begins a vaccination campaign using the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. (Europa Press) COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Chile reports its first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a resident of Panguipulli who traveled from Madrid on December 23. (La Tercera)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea reports a record 40 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 859. (Al Jazeera) United States Forces Korea begins a vaccination programme against COVID-19 using the Moderna vaccine. Healthcare providers and first responders are among those who will initially receive the vaccine. (Stars and Stripes)
Jonathan Pollard, a convicted spy who spent 30 years in prison in the United States for spying, returns to Israel. (The Times of Israel) (Politico)
Republican U.S. congressman-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana's 5th congressional district, who was scheduled to be sworn-in to the upcoming 117th United States Congress on January 3, 2021, dies from COVID-19 complications after previously testing positive for the disease, becoming the first member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives to die before taking office since former astronaut Jack Swigert. (Politico)
Shooting of Tamir Rice The United States Department of Justice announces it will not charge the two Cleveland police officers who killed Tamir Rice. (NBC News)
The first commercial Boeing 737 MAX flight in the United States since worldwide groundings began in March 2020 occurs. The flight, between New York City's LaGuardia Airport and Miami International Airport, was operated by American Airlines. (CNBC)
The Investigative Committee of Russia accuses opposition leader and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny of fraud for allegedly using public funds from his organization for personal needs. The accusation comes after the federal prison service demanded that Navalny report to its office today or face jail time. (DW)
The Louisville Metro Police Department announces that they will fire Joshua Jaynes and Myles Cosgrove, two of the officers involved in the botched raid of Breonna Taylor's home. (The New York Times)
The Senate begins to debate the legalization of abortion up until the 14th week of pregnancy. If passed, Argentina will become the third Latin American country to allow abortion to be performed on demand, after Cuba and Uruguay. The Catholic Church opposes the move. The bill has already been approved by the lower house. (Reuters)
The United States Department of Justice announces it will not charge the two Cleveland police officers who killed Tamir Rice. (NBC News)
United States Forces Korea begins a vaccination programme against COVID-19 using the Moderna vaccine. Healthcare providers and first responders are among those who will initially receive the vaccine. (Stars and Stripes)
Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy Bill The Senate begins to debate the legalization of abortion up until the 14th week of pregnancy. If passed, Argentina will become the third Latin American country to allow abortion to be performed on demand, after Cuba and Uruguay. The Catholic Church opposes the move. The bill has already been approved by the lower house. (Reuters)
Yemeni Civil War 2020 Aden attacks At least 25 people are killed and more than 110 others wounded in an attack at the Aden International Airport, shortly after a plane carrying the newly formed government arrived from Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed is taken to safety along with the Saudi ambassador and all remaining government members. The Houthis are blamed for the attack, but the group has denied responsibility. Another blast was later reported at the presidential palace, where the cabinet was meeting. (The Washington Post)
2020 Aden attacks At least 25 people are killed and more than 110 others wounded in an attack at the Aden International Airport, shortly after a plane carrying the newly formed government arrived from Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed is taken to safety along with the Saudi ambassador and all remaining government members. The Houthis are blamed for the attack, but the group has denied responsibility. Another blast was later reported at the presidential palace, where the cabinet was meeting. (The Washington Post)
At least 25 people are killed and more than 110 others wounded in an attack at the Aden International Airport, shortly after a plane carrying the newly formed government arrived from Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed is taken to safety along with the Saudi ambassador and all remaining government members. The Houthis are blamed for the attack, but the group has denied responsibility. Another blast was later reported at the presidential palace, where the cabinet was meeting. (The Washington Post)
2021 Ugandan general election Bobi Wine, challenger to the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni who has been in office since 1986, is arrested along with his entire campaign team in the town of Kalangala. No information about the arrest has been made available. (CNN via MSN)
Abortion in Argentina Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy Bill Argentina legalizes abortion by a Senate vote of 38 to 29, with one abstention. President Alberto Fernández has indicated that he will sign the bill into law. (The New York Times)
