Current Events

How social media affects protest movements: It’s complicated

Source: Gigaom

According to research by sociologist Zeynep Tufekci, the power of social media in protest movements is a double-edged sword.

Einstein’s gravitational waves ‘seen’ from black holes

Source: BBC

In a breakthrough being compared to the first time Galileo looked through a telescope, researchers have recently detected gravitational waves that originated over a billion light-years from Earth. Learn about this new way of looking at the universe.

Three Clergymen, Three Faiths, One Relationship

Source: The New York Times

Religious differences don’t have to be either glossed over or insurmountable, as three “interfaith amigos” demonstrate in discussions across the country.

Saudi Arabia elects up to 17 female councilors in historic election

Source: The Guardian

Women in Saudi Arabia must be accompanied by a male chaperone anytime they leave the house and must be covered from head to toe; however, they recently gained the right to vote and run for municipal council seats. Read about this small step toward liberty.

Fast-food workers strike, seeking $15 wage, political muscle

Source: CNBC

In an attempt to raise the minimum wage, low-wage employees have staged protests in cities across the United States.

Anti-violence programs shut down as Chicago shootings climb

Source: Chicago Tribune

Read why CeaseFire, the organization featured in the 2011 documentary The Interrupters, has stopped receiving funding from the Illinois legislature and about the effects that has had.