Writer’s Note: The following are only some of the newsworthy events that occurred during the month of September, and that these choices were not made with the intent of marginalizing, or detracting from the importance of, other current events.

Terror Attacks across the United States

September saw multiple instances of terror attacks across the country. A New Jersey man has been arrested in connection with two bombings (and two attempted bombings) in the tri-state area. One of explosions occurred in Seaside Park, N.J., and the other in the popular Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. More explosives were found in the suspect’s home in Elizabeth, N.J. and there is an ongoing investigation into the suspect, his motives, and if he acted alone. Across the country, in Minnesota, a man stabbed nine people until he was apprehended by an off-duty police officer. The Islamic State (ISIS) later claimed the man was a “soldier of the Islamic State.”

NCAA abandons North Carolina

On September 12, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a non-profit organization that regulates and organizes college athletic programs across the United States, announced relocation of all championship tournament games scheduled to be held in North Carolina in response the state’s controversial House Bill 2. The law, which nullified local anti-discrimination ordinances protecting the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons, has sparked criticism nationally. This affects prominent games such as the Division 1 men’s basketball tournament; in addition, certain NBA games such the 2017 All-Star Game have been moved out of North Carolina over the same law.

Law Enforcement Shootings

The month of September saw a spike in prominent law enforcement involved shootings of African Americans. Starting in Columbus, Ohio, Tyre King was shot to death by police officers after pulling out a BB gun, resembling one similar to what law enforcement use. Two days later, on September 16, Terence Crutcher was fatally shot by a police officer in Tulsa, Okla. It was discovered later he was unarmed, and the police officer involved is under criminal investigation. On September 20, Keith Lamont Scott was killed because police say he exited his vehicle with a firearm; riots followed in the days after the incident in Charlotte, N.C., at some points turning violent.

First Presidential Debate

Democratic Nominee for President Hillary Clinton and Republican Nominee Donald Trump faced off at Hofstra University on Long Island in a highly-anticipated first in a series of debates leading up to the 2016 Presidential Election. The candidates took turns discussing the economy, racism, gun control, and national security (among other things) during the debate. The next Presidential Debates are to be held on October 9 at Washington University in St. Louis and October 19 at the University of Nevada.