ELISHA VALLADARES-CORMIER
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
National
O’Reilly Ousted at Fox News
Conservative pundit Bill O’Reilly, known for his often fiery commentary on the ‘O’Reilly Factor,” was forced out of his prime time slot on Fox News after a series of sexual harassment com-plaints were made against O’Reilly. According to the complaints, O’Reilly made crude and sexual comments to several women throughout his two-decade career as one of the most recognized conservative faces in the country. This is the second high profile sexual harassment case to hit Fox News, as former Fox News president Roger Ailes was also accused of sexual harassment and was forced to resign his post. O’Reilly maintains his innocence and been defended by Presi-dent Donald Trump. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/19/business/media/bill-oreilly-fox-news-allega-tions.html?_r=0
Arkansas Executes First Inmate Since 2005
The state of Arkansas carried out its first execution in since 2005 on April 20 after the United States Supreme Court allowed the state to carry on. The executed inmate, Ledell Lee, has been on death row since 1995, when he was sentenced to death for beating a woman to death with a tire thumper. According to reports by the Associated Press, Lee received Holy Communion as his final meal and did not make a final statement. He was pronounced dead around fifteen minutes after been injected with various chemicals. Two more Arkansas inmates are scheduled for execution on April 24, and another on April 27. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-arkansas-appeal-order-drug-ownership-46912461
President signs ‘Buy American, Hire American’ Executive Order
President Donald Trump signed an executive order early last week which he promises will “ag-gressively promote and use American-made goods and to ensure that American labor is hired to do the job.” The order, which Trump signed after making an appearance at Wisconsin-based tool manufacturer, will attempt to increase protections for some American-made goods and asks that a review be made of the H-1B work visas for skilled foreign workers so as to refine the program. This is a needed boost to the president’s agenda, coming after several setbacks to his administra-tion closes in on 100 days in office, including a failed plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act of 2010. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2017/04/18/trump-signs-buy-american-hire-american-executive-order-promising-to-fight-for-american-work-ers/?utm_term=.e7656dd94368
International
Venezuela Struggles as 12 Die Overnight
The political crisis in the country of Venezuela has continued to spiral out of control, as at least 12 people were killed on the night of April 20 during a period of looting and violence. Protesters had been gathering in the streets for the previous two days to protest the socialist regime of Pres-ident Nicolas Maduro. The outrage was sparked by a decision made by the nation’s Supreme Court, which is controlled by Maduro’s supporters, to strip the legislative body of all its powers, effectively eliminating the opposition party from the government. Several Latin American coun-tries have spoken out against Venezuela, calling on it to increase democratic order and halt the ongoing violence. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/venezuela-opposition-plans-silent-procession-road-sit-ins-46929342
Seven Electrocuted During Manchester United Match
At least seven people were killed in the Nigerian port city of Calabar while watching Manchester United’s April 20 match versus Anderlecht. The incident allegedly occurred after a high tension electricity cable fell on top of the zinc house where people had congregated to watch the highly anticipated Europa League quarter-final. Originally, local news sources reported that thirty fans had died, but authorities later confirmed that seven people had died and ten more were seriously injured. Both Manchester United and Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari gave their condo-lences to the families of the victims. http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/21/africa/nigeria-electrocution-manchester-united/index.html
Gunman Kills Police Officer in Paris
A police officer was killed April 20 by a gunman later reported to be a member of ISIS by the terror organization’s media branch. The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. local time when a man emerged from a stopped car and opened fire into a police van, killing one officer. The man then ran off and wounded two more police officers before other policemen were able to shoot and kill the attacker. The attacker had been on the French government’s radar for a past incident of shooting an officer. The attack occurred just days before the beginning of France’s presidential and general elections. In a statement, French President Francois Hollande called the event a “cowardly massacre” and promised that “our citizens will be protected.” http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/20/europe/champs-elyses-in-paris-closed/