04/22/18: Waffle House shooting

Early Sunday morning, a gunman opened fire at a Waffle House located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. 29-year old Travis Reinking, who authorities believe is responsible for this act, was placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s list of Top 10 Most Wanted as a result. Reinking arrived at the Waffle House at 3:29 AM before entering with a rifle and a handgun and started to shoot. There seems to be no motive for his actions. This, however, is the not first time the suspect has been in trouble with the law: Reinking had previously been arrested for unlawful entry after he crossed an exterior security barrier in the White House on July 7, 2017. Waffle House offer their condolences: “We ask for everyone to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers… It’s a very sad day indeed for our Waffle House family of associates and customers who are impacted by this tragedy today.” One person is severely injured and four people have died.

04/23/18: Toronto van attack

On Monday, a driver of a van deliberately plowed into multiple pedestrians north of midtown Toronto at around 1:30 PM. According to Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders, Alek Minassian is the suspect driver of this act of terrorism. Minassian left a trail of destruction almost a mile long, before stopped by the police. Saunders commented on this situation: “Based on witness accounts, we have a vehicle that started north on Yonge Street from Finch and drove southbound at some point in times on sidewalks, at some point in times driving southbound in northbound lanes… So, it’s very clear just from a general perspective to say that the actions definitely look deliberate.” Minassian, who was in a white rental van, was arrested roughly thirty minutes after police received a 911 call. Fifteen individuals were injured and two people died.

04/24/18: Golden State Killer case suspect found

On Tuesday evening, Joseph James DeAngelo was taken into custody after DNA samples of the Golden State Killer matched with his DNA. The Golden State Killer, who was credited for the series of murders and rapes that happened in the Sacramento Area in the 1970’s and 1980’s, is believed to have committed at least 12 killings and 50 rapes. DeAngelo was a cop for six years and was believed to have committed the crimes during his time in the law enforcement. It’s been more than 40 years since the Golden State Killer first recorded crime in Northern California, but detective matched a discarded DNA sample that law enforcements were able to use. DeAngelo will face capital murder charges in connection to several killings. “The sheriff’s department never gave up on this investigation,” stated Detective Paul Belli of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, “This person ruined a great number of lives, and he should be held accountable.”

04/25/18: Arizona teachers star

On Wednesday, Arizona teachers from across the state led walkouts for higher wages and increased education funding after other states, such as West Virginia and Oklahoma, led demonstrations earlier in the month for the same reason. These teachers, who were inspired by the 5% raise that the teachers in West Virginia received after these walkouts, believe action needs to be done to the “chronic underfunding” of education. Teachers in Arizona cite the lack of current textbook, supplies, and technology as well as teacher shortages to be the root of many problems. Although Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced a proposal to raise teachers’ salaries to what would amount to a 20% pay raise by the 2020-2021 school year, Arizona Educators United are demanding that this pay raise happen as early as next year. Some schools will attempt to have class on the days to come, but many counties state that they plan on closing for the week.

04/26/18: North and South Korea’s peace summit begins

On Thursday evening, Kim Jong Un of North Korea became the first North Korean leader to step into South Korean territory since 1952. Their meeting began with a handshake that was displayed to the entire world as a military display welcomed Kim Jong Un to the South Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone. President Moon Jae-In of South Korea stated to the North Korean leader: “Over the past seven decades we weren’t able to communicate, so I think we can talk the whole day today.” Officials from across the world will be paying attention to this historic meeting as the summit continues. President Moon and Kim are expected to spend a full day to discuss three subjects with worldwide implications: the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, a peace settlement, and the improvement of bilateral relations. The summit is the result of months of diplomatic negotiation of President Moon, who is a longtime advocate for peace between the Koreas. This meeting will also set stage for the meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong Un expected to take place in late May or June.