1. Government shutdowns

At midnight on Friday, Jan. 19, the U.S. government shut down. Although the House of Representatives passed a short-term spending bill, lawmakers weren’t able to pass the bill in the Senate because there wasn’t a section on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Click here to learn more about the event.

2. Young promoted to new position

On Monday, Jan. 22, Geoffrey Young will take the interim assistant principal position after 18 years as an English teacher. Tom Beach retired as assistant principal on Friday, Jan. 19 after 21 years of service. Since Young teaches several English classes, including AP English Language and Composition, he will have a long-term substitute teacher to fill his spot. Despite Young’s absence in the classroom, he said he plans on being involved with the substitute and his students. Read more in issue 8 of the North Pointe here.

3. North Korea agrees to march with South Korean athletes at Winter Olympics

Instead of threatening countries, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, North Korea agreed to march with South Korean athletes at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (hosted by South Korea) opening ceremony under a unified flag. The two countries last marched under a unified flag during the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. The games begin on Friday, Feb. 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea where the country will welcome 22 North Korean athletes and 230 North Korean fans. Read more about the team here.

4. North American International Auto Show in Detroit opens to public

On Saturday, Jan. 20, the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center opened to the public. The event will run from Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 28 and showcases senior Adam Weinkauf’s poster that promotes the NAIS. Read more about Weinkauf’s design here. NAIAS showcases new cars like the 2019 Chevy Silverado, Ford Mustang Bullitt and Ram 1500. Check out a review of some displays here.

5. California parents hold 13 children captive

After years of abuse, David and Louise Turpin’s 17-year-old daughter escaped from their home in California and called 911 on Sunday, Jan. 14. She reported that her parents held her 12 siblings captive and chained to furniture. The children’s ages range from two to 29 years old. On Thursday, Jan. 18, both parents were charged for 12 counts of torture and the judge set their bail at $12 million each. Find more information here.