By: Meredith Francis ~Campus News & Social Media Editor~
Conflict between Israel and Gaza continues
The deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip continues amid peace talks and global pressure to end the violence. The conflict began on July 8, when Israel responded to Hamas, the group recognized commonly as the political organization that controls the Gaza Strip, firing rockets toward Israel. The conflict escalated, and now more than 2,016 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, while 67 Israelis have died. The United Nations has criticized Israel for bombing places such as the UN school serving as a civilian shelter and a hospital. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israel will not stop the shelling campaign until all of the Hamas-constructed tunnels into Israel have been destroyed. With several ceasefires having taken place, a search for a solution is still underway.
Passenger plane shot down over Ukraine
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down near the Ukraine-Russia border on July 17. The passenger plane flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was believed to have been hit by a surface-to-air missile launched from pro-Russian separatists. All 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board died. The Malaysia Airlines crash came just months after the same airline lost contact Flight MH-370. That plane has not yet been found.
Ebola virus spreads in Africa
Ebola, a contagious and deadly virus, became a global health concern this summer as 2,000 cases emerged in countries in western Africa, half of which have resulted in death. Two Americans working in Africa contracted the virus and both were flown to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta and are undergoing medical care. Both are said to be improving.
Immigration debate heats up in United States
With thousands of Central Americans crossing the southern border of the United States illegally, the immigration debate once again took center stage this summer. In recent months, tens of thousands of people, most of whom are women and children, immigrated to the United States to escape the violence and economic woes of mostly Central American countries. Despite much political discussion, Congress failed to pass President Obama’s proposed plan of $3.7 billion in aid before the late summer recess.
Famed comedian and actor Robin Williams dies
Oscar-winning actor and world-renowned comedian Robin Williams died on Aug. 11 at the age of 63. An investigation confirmed Williams took his own life in his San Francisco home. The comedian, who had been battling depression in recent months, had previously suffered from mental illness and substance abuse. In an issued statement, his wife also revealed that he was in the early staged of Parkinson’s disease. Williams was known for his comedic roles, improvisational skill and stand-up, but also ventured into more dramatic roles. He won the 1998 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Good Will Hunting.” He also starred in “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Dead Poets Society.” Jump to full article on p. 7
Police and protestors clash in Missouri following death of teen
Protests in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson turned violent following the shooting of an unarmed black teenager named Michael Brown by a police officer. A few protestors reportedly threw Molotov cocktails at police, while police fired tear gas at protestors. Some reports suggest the police have been using excessive force. The police have also been accused of bullying journalists, as well as arresting and firing tear gas at them. Protestors are calling on police for more a transparent investigation on why the 18-year-old Brown was killed. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder are calling on police and protestors to solve the issue peacefully.