Even though this week was no doubt filled with the stress of finals for us students, some important real world events also occurred. In case you missed it, here are some highlights of this week in news:
A landmark deal was reached after the Climate Change Conference in Paris.
World leaders of over 190 nations gathered in Paris to discuss and resolve one of the most pressing problems in our modern day society—climate change. Early this week, the conference ended with an accord which requires 250 countries to cut their greenhouse emissions in order to curb global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. This is a big deal, and when the conference ended, resounding cheers erupted as the nations of the world came together to combat climate change.
Want more information about this monumental deal? Read more here.
The Fed raises interest rates.
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates a quarter of a percentage point to between 0.25 and 0.50 percent, the first time they have raised them in almost a decade. This means that the Fed believes the US has risen out from the financial crisis of 2007-2009 and has faith in the economy. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said, “With the economy performing well and expected to continue to do so, the committee judges that a modest increase in the federal funds rate is appropriate. The economic recovery has clearly come a long way.”
Judge declares a mistrial in case with police officer William Porter regarding Freddie Gray.
Earlier this year in Baltimore, Freddie Gray was arrested and died from a spinal cord injury he got while he was in police custody. This sparked violent protests in Baltimore, and six officers were charged in his death. The trial involving William Porter, the first of the officers to go to trial, was declared a mistrial after the jury couldn’t agree on a verdict. Tbd when the new trial date will happen and whether this case will affect the other officers’ trials. Though Gray’s family asked the public to remain calm, protests in Baltimore erupted after the announcement.
Read more about the case here.
The GOP debate sparked interest.
On Tuesday night, the Republican presidential candidates gathered to discuss all the hot topics just less than two months before the first round of elections begin. Some issues discussed included the refugee crisis, handling ISIS, gun control (this debate was the first one after the terror attacks and the San Bernardino shootings), and national security. For information on who said what, read more here.
Stay informed, collegiettes!
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