Taiwan shoots drone, Alaska special election, New York gun laws take effect

On Sept. 1, 2022, Taiwan shot down a drone hovering over one of its islands, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin lost a special election, and new gun laws take effect in New York.

Taiwan shoots down drone – For the first time, Taiwan’s military shot down an unidentified civilian drone that entered its airspace. It was located over an island controlled by Taiwan. Taiwan’s government has said it will not escalate tensions but has also expressed frustration over repeated sightings of Chinese drones.

Sarah Palin loses special election – The results of this month’s special election for Alaska’s only House seat were announced Wednesday. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, R, lost to Mary Peltola, D. Both candidates made the field for the general election for the seat in November.

New York gun laws take effect – The latest gun control laws to come out of New York take effect Sept. 1. The change is in response to a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the state’s previous gun laws. Changes include deeper background checks, a potential buyer’s social media monitored before a gun purchase, and guns are banned in Times Square and other designated “sensitive areas” starting today.