It was a cold week in Evanston, but at least we had a fantastic week of political news to warm our hearts. Well, maybe it wasn’t fantastic, but there sure was a lot to talk about. From Venezuela to Washington, here are some of the week’s top stories.
Crisis in Venezuela
Nicolas Maduro, who won a widely denounced presidential election in May, now faces political opposition from Juan Guiaidó, the president of Venezuela’s national assembly. The U.S. and other democratic countries have supported the rebellion against the incumbent, while China and Russia have backed Maduro.
Intel report
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released a report on Tuesday outlining what they believe to be the gravest threats to U.S. national security. The report included mention of climate change, ISIS’s continued activity, denunciation of Russian election interference and caution about North Korean intentions, seemingly contradicting some of the Trump administration’s stances.
It was f%@*ing cold
Temperatures in Evanston and Chicago reached record lows on Wednesday, clocking in at 23 below before windchill. The cold caused power outages throughout Evanston and public health concerns in the Chicago area as four people lost their lives due to the freeze. Northwestern classes were cancelled from Tuesday night through Thursday morning. This was only the 7th time the University closed for weather in the past century.
Yup, more presidential candidates
Cory Booker (Sen.-NJ) announced that he will run for president in 2020 with this video. He was joined this week by former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, who is considering a run for president as an Independent. Schultz’s announcement provoked debate about the consequences of an Independent run that could potentially split Democratic voters.
Controversy over Virginia governor’s yearbook
A photo surfaced this week from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook depicting two young men, one in black face and one dressed like a member of the KKK. Public outrage has not done much to persuade Northam, who now says he is not either man in the photo and will not resign.
Not them again
The Patriots won their third Super Bowl in five years on Sunday, joining the Steelers as the only two franchises with six total championships. It was the lowest scoring Super Bowl of all time, with a combined 16 points.