•  Humble ISD History

    2000s Major Events of the Decade 

    2000

    • The use of mobile phones continues to grow as mobile phones move from the perceived "Yuppie Device" to an essential consumer product.
    • Founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, leaves his position as CEO.
    • 51 million viewers watch the first season finale of the reality show "Survivor."

    2001

    • Known simply as 9/11. On September 11, 2001 nineteen hijackers simultaneously took control of four U.S. domestic commercial airliners. The hijackers crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York City one into each of the two tallest towers. Within two hours, both towers collapsed. The hijackers crashed the third aircraft into the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters, the Pentagon, in Arlington County, Virginia. The fourth plan crashed into a rural field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, following passenger resistance.
    • A series of Anthrax attacks spreads fear amongst the American Public and several people are infected by handling infected letters.
    • Richard C. Reid, dubbed by the press as the shoe bomber, attempts to blow up an American Airlines plane.

    2002

    • George Bush creates the Department of Homeland Security on June 7th to fight threats of terrorism.
    • The No Child Left Behind Act is passed and President George W. Bush signs into law.
    • Estimated 40 million people now infected with AIDS / HIV virus worldwide.

    2003

    • The new United States Department of Homeland Security officially begins operation.
    • Do Not Call List starts providing consumers on June 27th with an opportunity to limit telemarketing calls.
    • The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates over Texas upon reentry, killing all seven astronauts onboard.

    2004

    • The Boston Red Sox win the World Series in baseball for the first time since 1918.
    • Facebook is launched as a social networking site only open to students from Harvard in February by Mark Zuckerberg with his college roommates and fellow students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. It is expanded first to other colleges in the Boston area and other Ivy League Colleges.
    • Martha Stewart is convicted of a felony and sentenced to five months in prison.

    2005

    • Hurricane Katrina strikes the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama costal areas. Levees separating Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, Louisiana were breached by the surge, ultimately flooding roughly 80% of the city of New Orleans and 1600 perished due to Hurricane Katrina. 
    • The video-sharing website "YouTube" was founded.

    2006

    • Two major E. Coli breakouts affect 500 people in the US caused by fresh spinach and fresh lettuce.
    • Sixty-five miners became trapped underground after an explosion in a mine in Nueva Rosita, Mexico. There were no survivors. 

    2007

    • Nancy Pelosi is elected as the first Speaker of the US Congress.
    • Apple introduces The iPhone on June 29th.
    • Barry Bonds hits home run number 756 to pass Hank Aaron as the most home runs hit by a baseball player in Major League Baseball.

    2008

    • President Bush and House leaders agree to a $150 billion stimulus package, including rebates for most tax filers of up to $600 for individuals, $1,200 for couples, and, for families, an additional $300 per child.
    • Writers strike against Hollywood studios, networks, and production companies demanding a percentage of revenue instead of fixed fee for Internet content. The strike lasted for nearly 3 months and a compromise agreement is reached. The stroke meant many popular TV programs were affected, including talk shows.

    2009

    • After being struck by a flock of Canada geese shortly after takeoff US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, makes a successful crash landing in the Hudson River.
    • On June 25th the death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson (the most successful entertainer of all time) brings worldwide outpourings of grief.