News Unplugged - Friday, Dec. 4

Gun Control Measures in the United States

In response to the appalling San Bernardino mass shootings that took place last Wednesday, Democratic candidates have come out to support pro gun control measures in the US.

Presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders issued a statement calling for stricter provisions to be placed on gun ownership, including a ban on assault weapons, tougher background checks, as well as mental healthcare reforms. In a statement, Sanders declared, “gun violence has reached epidemic levels in the United States”.

Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton has also focused much of her campaign on gun control, calling for the United States to “keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and the violently unstable while respecting responsible gun owners.”

The shooting has also sparked discussions in Quebec to reinforce a provincial gun-control database, as opposed to the Liberal government’s nationwide registry.

The San Bernardino attack marks the 355th mass shooting in America this year.

Oscar Pistorius Charged with Murder

Yesterday morning, disabled South African Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, Reena Steenkamp in 2013.

At the time of the incident, the athlete had claimed to wake up to a noise in the bathroom, reportedly firing 4 shots through the door, killing his girlfriend.

In court, the judge made the ruling that Oscar had in fact murdered his girlfriend rather than committing a culpable homicide, as he had not fired a warning shot. Pistorius will be serving a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Paris Climate Conference Persists

As the Paris climate change conference continues to take place, Canadian representatives are optimistic that they will negotiate a new climate deal.

Canada hopes to impose reduced greenhouses gas emissions and keep global temperatures from rising 2 degrees, beginning in 2020. In addition, Canada has pledged $2.5 billion over the next five year period towards an international environmental initiative of $100 billion.

Over the next week, we will know what settlement the 190 countries taking part in the conference will come to.

American Senate Defunds Planned Parenthood

Yesterday, the American senate Republicans were successful in their vote to defund the reproductive health organization, Planned Parenthood, in a vote of 54-46.

The senate is seeking the approval of a bill that would repeal Obamacare, however the White House has stated that President, Obama will veto it.

Planned Parenthood is one of America’s largest providers of affordable healthcare and sex education for both males and females, including breast cancer exams, HIV tests, and abortion services.

The decision has also left many outraged, as it has come only days after a shooting at a Colorado Planned Parenthood facility, leaving 3 civilians dead and 9 injured.

Record Flooding Hits Chennai, India

Chennai, India is currently facing the worst flooding the country has seen in a decade. Upwards of 300 deaths have been reported since November, as a result of the hazardous flooding conditions in the area.

The flooding began on December 1^st. cutting electricity and mobile connections, submerging homes, and stranding dozens as a result of their airport closure.

According to the Indian defense ministry, the Indian army, coastguard, and navy are working in relief efforts to help rescue victims.