January 1 Brazil swears in Dilma Rousseff, its first female president January 1 Hungary takes over the position of the presidency of the European Union January 2 River levels in Queensland, Australia continue to rise, 200,000 people are affected and one fatality are reported January 2 Spain enacts strict new anti-smoking laws January 3 Over 5,000 red-winged blackbirds suddenly die in Beebe, Arkansas, on New Year's Eve; scientists investigate causes of the bird die-off January 3 With news that Facebook received investments of $500 million, analysts estimate the value of the company at $50 billion January 4 In Canada, Kathryn Gray becomes the youngest person to ever discover a supernova; she is ten years old January 4 The United Kingdom raises its value-added tax to 20% from 17.5%, its highest rate ever January 5 According to Clarence House, Prince William and his bride-to-be, Kate Middleton, will be married by the Archbishop of Canterbury January 5 The 112th United States Congress convened; Republican Representative John Boehner of Ohio assumes his new position as Speaker of the House January 6 China places new controls on text messages sent on mobile phones containing references to democracy, human rights and corruption January 6 Jordan's Ali bin Al Hussein is elected as Vice President of FIFA, the International Federation of Association Football January 7 The international association football tournament, the AFC Asian Cup, officially opens in Qatar January 7 Tunisia's youth protest for several days over political grievances and social problems including the job market and purchase power January 8 Chinese prosecutors claim over 600 people were killed in Yunnan over a seven year period from official misconduct January 8 U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords is shot, Judge John Roll killed, in a Tucson, Arizona shooting rampage that killed 6 people and injured 14 January 9 A Border Collie has reportedly learned 1022 words and can act in accordance with the citation of those words January 9 In an effort to suppress riots, the Algerian government cuts food prices and commits to punishing those responsible for the riots January 10 Following general elections last year, Burma's new parliament is set to convene on January 31 January 10 Pope Benedict XVI urges Pakistan to repeal its blasphemy law whereby those who insult the Prophet Muhammed receive the death penalty January 11 Scientists posit that streams of antimatter positrons detected annihilating electrons cause Terrestrial gamma-ray flashes on top of thunderstorms January 11 The Arctic sun rises two days earlier than expected over Ilulissat, Greenland January 12 A plan to prevent the spread of artemisinin-resistant malaria is launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) January 12 Haiti commemorates the first anniversary of the 2010 earthquake January 13 In South Korea, 1.4 million domestic pigs are buried alive to combat an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease January 13 North Korea plans to host its first ever golf tournament on a course frequented by leader Kim Jong-il January 14 American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor undergoes a life-saving operation and has her leg amputated January 14 In Afghanistan, the Taliban drop their ban on education for females due to a 'cultural change' January 15 Australia's enormous flood effects 13,000 properties in rural Victoria January 15 China announces it may station troops in North Korea to protect its citizens and investment projects January 16 After 41 years in power, Libya's Muammar al-Gaddafi is less than 24 months away from being world's longest-serving leader January 16 In one of the biggest upsets in NFL history, the New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots January 17 All bullet trains in northern and central Japan were temporarily halted due a computer glitch; thousands of passengers are affected January 17 In Vietnam, 1,400 members of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam gather to vote for new leaders January 18 A $28 billion merger between Comcast and NBC Universal is approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission January 18 Joe Lieberman, an independent U.S. Senator from Connecticut announces he will not seek re-election in 2012 January 19 A Mongolian bulk carrier sailing off the coast of Oman is seized by Somali pirates January 19 All remaining political prisoners in Tunisia are freed January 20 Save the Children launches a campaign to help 400,000 children in Sri Lanka deal with the crisis following the worst floods in their history January 20 Scientists claim 2010 was the warmest year ever recorded, and the last decade the warmest ever recorded, in 200 years January 21 In a referendum based on official figures, nearly 99% of South Sudanese voted for independence from the north January 21 Tunisians take part in a demonstration urging the interim government to step down January 22 The Japanese launch the H-II Transfer Vehicle HTV-2 Resupply Craft, in a mission to deliver cargo to the International Space Station January 22 Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi announces he will leave politics soon after the Presidential elections are held January 23 Google awards its outgoing CEO Eric Schmidt $100 million January 23 Pakistan's President, Asif Ali Zardari, launched an emergency polio immunization programme targeting 32 million children under age 5 January 24 In Canada's Arctic regions, scientists study an outbreak of avian cholera responsible for killing thousands of eider ducks January 24 Lara Giddings becomes the first female Premier of the Australian state of Tasmania January 25 Australia and Japan win their semi-final games and will play in the AFC Asian Cup final January 25 In Egypt, tens of thousands of people participate in a 'day of revolt' to protest against the government January 26 The 41st World Economic Forum convenes in Davos, Switzerland January 26 Top airport security officials are fired after a suicide bombing at Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport kills 35 people, injures 130 January 27 Japan experiences its fifth outbreak of bird flu, forcing the slaughter of 150,000 chickens January 27 The United Nations Human Rights Council criticizes Burma for its human rights record January 28 President Mubarak asks his government to resign January 28 Responding to anti-government protests in Egypt, the government cuts off access to the internet, cell phones, and imposes a curfew January 29 A 450 year-old painting by Titian of the Madonna and Child sets a record at Sotheby's, selling for $16.9 million January 29 Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak appoints Omar Suleiman Vice President, the first office existing under the President in 30 years January 30 Over half a million people participate in the world's largest wildlife survey after extreme cold drives exotic birds into Britain's back gardens January 30 Tropical cyclone Anthony lands in Bowen in Queensland, Australia, forcing a disaster zone declared in areas still recovering from the 2010-2011 Queensland floods January 31 Burma opens its new parliament January 31 Egypt's people vow to continue demonstrating until President Mubarak's regime falls February 1 Protesters stage the largest demonstration ever against the Mubarak regime; two million people gather in Tahir Square, vowing to stay until Mubarak leaves his post February 1 Russia began searching for a missing military satellite that was launched into the wrong orbit February 2 Egypt partially restores Internet access after a five-day blackout February 2 Ian Thorpe, an Australian swimmer, announces he will come out of retirement to compete in the London Olympics in 2012 February 3 Lawmakers in Nepal vote to elect a new Prime Minister February 3 The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization reports that world food prices have reached a record high February 4 According to the Catholic Church on the island, Cuba plans free to two more dissidents February 4 Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, commented that the 2011 Egyptian protests and Tunisian uprising are a result of 'Islamic awareness' February 5 Protesters continue their 12th day of nationwide protests in Cairo's Tahir Square, calling on President Hosni Mubarak to step down February 5 The North American winter storm causes persistent cold temperatures in Mexico and power outages in the U.S. February 6 Dubbed the 'Day of Martyrs' in honor of those killed in their fight for freedom, Egyptians continue protesting for the 13th day in Tahir Square February 6 The Superbowl XLV attracts a record high television audience; the Green Bay Packers defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31 - 25 February 7 An archeologist using Google Maps identifies 2,000 potential archeological sites in Saudi Arabia February 7 AOL purchases the liberal website, The Huffington Post, for $315 million February 8 North and South Korean officials meet for working-level military talks, the first Korean dialogue in eight months February 8 The head of the Taiwanese Army's electronic communications and information department, Major General Lo Hsien-che is arrested for leaking secrets to China February 9 WikiLeaks cables claiming Saudi Arabia has exaggerated its crude oil reserves by 40% is published by The Guardian February 10 An undersea fiber-optic cable arrives in Cuba, linking it to Venezuela. Venezuela offered to help Cuba speed its internet connection when the U.S. refused February 10 The North American winter storm continues across the Southeastern United States and the Tennessee Valley February 11 North Korea places requests with its worldwide embassies to appeal for aid to feed its population February 11 President Hosni Mubarak relinquishes power to the head of the Higher Military Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Mohamed Hussein Tantawi February 12 Anti-government protesters in Yemen call for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down from his regime; Ali has ruled the country since 1978 February 12 Inspired by the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, nearly 5,000 of Algerians protest their regime, calling for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to be removed February 13 At the 53rd Grammy Awards, Lady Antebellum wins the Song of the Year and Record of the Year award for the song, 'Need You Now' February 13 In Iran, opposition leaders plan a nationwide anti-government rally in an attempt to replicate the success of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution February 14 China reports its trade surplus for January is $6.5 billion; the figure is less than expected February 14 Palestinian Authority cabinet members resign and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will select new ministers at the request of President Mahmoud Abbas February 15 In Malaysia, Islamic morality police arrest more than 80 muslims to prevent them from celebrating Valentine's Day February 15 Inflation in the People's Republic of China reaches 4.9% February 16 Lance Armstrong announces his official retirement from professional cycling February 16 Under pressure from conservationists and diplomats, Japan's whaling fleet leaves the Antarctic February 17 A large, rare, Andy Warhol self-portrait in red and white sells for $10.79 million pounds at Christie's auction house in London, England February 17 Aretha Franklin, singer and the 'Queen of Soul', announces she has overcome medical ailments and plans to return to the stage February 18 Human Rights Watch reports 24 people were killed in Libya's 'Day of Rage' anti-regime protest February 18 Voters in Uganda participate in the Ugandan general election; voters fear the election is rigged to extend the 30-year rule of rebel Yoweri Museveni February 19 In the People's Republic of China, the call for a 'Jasmine Revolution' spreads online as authorities hunt down political activists February 20 North Korea raises concerns regarding nuclear testing; reports show they have dug tunnels at a nuclear test site located in Punggye-ri, North Hamgyong Province February 20 Rebel leader Yoweri Museveni continues his 30-year rule after being re-elected President of Uganda; the opposition claims the election was a 'sham' February 21 A professor from New York University has an experimental life-blogging camera removed from his head after his immune system rejected the implant February 21 A state of emergency due to snow is declared in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota February 22 For the first time since 1979 Iranian Revolution, two ships from the Iran Navy are sent through the Suez Canal February 22 In an effort to disprove claims that he has fled the country, Libyan dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi appears on television and claims to remain head of the revolution February 23 As more people are detained, the online call for a 'Jasmine Revolution' continues February 23 More than 1,000 people are estimated to have been killed during the unrest in Libya February 24 In Libya, Anti-Gaddafi forces claim to have gained control Zuara, a town located west of Tripoli February 24 Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh orders the country's security forces to protect protesters February 25 In China, Jia Qinglin, senior leader of the People's Republic of China, calls for controls over Tibetan Buddhism and a renewed struggle against the Dalai Lama February 25 Researchers in Fairbanks, Alaska, discover remains of a 3-year old child from the Ice Age and named it Xaasaa Cheege Ts'eniin, 'Upper Sun River Mouth Child' February 26 After winning a Liberal Party of British Columbia ballot, Canadian politician Christy Clark becomes the second woman to be Premier of British Columbia February 26 In Hollywood, California, the 83rd Academy Awards are held at the Kodak Theater, celebrating the best films of 2010 February 27 Resolution 1970 is adopted by the U.N. Security Council; the resolution imposes sanctions on the regime of Muammar al-Gaddafi February 27 Wisconsin AFL-CIO assemble hundreds of union supporters claiming they will risk arrest to prevent police from clearing the Wisconsin State Capitol building February 28 In Egypt, a travel ban is imposed on former President Hosni Mubarak and his family February 28 The last surviving veteran of World War I, Frank Buckles, dies in Charles Town, West Virginia at the age of 110 March 1 Archeologists working off the coast of Panama recover six cannons from ships owned by Welsh privateer Henry Morgan March 1 New Zealand honors victims of the 2011 Canterbury earthquake with two minutes of silence; 154 persons died, and the death toll is expected to reach 240 March 2 In his book 'Jesus of Nazareth Part II', Pope Benedict XVI exonerates the Jewish people for the responsibility of the death of Jesus March 2 In the United Kingdom, the British Armed Forces announce plans to eliminate 11,000 jobs March 3 The United Nations releases a report stating world food prices are at the highest in 20 years March 3 U.S. airlines continue increasing fares as a result of the high cost of jet fuel March 4 China reports plans to increase its 2011 defense spending by 12.7% March 4 The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) states it could save $5.5 billion in 30 years if dollar bills are replaced with coins March 5 In the Battle of Az Zawiyah, rebels successfully overcome pro-Gaddafi forces trying to push into the city March 5 Saudi Arabia bans all protests after demonstrations have taken place east of the country March 6 Speaking in Cardiff, Wales, David Cameron, Prime Minister of the U.K., declares war on 'enemies of enterprise' March 6 The peak of Brazil's main carnival processions take place in Rio de Janeiro March 7 NATO increases its surveillance flights over Libya, patrolling the area on a 24/7 basis March 7 The most expensive painting ever auctioned, 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust', by Pablo Picasso, goes on display in London's Tate Gallery March 8 In an interview held before the third anniversary of deadly unrest, Gyaincain Norbu claims Tibetans have 'never been freer' March 8 Redondo Beach, California authorities investigate the source of a large fish kill at the King Harbor Marino March 9 A 7.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Honshu, Japan prompts the release of tsunami alert March 9 National Public Radio CEO Vivian Schiller resigns after a scandal involving NPR executives March 10 Lawmakers successfully pass the vote to remove nearly all collective bargaining from Wisconsin state employees March 10 The 14th Dalai Lama, head of the Tibetan exile movement, plans to retire within days March 11 Japan's Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant suffers a radiation leak after the earthquake; thousands of nearby residents are evacuated March 11 Sendai, a major 9.0 earthquake strikes offshore of Japan's Miyagi Prefecture; 10-meter high tsunami's are produced near its epicenter, reaching land through the Pacific ocean March 12 Analysts report a nuclear meltdown may be occurring at the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant; a state of emergency is declared at five plants March 12 Following the earthquake and tsunami, Japan deploys 50,000 Self-Defense Forces personnel in search and rescue efforts March 13 Japan estimates over 46,000 structures were damaged in the 9.0 magnitude earthquake March 13 Over 200,000 people are evacuated from Japan as fear of nuclear contamination from the power plants grows March 14 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts Dr.John, Tom Waits, Alice Cooper, Darlene Love and Neil Diamond into its Hall of Fame March 14 The Tokyo Stock Exchange falls more than five percent on the first day of trading following the 2011 Sendai earthquake March 15 Florida's Miami-Dade County Mayor, Carlos Alvarez, and County commissioner Natacha Seijas are ousted in recall elections March 15 Leaders from the G8 pass the issue of military intervention in Libya onto the United Nations Security Council March 16 The Japanese yen hits a postwar hight against the U.S. dollar March 16 U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, publicly announces she will retire rather than serve a second term in 2012 if President Obama is reelected March 17 Libya's military claims it will stop fighting Sunday to allow the rebels to turn themselves in March 17 St. Patrick's Day parates are celebrated internationally March 18 After no-fly zone was imposed on Libya, its government announced a ceasefire, which it immediately violated, killing 25 civilians in Misrata March 18 Newspapers report that Japan will issue over 10 trillion yen in emergency government bonds to help pay for their earthquake and tsunami recovery efforts March 19 The moon appears 30% brighter and 14% larger than at its furthest point; it reaches its closest point to Earth since 1993 March 19 The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile rejects the 14th Dalai Lama's submitted resignation as Head of State of the Central Tibetan Administration March 20 Exiles in Tibet vote for a new Prime Minister, and also for 43 members of the Tibetan parliament March 20 In Morocco, thousands rally to demand and end to corruption and more civil rights for the Moroccan people March 21 In Tripoli, the compound of leader Muammar Gaddafi is targeted with more bombing raids during the third night of international intervention in Libya March 21 The first full face transplant is performed by surgeons at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts March 22 In South Dakota, Governor Dennis Daugaard signs an abortion bill that requires women to undertake counseling and wait 72 hours, the longest period in the U.S. March 22 The Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant reports radiation levels 1600 times normal levels are present 20km from the plant March 23 In China, the yuan reaches a record level against the U.S. dollar March 23 In Tokyo, the Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks reports that radioactive iodine in city tap water is two times the recommended level for infants March 24 Kenya opens The Africa Carbon Exchange, the first carbon exchange in Africa to exchange carbon credits March 24 The U.S. Census conducted April 1, 2010 reveals that New York city is the country's most populated city, with 8,175,133 residents March 25 Iran's Government rejects an investigation into alleged human rights abuses called for by the United Nations Human Rights Council March 25 The Tibetan parliament will seek the Tibetan community's opinion after the Tibetan government in-exile accepts the Dalai Lama's resignation from politics March 26 In London, England, hundreds of thousands march in Trafalgar Square to protest government budget cuts March 26 Tokyo reports that levels of radiation in its water supply have returned to normal March 27 In Tokyo, anti-nuclear activists rally, demanding change in Japan's nuclear industry March 27 Libya's military operations are now under the NATO control March 28 New South Wales swears in its new Premier, Barry O'Farrell, following its state election March 28 The International Atomic Energy Agency calls for a summit to discuss concerns about nuclear safety following radiation leaks at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant March 29 In London, England, international leaders take part in a conference focused on military action and the future of Libya March 29 James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis calls for the Federal Reserve to limit its purchase of U.S. Treasuries because they 'feed the fire' of inflation March 30 After 300 years in Sweden, the oldest copy of Codex Holmiensis, dating from 1280, is returned to Denmark March 30 Peruvians reclaimed 45,000 Inca artefacts taken by Yale University from Machu Picchu over a hundred years ago, finally successful in their campaign to return of 'the dignity and pride of Peru' March 31 Amid unrest in the Mideast, activists claim China has launched the largest crackdown on dissenters in recent years March 31 At a meeting in Nanjing, China, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says the main problem in the world's monetary system is countries that inhibit the free flow of the value of their currency April 1 In Greece, Crete withstands a 6.2 magnitude earthquake April 1 The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 32,788 traffic deaths; the lowest number of deaths since 1949 April 2 Japan's Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, visits areas devastated by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami April 2 Pro- and anti-carbon tax rallies are attended by thousands in Sydney, Australia April 3 Kazakhstan holds a presidential election; President Nursultan Nazarbayev wins 95% of the vote April 3 The Academy of Country Music Awards 2010 selects Taylor Swift winner of the 2010 Entertainer of the Year award April 4 A record $79 million auction price is paid for Chinese contemporary artist Zhang Xiaogang's 1988 'Forever Lasting Love' three-panel oil painting April 4 Reports claim that China has successfully modified cows to produce 'human milk' April 5 A bill banning the abortion of a fetus more than 20 weeks old passes in the Idaho House of Representatives April 5 The U.S. Democratic National Committee appoints Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz Chairwoman April 6 Amid criticism from rebel fighters, NATO pledges to protect the besieged town of Misrata, Libya April 6 Former Enron CEO Jeff Skilling loses his appeal against his conviction for fraud in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit April 7 Bolstered by strong employment figures for March, the Australian dollar reaches a 28-year high against the U.S. dollar April 8 One hour before the deadline, the U.S. Congress reaches a deal on the 2011 U.S. federal budget, avoiding a government shutdown April 8 The U.S. Department of Justice admits and defends it has probed WikiLeaks-related Twitter accounts, dismissing privacy and freedom of speech concerns April 9 In the Republic of Djibouti, located in the Horn of Africa, President Ismael Omar Guelleh wins re-election with 79% of the vote April 9 Iowa's Monona County, located in the midwestern United States, is hit by a tornado April 10 Following a show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the band U2's tour, 360 degrees, becomes the highest grossing music tour of all time April 10 Over 230,000 acres of land, including the town Fort Davis, are destroyed by wildfires in the state of Texas April 11 In France, a law banning wearing the burqa and hijab goes into effect April 11 One month after the Tohoku earthquake shook Japan, a 6.6 magnitude aftershock hit Japan, lasting nearly an hour April 12 As part of a crackdown on dissent in China, 169 Chinese Christians attempting to hold an outdoor prayer session were detained, then released April 12 Following the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster, Japan raises the crisis level to 7, equal to the disaster in Chernobyl April 13 Former President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak and sons, Alaa and Gamal, are detained for 15 days of questioning regarding charges of corruption and abuse of power April 13 Shortages caused by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami cause Toyota to close several plants in Europe April 14 North Korea attests it has detained Jun Young Su, a U.S. citizen; they plan to charge him with 'committing a crime' against their country April 14 Rejean Hinse, a Quebec man wrongly convicted of a crime in the 1960s and acquitted 30 years later, receives $13.1 million in compensation April 15 Each household within the exclusion zone of the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant will receive 1 million yen from the Tokyo Electric Power Company April 15 In a Schrodinger's cat experiment, researchers in Japan and Australia successfully teleport wave packets of light; this is the first transfer of quantum information from one point to another April 16 In Egypt, the court orders the former ruling National Democratic Part of Hosni Mubarak be dissolved April 16 Nigeria holds a presidential election April 17 The London Marathon is won by Emmanuel Matai, who set a new course record April 17 The Mid-April 2011 Southern United States tornado outbreak results in over 30 deaths; North Carolina is the state worst affected April 18 A landslide in Indonesia's East Java province kills 100 people April 18 Dubai, United Arab Emirates, begins an anti-piracy conference April 19 In Cuba, Fidel Castro resigns from the Communist Party's central committee April 19 Singapore dissolves its Parliament for the 14th General Election, planned for May 7, 2011 April 20 China releases two prominent human rights lawyers, Liu Xiaoyuan and Jiang Tianyong April 20 Nigeria's presidential election, held April 16, 2011, declares the winner is President Goodluck Jonathan April 21 By order of an Egyptian court, the name of Egypt's former President, Hosni Mubarak, is stripped from public spaces, schools and streets April 21 In Shanghai, Chinese lorry drivers continue their second day of protest against rising inflation April 22 After airstrikes destroy 30 - 40 per cent of Libya's ground forces, U.S. Admiral Mike Mullen states the war is moving toward a stalemate April 22 The Pope, Benedict XVI, becomes the first pontiff to participate in a televised interview session, pre-recorded for Italian television April 23 A clash occurs in the disputed border region of Cambodia and Thailand; thousands evacuate April 23 In England, the guest list for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is released April 24 A 6.2 magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia's southeastern island of Sulawesi April 24 Pope Benedict XVI performs Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City; he calls for dialogue and diplomacy to end Libya's unrest April 25 On a mission to destroy Muammar Gaddafi's forces, NATO jets fly over Tripoli and knock out three television stations April 25 The U.S. government 'condemns' international media outlets, including 'The New York Times' for publishing confidential files April 26 The 25th anniversary of the disaster in Chernobyl is commemorated by the Ukraine April 26 U.S. nightly news host Katie Couric announces she will will no longer host the 'CBS Evening News' April 27 A German naval mine from World War II is discovered and dismantled by BP; removing the bomb avoided potential closure of 16 oil fields April 27 As the Australian dollar reaches new 29-year highs against the U.S. dollar, rising interest rates are predicted April 28 According to the WHO, leading causes of death in the world include chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes April 28 Panasonic Corporation reportedly plans to announce it will cut 40,000 jobs May 1 The U.S. Department of State issues a global travel alert to all U.S. citizens, warning of enhanced potential for anti-American violence May 1 U.S. President Barack Obama announces that Osama bin Laden, founder of the militant Islamist group Al-Quaeda was killed by American military operatives May 2 Nabil al-Araby, Foreign Minister of Egypt, calls for the U.S. to support and independent Palestine May 2 The news of Osama bin Laden's death is received positively by international leaders, including Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari May 3 In Yafran, Libya, thousands risk potential death and starvation after Muammar Gaddafi's forces shut off water and block food supplies May 3 Interest rates at the Reserve Bank of India are increased by 50 basis points to 7.25 per cent May 4 U.S. conductor Daniel Barenboim holds a 'Peace Concert' in the Gaza Strip; he is a supporter of Palestinian rights May 4 U.S. President Barack Obama chooses not release photos of Osama bin Laden following his death; photos taken at the Abbotabad compound are released by Reuters May 5 Former U.S. Olympic champion Carl Lewis is granted a place on the ballot for the Democratic primary election for a New Jersey Senate seat May 5 In Brazil, the Supreme Federal Court rules that same-sex couples receive the same rights of existing civil unions May 6 Militant Islamic group Al-Quaeda confirms Osama bin Laden's death and threatens revenge May 6 The U.S. Coast Guard responds to heavy flooding by closing a section of the Mississippi River near Caruthersville, Missouri May 7 In Singapore, two cabinet ministers, George Yeo and Li Hwee Hua, become the highest ranking ministers to be unseated in a general election since 1963 May 7 Thousands of homes are ordered evacuated as the Spring 2011 Mississippi River Floods continue May 8 A near riot breaks out at the Beijing Apple Store as the Apple iPad2 goes on sale in the People's Republic of China May 8 Thousands march in Mexico City to protest the 38,000 people who have died since the Mexican Drug War began in 2006 May 9 An investigation is launched by Pakistani Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gillani to determine how bin Laden lived undetected in Abbottabad May 9 The U.S. Texas Senate approves amended legislation allowing students in Texas to carry handguns on campus May 10 April exports for the People's Republic of China reach an all-time monthly hight of $155.69 billion May 10 Microsoft announces it plans to purchase Skype, an Internet phone service, for $8.5 billion May 11 In Nepal, Sherpa Apa Sherpa achieves a new record by climbing Mount Everest for the 21st time May 11 The Tokyo Electric Power Company together with the Government of Japan will not cap compensation payments resulting from the Fukushima I nuclear accidents May 12 Amid protests, the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, is sworn in for a fourth term May 12 Queen Elizabeth II becomes the second-longest-reigning monarch in Britain May 13 In Egypt, authorities extend the detention of former President Hosni Mubarak for another 15 days May 13 Pope Benedict XVI announces Roman Catholic bishops must obey a papal order allowing priests to say the old-style Tridentine Mass May 14 In efforts to save Baton Rouge and New Orleans from floods, the Morganza Spillway is opened on the Mississippi River, deliberately flooding 3,000 square miles of rural Louisiana May 14 The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami death toll now exceeds 15,000 with 9,000 still missing and 115,000 evacuees still living in shelters May 15 Suzanne Mubarek, wife of ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek, has open heart surgery after having a heart attack brought on by a corruption investigation May 15 Two suspected Al-Quaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb members are arrested in Tunisia for carrying bombs and explosives near the city of Ramada May 16 After 23 years running and 1151 fugitives caught, the FOX network cancels America's Most Wanted May 16 The European Union approves a $110.8 billion (78 billion euro) bailout package for Portugal May 17 The final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show is recorded in Chicago, Illinois; many celebrities attend the star-studded event May 17 The oldest panda in the world, Ming Ming, dies at the age of 34 in Guangdong, China May 18 Queen Elizabeth II visits Ireland's Croke Park in Dublin, where the Bloody Sunday massacre of 1920 occurred during the Irish War of Independence May 18 The U.S. intends to impose sanctions on Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria, for alleged human rights breaches during the 2011 Syrian Uprising May 19 Japan's economy officially enters a recession, partially due to financial strain caused by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami May 19 Uganda's opposition leader Kizza Besigye is placed under house arrest, after vowing to continue protests against the rising cost of living May 20 Burial services for Claude Choules, aged 110, the last living veteran of World War I, take place in West Australia's port of Fremantle May 20 In a meeting with President Barack Obama, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will not fully withdraw to the pre-1967 borders as Obama requested May 21 Christian radio broadcaster Harold Camping predicts May 21, 2011 at 6:00pm as the date of the Rapture for all Christians around the world May 21 The most active volcano in Iceland, Grimsvotn, erupts and triggers 50 small earthquakes May 22 Jimmy Choo, a U.S. company, is sold to Labelux, a private equity firm for $800 million May 22 Tornadoes hit Joplin, Missouri, and a state of emergency is declared; more tornadoes hit Minneapolis, Minnesota and warnings are announced in states from Texas to Michigan May 23 Tornado warnings are issued for Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri; the Joplin, Missouri death toll rises to 126 people with 1,150 injured by the May 22 tornado May 23 Walid al-Muallem, foreign minister of Syria, denounces the European Union for the travel bans and asset freezes it has imposed on Syria May 24 On his visit to the United Kingdom, U.S. President Barack Obama meets Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh May 24 The Tokyo Electric Power Company claims three Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant reactors partially melted down during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami May 25 French Minister of Finance, Christine Lagarde, declares her candidacy as head of the International Monetary Fund May 25 Germany determines it must shut down part of its airspace as volcanic ash from Iceland's Grisvotn eruption spreads through northern Europe May 26 About 193,000 people are without power after severs storms struck the U.S. city of Atlanta, Georgia May 26 The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly votes against funding for ground troops in Libya May 27 Crewmembers of the Endeavour space shuttle Mike Fincke and Greg Chamitoff take what is potentially the last spacewalk ever conducted by a space shuttle crew May 27 U.K. Prime Minister, David Cameron, confirms the United Kingdom is sending Apache attack helicopters to assist the 2011 Libyan uprising May 28 After days of protests, martial law is declared in Xilinhot, a city located in Inner Mongolia May 28 In Germany, at least 10 people die from cucumbers infected with the deadly bacteria E. coli May 29 Malta becomes the last country in the European Union to legalize divorce May 29 More than 100,000 homes in Michigan lose power after powerful storms hit the state May 30 Executing its final mission, Space Shuttle Endeavor successfully undocks from the International Space Station to return to earth May 30 In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel pledges to end all nuclear power by 2022 May 31 After scientists reviewed studies on cell phone safety, the World Health Organization classifies cell phone radiation as a carcinogenic hazard, possibly carcinogenic to humans May 31 Release dates and titles for two films based on 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkein are announced June 1 According to the UN, 2 million adolescents in the world live with HIV; 86 per cent of them live in sub-Saharan Africa June 1 The U.S. announces it will boycott an anti-racism conference at the United Nations due to concerns over anti-Semetism June 2 Secret documents on Egypt's nuclear power plant are released by WikiLeaks June 2 The World Health Organization announces the E. coli strain responsible for the 2011 E.coli O104:H4 outbreak had never before been isolated from patients June 3 Former North Carolina Senator and U.S. Presidential Candidate John Edwards is indicted on charges of conspiracy and violating campaign finance laws June 3 Right-to-die activist Jack Kevorkian dies in Royal Oak, Michigan; his death caused by pneumonia and kidney problems June 4 In Hong Kong, tens of thousands gather in Tiananmen Square to remember victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests June 4 Li Na becomes the first Asian tennis player to win a major title winning the 2011 French Open; Li Na is from the People's Republic of China June 5 At the 2011 French Open, Roger Federer is defeated in mens singles by Rafael Nadal June 5 In Vietnam, hundreds demonstrate against Chinese naval operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea June 6 According to Bloomberg, Italian company Prada SpA is planning an initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange June 6 Testing is conducted to confirm whether the E. coli outbreak came from vegetable sprouts in the Uelzen, Germany June 7 Nintendo's new video game system, the Wii U is introduced; it has a touch-screen display designed as a bridge between portable and tablet-based games and console video games June 7 The U.S. state of Arizona has an enormous wildfire covering almost 500 square miles; it is not contained and is sending smoke across several other states June 8 Australia bans live cattle exports to Indonesia for up to six months in response to reports of cruel treatment at Indonesian slaughterhouses June 8 Residents in the U.S. towns of Eagar and Springerville, Arizona fully evacuate as the Wallow Fire wildfire rages on June 9 In Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, six women were arrested for practicing driving in an empty car lot; women are banned from driving on the road June 9 The Financial Times finds computer hackers may have accessed details on Citigroup bank card customers June 10 A report submitted to the United Nations states Iran has been caught attempting to transfer weaponry to terrorists including Hamas and the Taliban 10 times June 10 South Korea's Central Bank raises its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, to 3.25 percent June 11 Ancient Korean royal books looted by French troops in 1866 are returned to South Korea; 1,000 officials and locals celebrate the return of the 297-volume 'Oegyujanggak' books June 11 In Rome, Italy, over 500,000 people demonstrate, demanding same-sex rights June 12 In the 2011 NBA Finals, he Dallas Mavericks win their first NBA title, winning 4 - 2 over the Miami Heat June 12 Voters in Turkey go to the polls for a general election June 13 Aftershocks from the 2011 Christchurch earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand, leaving tens of thousands without power June 13 Michelle Bachmann announces she will seek the Republican Party nomination for President of the United States June 14 A terrorist-related travel warning for the Philippines is issued by the United States June 14 The Wallow Fire becomes the largest wildfire in Arizona history; firefighters have contained 20% of the 469,407-acre fire June 15 In Greece, Police fire tear gas on protesters angry over cuts their government made in co-operation with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund June 15 The coalition government announces plans to privatize Northern Rock, a British public-owned bank June 16 Prince Harry of Wales is cleared to return to service in the Afghan War June 16 The auction record for paintings by Sir Stanley Spencer were broken twice within minutes at Sotheby's in London June 17 In efforts to fund rising social security costs, the Government of Japan plans to double its sales tax over four years June 17 The first condemnation of discrimination against gays, lesbians and transgender people is issued by the United Nations Human Rights Council June 18 Oil prices hit $93 per barrel, a four-month low June 18 The NOAA declares 2011 one of the most extreme weather years on record June 19 For the third straight week, hundreds of Vietnamese citizens protest outside China's embassy in Hanoi against disputed areas in the South China Sea June 19 The 2011 Paris Air Show features the international debut of the new Boeing 747-8 June 20 Australian travelers are warned they may face more disruption from the 2011 Puyehue-Cordon Caulle eruption in Chile June 20 The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers grants private companies the right to create new website domain suffixes June 21 Over 270,000 people in Illinois experience a power failure due to thunderstorms and funnel clouds June 21 Volcanic ash from the 2011 Puyehue-Cordon Caulle eruption in Chile continues to disrupt flights in Australia June 22 People's Republic of China officials warn that the the 2011 China floods will likely raise the price of food June 22 South Korea states it plans to build a new resettlement center for North Korean refugees June 23 It is determined that the 20111 E. coli O104:H4 bacterial outbreak that began in Germany in May 2011 resulted from a combination of two dangerous E. coli strains June 23 Japan's Iwate prefecture experiences a 6.7 magnitude earthquake June 24 The cell phone of Osama bin Laden's courier is reported to contain contacts with Harakat-ul-Mujahadeen, suggesting potential ties to Pakistan's intelligence agencies June 24 The European Central BAnk appoints Italy's Mario Draghi as its new President, set to replace Jean-Claude Trichet on November 1 June 25 According to a new study, the number of adults in the world with diabetes has doubled since 1980 June 25 New York becomes the largest state to legalize same-sex marriage when Governor Andrew Cuomo signs the New York State Marriage Equality Law June 26 The ash cloud from the 2011 Puyehue-Cordon Caulle eruption closes 39 flights in Chile and Argentina June 26 The E.coli strain that caused 46 deaths in Germany reportedly resurfaced in france, with eight people hospitalized in Bordeaux June 27 Tests show radioactive cesium is present in small quantities in residents of Iitate and Kawamata, Fukushima, towns located 25 miles from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant June 27 The Los Angeles Dodgers professional baseball team files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy June 28 Following the resignation of Dominique Strass-Kahn, France finance minister Christine Lagarde becomes the new head of the International Monetary Fund June 28 The U.N. reports 10 million people are effected by the worst drought in 60 years, forcing Somalians to flee to Kenya and Ethiopia to avoid starvation June 29 Pope Benedict XVI announces the launch of a new Vatican website, news.va; he also performs the first tweet ever made by a pope June 29 The General Assembly of Rhode Island passes legislation allowing same-sex couples to enter civil unions June 30 Investigations by the ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority implicate fenugreek seeds imported from Egypt in the deadly E. coli outbreaks June 30 Tropical Storm Arlene, the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season's first tropical storm, lands near Cabo Rojo and brings heavy rain to Mexico and southern Texas July 1 In Libya's capitol of Tripoli, Muammar Gaddafi calls on NATO to stop its bombing campaign or else European homes offices and families will be targeted July 1 Prince Albert II of Monaco weds Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock at the royal palace; Wittstock is now known as Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene July 2 Due to a range of safety concerns, all Tiger Airways flights in Australia are grounded until July 9th by the country's Civil Aviation Safety Authority July 2 In Bordeaux, France, and elderly woman becomes the first person to die from the recent e.coli outbreak July 3 A tourist boat travelling off the coast of Baja California in Mexico sinks; 23 people are reported missing July 3 The Swiss Government blocks 27 million Swiss francs worth of assets belonging to senior Syrian officials July 4 Famed 'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling leaves her agent, Christopher Little, ending their 15-year working relationship July 4 UK Researchers report a study showing that the use of drugs during vitro fertilization may increase the risk of Down syndrome for their baby July 5 A large dust storm strikes Phoenix, Arizona, leaving thousands without power and grounding flights at the Phoenix Airport July 5 Venezuelans celebrate 200 years of independence from Spain with a military parade and parties in the streets July 6 Exiled Tibetans are banned from celebrating the Dalai Lama's birthday; Nepalese authorities fear the gatherings would become anti-Chinese July 6 The host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics will be Pyeongchang, South Korea; the winter multi-sport event will take place between the 9th and 24th of February, 2018 July 7 In China, a fire in a coal mine in Shandong Province leaves at least 36 people trapped underground July 7 In efforts to avoid food shortages and political oppression, South Korea begins work on a new facility to house North Korean refugees July 8 Space Shuttle Atlantis takes off to conduct the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program July 8 U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron announces an inquiry into News of the World, allegedly involved in a phone hacking scandal July 9 Major League Baseball history is made when Derek Jeeter of the New York Yankees makes a home run off of the Tampa Bay Rays, becoming the 28th member of the 3,000 hit club July 9 South Sudan becomes a sovereign state after seceding from Sudan July 10 Australia's Prime Minster Julia Gillard introduces details of plan to implement a carbon tax July 10 In the Volga River near Bolgar, Russia, cruise ship Bulgaria sinks; 110 people drown and 80 are rescued alive July 11 Illinois experiences heavy thunderstorms with 75 mph winds, cutting power to 868,000 homes and businesses July 11 The Republic of Korea announces plans to conduct midair refueling drills with the U.S. Air Force in 2011 July 12 According to Moody's, Ireland's debt rating has been reduced to 'junk' status July 12 In Britain, a ticket holder wins 161,653,000 pounds, the largest EuroMillions jackpot in history July 13 Researchers reveal two studies showing the antiretroviral drugs prescribed to treat AIDS can also prevent HIV infections July 13 Senior politician Norman Moore calls upon Western Australia to consider secession over carbon tax and Minerals Resource Rent Tax July 14 In Borneo a previously extinct rainbow toad is rediscovered by scientists; the sighting is the first since its extinction was declared in 1924 July 14 Neptune completes its first orbit of the sun since the planet was discovered in 1846 July 15 Chief executive of News International, Rebekah Brooks, resigns as a result of the News International phone hacking scandal July 15 The World Health Organization claims over 5 million Ethiopian are susceptible to developing cholera due to the breakout of acute watery diarrhea July 16 The funeral for the final heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Otto von Habsburg, occurs in Vienna, attended by monarchs and members of the political elite July 16 U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to meet the Dalai Lama in Washington, D.C. despite a warning from the People's Republic of China July 17 Casey Anthony, cleared of murdering her daughter Caylee and set to be released from the Orange County, Florida jail, attracts major crowds unhappy with the judgement July 17 Juan Maria Bordaberry, former Uruguayan dictator, dies while under house arrest for murders committed during his dictatorship July 18 Command of the NATO forces in Afghanistan transfers from U.S. General David Petraeus to U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Genreal John R. Allen July 18 Phoenix, Arizona is hit by a dust storm, also known as a haboob July 19 In a speech outside of Potala Palace, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping declares he will crush attempts for an Independent Tibet July 19 Iran announces it has installed faster nuclear centrifuges to enrich uranium July 20 Following an outbreak of Hendra virus, Maylaysia delcares a ban the import of horses from Australia July 20 In Guinea, up to 80 people, including soldiers, are arrested for a failed assassination attempt on President Alpha Conde, which occurred July 19 July 21 In Iran, the Central Bank of Iran launches a website which it will use to poll Iranians on planned economic reforms and changing the national currency July 21 The U.S. heat wave has led to 24 deaths across the country July 22 An extremist explodes a car bomb in Oslo, Norway, killing at least seven people; he then opens fire at a Labour Party youth camp in Utoya, Norway, killing 84 July 22 The International Monetary Fund approves a new three-year loan for Haiti worth $60 million, canceling Haiti's $268 million debt July 23 Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announces the country's plan to launch a manned shuttle into space by 2019 July 23 The Nigerian senate reschedules elections by changing the country's constitution July 24 BP announces plans to begin drilling for oil off the coast of Libya July 24 Over half of the country of Peru enters a state of emergency as a result of unusually cold weather July 25 Cyclist Alberto Contador wins the 2010 Tour de France while seven-time winner of the event, Lance Armstrong, makes his final appearance July 25 Former Cuban President Fidel Castro makes his first appearance outside of Havana since leaving office in 2006, visiting a mausoleum in Artemisa July 26 The Hendra virus is detected in a dog in Queensland, Australia near the Beaudesert; the virus has never before been detected in anything other than flying foxes, horses or humans July 26 Vietnam re-elects Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung July 27 Higher than expected consumer price index figures and U.S. default concerns cause the Australian dollar to reach a post-float record against the U.S. dollar July 27 The U.K. government recognizes the National Transitional Council and expels Libyan diplomats loyal to Muammar Gaddafi July 28 Astronomers identify a Trojan asteroid orbiting on the same path as the Earth around the Sun; it poses to danger to Earth because it sits in a gravitational 'sweet spot' July 28 U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte sets a new world record for the 200-meter individual medley, winning gold at the 2011 World Aquatics Championships in Shanghai, People's Republic of China July 29 The African Union gains its 54th member, South Sudan July 29 The U.S. House of Representatives votes to increase the debt ceiling; the Senate rejects the measure July 30 NATO announces it destroyed three television distribution facilities in Tripoli, Libya July 30 Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, Zara Phillips marries Mike Tindall, an England rugby union international July 31 A Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737 plane crashed and split in to at the Chaddi Jagan International Airport; no one was injured July 31 The U.S. Senate fails to pass legislation lifting the debt ceiling; compromise talks continue August 1 HSBC bank announces it will cut 5,000 jobs now and 25,000 jobs by 2013 August 1 Tropical storm warnings are issued as Tropical Storm Emily forms in the Atlantic Ocean August 2 In the Papuan capital of Jayapura, about 10,000 Papuan people demonstrate in support of independence from India August 2 President Obama signs legislation to raise the U.S. debt ceiling, narrowly averting the debt ceiling crisis August 3 A skull believed to be 20-million years old is discovered in a Uganda; the skull is believed to be from a tree-climbing ape August 3 The U.S. credit rating is downgraded from A+ to A by the Chinese Dagong Global Credit Rating August 4 The Southern United States experiences a heat alert for fourteen states; several dozen heat-related deaths occurred since July August 4 The U.S. National Football League ratifies a new collective bargaining agreement which includes provisions for human growth hormone tests August 5 Thailand's parliament officially elects Yingluck Shinawatra as Prime Minister of Thailand; Yingluck is Thailand's first female Prime Minister August 5 Typhoon Muifa approaches Japan's island of Okinawa; the typhoon is expected to be one of the most powerful storms to hit China in recent years August 6 At least 20 Navy SEALs and 17 others die when a NATO Chinook helicopter crashes after being shot down by the Taliban in Afghanistan August 6 In London, British rioters set police cars on fire in the suburb of Tottenham August 7 A landslide in Malaysia leaves one person killed and six missing August 7 Nepal, India exercises a smoking ban in public places August 8 Standard &: Poor's rating agency downgrades U.S. sovereign debt; the downgrade is the first in the history of the United States August 8 Stock markets in Asia, Australia and the United States fall after the U.S. loses it's AAA credit rating August 9 As the Australian dollar falls below parity, Australian and New Zealand dollars continue to fall as investors seek security August 9 The U.S. Federal Reserve declares it will keep interest rates at exceptionally low levels through mid-2013 August 10 New Zealand's highest mountain, the south ridge of Aoraki/Mount Cook, is renamed Hillary Ridge after Sir Edmund Hillary, first to conquer Mt. Everest August 10 Rioting takes place in English cities including Manchester, liverpool, Salford, Birmingham and Nottingham; police from Scotland are called in to help August 11 New Zealand's City Council in Christchurch announce plans to rebuild their central business district after an earthquake devastated the area August 11 The Israeli interior ministry grants its final approval for building 1,600 settler homes in the disputed East Jerusalem August 12 A recent crash on the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway prompts a halt in service and an inspection of all sections of the track August 12 President Obama's health insurance mandate from his Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is struck down by the U.S. court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit August 13 Riots in England continue; Prime Minister David Cameron hires U.S. law enforcement officer Bill Bratton to advise on dealing with gang-related violence August 13 The Ames Straw Poll for 2012 Presidential election candidates is taken; Michele Bachmann is the winner August 14 2012 Presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty withdraws from his campaign to win the Republican Party nomination August 14 U.S golfer Keegan Bradley defeats Jason Dufner in a playoff, winning the United States 2011 PGA Championship August 15 Snow on New Zealand's North and South Islands disrupts power supplies, causes road closures and closure of the Wellington International Airport August 15 The trial of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarek and sons, Alaa and Gamall is adjourned and merged with that of former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly August 16 Concerns about the European economy are heightened as Germany reports second quarter growth of only 0.1% August 16 In England, two men who created a Facebook site to incite violence during the riots are sentenced to four years imprisonment August 17 In Kabul, a rocket is fired into the compound of Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan August 17 The price of gold reaches a new record after Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez announces plans to nationalize his country's gold industry August 18 Gold hits a record price of $1,826 per ounce August 18 In an effort to stop the growth of household debt, South Korean banks temporarily stop making household loans August 19 A Chinese scientist conducting research on the Tibetan Plateau is reported missing from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region's Muztagh Ata glacier August 19 A team of divers discover the wreck of a Swedish warship, possibly Mars, the head of king Erik XIV's fleet which sank in the Baltic Sea in 1564 August 20 First Air fails in an attempt to land a Boeing 737 in poor conditions; 12 of 15 people die after the plane crashes near Canada's Resolute Bay August 20 Tropical Storm Irene forms with warnings in place for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, The British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda August 21 Muammar Gaddafi appears on Libyan television claiming himself the 'father of Libya' August 21 The world's potentially oldest fossils, thought to be 3.4 billion years old, are found in the Strelley Pool rock formation in Western Australia's outback August 22 The Chairman of the National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdul Jalil announces Muammar Gaddafi's regime has collapsed August 22 The Foreign Ministry of Iran calls for Musa al-Sadr to be released; they claim he has been held in Libya since 1978 August 23 A 5.8 magnitude earthquake, the most powerful since 1897, strikes near Mineral, Virginia, causing a shut down of a nearby nuclear reactor August 23 The Government of Syria is under investigation by the U.N. Human Rights Council for alleged human rights violations during the 2011 Syrian uprising August 24 Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs resigns over poor health issues; Tim Cook takes over as CEO August 24 With weak economic prospects and significant levels of public debt, Japan is downgraded to Aa3 by Moody's credit rating agency August 25 New York City braces for Hurricane Irene, announcing plans to shut down subways buses and commuter trains August 25 Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway announces it will invest $5 billion in Bank of America August 26 After losing a referendum on free school lunches, Seoul's mayor, Oh Se-hoon, resigns August 26 Japan's National Police Agency discloses that 90% of cyberattacks on its web site came from IP addresses in the People's Republic of China August 27 Hurricane Irene lands in North Carolina, near Cape Lookout August 27 Singapore holds a presidential election; voters head to the polls August 28 Musician Katy Perry wins the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards for Video for the Year award for her song 'Firework' August 28 Tony Tan Keng Yam wins Singapore's presidential election, becoming President-elect August 29 Libya's National Transitional Council raises concerns about the mass killing of political prisoners by Muammar Gaddafi's government August 29 Nepal's Parliament elects Unified Communist Party leader Baburam Bhattarai as Prime Minister August 30 New England's state of Vermont experiences the worst flooding in 100 years August 30 The National Diet of Japan, Japan's bicameral legislature, approves Yoshihiko Noda as its new Prime Minister August 31 Severe damage to homes and infrastructure occurs as wildfires sweep through the U.S. states of Oklahoma and Texas August 31 Venice, Italy hosts the 68th Venice International Film Festival September 1 A state of emergency is declared by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal after Tropical Storm Lee in the northern Gulf of Mexico September 1 To avoid further fighting, Libya's Transitional Council extends the deadline to surrender for tribal leaders in Sirte September 2 Acting on a lawsuit filed by Apple, Inc., a court in Dusseldorf, Germany orders Samsung to stop selling its new tablet computer, Galaxy Tab September 2 The South Korean military has police clear protesters from the building site of its new naval base in Jeju-do September 3 In Texas, wildfires continue burning, destroying tens of thousands of acres of land September 3 The Libyan National Transitional Council will move to Tripoli from Benghazi next week September 4 A new world record is set by Jamaica's 4x100-meter relay team of Nesta Carter, Usain Bolt, Michael Frater and Yohan Blake September 4 Sonya Thomas is declared the winner of the U.S. Chicken Wing Eating Championship after consuming 183 Buffalo wings in 12 minutes September 5 Former French President Jacques Chirac begins stands trial in Paris for embezzlement charges September 5 Pakistan's government announces the arrest of Younis al-Mauritani, the senior Al-Qaeda chief September 6 P. J. Harvey's album 'Let England Shake' wins best album in the United Kingdom and Ireland September 6 The House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee recalls four News International executives for further examination of phone hacking within the organization September 7 Australia's economy achieves 1.2% second quarter growth after floods initially let to a .9% contraction in the second quarter September 7 Heavy rain in Pennsylvania causes 1,000 Hershey Middle School students in the Derry Township School District to be stranded September 8 A potential terrorist threat to New York City or Washington, D.C. for the 10th anniversary of September 11th is investigated September 8 Australia's unemployment rate for August 2011 has risen to 5.3% September 9 In South Africa, scientists find Australopithecus sediba skeletons are 2 million years old, suggesting the hominid species could be a transitional fossil between apes and humans September 9 The 2011 Rugby World Cup begins in New Zealand September 10 Following the turmoil of the Arab Spring G8 nations pledge $40 billion to help Arab countries reconstruct and implement democracy September 10 In Cairo, protesters storm the Israeli embassy and force the Israeli ambassador to Egypt to flee September 11 Memorial ceremonies are held worldwide to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks September 11 Serena Williams is defeated in Women's Singles at the 2011 U.S. Open by Samantha Stosur of Australia September 12 Renewed concerns over the Eurozone debt crisis cause Asian markets to fall September 12 The EU Council votes; the copyright on sound recordings is extended from 50 to 70 years September 13 In Pakistan, over 5,000 people reportedly are infected with Dengue fever September 13 In Sweden, four men arrested for the 2011 failed Gothenburg terrorist attack are believed to be linked to the Al-Qaeda terrorist network September 14 At the Zekiah Swamp in Charles County, Maryland, archeologists believe they found a fort from 1680 built to protect the 'friendly' Piscataway Indians September 14 NASA reveals its Space Launch System plan, intended to replace the Space Shuttle program with its first flight scheduled for 2017 September 15 A previously unknown species of bottlenose dolphin is identified by researchers at Australia's Monash University, who named it Tursiops australis September 15 Together with male and female, 'indeterminate' can now be listed as a gender on Australian passports September 16 In the People's Republic of China, the Ministry of Public Security arrests over 2,000 people in an effort to crackdown on gang-related crime September 16 NASA scientists announce the discovery of a circumbinary planet - a planet the orbits two stars instead of one September 17 A 6.6 magnitude earthquake occurs off the coast of Japan, setting off a series of aftershocks September 17 Latvian voters head to the polls for a parliamentary election September 18 In Berlin, Social Democrats do well in a state election; the Pirate Party enters a state parliament for the first time, with the Free Democrats achieving 2% of the vote September 18 The 63rd Emmy Awards for U.S television programs is held in Los Angeles, California: Mad Men wins for the outstanding drama series September 19 A 5.8 magnitude earthquake and two lesser related quakes strike 32 miles south of Guatemala City, Guatemala, claiming 3 lives September 19 Italy's credit rating is lowered from A+ to A by Standard and Poor's rating agency, a result of its high level of debt and the stability of its government September 20 The 8th largest search engine in the world, Russia's Yandex, marks its first venture outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) by expanding into Turkey September 20 The U.S. officially ends its Don't ask, don't tell military policy, allowing gay and lesbian personnel to publicly declare their sexual orientation September 21 Google's new social network service, Google+, is released to the general public September 21 The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announces the 2015 UCI World Championships will be held in Richmond, Virginia September 22 In Santiago, the Chilean capitol, tens of thousands of students protest for increased education expenditure September 22 Pope Benedict XVI begins his state visit to Germany September 23 For the second day in a row, global stock markets fall as fears of a deepening economic crisis continue September 23 In Australia, thousands of Toyota workers go on strike over a pay dispute September 24 Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accepts a proposal from President Dmitry Medvedev to run in Russia's 2012 Presidential election September 24 The 2011 Syrian uprising continues as Turkey seizes a Syrian ship that is possibly carrying weapons to the Syrian Army September 25 In Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah announces reforms that give women the right to vote and run in municipal elections September 25 Kenyan runner, Patrick Makau Musyoki, breaks the world record for the marathon at the Berlin Marathon September 26 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Wangari Maathai of Kenya, dies while undergoing treatments for cancer September 26 The ongoing sovereign debt crisis in Europe causes European and Asian stock markets to open lower September 27 In South Korea, the Financial Services Commission reveals they plan to inject more money into suspended local savings banks September 27 The Arab Gas Pipeline in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is destroyed in an explosion; the line supplies gas to Jordan and Israel September 28 A 26-year old American citizen is arrested by the FBI for a plot to fly remote-controlled planes filled with explosives into the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. September 28 Japan asks South Korea to refute a plan to build a Korean World War II 'comfort women' monument near Seoul's Japanese embassy September 29 The European Financial Stability Facility is approved by the German Bundestag September 29 The Tiangong 1 space laboratory announces it has scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China's Gansu Province September 30 After a rare public outcry, President Thein Sein of Burma decides to halt the controversial Myitsone Dam project September 30 Typhoon Nesat causes 43 deaths in the Philippines; forecasts predict Typhoon Nalgae will cause further flooding problems October 1 China asks Myanmar to protect Chinese corporate interests after Burma's President Thein Sein shut down the Myitsone Dam project October 1 Heavy fighting continues in Libya's heavily besieged city of Sirte; growing fears of humanitarian disaster builds October 2 At the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Danedream wins with a record racing speed of 2:24.49, the second German horse to win since 1975 October 2 Over 700 Occupy Wall Street protesters were arrested when they swarmed the Brooklyn Bridge and shut down a lane of traffic October 3 Helle Thorning-Schmidt introduces the new coalition government, officially becoming Denmark's 41st and first female Prime Minister October 3 Sprint Nextel reportedly pays $20 billion for the exclusive rights to Apple's next mobile cell phone October 4 In Cupertino, California, Apple Inc. announces the release of it much-anticipated iPhone 4S October 4 The Nobel Prize for Physics is awarded to Saul Perlmutter, Brian P. Schmidt and Adam Riess, for their work on the accelerating expansion of the universe October 5 American innovator, businessman, co-founder and longtime CEO of Apple Inc., dies of pancreatic cancer at the age of 56 October 5 Off the coast of Tauranga, New Zealand, the MV Rena container ship runs aground, causing a large oil spill and affecting wildlife in the Bay of Plenty October 6 The Bank of England pumps an additional 75 billion pounds into the British economy via quantitative easing October 6 The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded to Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer October 7 In Game 5 of the American League Division Series, the Detroit Tigers beat the New York Yankees, moving on to play the Texas Rangers October 7 Over 110 people are arrested in Queens, New York as part of the largest identity theft and retail crime ring in U.S. history October 8 In western Ethiopia, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees opens new refugee camp for refugees from Sudan and South Sudan October 8 With an unbeaten run of 14 wins, Australian mare Black Caviar ties the horse racing record for consecutive victories set by Phar Lap October 9 Germany's Sebastian Vettel becomes the youngest driver to win the Formula One World Championship twice October 9 In Poland, the Polish People's Party coalition becomes the first government to be reelected since Poland transitioned to democracy in 1989 October 10 For appearing in a film critical of the Iran's harsh policies on the arts, actress Marzieh Vafamehr is sentenced to 90 lashes of the cane and a year in jail October 10 Two South African farm workers begin trial for murdering white supremacist Eugene Terre'Blanche October 11 Further sanctions are imposed on Belarus, Iran and Syria by the EU, who reiterates the call for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down October 11 The oil spill from MV Rena, the ship stranded off the coast of Tauranga, New Zealand, becomes the country's worst environmental disaster October 12 The 'underwear bomber', Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, pleads guilty to attempting to blow up an airplane on Christmas, 2009 October 12 The U.S. has its deadliest foodborne illness outbreak in 25 years; the listeriosis outbreak totals 23 dead, with 116 affected October 13 In Punakha, Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck marries Jetsun Pema, a 21 year old college student October 13 Over 88 containers from the MV Rena, New Zealand's stranded cargo ship, fall into the Bay of Plenty October 14 A colony of stromatolites is discovered at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland October 14 Spain's credit receives a negative outlook from Standard &: Poor's, with their ranking reduced to AA- October 15 In Auckland, New Zealand, France defeats Wales 9-8 in the 2011 Rugby World Cup October 15 The El Paso natural gas exploration and pipeline company is purchased by Kinder Morgan for $21.1 billion in cash and stock October 16 Australian Casey Stoner wins the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the 2011 MotoGP World Championship October 16 The English town Wooten Bassett is re-named with the prefix 'Royal', honoring its role in repatriating British military personnel killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan October 17 In Mexico, Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson opens the world's first commercial spaceport, Spaceport America, with flights expected to being by 2013 October 17 U.S. company Apple Inc. breaks company sales records with the release of its iPhone 4S smartphone with over 4 million units sold in 4 days October 18 After Standard & Poor's and Fitch downgraded Spain's credit rating, Moody's downgrades them further to a rating of A1 October 18 Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Governor of Bangkok, calls for 1.2 million sandbags in an effort to protect Thai's capital from encroaching floods October 19 In Major League Baseball's World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals win Game 1 against the Texas Rangers October 19 Queen Elizabeth II makes her 16th visit to Australia, commencing in the capital city of Canberra October 20 President Barack Obama's Jobs Act fails to receive the sixty votes required to advance from the U.S. Senate October 20 Thailand's Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, reveals it is impossible to protect Bangkok from flooding; calls the floods a 'national crisis' October 21 Japan's government announces they require a $157 billion additional budged to cover costs for recovering from the tsunami and earthquake in March 2011 October 21 South Australia swears in their new Premier, Jay Weatherill after officially electing him as the leader of the Australian Labor Party October 22 Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia dies, raising questions about succession in the kingdom October 22 The U.S. is granted permission by North Korea to search for remains of American soliders killed during the Korean War October 23 Former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's autopsy reveals that he was killed by a gunshot wound to the head October 23 The city of Van in eastern Turkey experiences a 7.2-magnitude earthquake; 100 people are killed October 24 A vaccination program immunizing over 170 million children every year has resulted in the near eradication of polio in India October 24 The Northern Lights become visible over much of North America due to a coronal mass ejection October 25 In the U.S., 133 people in 26 states are suffering from the 2011 U.S. listeriosis outbreak, which killed 28 people to date October 25 The last nine-megaton B53 warheads, in service since 1962, are disassembled near Amarillo, Texas October 26 An emergency meeting to discuss the European sovereign debt crisis is held by leaders of the European Union October 26 The most expensive Bollywood film to date, Ra.One, is released to coincide with Diwali, the Hindu festival October 27 A World War II-era bomb is discovered in the German city of Halle; 12,000 people are evacuated October 27 In the U.K., researchers use a new gene therapy technique to treat those who suffer ocular defects such as retinal choroideremia October 28 Moscow's Bolshoi Theater reopens after a six-year renovation, restoring it to it's pre-Soviet opulence October 28 The U.S. celebrates the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the New York City Statue of Liberty October 29 A lockout causes the Australia's Qantas airlines to ground its entire fleet while it handles the ongoing industrial dispute October 29 Millions lose power after the northeastern United States and Mid-Atlantic United States are struck by a rare October snow storm October 30 Australia's Qantas airlines and its unions are ordered to settle their industrial dispute within 21 days October 30 Columbian voters participate in local gubernatorial and mayoral elections which include Medellin, Cali and Bogota October 31 According to the U.N. Population Division, the world population has reached seven billion people October 31 The exchange rate of the Japanese yen with the U.S. dollar is reduced by the Government of Japan after the yen reached record highs November 1 At the 2011 Melbourne Cup, the French-trained horse Dunaden wins the closest finish in the race's history November 1 Four states and 1.5 million people in the Eastern U.S. still have no power after a 2011 Halloween nor-easter hit the area with unusually early snowfall November 2 China makes its first orbital docking as its unmanned Shenzhou 8 spacecraft successfully docks with the orbiting Tiangong 1 space station module November 2 In Chicago, the Chicago Cubs baseball team fires their manager, Mike Quade November 3 According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 2010 greenhouse gas levels are higher than a worst case scenario set by climate experts in 2007 November 3 In the French city of Cannes, the 2011 G-20 summit commences; discussions will focus on the continuing Eurozone debt crisis November 4 Millions of Muslims begin Hajj, their annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca November 4 The Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou receives a no-confidence motion against him after failing to hold a referendum on a eurozone bailout November 5 In the People's Republic of China, 45 trapped coal miners are pulled to the surface in Sanmenxia; 8 miners died November 5 Two police officers and five alleged members of the Taliban are indicted in Pakistan for murdering Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto November 6 In Washington, D.C., thousands protest the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project, which would carry Alberta oil sands crude through six U.S. states to Gulf Coast refineries November 6 Over 45,000 runners participate in the New York City marathon; Geoffrey Mutai and Firehiwot Dado win the mens and women's races November 7 Physician Conrad Murray, is found guilty of manslaughter in the death of the American entertainer Michael Jackson November 8 A new census measure claims that a record number of Americans, 49.1 million, are living below the poverty line November 8 The IAEA releases a report stating Iran has performed activities relating to the development of a nuclear device, and that the project is likely still under way November 9 In London, a rise in university tuition fees leads thousands of students to march in protest November 9 Wales conducts a survey of businesspeople and consumers showing support for the country to have its own top-level domain name November 10 In a bid to attract international sponsorship, England's Newcastle United F.C. rebrands the St. James' Park stadium as the Sports Direct Arena November 10 In Quebec, 200,000 Canadian college and university students vote to boycott classes to protest tuition fee increases November 11 Greece swears in its new Prime Minister, Lucas Papademos November 11 Ireland inaugurates its ninth President, Michael D. Higgins November 12 In Italy, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi resigns, as an emergency government takes his place to deal with the country's economic crisis November 12 U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calls on Iran to respond to the IAEA report stating Iran is working on nuclear bomb technology November 13 In Georgia's region of South Ossetia, voters go to the polls for a presidential election and referendum November 13 Italian President Giorgio Napolitano nominates Mario Monti to be the country's new Prime Minister November 14 Dozens of people are arrested as riot police shut down Occupy Portland and Occupy Oakland Rallies, offshoots of the Occupy Wall Street movement November 14 In Bogota, Columbia, 200,000 people protest government cuts in education November 15 In Tibet, several acts of self-immolation prompt exiled Tibetans in India to urge the Chinese government to end its repressive policies restricting the Tibetan's religious freedom November 15 New York's Police Department clears Occupy Wall Street protesters from Zucotti Park, the public space they have occupied to stage their protest November 16 In Pakistan's South Waziristan province, 13 militants in a compound are believed to have been killed by U.S. drone missiles November 16 Parliament gives the new Greek Prime Minister, Lucas Papademos a vote of confidence, opening the doors for national unity to help restore financial stability in Greece November 17 In Sweden, divers find the wreckage of the Svardet, a warship sunk in 1676 during the Battle of Oland November 17 Northern Rock bank, nationalized in 2008 by the British Government, is sold to Virgin Money for 747 million pounds November 18 An investigation into the death of American actress Natalie Wood is reopened by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department after fresh information surfaces; Wood drowned in 1981 November 18 U.S. company Hewlett-Packard adds Ralph Whitworth from Relational Investors to it's corporate-government activists on its board of directors November 19 Part of the Prompt Global Strike program, a U.S. hypersonic weapon system undergoes a successful test, proving capable of striking targets 3,700 kilometres (2,300 miles) away in under 30 minutes November 19 Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Muammar Gaddafi, is captured in Libya; he will be tried for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court November 20 Abdullah Gul, President of Turkey, begins a three-day visit to the United Kingdom November 20 In Spain, voters go to the polls for the general election; the center-right Popular Party wins a parliamentary majority November 21 In Cambodia, the three most senior surviving members of the Khmer Rouge regime are charged with genocide and crimes against humanity November 21 More sanctions are imposed against Iran's nuclear program by the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom November 22 Lynn Margulis, an American evolutionary biologist, dies at age 73 November 22 Scientists in New Britain discover the first orchid known to flower at night, Bulbophyllum nocturnum, over the cost of Papua New Guinea November 23 The European Space Agency makes contact with the Fobos-Grunt probe 48 hours after the spacecraft's window for launch to Mars closes November 23 The U.S. declares it will no longer observe the 1990 Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe November 24 India's government relaxes rules relating to the operation of foreign-owned retailers such as Wal-Mart and Tesco within India November 24 Opposition MP Peter Slipper replaces Harry Jenkins as speaker of the Australian House of Representatives November 25 Essam Sharaf, Prime Minister of Egypt resigns after protests; Kamal Ganzouri takes is appointed as the new Prime Minister November 25 The Justice and Development party of Morocco claims victory after Moroccans vote in a parliamentary election November 26 NBA team owners and players reach an agreement, ending the 149-day NBA lockout; the new NBA season will begin Christmas day November 26 The robotic Mars Science Laboratory, the largest rover ever sent to Mars, is launched by NASA; the goal is to find evidence of past or present life on Mars November 27 The Arab League agrees to impose sanctions on Syria due to the nation's continued violent uprising; Syria says the move is 'unprecedented' November 27 The cargo ship MV Swanland sinks off of north wales due to gale force weather, with two of eight crew members are rescued November 28 Outbreaks of violence are reported as voters in the Democratic Republic of the congo go to the polls for a general election November 28 Protesters storm the national Parliament in Kuwait; Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and his cabinet, resign November 29 In Bangkok, Thailand's Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, is hospitalized with suspected food poisoning November 29 Iranian students storm the British Embassy in Tehran, taking six hostages; the U.N. security council condemns the attack November 30 Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, attacks Britain, claiming the students represent Iran's public opinion November 30 Washington State University researchers develop an artificial bone 'scaffold' which uses 3D printers to print replacement bone tissue for injured patients December 1 In Belgium, Parti Socialiste leader Elio di Rupo is set to become Prime Minister, pending approval by the parties' conventions and definition of the cabinet makeup December 1 The music video for the single, 'Marry the Night' is released by pop singer Lady Gaga; the song is from her 2011 album 'Born This Way' December 2 John Corzine, former Governor of New Jersey, is issued a subpoena over the collapse of MF Global and disappearance of customer funds December 2 U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promotes democratic reforms in her meeting with Burma's top pro-democracy activist, Aung San Suu Kyi December 3 At its conference in Sydney, Australia's Labor Party turns to support gay marriage, laying the groundwork for legislation December 3 In anticipation of Budget Day, students protesting against the Irish financial crisis occupy the office of Fine Gael lawmaker Anthony Lawlor December 4 In Koblenz, Germany, 45,000 citizens wait to return home after bomb squads diffuse World War II bombs that were hidden under the Rhine River for nearly 65 years December 4 Tiger Woods wins the Chevron World Challenge, the first tournament he has won in over two years December 5 In Peru, protests over a mining project persist in four provinces, causing the country to declare a state of emergency December 5 Reports indicate the credit ratings agency Standard & Poors will review 15 nations for possible downgrades, including France and Germany December 6 An austerity budget is approved by the Parliament of Greece December 6 Belgium's new federal government is sworn in after a historically long 541 days of negotiations December 7 In Hawaii, the U.S. commemorates the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7 Rod Blagojevich, the former Governor of the State of Illinois, is issued a sentence of 14 years in jail for corruption December 8 Japan's Government apologizes to Canada for the treatment of its POWs during World War II December 8 John Corzine, former CEO of MG Global, testifies before a committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, stating he doesn't know where hundreds of millions of dollars of his customers' money has gone December 9 After negotiations in Brussels, David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, rejects the invitation to join a European Union financial crisis accord December 9 France's three biggest banks, Credit Agricole, BNP Paribas and Societe Generale, are downgraded by Moody's credit rating agency December 10 In a second consecutive mandate, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is sworn in as President of Argentina December 10 Mexico's state of Guerrero is hit by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake December 11 In Taipei, protesters demand Taiwan's 200,000 foreign live-in caregivers receive the legal right to a weekly day off December 11 The Cote d'Ivoire holds Parliamentary elections December 12 Canada declares that because its country would face large penalties for treaty violations, it is withdrawing itself from the Kyoto Protocol December 12 President Barack Obama asks Iran to return the RQ-170 Sentinel that was captured near Kashmar December 4, 2011 December 13 A bill extending a payroll tax extension and a bill expediting the Keystone XL pipeline between Canada and Texas is passed by the U.S. House of Representatives December 13 Iran refuses to return the RQ-170 Sentinel that Iran captured after it crash landed in the country; Iran reports they are extracting data from the aircraft December 14 Boris Gryzlov, ally to Vladimir Putin and speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, resigns from his position December 14 Unemployment in the United Kingdom rises to 2.64 million people December 15 According to the U.S. Census, 1 in 2 people are considered low-income or poor December 15 Jacques Chirac, former President of France, is declared guilty of embezzlement and violating trust for filling non-existent jobs with party members while serving as Mayor of Paris December 16 A budget agreement is reached by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives December 16 A report claiming nearly all research on chimpanzees is scientifically unjustified causes the U.S. National Institute of Health to place a moratorium on new studies using chimpanzees December 17 In the Philippines, flash floods from Tropical Storm Washi killed at least 400 people, with more missing December 17 Protesters in Cario's Tahir Square are beaten by Egyptian Army soldiers in a second day of skirmishes resulting in 10 deaths and hundreds of injured December 18 During the 40th anniversary of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, a bomb kills one person and clashes break out between security and opposition protesters December 18 The last convoy of U.S. Army soldiers leaves Iraq, formally marking the end of the Iraq War December 19 North Korea's Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-il, dies; Kim Jong-un is announced as his father's successor December 19 Samsung Electronics files a patent infringement claim against Apple in Germany December 20 Despite protests by opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, Joseph Kaliba is sworn in as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo December 20 In Cairo, thousands of Egyptian women demonstrate against military police for abuse against female demonstrators in Tahir Square December 21 Health authorities begin slaughtering 17,000 chickens after a carcass infected with H5N1 is found at a poultry market in Hong Kong December 21 The death toll from Tropical Storm Washi in the Philippines reaches 1,002, and is expected to rise December 22 Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti's proposed austerity measures are debated by the Italian senate December 22 Protestors demonstrating against the construction of a power plant in Haimen, southern China, are fired upon with teargas and arrested December 23 North Korea states is will accept all South Korean delegations who wish to pay their respects to the late leader Kim Jong-il December 23 The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip enters the hospital to treat a blocked coronary artery December 24 Cuba announces plans to release 2,900 prisoners, including political prisoners December 24 The world's oldest performer, Dutch actor and singer Johannes Heesters dies at the age of 108 December 25 The annual Christmas message is delivered by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City December 25 The South Pole records its warmest temperature at -12.3 degrees Celsius at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station December 26 Brazil overtakes the United Kingdom as the world's sixth largest economy December 26 Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, sets a new National Football League record for yards passing in a season December 27 Consumers spend over $30 billion on online holiday shopping in the U.S., a 15 percent increase over last year December 27 Sears Holding Corporation reveals its plan to close over 100 Sears and K-Mart stores in the U.S. December 28 If Western nations impose more sanctions, Iran threatens to close down the key oil route of the Strait of Hormuz December 28 The U.S. Library of Congress intends to preserve the thriller 'Silence of the Lambs' as part of its National Film Registry December 29 Financial disputes lead New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to report that the National September 11 Museum will not open on time December 29 Poland announces it will provide amnesty to illegal immigrants beginning January 1, 2012 December 30 Canadian Auto Workers vote in favor of striking against Caterpillar Inc's locomotive manufacturing plant in London, Ontario December 30 The New South Wales boat 'Loki' is proclaimed the winner of the 2011 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race December 31 A string of 35 fires in Hollywood burn within a 5-hour timeframe, causing at least $350,000 in damage December 31 In North Korea, Kim Jong-un is given the tile of Supreme Commander of North Korea's armed forces
