Earthquake rumbles Indonesia

On Wednesday morning, a deadly earthquake shook Indonesia’s Aceh province, killing 97 people and leaving 73 severely injured. The 6.5-magnitude quake destroyed hundreds of buildings, most of which include homes, shops, and mosques. Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered immediate assistance to be sent to Aceh after the quake hit  in addition to the International Organization for Migration deploying two staff to coordinate any assistance. Wednesday’s quake was Indonesia’s second major ground-breaker and it’s the most destructive one yet.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/06/asia/indonesia-earthquake/index.html

‘Heartbeat’ abortion bill passed in Ohio

On Tuesday, Ohio lawmakers passed the “Heartbeat Bill” that would ban abortions as soon as the heartbeat of a fetus can be detected, which usually occurs six weeks into a pregnancy. It also prohibits abortions even in cases of rape or incest. Republican Governor, John Kasich, has 10 days to decide whether to veto the legislation and if he does sign the bill, it would become law early next year. If the bill does become law, a court battle would most likely take place. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has already stated it would press a legal challenge.

For more information:  http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/07/politics/ohio-abortion-bill/index.html

John Glenn passes away

A former U.S. senator and the first American to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95 years old. On Wednesday, it was announced that Glenn had been hospitalized “more than a week ago.” He was treated at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University. The astronaut had a heart valve replacement surgery in 2014. President Barack Obama recently paid tribute to Glenn saying, “With John’s passing, our nation has lost an icon and Michelle and I have lost a friend.” Social media was flooded with reactions and words of remembrance almost instantly after his death was announced. On October 29, 1998, Glenn became the oldest human to ever travel to space and his flight granted him a lifetime of fame.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/08/health/john-glenn-dead/index.html

‘Jeopardy!’ contestant passes away before show airs

‘Jeopardy!’ contestant Cindy Stowell, lost to a long battle with cancer early Monday morning. The episode featuring her is scheduled to air Tuesday, December 13th. When Stowell arrived to the ‘Jeopardy!’ studios, she was battling Stage 4 cancer that only a few staffers, including longtime host Alex Trebek, were aware of. “Competing on Jeopardy!’ was a lifelong dream for Cindy, and we’re glad she was able to do so.” Trebek said. Her opponents were unaware she was ill, according to a statement from the show. Cindy Stowell was 41 years old.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/07/entertainment/jeopardy-contest-dies-trnd/index.html

South Korean President impeached

In South Korea’s National Assembly, lawmakers have voted to impeach president Park Geun-hye. The vote passed by 234 votes to 56.  The country’s constitutional court will now deliberate the motion, which could take up to 180 days. Following the vote, Park apologized saying she was careless and had caused a “big national chaos.” She then held a meeting with her Cabinet members at the presidential Blue House, which was her final act as president before stepping aside. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn is now president of South Korea, and will the post for the duration of the court’s deliberation.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/09/asia/south-korea-park-geun-hye-impeachment-vote/index.html