News Roundup 10/27/18
Photo Courtesy By: Charles Sykes/ Invision /AP
By: Kenya Staley
1. NBC Cancels Megyn Kelly Today
On Friday October 26, NBC announced that Megyn Kelly's morning talk show has been canceled. Earlier this week the Today show anchor caused outrage when she defended blackface Halloween costumes. "But what is racist?" Kelly asked "Because you do get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface on Halloween, or a black person who puts on whiteface for Halloween. Back when I was a kid that was OK, as long as you were dressing up as, like, a character." According to CNN, Kelly was forced by NBC to apologize to the public and internally to her colleagues. Since her apology she has not returned to a live taping.
Source: CNN
2. Russian Woman Charged With Meddling In 2018 Midterms
A woman from St. Petersburg, Russia was charged with meddling in the 2018 midterms on Friday, October 19. Justice Department prosecutors allege that Elena Alekseevna Khusyaynova, 44, created thousands of emails to circulate divisive political and social content. According to the Washington Post, Khusyaynova works for the same social media organization that was indicted earlier this year for meddling in the 2016 elections. She is also linked to several Facebook accounts that have made over 500 posts focused on gun control and immigration.
Source: The Washington Post
3. Canada Legalizes Recreational Marijuana
On Wednesday, October 19 Canada began the legal distribution of recreational marijuana after the Senate passed a bill legalizing it in June. The legal age to purchase recreational marijuana is 18 in Quebec and Alberta; 19 in the rest of the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted, "It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana - and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize & regulate marijuana just passed the Senate." For Canadians convicted of possession of 30 grams or less, they will soon have the chance to be pardoned.
Source: NPR
4. Climate Report Predicts Crisis As Early As 2040
The UN issued a climate report, on Monday October 1, that depicted the possible consequences of climate change by 2040. According to the New York Times, the world will see a massive die off of coral reefs, food shortages and wildfires if countries don't take immediate action to help the environment. Climate scientist, Drew Shindell said, "This report makes it clear: There is no way to mitigate climate change without getting rid of coal.” The report also mentions that it's possible to achieve the changes needed but politically unlikely.
Source: The New York Times
5. Man Arrested in Bomb Case Identified
On Friday October 27, Cesar Sayoc was arrested after authorities said he sent 14 pipe bombs to prominent Democrats around the U.S. It was later revealed that the 57-year-old was possibly living in his van covered in Trump stickers. If convicted he faces up to 48 years in prison.
Source: CNN