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MAKING HEADLINES 2016 IN REVIEW JANUARY In Taiwan’s presidential elections, Democratic chairwoman and nominee Tsai Ing-wen comes in first 56.1%. Tsai is also the first unmarried president as well as the first to have never held another elected post. FEBRUARY Einstein’s century-old theory proven true. Scientists announce that they have heard and recorded audio of two black holes colliding into each other a billion light-years from earth. It is the first evidence of gravitational waves, completing the final piece in Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. It proves the most unpopular part of Einstein’s theory, that within the universe, space and time are connected and changeable. MARCH Former First Lady of the United States Nancy Reagan died on March 6 at age 94 in her Los Angeles home due to congestive heart failure. She will be buried next to her husband Ronald Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. APRIL On April 3, the world first heard a new term, “Panama Papers,” referring to millions of confidential documents that were leaked from a Panama-based law firm, Mossack Fonseca. The Panama Papers reveal details of 6 THESTANDARDPS.COM
how some of the globe’s richest people funnel their assets into secretive shell companies set up in lightly regulated jurisdictions. MAY The U.S. Justice Department opens an investigation of Russia’s systematic doping program. The prosecutors believe that many Russian athletes have used banned performance enhancing drugs during international sporting events. In the face of charges of fraud and conspiracy, the Russian government first denies the accusations, but some of those involved—including a doctor—speak out and tell the world that the scandal is true. Vitaly Mutko, the Russian Sports Minister, states that Russian officials, athletes, and coaches “made some serious mistakes,” but doesn’t go into more detail. JUNE The result of the Brexit vote is in and the United Kingdom is officially set to leave the European Union, a decision that is sure to shake the world’s economy. In a 52% win, the voters of Britain decided on June 23, 2016, that it would be better to leave the union which was formed after WWII. Prime Minister David Cameron resigns, pledging to leave office in three months. Countries belonging to the U.K., such as Scotland and Northern Ireland, are upset by the results, desiring to stay in the EU. Scotland is currently in the process of creating a new independence referendum— having voted in 2014 to remain a part of the U.K.—in light of Brexit, the people of Scotland might change their minds. The worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history occurs in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Florida.