Asia
New Delhi, India this week has reported the highest smog pollution in history. The city’s respiratory death rate kills up to 1.5 million people eery year. The immense population has used the world’s dirtiest energy sources possible, burning coal, diesel oil and even garbage to remain stable with the country’s rapid economic growth.
The New York Times
On Monday in Paturia, Bangladesh, 70 dead bodies were pulled out of the Padma River after a fatal ferry accident. The remaining survivors claim that some of their relatives are still missing. Despite the fear that the unaccounted for may have drifted downstream, Deputy Commissioner Rashida Ferdouse told the media “We’ll continue our search in the river” until the missing are found.
CNN
Africa
Eighty-nine children were seized in a raid at a South Sudanese school on Saturday. According to the United Nations, kidnappers went through house-to-house searches in search for boys over the age of 12. A UNICEF representative said, “Children are exposed to incomprehensible levels of violence, they lose their families and their chance to go to school.”
CNN
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf lifted the nationwide curfew meant to help fight the Ebola virus this past Sunday. The order was instated this past August. However, recently the World Health Organization said the number of Ebola outbreaks in Liberia were declining, reporting only two confirmed cases in Liberia this past week.
CNN
A 10-year-old girl in Northeastern Nigeria killed herself and four others in a suicide bombing. The act is believed to be from Nigerian extremist group Boko Haram. Authorities were not able to confirm the girl’s identity from the remains.
The Chicago Tribune
Europe
Pope Francis advocated the group New Ways Ministry, a LGBT Catholic association. The group made three different pilgrimages to the Vatican, but has finally been shown some recognition. The Pope said people are allowed to state their opinion, but cannot “interfere spiritually” in the lives of gay and lesbian people.
CNN
Middle East
Following their last video of war prisoners being held in small metal cages, ISIS has released a new threatening video of war propaganda showing jihadi children, as young as the age of five training for combat. According to the United Nation’s Human Rights Council, the Islamic State “has established training camps to recruit children into armed roles under the guise of education.”
The New York Post
Washington
The Senate blocked Homeland security’s funding bill over GOP immigration again. Congress stressed Friday the avocation of a department shutdown. The House passed a $39.7 billion measure for the operations on the conditions that the new money not be sent on Obama’s immigration actions.
The Chicago Tribune
Pittsburgh
Duquesne University’s “#Regeneration”, a human rights documentary film series marked its fifth anniversary this week. Narrated by Ryan Gosling, the film follows several different stories from all walks of life. The stories are meant to reflect a deeper understanding of the influences that shape our society.
VisitPittsburgh.com
“The Phantom of the Opera” is touring at the Benedum Center until March 1. The production includes brilliant, new scenic design and choreography by Tony Award-winning choreographer Maria Bjornson. With a cast and orchestra of 52, this show is one of the largest productions on tour today.
VisitPittsburgh.com
