Executions in Aleppo

On Monday, 82 civilians in Aleppo, Syria were shot on sight by pro-government forces, many killed right in their homes. The Syrian government did not comment on the executions in state-run media. The end of a bloody four-year battle for the control of Aleppo is in sight as the last of the city’s rebel-held neighborhoods look set to fall. Government forces are currently in control of the majority of eastern Aleppo, which had previously been held by rebels. Humanitarian volunteers in the city have issued a plea for help and safe passage for an estimated 100,000 civilians and rebels who are still trapped in the city’s east, which is now a wasteland of desolation and rubble.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/12/middleeast/aleppo-syria-government-gains/index.html?adkey=bn

Alan Thicke passes away

The beloved TV actor, Alan Thicke, passed away Tuesday at the age of 69. His death was confirmed by his ex-wife, Gloria Loring, in a statement on Facebook saying, “It is a shock.  We were all just together for Thanksgiving. He was talented, funny, and deeply devoted to his family. Rest In Peace, dear one.” Thicke’s career spanned five decades, playing various roles on and off screen, but it is clear he’ll be remembered most for his role on “Growing Pains,” an extremely popular sitcom. He portrayed a quirky TV dad who offered life advice to his family during the 1980s. News of his passing exploded all over social media with words of mourning and remembrance. Thicke’s cause of death is unknown.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/13/us/alan-thicke-dead/index.html

Ceasefire deal declared in Aleppo

On Thursday, Aleppo residents will be allowed under a new ceasefire agreement, says a rebel group. Spokesman for the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group, Ahmad Qurah Ali, said the deal was reached late Wednesday and will allow injured people to be evacuated early in the morning. The original ceasefire arranged on Tuesday collapsed less than a day after it began. An estimated 50,000 civilians are still thought to be trapped inside a small area of eastern Aleppo that is still under rebel control. The brief ceasefire on Tuesday aimed to begin evacuating civilians and rebels from Aleppo on Wednesday morning, but unfortunately, that never happened.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/14/middleeast/aleppo-syria-government-gains/index.html

Craig Sager passes away

Longtime sports reporter, Craig Sager, died Thursday after his long battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Tributes for Sager flooded social media Thursday afternoon, many of which were athletes he had interviewed. Kevin Durant and Karl-Anthony Towns were two of many who paid their respects to Sager. He is most famously known for his bright and bold wardrobe, consisting of bright and color outfit combinations. He wore velvet, plaid, checkered and many other wild variations. His outfits, however, weren’t the only thing he was known for. Sager was an NBA courtside reporter for more than 20 years, adding a pop of color to the court. He was 65 years old.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/15/us/craig-sager-dies/index.html

Juveniles charged in deadly fires

The wildfires that have devastated Gatlinburg, Tennessee have finally been traced back to the actions of two youths. If convicted of arson, they could been in prison for up to 60 years. If more serious charges are imposed against them, which includes first-degree murder, they could face an entire life in prison. The toll of the wildfires is astounding, leaving 14 people dead, 175 injured, and over 2,400 homes, businesses and other structures demolished. Sevier County Mayor, Larry Waters, says the damage is estimated to be $500 million. It is also certain that nearly 20,000 acres of the Great Smoky Mountains National park have been burnt and destroyed.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/14/us/tennessee-wildfire-charges/index.html