IMAGE CREDIT: BRON STUDIOS

CREDIT: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

It’s nearly 2017, but 2016 isn’t going out without drama. Following a controversial decision to abstain from a U.N. vote on Israeli settlements, John Kerry came out swinging against the country’s right-wing government.

Meanwhile, a violent arrest was caught on camera in Texas — triggering protests and outrage.

CREDIT: U.S. Department of the Interior

It’s a precarious time for environmental activists, but there is still hope: President Obama designated two new national monuments on Wednesday, despite uproar from Republicans.