News Roundup 12/8/19
Juice WRLD Dead in Chicago
Rapper and singer Juice WRLD was declared dead on Monday in Chicago. The rapper suffered a medical emergency at Chicago's Midway Airport and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. No cause of death has yet been declared as details are still emerging. Juice WRLD, born Jarad Anthony Higgins, was an up and coming musician known for his tracks "Lucid Dreams" and "All Girls Are The Same." Having turned 21 years old December 2nd, he recently earned the title of Top New Artist in May at the Billboard Music Awards. Fellow musicians have taken to Twitter to share their grief.
Source: CNN
New Delhi Factory Fire
43 people are dead following a factory fire in New Delhi, India. Investigators say the fire started from an electrical short circuit, though the majority of deaths were from workers inhaling poisonous gases throughout the factory. A local fire chief claims the garment factory was operating illegally and without a fire license, a common occurrence in India as safety regulations and zoning laws are often ignored. The Associated Press reports that the majority of victims were Muslim migrant workers from Bihar, who earned about $2.10 a day and slept in the factory. "Their only fault was they were poor," Babar Ali, a factory worker, said of the victims. "Why else would someone work and sleep in such a congested place?"
Source: NPR
New Jersey University Under Fire
Rowan University's mental health services are under fire following a spike in their student suicide rate. The New Jersey University lost a third student to suicide this semester just one day after Thanksgiving, raising questions and concerns about the availability of mental health services to students. Students have taken to social media to share their grief and concerns, arguing that more counselors and resources be available. Rowan University currently has 15 counselors employed, 1 per about every 1,500 students. University President Ali Houshmand says this is "high end of the national standard."
Source: CNN
Loss of Sesame Street Actor And Puppeteer
Caroll Spinney, actor and puppeteer on Sesame Street, passed away Sunday, December 8. Spinney played Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird on the popular children's show for over fifty years, having just retired last year. Spinney died at his home in Connecticut after a long battle with dystonia, according to the Sesame Street Workshop. He was 85 years old.
Source: NPR
"Parasite" Awarded Top Honors At Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
The 2019 winners of the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn. were announced Sunday, with Bong Joon-Ho's "Parasite" beating Scorsese's "The Irishman" for the categories of best director and best picture. However, "The Irishman" was able to manage runner-up in both categories, as well as best supporting actor for Joe Pesci. Antonio Banderas took home the award for best lead actor for his role in "Pain and Glory," and Mary Kay Place took best lead actress for her part in "Diane." Noah Bumbauch was awarded best screenplay for "Marriage Story."
Source: Los Angeles Times