Happening in the World: In the Indian state of Gujarat, officials have begun the removal of approximately 300 crocodiles from a reservoir next to the 182-meter statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Since its inauguration in October, the world’s tallest statue has become a popular tourist destination. Due to the influx of tourists, these 9-foot reptiles are being relocated to an unknown location. However, several environmental scientists have condemned the action because of the disturbance to the crocodiles’ habitat.

Happening in the US:  Congress has passed a short-term deal to open the government until February 15. Thus ending the longest shutdown in United States history. This will allow the government to re-open for three weeks while lawmakers negotiate where government funding should be allocated. Therefore, no strict provisions of where funding would be provided (i.e. “the wall”) were specified in the contract. The 800,000 furloughed government employees, who went for 35 days without pay, are expected to start receiving back pay in the coming week.

Happening in NYC:  David Johnson, a 56-year-old truck driver from Brooklyn, has come forward as the winner of the $298.3 million Powerball jackpot. He hadn’t realized he won until two days after the jackpot was drawn. Johnson’s friend insisted he check his lotto ticket after discovering where the winning ticket was bought from. After winning, Johnson has already quit his job and is enjoying early retirement.

Happening on Campus: This Thursday, the Columbia University Ferris Reel Film Society in conjunction with CU Student Life will hold a free screening of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. The screening starts at 8 pm in the Roone Arledge Cinema in Lerner. There will be snacks!

Documentary of the Week: 7 Days Out: NASA’s Cassini Mission. This entire series is really fun to watch, but I’m going to highlight the Cassini Mission this week. The premise of the show is showing the week leading up to Cassini’s self-destruction into Saturn. After 20 years and 4.9 billion miles, thousands of people have been involved with the mission. Those working on the mission share their incredible stories and we get an inside glimpse of how Cassini met its bittersweet end.

look at these chunky bois! via Wikimedia Commons