With schoolwork and extracurriculars around the clock, it can be hard for anyone to keep up with the news. Here at Her Campus, we know how challenging it is to stay updated on current events while trying to balance everything else in your life, which is why we’re starting a weekly “Your Week in News” feature on our News Blog!
Tune in every Sunday for your dose of the week’s biggest news stories! So even if you don’t manage to stay up-to-date on events throughout the week, you’ll be able to get a brief recap that will keep you in the loop.
Brazilian Nightclub Catches Fire, 235 Killed
The week began tragically when 235 clubgoers died early Sunday morning following a rapidly moving fire at Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria, Brazil. A live band’s pyrotechnic display sparked the fire, leaving between 1,000 and 2,000 patrons scrambling to escape the blaze.
232 bodies were immediately found following the fire, and more than 100 people were hospitalized. Three victims later died in the hospital as bodies were transported to the Municipal Sports Center gymnasium for identification.
Reports indicated that smoke inhalation and trampling were the main cause of death as club patrons swarmed nearby exits to escape the fire.
Four people, including the club’s two owners, have been arrested in connection with the fire. They have promised their full cooperation as the investigation goes on.
As of Tuesday, 121 people remained hospitalized, with 83 still on respirators.
Boy Scouts to Discuss Revoking Gay Ban
In a surprising statement on Monday, officials from the Boy Scouts of America came forward to suggest a possible policy change that would open Boy Scout membership to gays. The idea came following a ruling seven months ago that reaffirmed the organization’s ban on gay scouts and scout leaders.
Communities across the U.S. are divided over the issue, with many applauding the Boy Scouts while others opt to stand by the traditional gay membership ban. Texas governor Rick Perry addressed the Texas Scouts’ 64th Annual Report to State on Saturday, urging the Boy Scouts to continue upholding the group’s traditional, conservative values, which includes barring gays from the organization
Boy Scouts officials will discuss lifting the gay ban at a national meeting on February 6, where they will possibly vote on the question as well.
Obama Administration Alters Birth Control Rule to Accommodate Religious Groups
The battle to enforce Obamacare rages on as the President issued a health care law alteration on Friday following opposition by some religious organizations over the mandatory provision of contraceptives for women. Religious groups and companies objected to covering contraceptives in their health insurance for women, prompting President Obama to compromise.
Women who want contraceptives will now need to obtain it from an insurer or another third party provider. The alteration may expand the number of groups and organizations able to opt out of some Obamacare measures.
The new policy is also the third change to the law in the last 15 months, as President Obama struggles to find a middle ground between his health care measures and religious groups’ rights to uphold their values.
Hillary Clinton Steps Down as Secretary of State
After traveling almost a million times during her four years as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has officially stepped down from her position. Clinton delivered her final speech as Secretary of State on Friday in an emotional goodbye that drew cheers and tears from the crowd.
In her four-year tenure, Clinton managed to visit 112 countries, setting the record for most traveled Secretary of State. She was often praised for following such a rigorous and demanding schedule, which had also caused much concern over her personal health.
Senator John Kerry is expected to take up the Secretary of State post following a December 21st nomination by President Obama.
New Delhi Rape Suspects Plead Not Guilty
The six men charged for December’s New Delhi gang rape incident officially pleaded not guilty on Saturday in a fast-track court. All six proclaimed their innocence on a total of 13 charges, including rape, murder, destroying evidence, and kidnapping.
Many Indians are still outraged at the December 16th rape incident, where a female victim and her male friend were brutally attacked on a public bus by the six men in question. After beating her friend, the six men gang raped the female victim before attacking her with metal rods. The woman later died of her severe internal injuries at a Singaporean hospital, inciting protests and demands for justice around India and the world.