Science
- Australian researchers develop 10-minute test to detect cancer cells anywhere in the body.
- Scientists accidently created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic bottles.
- World Health Organization unveiled new vaccine to end cholera.
- Cancer deaths have dropped 25% in the USA.
- Half of all people with HIV are getting treatment; deaths have dropped by half since 2005.
A campaign called “Black Girl Magic Texas” helped put 17 black women on the bench in Harris County, Texas.
Breaking Barriers
- Lt. Marina Hierl is the first woman in Marine Corps history to lead an infantry platoon.
- Women in Saudi Arabia are now able to travel or study without male permission and they received the right to drive.
- Politicians, Rashida Tlaib & Ilhan Omar are the first Muslim women elected into Congress. Omar is also the first Somali-American member.
- Harris County Texas: 17 black women won judicial seats under a campaign they called “Black Girl Magic Texas.”
- South Fulton, Georgia’s criminal justice system is led entirely by black women.
- Jared Polis is first openly gay man elected as Colorado Governor.
United States
- $1.8 billion was donated to John Hopkins University to help low-income students.
- Eco-friendly Babcock Ranch in Florida is the first solar-powered town in USA.
- The American unemployment rate is the lowest it has ever been since 1969.
- Government leased 390,000 acres of federally owned waters, for offshore wind farming.
Around the World
- Ireland voted to amend their constitution and enable legislation allowing abortion.
- India overturned 150 years of anti-gay legislation, decriminalized consensual gay sex.
- South & North Korean ended the Korean War and marched under one flag at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Iranian President Hassan Rohani lifted the stadium ban — now women can attend sporting events.
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Happy 2019!