By Rakhi Kundra ’17, News Editor

1. Taliban Shooting At University In Charsadda, Pakistan

On Wednesday, January 20^th, four armed gunmen stormed Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, Pakistan, killing at least 20 people. The Pakistani Army has said that the attack was coordinated by the Taliban, and was orchestrated by Umar Mansoor, the Pakistani Taliban militant responsible for the massacre of 134 children at a school in Peshwar in 2014.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-attacks-university-idUSKCN0UY0C4

2.  Lead Poisoning and Environmental Racism: Flint, Michigan

Flint, Michigan is in the middle of a major public health crisis; the tap water used in thousands of homes is contaminated with lead. This crisis has been going on for months, but Michigan’s state government is only now responding, raising questions about environmental racism. The majority of the population in Flint is poor and African-American, and many are suggesting that the government would have responded to the crisis earlier if the population were wealthier –and white.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/22/us/a-question-of-environmental-racism-in-flint.html

3. Kansas Protects Abortion Rights

On Friday, January 22, the Kansas Court of Appeals rejected the state’s first in the nation ban on a second-trimester abortion. This ruling, released on the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, has the potential to turn over other abortion restrictions as it expands the interpretation of abortion rights in the Kansas Constitution.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/appeals-court-kansas-constitution-protects-abortion-rights-1453482978

4. Zika Virus Spreading Across The Americas

The Zika Virus, with symptoms including headaches, conjunctivitis, and joint pain, has started to spread across the Caribbean and parts of North and South America. The outbreak originated in Brazil around April 2015, but in the last few months has spread to over 21 countries. The virus is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitos, and is also thought to be the cause of the over 3,500 babies born with microcephaly (tiny brains) in Brazil. The CDC and WHO have advised pregnant women to not travel to areas with Zika virus transmission in order to protect themselves, as well as their unborn children.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/01/15/us/ap-us-travel-zika-virus-travel.html?mtrref=query.nytimes.com&gwh=CB96F93D0CB6B010F1DFB3D73D29DAB9&gwt=pay

5. ISIS Video Shows Preparation of Paris Attackers

A video released by ISIS on Sunday, January 24 shows the 9 Paris attackers planning their attack and committing other acts of terrorism, including beheading and shooting captives and training with weapons. The video also contains threats against the UK, specifically over London’s Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/25/world/middleeast/isis-video-paris-attacks.html

6. 3 Escape from California Jail

On January 22^nd, 3 inmates escaped from a high-security California Jail, cutting through steel bars, making their way through plumbing tunnels, and eventually escaping from the roof. The men, one of whom is a convicted murderer, allegedly tied towels and bed sheets together in order to form a rope that would allow them to climb down the roof of the prison. A massive manhunt is underway, and a $50,000 reward is being offered to anyone willing to provide helpful information that will aid the capture of the three prisoners.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/25/us/escape-inmates-santa-ana-california.html

7. US and Iran Hostage Swap

This month, the US and Iranian governments completed a hostage exchange. Iran freed 5 American prisoners, including a reporter from The Washington Post and a former US marine. In exchange, the US government has offered clemency to 7 Iranians accused of violating sanctions while in the US. This exchange further adds to the improvements in the diplomatic relationship between the US and Iran, following the nuclear deal made between the two countries last summer.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-releases-four-unnamed-american-prisoners-state-tv-says-1452955793

8. Scientists Say 2015 was World’s Hottest Year

Scientists have reported that 2015 was the world’s hottest year in history. In the United States, 2015 was the second hottest year, and this December held record high temperatures with a noteworthy lack of snow. Rising temperatures over the past two years further highlight the growing global warming crisis facing the entire world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/21/science/earth/2015-hottest-year-global-warming.html?_r=0

9. 2016 Election Update

Recent election polls show that the race between Clinton and Sanders has tightened, with Sanders just barely ahead in Iowa and New Hampshire, where the first primary elections will start next week. On the Republican side, polls show that Trump is in the lead in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, with Cruz next in line.

http://www.cnn.com/specials/politics/2016-election

10. Broncos advance to Super Bowl

The Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 20-18 on January 24^th, and played the Carolina Panthers in the 50th Super Bowl on February 7th. The Broncos won, 24-10.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/24/us/nfl-playoffs-afc-and-nfc-championship-games/