Five Things You Need to Know This Week(end): 9/12

Day of Verdict In The Trial Of Oscar Pistorius1.) Oscar Pistorius Found Guilty of Culpable Homicide

Famous South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been found innocent of killing his girlfriend, but has been found guilty of culpable homicide. This verdict is the equivalent to being found guilty of manslaughter in the U.S. After more than a year and a half, this ruling brings the media coverage of the trial to a near close.

On Feb. 14, 2013, Pistorius’ girlfriend Reeva Steencamp was shot and killed by Pistorius. According to Pistorius, he had thought he had heard an intruder in his house and after shooting through the bathroom door several times, opened it to see that the noise was, in fact, Steencamp.

Currently, Pistorius is out on bail until his sentencing hearing on Oct. 13.

2.) Obama Delivers Speech on Plans to Deal with ISIL

On Wednesday night, President Obama delivered his speech about the U.S.’s plan of action for dealing with Syria and ISIL. Obama announced his plans to begin airstrikes against both Iraq and Syria to combat the jihadist group. He has previously stated that “we will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country,” and on Wednesday night made the remark that the core principle of his presidency is: “if you threaten America, you will find no safe haven.”

Obama also stated that he has plans to bring 475 more American troops to Syria, bringing the total number to 1,700.


OUTSIDE LANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL3.) Kanye West Hospitalized Due to “Migraines”

Rapper Kanye West was rushed to a Melbourne hospital on Wednesday, only hours before he was set to perform. After playing basketball, West went to the emergency room due to suffering from “serious migraines.”

West has since left the hospital, even performing his scheduled show that night.

4.) Missouri Enacts 72-hour Waiting Period

The state of Missouri has enacted a 72-hour waiting period for any woman seeking an abortion in the state. The bill will take effect next month, and is a 48-hour increase from Missouri’s previous 24-hour waiting period. Missouri is the third U.S. state to enact a 72-hour waiting period, behind Utah and South Dakota.

Missouri’s new bill is the second most strict in the country, behind South Dakota, which does not include weekends or holidays in its waiting period. Utah, although enforcing the waiting period, makes exceptions for victims of rape and incest, while South Dakota and Missouri do not.

5.) Lancer Football Team Faces Off Against South

Despite reports that the Shawnee Mission South football team has improved this year, it is said that South still sucks.

Check out a full recap of the game here.

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