The trial that mesmerized the nation. Editor’s Warning: Mentions of death and violence. 

Happening in the World: In Austria, an avalanche has killed three people and a fourth person has been taken to the hospital. The avalanche consisted of a snow slide that was 600 feet in length. The head of emergency services has reported that helicopters, rescue teams, dog teams and Alpine police have headed to the scene. Due to the chance of another avalanche occurring being very high, rescue teams have been advised to proceed with extreme caution. (BBC)

Happening in the US: On Wednesday, April 10, O.J. Simpson, a football star and movie star died of cancer in his Las Vegas home at age 76. In 1995, Simpson went on trial for the murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald L. Goldman. O.J. Simpson was acquitted of both murders. The trial captivated the nation with many debates about whether Simpson committed the crimes or not continuing long after his acquittal. In a civil suit years later, O.J. Simpson was found liable for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman and he was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: On the night of Thursday, April 11, police arrested a 16 year old boy for allegedly pushing a woman down the stairs of a church in Queens. While the woman was walking toward the church’s entrance, the boy allegedly punched the 68 year old woman in the face and stole her bag. The boy then allegedly stole the woman’s 2006 Nissan Altima and fled the scene. The victim remains in the hospital in critical condition. (CBS) 

Happening in Our Community: On Friday, April 12, Columbia University’s Uris Hall will host an event entitled, “Pop the Bubble: Enriching Life at Columbia By Going Abroad.” During the event, prospective students and students planning to go abroad the next academic year will be able to learn more about the study abroad experience and hear the stories of other people who have been abroad previously. Students will also be able to learn about the ways a study abroad experience may help students develop a healthier relationship with life at Columbia once they return. More information here.

Header image via Bwarchives