Here are five new stories of the month that students should be aware of:

1. Oxford High School Shooting 

School shootings have recently become more and more frequent. On Nov. 30, 2021, a student opened fire at Oxford High School in Michigan. He shot 11 people, 4 of whom died. The suspect, 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley, was charged with murder and terrorism. 

After analyzing what happened on the day of the shooting, it is evident that Crumbley showed clear possibilities of posing a danger to people around him. Crumbley had previously made an Instagram post, with a picture of his brand new gun that his father had bought him. The caption stated, “Just got my new beauty today.” In addition, on the day of the shooting, a teacher found a note with violent pictures and a message on it, and Crumbley’s parents were called. However, no immediate action was taken, though the parents were informed that they were to seek counseling for their son, or else the Child Protective Services (CPS) would be called. 

A few hours later, the shooting occured. Crumbley’s parents were also arrested on four charges of involuntary manslaughter. However, both pleaded not guilty.  This was pronounced the deadliest school shooting since 2018. 

2. Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court

Roe V. Wade was a case regarding abortion that was decided by the Supreme Court on January 22, 1973. After 48 years, the Supreme Court may overrule the case that gave people the right to have an abortion legally in the U.S. 

Abortion has been an even bigger topic ever since Texas prohibited abortions after six weeks of pregnancy; “18 weeks less than the standard set by Roe v. Wade,” according to CNBC. When Texas announced this law on May 19, 2021, it resulted in protests and women’s marches. 

In 1992, the case Planned Parenthood v. Casey also asked the Supreme Court to reverse Roe v. Wade. 

Mississippi argued that abortion rights should be left to the state themselves to decide the rules. Abortions are banned in Mississipi after 15 weeks. 

“The unelected judiciary don’t need to be making those decisions for us,” said state Attorney General Lynn Fitch. 

The case is expected to come to a conclusion in the summer of this year. 

3. At Least 77 Dead From Kentucky Tornado

Kentucky had its share of tornados, with at least 77 dead from the massive winds and storms. The tornado also made its way across Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi. 

The terrifying winds hit and knocked down the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory on Friday, December 10, 2021. One survivor, Kyanna Parsons-Perez, was trapped under enormous amounts of debris, with her coworkers who worked at the candle factory. 

“We are trapped. The wall is stuck on me. Nobody can get to us. Y’all. Please. We can’t move,” said Parsons-Perez as she desperately called 911.  

President Joe Biden traveled to Kentucky Wednesday, December 15, 2021. He announced that the federal government will “help Kentucky with 100 percent of the costs relating to the tornado damage.”  

4. Biden Threatens Putin Over Invasion of Ukraine 

President Putin of Russia threatened to invade Ukraine, which was previously a part of the Soviet Union. Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, and it shares borders with seven countries including Russia. Around Dec. 4, Russia mobilized against Ukraine.

“Putin has deployed more than 90,000 troops along Russia’s border with Ukraine,” as quoted from NBC. 

President Biden spoke with President Putin on December 7, 2021. President Biden has warned Putin that the consequences for Russia will be major if they decide to invade Ukraine. These consequences particularly refer to economic sanctions.

Three weeks later on December 21, 2021, President Biden spoke again with President Putin. 

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, “President Biden made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine.” 

Putin has responded cooly to Biden’s remarks. 

5. US Diplomats to Boycott 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing 

The U.S. announced on December 6, 2021 that they will not be sending any diplomats to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. President Biden made this decision as an act of protest against the current treatment of Uighur Muslims in China. 

China has expressed a great sense of disapproval toward President Biden’s decision. 

“The US just wants to politicize sports, create divisions and provoke confrontation,” said the Spokesperson of the Chinese Mission. 

The main argument from China is that the Olympics should be a time where nations come together, yet the United States is violating that sense of globalism for politics.

The U.S., Great Britain, Canada, and Australia have all announced their own diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing Olympics. New Zealand will also not be sending any diplomats to the Games due to COVID concerns. With all that said, athletes who are to compete on behalf of the U.S. will still be competing at the Olympics in February.

Graphic by Caitlyn Chau