Year in Review: Key Events from December 2024
December 2024 was a month filled with significant global events, from political changes to cultural milestones.
Canada, U.S., Politics, Entertainment, Sports, Health
Ottawa: December 2024 was quite the month, packed with news that had everyone talking. First up, Belgium made waves by granting sex workers full labor rights, which was a big deal for advocates. They can now refuse clients and have access to health insurance and paid leave. Critics, however, are worried about the safety of undocumented workers.
Then, we heard the sad news about Bob Bryar, the former drummer of My Chemical Romance, who passed away at just 44. He was a key part of the band during their iconic “The Black Parade” era.
In the U.S., President Biden made headlines by pardoning his son Hunter, who faced felony charges. This move stirred up some controversy, especially since Biden had previously promised not to use his presidential powers for family matters.
On a lighter note, Canadian curler Rachel Homan snagged a win at the Grand Slam of Curling, leading her team to victory against Sweden. They’re on fire this season!
In international news, Canada officially labeled the Houthi militant group as a terrorist entity, aligning with allies like the U.S. This decision allows for penalties against anyone dealing with the group.
Two-time Olympian Mirela Rahneva also announced her retirement from skeleton racing, leaving behind a legacy of five World Cup wins.
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton welcomed the emir of Qatar to Britain, making a rare public appearance as she recovers from cancer treatment.
In Toronto, the Transit Commission decided to ban mobility devices with lithium-ion batteries during winter months due to fire hazards. This ban will affect e-bikes and scooters, which has sparked some debate.
In pop culture, Taylor Swift was named Spotify’s most-played artist for the second year in a row, racking up over 26 billion streams. She’s definitely a force to be reckoned with!
Air Canada also made headlines by announcing that its lowest-fare customers will no longer be allowed to bring carry-on bags, which is a big change for travelers.
In a shocking crime story, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was killed in a targeted attack in New York City, raising concerns about safety in public spaces.
Back in Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery hit pause on its new home project due to skyrocketing construction costs, while a Taiwan firm canceled plans for an electric vehicle battery plant near Vancouver.
As the month wrapped up, thousands gathered in New York to see the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center lit up, marking the holiday season.
Bitcoin also made headlines, surpassing the $100,000 mark, thanks to a rally sparked by the election of Donald Trump.
In sports, the new WNBA franchise in Canada was officially named the Toronto Tempo, making history as the first team outside the U.S.
And finally, the month ended with a tribute to the 14 women killed in the Polytechnique Montreal shooting, reminding us of the importance of remembering and learning from our past.