The year 2020 has already been filled with major historical events, including the acquittal of President Donald Trump in an impeachment trial, the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and the rapid spread of a global pandemic. Now, the 2020 election fills the minds of Americans. While most of the attention has been on the presidential race, a handful of historic firsts were being made around the country in local elections.

In the springtime, birthdays are meant to be celebrated outside in the fresh sunshine, after all of the rain and gloomy clouds from winter vanish. Unfortunately, this year many people cannot enjoy their big day in the way they would have wanted.

Many prominent figures in media, sports, and politics have been tested for the COVID-19 CoronaVirus, as cases in the United States have been blowing out the competition.

The United States has been dealing with a massive shortage of COVID-19 test kits, as many states are struggling to supply hospitals and clinics with them. Many people want to get tested for Coronavirus whether they are showing symptoms or not.

Around 200 Sonoma County inmates will be released from jails in an attempt to limit the spread of the CoronaVirus. This decision, which was made by Sonoma County Superior Court Judges, will put an abrupt halt to inmates that are nonviolent offenders nearing the end of their sentence and asking them to return on a later date. The results could see positive and negative repercussions as it can possibly help the jail system contain the spread of the virus. It could also not be efficient because of the virus’s probability to spread quicker.

As national panic is quickly rising about Covid-19, the United States economy has been in a downwards spiral. The United States is on a path to a recession if containment for the virus is not accomplished soon. The virus is spreading like wildfire, infecting over thousands a day and bringing the total number infected to at least 122,653 people across all of the states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Just last month on Feb. 5, Seaworld put a stop to letting their trainers ride on dolphin’s backs and noses, in hopes to avoid confrontation by animal rights groups at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. Even though Seaworld changed its longstanding attraction, People for the Ethical Attraction of Animals demand that this change is not enough. This non-profit corporation, also known as PETA, has been pushing for change as part of their long time campaign for the betterment of dolphins and whales living conditions and does not think it is enough.

On Feb. 24, A celebration of life in honor of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna was hosted at the Staples Center. About 20,000 people attended, many being close friends of the Bryant family-like Beyonce, Spike Lee, Micheal Jordan, and former teammates. It was an emotion-filled night as people sang, cried, laughed, and celebrated the life of one of the best basketball players to ever exist.

The high-end Italian fashion and accessory company, Gucci, has set up a pop-up shop in Chicago, Illinois to help bring in the fun for NBA’s All-Star Weekend. The shop took some time to construct, but it was worth the wait when the doors opened. According to Gucci, the shop is “a dreamscape of nocturnal refractions and reflections, taking us into a fantastical night club where visitors are welcome to join the party.” The shop is set to be available through March 2.