Top Five Trending News Stories of 2016
By Yahaira Hernandez
Most of us follow the news, but for professions in and around our country’s news outlets, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on current events and all things trending. From viral videos to presidential debates, it’s been quite the year for news in our nation. The top five trending stories heard around the world in 2016:
1. United States Presidential Election
Americans narrowed down the presidential election to four candidates, Republican Party nominee, Donald Trump, Democratic Party nominee, Hillary Clinton, Libertarian Party nominee, Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee, Jill Stein. Trump’s controversial statements and Clinton’s use of her personal email system while Secretary of State created heated debates and international media attention. Despite losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton, Trump is projected to win the Electoral College with 306 votes.
2. 2016 Summer Olympics
Before the Olympic games began this summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, there were controversies including health and safety concerns surrounding the Zika virus and the instability of the country’s federal government. The games finished with the United States taking the most gold medals and most medals overall. Great Britain placed second and China finished third. During the Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps, the U.S. Olympic swimmer and most decorated Olympian of all time, also made headlines by announcing his retirement at age 31.
3. Orlando Nightclub Shooting
On June 12, 2016, a 29-year-old security guard killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in a terrorist attack/hate crime inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The world mourned as news outlets covered the deadliest mass shooting by a single shooter and the deadliest incident of violence against LGBT people in United States history.
4. The Loss of Two Musical Legends
This year’s celebrity losses included two iconic artists – David Bowie and Prince. Both legends passed away in early 2016, leaving behind generations of adoring fans.
5. Chewbacca Mom
Candace Payne, a 37-year-old Texas mother, created a viral video in May 2016. Candace filmed herself wearing a Star Wars Chewbacca mask and laughed heartily every time she opened her mouth only to hear a recording of Chewbacca’s iconic voice. The video earned more than 162 million views, an interview on “Good Morning America” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden”. Candace also received $2,500 in gift cards, a $7,500 weekend trip to Disney Hollywood Studios, $2,000 to attend the Fan Dallas Expo with Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew and a $400,000 scholarship from Southeastern University.
These are just five of the most trending stories that took place in 2016. What other stories would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section below!