Five Things You Need to Know: Feb. 9

1.) Islamic State and Jordan square off

After releasing a video showing a Jordanian pilot burned alive, the Islamic State is coming under heavy fire from Jordan. Although the country had already been launching air strikes on the Islamic State, Jordan doubled its efforts after the country reared in protest to the graphic video.

Already, Jordan has provided 20 percent of the air strikes from the US-backed coalition attacking the Islamic State. However, public outrage over the open attack on a Jordanian led to increased assault on Raqqa, an Islamic State stronghold in Syria. Over three days, Jordan has carried out 56 air strikes in the area.

2.) Brian Williams steps down

“NBC Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams stepped down this weekend after reports were released that he fabricated parts of his accounts of the war in Iraq. Since early in his career as an anchor, Williams related a story of being shot down in a helicopter and narrowly surviving. He used the story to express his gratitude to the soldiers who defended his life while he reported in Iraq.

However, several soldiers have spoken out, saying that Williams made up the entire anecdote. Although he did arrive in Iraq by helicopter, his vehicle was never shot down. This first revelation led to further investigation of Williams’ past anecdotes. Another story — relating how bodies were floating down a street in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit — has similarly been discredited.

Williams’ future at NBC is uncertain. However, he has taken a temporary leave of absence as further investigations continue.

3.) Sam Smith dominates Grammy’s

The 57th Annual Grammy’s took place last night, with Sam Smith taking home the biggest prizes. Smith took home four awards, including “Best New Artist,” “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year.”

Here is a list of the highlights of the night:

Album of the Year — Beck, “Morning Phase”
Best Pop Duo — A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera, “Say Something”
Best Pop Solo Performance — Pharrell Williams, “Happy”
Best Rap Album — Eminem, “The Marshall Mathers LP2”
Best Song Written for Visual Media — “Let It Go”
Best Country Solo Performance — Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water”

4.) Brownback to cut education
Last week, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced new budget cuts which will include $44.5 million from state education. The announcement made major waves throughout the state, as schools released statements and petitions against the cuts. The cuts do not only affect high schools. State schools such as Wichita State University and the University of Kansas will suffer million-dollar cuts if the budget stands.

5.) Sweetheart Dance festivities begin

Today kicks off a full week of Sweetheart Dance festivities throughout the school, starting with Spirit Week. At the Friday basketball game, the Sweetheart Queens will be crowned, and the Kings will be crowned at the dance the next night.

Here are the themes for spirit week:

Monday – PJ Day
Tuesday – KC Day
Wednesday – Tropical Day
Thursday, – Jersey Day
Friday – Lancer Day

Still need to buy WPA boutonnieres? The Lancer Dancers are selling them throughout this week. Follow this link to order one.