While we were all soaking up the sun this summer a variety of news stories rocked our world. But don’t worry collegiettes, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top ten things you may have missed this summer.
10. Rob Ford Drops Out, Doug Ford Taps In.
This summer Rob Ford announced that due to health concerns he would be stepping down from the mayoral race in Toronto this upcoming year. But the Ford Nation wasn’t left hanging; Rob’s brother Doug immediately announced his candidacy and replaced Rob on the ballot.
9. FIFA 2014; Suarez Bites Back
This summer Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA world cup. Suarez decided that the third time was a charm and bit one of the opposing players, Giorgio Chiellini, during a match.
8. MH 17 Down
A commercial flight on its way to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam crashed on July 17, killing all 298 people on board. According to this article, the plane crash wasn’t due to any technical failures or actions from the crew on board. With the downing of the plane happening over the conflict ridden eastern Ukraine, and confirmation that the plane broke into pieces mid-air, there’s been a lot of speculation over whether or not the plane was shot down. The Dutch Safety board is currently taking the lead on the investigation
7. Ukraine Crisis Develops
With tensions rising in the Ukraine, NATO has deployed 4,000 troops to help stabilize the current situation and offer assistance with any incoming threat that Ukraine may be facing. As quoted in the Independent UK article, NATO has deployed due to the fact that “the dangers and the threats are more present and more visible [in the east] and [they will] do what it takes to defend our allies”
6. Ebola Breakout
The full blown epidemic in West Africa took the media by storm this summer. Most recently “In one of the most extreme strategies employed since the epidemic began” Sierra Leone was put into a 3-day lockdown as health officials and volunteers circulated around neighbourhoods, offering education, isolating the sick and disposing of any victims who have succumbed to the virus.
5. Scotland Tries for Independence
In a 55.3 to 44.7 percent vote Scotland decided to stay as a part of the United Kingdom. Though they denied independence it was a historical day as Scots made their voice heard in a nail-bitingly close vote with a whopping 97 percent voter turn out.
4. Celebrity Phone Hack
Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton are only a few of many celebrities targeted in a hack attack that compromised alleged risqué photos. The photos were then published on a 4chan thread; those responsible are currently being pursued by the victims’ legal teams. With more names being released no one is quite sure just how much this mysterious hacker managed to obtain.
3. Malala’s Attackers are Brought to Justice in Pakistan
The Pakistani military has arrested the Taliban members responsible for the shooting and attempted murder of Malala Yousafzai, a teenage activist. A total of 10 arrests were made in early September, these are the only arrests following the attack in 2012.
2. Gaza-Israel Truce
After a near two month stretch of heavy conflict a ceasefire was announced in late August. Though this may only be a band-aid type of fix, both sides have agreed to begin talks in Cairo. With the UN estimating that nearly 70 percent of those killed were civilians, the news of a cease fire was welcome news.
1. Red Carpet at the United Nations (Emma W & LD)
Emma Watson made what many are calling a “game changing” speech on feminism in the UN this September during the launch of their He for She campaign. If you haven’t watched the video yet do yourself a favour and do that right now, this very second.
A few days later, Leo DiCaprio himself addressed the UN in his first speech as messenger of peace on environmental sustainability. DiCaprio urged world leaders in his short but sweet speech to stop valuing free-market economies and industrialization over pressing environmental issues. “Now must be our moment for action” he stated; this is only one of many public declarations the well known activist has made in terms of environmental sustainability.
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