SpaceX Rocket successfully launches
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket successfully launched on Feb. 6. According to CNN, the 27-engine rocket carried a spacesuit dummy and a Tesla into space. SpaceX hopes to use rockets to bring people to Mars in the future.
President Trump requests military parade
The Pentagon is preparing to plan a military parade requested by the president. According to The New York Times, Donald Trump was inspired to host the event after witnessing France’s Bastille Day parade. Trump made this request at a Jan. 18 meeting with top generals. The Pentagon announced that it considering scheduling the parade to take place in November.
Earthquake in Taiwan causes over 200 injuries and four deaths
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake rocked the east coast of Taiwan on Feb. 6. The earthquake’s center was about 13 kilometers from the city of Hualien. There have been over 200 injuries and four deaths reported. As of Wednesday morning, Taiwan’s news agency, CNA, said over 145 people are unaccounted for.
House Minority Leader’s protest breaks records
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi broke House records as she protested the newest government funding bill on Feb. 7. According to USA Today, she spoke for an unprecedented eight hours on behalf of the DACA Dreamers. Her speech is not considered a filibuster.
US life expectancy drops for the second year in a row
The life expectancy rate has fallen for the second year in a row in the United States, according to the BMJ. The drop was caused by a combination of drug and alcohol use as well as suicides. The BMJ stated the decrease was the largest among white Americans who live in rural areas.
