This week we reflect on protests, shootings, and justice in our big, bright, beautiful world.

Happening in the World: Thousands of protesters in Hong Kong wore masks to march through the streets of the city protesting the government’s new laws banning face masks and coverings.  Police responded to the demonstration with cans of tear gas and water cannons.  The riots are becoming increasingly more violent on both the sides of the protesters and the police. (BBC)

Happening in the US: A shooting in a Kansas City bar left four people dead and another five wounded.  The five victims are in stable condition at a local hospital as police try and search for a suspect or suspects.  Shells from a handgun were found at the crime scene and police are currently reviewing security footage to try and bring the criminal(s) to justice. (CNN)

Happening in New York: Over the past year the amount of homeless people sleeping on the New York City trains has increased by about 20 percent with the actual number of homeless people on the trains estimated around 2, 200.  This creates a bothersome and unsafe environment for many on their daily commutes.  Social workers are currently working with the homeless to try and get them off the trains and into shelters. (CBSN New York)

Happening on Campus: Today from 6-8 pm in the Sulzberger Parlor on the third floor of Barnard Hall, Columbia University historian, Mae Ngai, will be giving a lecture on the refugee crisis of today and the history of refugees and the United States.  She will be discussing the issues surrounding asylum and historical comparison and it is sure to be an eye-opening lecture.

An unrelated protest in China via Wikimedia Commons