5 Things You Need To Know

Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD – APRIL 27: Baltimore Police form a parimeter around a CVS pharmacy that was looted and burned near the corner of Pennsylvania and North avenues during violent protests following the funeral of Freddie Gray April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. Gray, 25, who was arrested for possessing a switch blade knife April 12 outside the Gilmor Homes housing project on Baltimore’s west side. According to his attorney, Gray died a week later in the hospital from a severe spinal cord injury he received while in police custody. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

When it comes to what is going on in the news, there are a few topics that everyone should be familiar with. Here is a list of five current events and terms that will make you more knowledgeable about the world around you.

 

  1. Nepal Earthquake

An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 hit Nepal on April 25, triggering a deadly avalanche on Mount Everest and causing aftershocks with magnitudes as high as 7.3. The earthquake killed more than 8,500 people and injured more than 21,000 people.

 

  1. Baltimore Riots

Protesting in Baltimore began on April 18 after Freddie Gray died of injuries sustained in police custody. The protesting escalated and became violent on April 25, causing the Maryland’s governor to activate the National Guard in the city.

 

  1. Flooding in Texas

Heavy rain in Texas and Oklahoma in late May has led to flooding and has also led to the deaths of at least 23 people.

 

  1. S. Drone Strike Kills Hostages

On Thursday, April 23, President Obama announced that drone strikes on an Al Qaeda compound killed two hostages, including Warren Weinstein, an American aid worker. The president offered his apologies to the families of the victims during his announcement.

 

  1. Hundreds of Migrants Die in Ship Capsizing

A ship carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Libya on April 19. An estimated 700 people died in the accident, potentially making it the deadliest migrant disaster in Mediterranean history.