By Ava Morollo
Managing Editor of Community and Global News
As 2015 comes to a close, take a look back over some of the year’s most significant events from around the world.
Heroes of the Year: Americans Stop Train Attack In Europe
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/americans-describe-how-they-stopped-train-attack/
In August, three Americans, Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler, and Alek Skarlatos, boarded a high speed train headed from Amsterdam to Paris, when a gunman suddenly opened fired. The men sprung into action and tackled the man, saving hundreds aboard the train. What makes these men the heroes of the year is their quick thinking in the most drastic of situations. They saved hundreds of people, which propelled them to become modern day heroes. They credited the U.S. Army and Air Force for equipping them with the skills needed to stop the attack.
Equality: United States Legalizes Gay Marriage
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33290341
On June 27, the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all fifty states. The ruling ended more than a decade of legal battles. As well, the ban of same-sex marriage in fourteen states was overturned. Outside the courthouse, there were endless cheers and hugs as many were overjoyed at the historic news. The legalization of same-sex marriage was a step toward equality among all people in the United States. While there was a surplus of disheartening stories this year, this ruling came at the right time for the country.
Power of the People: University of Missouri Students Force the Resignation of their Chancellor amid Racial Incidents
In mid-November, students from the University of Missouri forced Chancellor Robert Loftin and President Tim Wolfe to resign after racial protests swarmed the campus. Students began the protests due to a racially fraught environment. The situation quickly escalated, as protesters grew in numbers, and teachers began to organize a walkout; however, the tipping point was when several players on the school’s football team announced they would not play until Wolfe and Loftin agreed to resign. After months of pressure, both agreed to resign due to the national attention the issue received.
Terrorism: Paris Attacks
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34818994
On November 13, one of the most tragic stories of the year came out of Paris after almost 150 people were killed in terrorist attacks around the city. Several terrorists armed with suicide bombs and guns targeted small restaurants across the city and massacred concertgoers at the Bataclan Concert Hall. The terrorists also attempted to enter the Stade-de-France while the french national soccer team played Germany. It sparked fear and a widespread manhunt across Europe as police searched for the perpetrators of the attack. Despite the tragic losses, the event brought people around the world together to support the country.
Community News: Chipotle Causes Norovirus Outbreak
In December, more than 140 people, including members of the Boston College men’s’ basketball team and two Newton South students, contracted norovirus. All those infected ate at the Cleveland Circle location near the Boston College campus. The store was quickly closed temporarily to be cleaned and tested by health officials. The incident only added to the scrutiny Chipotle received this year, as they also had multiple E. Coli outbreaks. This story hit close to home for many South students who were forced to think twice when choosing to eat at Chipotle, a crowd favorite.
