1. Presidential election kicks off
In case you missed it, the first debate between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton took place on Monday. And the highly anticipated debate between two controversial candidates lived up to its expectations. The evening consisted of sparring jabs between the two candidates as they criticized each other’s policies and statements. Clinton called out Trump for beginning his career in politics with an erroneous statement about President Obama’s country of birth, and for his alleged support of the war in Iraq. Trump criticized Clinton for not possessing the “look” or stamina to be president, and for involvement in a famously messy email scandal. The American public will have to stay tuned for the next debate which is scheduled for October 9th where many of these same issues will likely be addressed.
2. Commuter train crashes in Hoboken
Thursday morning a train in Hoboken, New Jersey slammed into the wall of the station, leaving one passenger dead and over 100 injured. The train came barreling into the busy station without breaking, crashing through barriers and eventually slamming into the wall of the Hoboken Terminal. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie described the event as “an extraordinary tragedy.”
3. New York Bombings remain under investigation
On Sept. 17 at 8:30 p.m., a bomb exploded in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, injuring 29 civilians. Although this bomb was initially not thought to be an act of international terrorism, the bomb was later linked to Ahmad Khan Rahami, a naturalized citizen of Afghan descent. “We have every reason to believe this was an act of terror,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference. An investigation began, and a frantic manhunt followed the bombings. Rahami was caught and charged with five counts of attempted murder. At this time, it’s unclear what his motives were. In addition to the incident in New York, there was also a garbage explosion in New Jersey which may have been linked to the bombings in New York.
4. Senate set to override Obama’s veto
For the first time in President Obama’s time in office, Congress has almost unanimously voted to override the president’s veto of a bill. If passed, this bill would have enacted a law that allowed American families affected by the 9/11 tragedy to sue Saudi Arabia in American courts. President Obama vetoed this bill, arguing strongly against it due to the fact that it would set a “dangerous precedent” for the future. The president encouraged Congress members not to vote for this bill because he believed it would alter the legal system in America in dealing with other countries. Advocates from both political parties, however, are fighting his agenda and voting this bill into law. This overwhelming support of the bill demonstrates the enduring effect the Sept. 11 attacks had and still have on American families today.
5. New college course is based on Beyonce’s “Lemonade”
Some exciting new courses are coming to college campuses across the nation. One unique course offered for the first time at the University of San Antonio will allow students to study and analyze Beyonce’s latest album, “Lemonade.” Much to the excitement of the “Beyhive,” “Lemonade” is being utilized to study the historical and literary roots of Black feminism. This course, offered by Professor Kinitra Brooks, is entitled “Black Women, Beyonce & Popular Culture.” The modern course will allow students to explore other female authors, while challenging them to think about feminism in new ways.