1. Obama presents speech

Obama addressed the recent terrorism attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California during his recent speech on Sunday. This was one of his rare prime-time speeches from the oval office: he has only made two others. He reassures the people of the United States that they will destroy the organizations trying to harm the country. “Let’s not forget that freedom is more powerful than fear,” Obama said during his speech. Watch the video for yourself at the Washington Post.

2. Department Of Justice opens investigation on Chicago police

A video from 14 months ago showing a fatal police shooting prompted this investigation, which began Monday, Dec. 7. The DOJ will be looking into whether the Chicago police have been using constitutional methods. If it is found that they are behaving improperly, the Justice Department will decide on what type of action they will need to take depending on the situation. To read more, see the full article here.

3. Venezuela wants to free prisoners

The ruling Socialist Party won only 46 seats of their 167 seats on the National Assembly. While the opposition won 99 of the remaining seats, all other seats are still being determined. One of the first things that citizens discussed being changed is the people currently in jail because of their opposition of the socialist government. With a stronger influence than that of the socialists, the opposition is looking to free those prisoners. Read about Venezuela’s election here.

4. Syria air strike denied

U.S.-led coalition airstrikes at an army camp in Deir al-Zour have caused some controversy in Syria. Although the camp contained a great influence of ISIS members, the airstrike was not authorized by the government controlling that area. When asked if they conducted the airstrike, the representative of the coalition denied having struck that area. To read more from the BBC, click here.

5.  Kendrick Lamar and the Grammys

Lamar’s third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, is all the hype for his 11 Grammy nominations. Joining him at the top with nominations are Taylor Swift and The Weekend with seven nominations each, and Alabama Shakes with six nominations. 1989, Beauty Behind the Madness, Traveller, and Sound and Color are all competing for that spot known as album of the year during the award ceremony Feb. 15, 2016. See a full list of the nominees here.