Africa

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria told media on Friday he hopes to recapture all land that has been taken by the extremist group Boko Haram. The group just recently swore allegiance with ISIS. Johnathan told BBC that Nigeria had already won a few battles against Boko Haram, but had not anticipated how powerful the group would be. With the group’s name translating to “Western education is sinful,” President Jonathan believes that Boko Haram is the culprit behind the abduction of over 200 school girls in various Nigerian cities. The group is known for using young women for recent suicide bombings. Fears have arose that Boko Haram is using kidnapped victims to increase its mass killing spree. 

Fox News. 

Middle East

This Tuesday, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu won reelection for office, winning with the stance on the opposition of separate states between Israel and Palestine. However on Thursday, Netanyahu stepped back on his word and told U.S. media he is still open to creating a joined Israel-Palestinian state. President Barack Obama said, “It’s going to be hard to find a path where people are seriously believing that negotiations are possible.” 

The Washington Post 

North America

Monica Lewinsky delivered a TED talk on Thursday. Lewinsky, being the victim of countless accounts of harassment since her love affair with President Clinton, spoke on the importance of internet compassion, describing herself as one of the first victims of cyber bullying. “I was branded a tart, a slut, a whore, a bimbo,” said Lewinsky. “I lost my reputation and my dignity, and I almost lost my life.” This is only the second time Lewinsky has spoken publicly since 2005. The speech was given a standing ovation. 

BBC News. 

Washington

House Republicans unveiled their budget for the year. The plan slashes funding for Medicare, food stamps and Pell grants for college students. They also plan to boost military spending by nearly $40 billion next year by using an off-budget war funding account and cutting domestic spending.

The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Facebook. 

Pittsburgh

Barry Manilow will be preforming at Consol Energy Center for his “One Last Time” tour. He will be in town March 26, and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Ticket prices may vary. The smooth pop singer is best known for songs such as “Copacabana,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “It Could Be Magic.” Look out, Pittsburgh, the singer will of course bring along and attract the most loyal of all fan groups, the Fanilows. 

visitpittsburgh.com