Three years after NASA launched its Parker Solar Probe, the probe has become the first human spacecraft to "touch" the Sun. The probe first flew through the Sun's outer atmosphere, or "corona" in April.
Published in December 2021
On Sunday, the French territory of New Caledonia voted to decide if it should become independent. Over 96% of the voters chose to remain with France. But many people protested by refusing to vote. The strong split between the two sides leaves the future uncertain.
Last Thursday, New Zealand announced a plan to end smoking in the country. Under the plan, the country would make it illegal for people born after 2008 to buy cigarettes. The plan aims to stop young people from ever starting to smoke.
A group of powerful tornadoes tore across five states in the south central US late Friday night, leaving behind a trail of destroyed homes and buildings. The tornadoes, unusual for this time of year, were among the most powerful and deadly ever seen in the US.
In today's news roundup, Olaf Scholz becomes the chancellor of Germany, the United States and several other countries send a message to China by refusing to send government representatives to the winter Olympics, and Antarctica gets a rare total solar eclipse.
Adama Barrow has been re-elected as president of Gambia. Though two other candidates say they'll challenge the results, people watching the voting say the election was fair. It was the country's first election without long-time dictator Yahya Jammeh.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden held a virtual meeting on Tuesday to try to resolve a growing crisis on the border of Ukraine. Russia has over 70,000 soldiers near the Ukraine border. Many experts worry Russia is getting ready to invade.
Last Friday, the first train took off on a new $6 billion railway in Laos. The government hopes the system will help improve the situation for the country's businesses and people. But many people question whether Laos can afford the railway.
Mount Semeru volcano in Indonesia erupted suddenly on Saturday, sending huge clouds of ash and smoke miles into the sky. The falling ash has covered several nearby villages. Hundreds of people have been forced from their homes and at least 14 people have died.
In today's news roundup, Australia and New Zealand send help to keep the peace in the Solomon Islands, Josephine Baker becomes the first Black woman to enter France's famous Pantheon, and Julie Anne Genter rides her bike to the hospital to have her baby - again.
Last Saturday, 30 white rhinos were loaded into an airplane in South Africa and flown to their new home in Rwanda. The organizers of the move hope the rhinos will be able to settle in the new area, and that their numbers will grow.