Happening in the World: Investigators and law enforcement are examining two incidents as terrorist acts in Edmonton, Canada after a suspect hit a police officer with a car, stabbed him, and then struck four pedestrians with a U-Haul truck while traveling on a busy street late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Chief Rod Knecht of the Edmonton Police Service says, “The vehicle struck the police offer, sending him flying into the air 15 feet, before colliding with the police officer’s cruiser again at a high rate of speed.” The suspect then abandoned his vehicle, heavily attacked and stabbed the officer, and then “fled on foot.” Authorities have declared that there was an ISIS flag in his car. Later that night, a U-Haul, registered under a similar name to that of the Chevrolet, “hit pedestrians in crosswalks and alleys” on Jasper Avenue, which was filled with football fans. Conditions of the injured pedestrians are still uncertain (CNN).
Happening in the US: OJ Simpson has been released on parole after serving nine years in a Nevada jail “for armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and 10 other charges over a 2007 confrontation at a Las Vegas hotel.” The 70-year-old will “face restrictions – including up to five years of parole supervision.” In 2008, Simpson was sentenced to a maximum of thirty years in prison after he attempted to steal items from two sports memorabilia dealers in a Las Vegas hotel room. Simpson said the items belonged to him and were later returned to him after officials determined their ownership status. In July of this year, Simpson was granted early parole release. Simpson has demonstrated interest in moving to Florida (BBC).
Happening in NYC: Governor Cuomo has announced the demolition of spans of the former Kosciuszko Bridge through an energetic felling process in order to “free up space to complete construction of the second span.” The purpose of the $873 million Kosciuszko Bridge project is to replace the former 78-year-old bridge with two new ultramodern bridges. The work began at 8 a.m. today and showcases the economic growth of the city and its success in advancing its transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of the state (State of New York).
Happening on campus: The official crocheting and knitting club of Columbia, Gosh Yarn It!, meets tonight at 8 p.m. in 510 Lerner. Get a study break in and a head start to some homemade Christmas gifts!
Overheard: “I just can’t sacrifice my Lit Hum readings because I get too much FOMO.”
Image via Public Domain