Massive protests sweep Hong Kong:
In what is being called the Umbrella Revolution, thousands have taken to the streets of Hong Kong to demand democracy. The initial spark for the protest came from Beijing’s announcement at the end of August that it would vet candidates for Hong Kong’s 2017 election, rather than allowing a free and open race. On Saturday, Sept. 27, students were pepper-sprayed and arrested while attempting to occupy Legislative Council grounds. Protesters and police clashed again on Sunday, Sept. 28, and the protests have continued to draw more people throughout this week.
Ebola hits home:
The first case of Ebola has been diagnosed in Texas. The patient developed symptoms of the disease upon returning home from a trip to West Africa. Officials have been quick to assure the public that there is very little chance of the disease spreading.
Michael Dunn found guilty:
Michael Dunn has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis in November 2012. Following a disagreement about the volume of Davis’ music, Dunn fired 10 shots into Davis’s car, killing the unarmed teen. Dunn faces life in prison without parole.
CA passes historic consent law:
California has become the first state in the country to enact an affirmative consent law for colleges. It is being called the “Yes Means Yes,” defining consent as “an affirmative, conscious and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity.” The law also requires colleges that receive state funding to have policies and trained officials in place to handle domestic abuse and sexual assault situations.
Secret Service Director Resigns:
Director Julia Pierson has resigned amid a series of high-profile Secret Service blunders. On Tuesday, Sept. 30, she revealed that the White House intruder made it much farther into the building than was originally said, and that he was only stopped when an off-duty Secret Service member tackled him. This week, the public also learned that the Secret Service ignored shots that were fired at the White House and that allowed an armed man with a criminal record into an elevator with President Obama.
Hansler is a member of
the class of 2015.
