The Roar keeps you updated with local news, recent events and interesting stories ― everything you need to know for this week.
1. On Monday, President Trump appeared on live television to outline his new strategy for the United States military in Afghanistan. Although he had previously supported withdrawing the war, Trump said adviser information had convinced him to send more troops in an attempt to secure a faster victory.
2. Monday also saw thousands upon thousands of Americans traveling in the country to camp out in the path of totality, where the historic solar eclipse could be best viewed. The last eclipse of this kind took place in the United States was nearly 40 years ago, in 1979.
3. Police confirmed on Wednesday that journalist Kim Wall, who had boarded a Danish inventor’s submarine, was dead. Her body was found in Copenhagen waters. The details of her death are unknown, though the inventor, Peter Madsen, is being detained on charges of involuntary manslaughter.
4. American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift made her return on Thursday with the first single, Look What You Made Me Do, off her upcoming album. Despite a mixed critical reaction to Swift’s new sound, the song broke streaming records on Spotify and set a Youtube record for views on a lyric video.
5. On Thursday, a Massachusetts woman won about $757.8 million in the largest North American undivided Powerball jackpot. She has since retired from her job as a hospital worker.
6. Last Friday, President Trump pardoned former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt after ignoring a court order to stop jailing people for being suspected illegal immigrants. In particular, Arpaio was accused of racially profiling Hispanics.
7. Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on Friday night. The Category 4 storm caused severe damage in many coastal cities. On Saturday morning, the tropical storm was downgraded to Category 1, but in days to come, meteorologists predict that up to 50 inches of rain may fall in certain areas. Flooding is already severe in Houston, where residents are being advised to take shelter on roofs. Conditions are expected to worsen with several more days of heavy rain.
8. Last Saturday, boxer Floyd Mayweather preserved his undefeated record in the ring as he faced off against newcomer Conor McGregor. Mayweather said he will retire, and is expected to pocket around $100 million for the match.
9. On Sunday afternoon, CSISD announced that all classes on Monday will be canceled. Activities are set to resume on Tuesday.
10. Last night, the seventh season of HBO’s popular show Game of Thrones came to a close. The highly anticipated finale ran for just over 79 minutes.
