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Staying informed about the latest news can be a real challenge. To make it easier, we've compiled the most impactful, extraordinary, or simply jaw-dropping stories from the past week.
This week felt like the 'Groundhog Day' of news cycles. After last week's coverage of a catastrophic earthquake in Mexico and a devastating storm sweeping through the Caribbean, both stories made a return with even greater intensity. The sense of deja vu was overwhelming, and all we can do is hope that next week's roundup offers a fresh perspective and fewer tragedies.
10. Mexico Endured Its Most Deadly Earthquake in Decades
On Friday, September 8, a colossal earthquake rocked the waters off the coast of Mexico, wreaking havoc in the south and claiming nearly 100 lives. Initially, it was thought to be a once-in-a-lifetime calamity. Tragically, that turned out to be just the beginning. Just over ten days later, another earthquake hit, this time striking dangerously close to the capital. The devastation was catastrophic, leaving destruction on a horrifying scale.
As of this moment, the death toll has surpassed '230' and is expected to climb. In Mexico City, entire buildings crumbled, homes were obliterated, and streets were left looking like war zones. Among the most heartbreaking stories was the collapse of a school, claiming the lives of approximately 30 children. Equally tragic was the collapse of a church during the baptism of a two-month-old baby, resulting in the death of the baby and ten members of her family.
There are fears that poor building regulations may have exacerbated the death toll. In an interview with The Guardian, an expert stated that the school should have been built to withstand such an earthquake. As was seen in Haiti in 2010, cutting costs may have led to the loss of lives.
9. Hurricane Maria Ravaged the Already Crippled Caribbean
Earlier this month, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, swept through the Caribbean and Florida, claiming dozens of lives and leaving entire countries in ruins. Much like Mexico’s first earthquake, it turned out that Irma was just a precursor. This week, Hurricane Maria, also reaching Category 5 strength, bulldozed through the already devastated Caribbean, leaving behind even more death, despair, and destruction.
The devastation was both indiscriminate and staggering. On the island of Dominica, reports indicated that 90% of all buildings were leveled. The British Virgin Islands, already ravaged by Irma, saw the remains of their infrastructure collapse. For Puerto Rico, Maria marked the most powerful hurricane to strike in nearly a century. As of now, the entire island is without power, and the governor has warned that the blackout could last for months.
Now, there is hope that this chain of storms has finally passed, and the affected nations can begin the long road to rebuilding. Let’s hope we won’t have to revisit this tragic topic again before the year ends.
8. Terrorists Attempted to Bomb the London Underground (Once More)
The London Tube has become tragically symbolic when it comes to terrorism. It was here, on July 7, 2005, that Islamist bombers claimed 50 lives in the deadliest attack on British soil (excluding the Lockerbie bombing in the air). This week, other attackers tried to repeat that grim feat. During the busy morning rush, a bomb detonated on a packed train at Parson’s Green. Under different circumstances, it could have claimed dozens of lives.
Fortunately, these weren’t 'different circumstances.' The bomb’s detonator malfunctioned. Instead of a massive explosion, it produced a flash of flame that burned around 30 people but caused no fatalities. Of those injured, most sustained only minor burns. Authorities have arrested six individuals—mostly teenagers—on suspicion of Islamist terrorism.
As noted by the BBC, this brings the total number of attacks in England this year to five, with another six thwarted. England hasn’t faced such frequent terrorist threats since the IRA bombings of the 1970s. Most of the attacks have been directed or inspired by ISIS, with only the Finsbury Park incident being linked to right-wing extremists. Let’s hope there are no more attacks ahead.
7. A Pedophilia Scandal Led to the Collapse of Iceland’s Government
Iceland has been mired in political unrest for over a year. The Panama Papers scandal forced Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson to step down in April 2016. His successor, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, resigned by October. Now, yet another scandal has led to the downfall of Bjarni Benediktsson's government, and this one involves something far darker than corruption. Benediktsson's administration collapsed due to its connections with Hjalti Sigurjon Hauksson, a convicted pedophile.
In 2004, Hauksson was convicted of repeatedly raping his stepdaughter from the age of six until she was 18. Under Icelandic law, criminals can regain their 'honor' if three credible citizens write letters attesting to their character. This week, it was revealed that Benediktsson’s father had written such a letter for Hauksson. To protect his own image, Benediktsson is said to have hidden the letter. The scandal was too much for Benediktsson’s coalition partners, who pulled their support, bringing down his government.
Now, Iceland faces the prospect of another election this year. For a nation still reeling from the 2008 financial crisis, this level of instability is hardly ideal.
6. Norway’s Leading Police Officer Was Caught Smuggling Drugs
Imagine if Eliot Ness had ended his career being caught for smuggling alcohol. That’s the level of absurdity we're dealing with in the case of Eirik Jensen, Norway’s former top cop, who was tasked with tackling organized crime. It turns out that Jensen mistook ‘tackling’ for ‘facilitating.’ This week, the disgraced former officer was convicted in an Oslo court for assisting gangs in smuggling large quantities of hashish into Norway.
This scandal is even more shocking in Norway than it would be elsewhere. Norway is known for being one of the least corrupt and most law-abiding societies on the planet. The conduct of their public servants makes even the most ethical nations, like Canada and Denmark, look like corrupt banana republics. And yet, here was a well-respected, well-paid cop behaving like a villain straight out of a Lethal Weapon movie.
Jensen has now been sentenced to 21 years in prison, though he may appeal the verdict. Interestingly, this is not the first such case in the Nordic countries. Just last year, one of Finland’s top officers was also convicted of drug smuggling.
5. A Swedish Left-Wing Leader Was Raped in a Political Attack
Sweden is often painted in the media as a peaceful utopia, but even in this seemingly idyllic country, horrifying events can unfold. This week, the dark reality surpassed anything even Stieg Larsson could have written. On Friday, September 15, Patrik Liljeglod, the local leader of the Left Party in Falun, disclosed that he had been raped at knifepoint in a politically-motivated attack.
Liljeglod says the assault occurred in July as he was walking home through a park. His attacker allegedly told him that, as a left-wing traitor, he deserved to be raped because of his beliefs. The assault then escalated to a brutal attack at knifepoint.
The Left Party is a relatively small political group in Sweden, known for its advocacy of feminism and gender equality. They've often faced criticism for their controversial stances, such as calling for a ban on men standing while urinating and for openly supporting Communism. However, this attack takes things to an entirely new level. While no arrests have been made as of now, an investigation is ongoing.
4. Cassini’s Spectacular Saturn Mission Reached A Fiery End
The last few years have been a golden era for space exploration. We've witnessed multiple rovers land on Mars, the incredible New Horizons flyby of Pluto, and the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn, sending back vast amounts of valuable data. Each of these missions, along with many others, has resulted in breathtaking images that have radically changed our understanding of our solar system.
Sadly, one of those iconic missions has come to an end. Last Friday, Cassini made its final descent into Saturn's atmosphere, where it was quickly consumed, burned away in a spectacular end to its mission.
The legacy of Cassini is beyond measure. In addition to sending back stunning images that made Saturn seem like something out of a blockbuster film, it gave us our most detailed view of the moons Titan and Enceladus, placing them at the forefront of the search for extraterrestrial life. It also set the stage for future missions to Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus. Ultimately, Cassini's journey was one monumental triumph for humanity.
True to form, Cassini’s final act was a gift to science. As it spiraled toward Saturn's atmosphere, it continued transmitting data back to Earth until the very last moment. What hidden wonders might we uncover in the final transmission it sent?
3. Catalonia’s Upcoming Independence Vote Went Majorly Off the Rails
On October 1, the people of Catalonia, a semi-autonomous region in Spain, are scheduled to vote on whether to declare independence. However, there’s a major hurdle: secession is prohibited by the Spanish constitution. Since the announcement of the vote, tensions between Madrid and Barcelona have been escalating, and this week, the clash between the two governments reached a boiling point.
In response to orders from Madrid, Catalan leaders have been arrested for organizing the referendum. Local mayors have been threatened with removal from office, and ballot papers have been seized. Supporters of Catalonian independence view these actions as an attack on their autonomy and have called for large-scale pro-independence protests.
Meanwhile, Catalonia has warned that postmen could face arrest if they refuse to distribute the ballots, creating a paradox as Madrid has threatened to arrest those who comply. Anti-independence groups argue that the Catalan government is not requiring a minimum voter turnout, potentially allowing the declaration of independence with as little as 35 percent participation, the same turnout as the 2014 referendum.
At this point, it remains uncertain whether the vote will proceed, what will happen if it does, and how Madrid will respond if Barcelona moves to declare independence. Expect a period of political upheaval in the coming weeks.
2. We Lost A True Acting Legend
Roger Ebert once said, “No movie featuring either Harry Dean Stanton or M. Emmet Walsh in a supporting role can be altogether bad.” Both actors had the unique ability to elevate any film they appeared in, bringing a touch of magic to even the most average productions. While M. Emmet Walsh continues to grace the screen, sadly, we no longer have Harry Dean Stanton among us. The beloved cult actor passed away this week at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable and unparalleled legacy in cinema.
Harry Dean Stanton’s filmography reads like a primer on unconventional and captivating cinema. He graced iconic films such as Alien, Cool Hand Luke, Repo Man, and Escape from New York. He also appeared in Avengers Assemble, Godfather Part II, Pretty in Pink, The Last Temptation of Christ, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Seven Psychopaths, and Twin Peaks. However, his most poignant and unforgettable performance came in Paris, Texas, a film so breathtakingly beautiful that it could easily be considered a work of art in its own right.
Harry Dean Stanton passed away in a hospital after a prolonged battle with pneumonia. Hollywood will undoubtedly feel the absence of his unique talent and presence.
1. Togo Was Rocked By Enormous Anti-Government Protests
Nestled along the West African coast, next to Ghana, Togo is a former French colony that has struggled with democracy since its independence. In 1967, Gnassingbe Eyadema took power in a coup and ruled with a heavy hand until his death in 2005. His son, Faure Gnassingbe, then ascended to power, where he has remained ever since, enduring events like the deadly 2005 protests, which claimed 500 lives.
However, the Gnassingbe dynasty may soon be facing its end. For months, anti-government protests against presidential term limits have been growing steadily, and this week, they exploded into massive demonstrations. It is now estimated that more than 12 percent of the nation’s population is marching in the streets. Gnassingbe’s grip on power may soon loosen.
Protestors argue that the new law restricting presidential terms is simply a disguise for Gnassingbe’s ongoing rule. If the law passes, it would allow him to disregard his previous terms in office, effectively enabling him to remain in power until 2030. This has galvanized opposition forces, with Tikpi Atchadam leading the charge and successfully mobilizing hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets in defiance.
