Global News Roundup: Jan. 4 – Jan. 10

By Shy Hardiman

1. Scores of People Die in Police Academy Bombing

Libya. Courtesy of Wikimedia.

60 people died after a bomb went off at a Libyan police academy on Thursday. 200 more recruits were injured by the terrorist attack, for which the Islamic State quickly claimed responsibility. Thursday’s event comes after a series of attempts by Muslim extremists to expand their presence in North Africa by exploiting the nation’s instability.

2. Chinese Stocks Doing Poorly in the New Year

Chinese trading room.  Courtesy of Wikipedia.

Chinese stocks plummeted on Thursday causing the economy’s shortest trading day in 25 years. The low stocks created international upset with share prices decreasing dramatically in Europe and other parts of Asia. China’s currency experienced a sharp devaluation in the midst of the stock dive, which has resulted in a lot of questioning of the market’s future.

3. North Korea Reports Use of H-Bomb

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Courtesy of Flickr.

North Korean officials said they successfully tested their first hydrogen bomb on Wednesday. According to statements released from the isolated country’s government, the H-bomb was created to protect against possible U.S. aggression. Speculation on whether the nuclear arsenal was in fact detonated or even exists has still not been confirmed.

4. Sunni-Shiite Tensions Continue to Grow

After Saudi Arabia cut off diplomatic ties with Iran, tensions between the two countries continued to grow on Monday. Saudi officials released a statement warning that they would cease air travel and trading with Iran. The rift came after the execution of a Shiite cleric by Saudi authorities and will persist, according to Saudi officials, until Iranians stop sending fighters to stage attacks.

5. Possible Drug-Gang Connection in the Murder of Mexican Mayor

Gisela Mota, the mayor of the Mexican city Temixco, was killed on Sunday, just one day after assuming office.  Two suspects were killed in connection with the murder, and three others, including a minor, have been taken into custody. Mota’s death comes in the wake of multiple murders of Mexican officials in territories that are heavily populated with drug gangs.