New Years is approaching, and you know what that means. It’s time for a wrap-up of all the biggest news stories to capture our attention in the last year. News from all over the world spreads like wildfire because of social media, and it is easier than ever to have a debate with just about anyone, sometimes whether you like it or not. Comment sections on top news stories are sometimes just as important and thought provoking as the story itself, but there are always those people who will hide behind “anonymous” just to be able to contribute their controversial opinions. Here are some of the stories that have made 2014 a year to remember.
The Disappearance Malaysia Airlines Flight 370
Everyone was baffled after the international passenger flight Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished seemingly out of thin air on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8th. Despite the largest and most expensive search in aviation history, no evidence of the plane crashing, or landing anywhere, has turned up. Experts have come to the conclusion that the plane crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, killing all 239 on board. As of now, teams have started searching the sea floor, hoping to confirm theories that the plane went down, and give loved ones of the crew and passengers some closure.
Jian Ghomeshi Scandal
When long-time host of CBC’s literary radio show Q, was fired from the CBC his response was to sue them for $55 million for defamation of character. Then the reports of him sexually assaulting multiple women came rolling in. Ghomeshi claimed everything he had done was consensual, and just fell under the umbrella of “kinky”, but the women who were coming forward begged to differ. Since October when the story broke, Ghomeshi has dropped his lawsuit, and been charged with 4 counts of sexual assault.
Bill Cosby Rape Allegations
The stories of Bill Cosby drugging and raping women have been floating around since the early 2000’s, but it wasn’t until this year that the rumours began holding people’s attention. More women have been coming forward consistently ever since the PR effort #CosbyMeme backfired, and “fans” started bringing up previous rape allegations. Cosby’s Netflix comedy special due out in November was cancelled, and alleged victims including Janice Dickinson, and Beverly Johnson have told CNN their story. Cosby has refused to address the accusations, but his representatives maintain his innocence.
Ferguson
On August 9th, Michael Brown, an 18-year-old African American, was fatally shot by Darren Wilson, a 28-year-old, white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. The conflicting reports on whether Brown had been surrendering, and therefore if Wilson was justified in shooting him led to violent protests criticizing the police department’s use of force and racial profiling. On November 24th, the grand jury announced their decision not to indict Darren Wilson for murder, and the ensuing riots caused millions of dollars in damage, injury, and even death. The events have made worldwide headlines, bringing to light questions about racism, and police militarization.
Shooting at Parliament
On October 22nd, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, a habitual drug user with mental issues who had converted to Islam in 2004, attacked Parliament Hill in Ottawa. He shot and killed Corporal Nathan Cirillo, a Canadian soldier who was on ceremonial duty at the Canadian National War Memorial, before heading into the Parliament building where members of government were attending caucuses. Zehaf-Bibeau was killed by security before he could do any more damage. The event has been classified as a “terrorist attack” and the investigation is ongoing, including a closer look into how defense against terror attacks in Canada can be improved.
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was the perfect example of the power of social media this year. To raise money for ALS research, people were filming themselves dumping a bucket of ice water over their heads, and then challenging their friends to do the same. Celebrities were doing it, political leaders were doing it (Rob Ford), everyone was doing it. The campaign was mentioned over 2.2 million times on Twitter between July 29 and August 17, and the ALS Association announced at the end of August they have received more than $100 million in donations.
ISIS
The jihadist rebel group in the Middle East known as ISIS (or ISIL) have been dominating international news for months. Many world leaders and news outlets have called the group a terrorist organization, and even al-Qeada has denounced any affiliation with them. They use social media to spread their violent propaganda, and have released multiple videos of the beheadings of journalists and aid workers. Their attempts to be considered an “Islamic State” have been criticized by Muslims all over the world, and their actions have been called “un-Islamic” and cult-like. The UN has been investigating the thousands of crimes against humanity committed by the group, and Canada has pledged its support in stopping them.
