Children abducted from South Sudan school
On Feb. 21, near Malakal, South Sudan, an armed group of militants abducted at least 89 young boys and six teachers from a school. South Sudan has been in conflict since December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy of trying to overthrow him. Both sides have formed militias and conducted mass killings since. It is believed that the boys were kidnapped to become child soldiers in the civil war.
Texas prison inmates riot
Nearly 2,000 men rioted at the Willacy County Correctional Center in south Texas on Feb. 20 and took control until the following day. The inmates used pipes as weapons and claimed they planned the riot because the prison was not properly meeting their medical needs. It was reported that the inmates damaged the plumbing and heating and cooling systems to make the prison uninhabitable. All prisoners are in the process of being transferred to other prisons this week.
Prosecutors claim they dismantled Colombian rebel group
Colombian prosecutors stated they broke apart a gang that has reportedly kidnapped people and sold them to the Marxist ELN rebel group. Twelve people were arrested on suspicion of association with the gang, including a local councilor. It is suspected that the gang is responsible for at least six kidnappings in Colombia. The ELN, or National Liberation Army, is the country’s second largest rebel group, and it is said to have approximately 1,500 active fighters.
Australia toughens citizenship laws to target domestic extremists
Tony Abbott, Australian prime minister, stated that he will toughen citizenship laws to fight off terrorism. Citizenship for dual nationals involved in terrorism could be suspended or revoked, and native Australians could lose some privileges if they break anti-terror laws. The laws were made after it was established that the country is facing an increasing security threat from radical Islamists.
Alaska legalizes marijuana
On Feb. 24, Alaska joined Colorado, Washington and Washington D.C. in legalizing recreational marijuana use. The legislative limits provide that marijuana is only permitted to those who are 21 or older, people cannot carry more than one ounce of marijuana, no more than four ounces can be harvested in homes, and consumers cannot use the substance in public or while diving.
Mall proposed for Miami-Dade County
Developer Triple Five, the company behind Mall of America, has proposed the construction of a 200-acre mall in northwestern Miami-Dade County. The project, currently called American Dream Miami, would include a mini Lego theme park, a water park, a skating rink, simulated ski slopes and submarine rides and would cost $4 billion to build. Developer Triple Five predicts the project would create 25,000 construction jobs and 25,000 jobs in the attraction. If approved, the mall would be the largest in the nation.
