The Presidents of America and Iran speak directly for the first time in 34 years
On Sept. 27 President of the United States Barack Obama and President of Iran Hasan Rouhani spoke directly via phone call about Iran’s nuclear program. This is the first time since 1979 that the Presidents of these two nations have spoken directly, and the communications may be showing progress on the two nations’ relationships.
Pakistan earthquake creates new island, death toll rises
Over 500 people have been killed by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in a remote area of southwest Pakistan. Over 700 people have been injured. A small island was created 600 yards off the southern coast due to the force of the earthquake. There was a 6.8 magnitude aftershock on Sept. 28 that killed at least 15 more people and destroyed the town of Nokjo. Thousands of people are homeless and many are feared to be trapped inside the rubble. Scientists are still trying to figure out the cause of the island forming.
Veteran Spanish war correspondent kidnapped in Syria
Marc Marginedas, a reporter for El Periodico de Catalunya, based out of Barcelona, has been missing since Sept. 4.He was last heard from by when he contacted his newspaper. El Periodico de Catalunya reported that it seems Marginedas was kidnapped by Jihadi combatants near the city of Hama in western Syria, however no group in Syria has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Italian journalist Domenico Quirico, who was kidnapped in Syria, was released on Sept. 8 after being held hostage for several months. Syria has been named the most dangerous place for journalists by Amnesty International. 32 Journalists have been killed and two dozen abducted in Syria in the past 12 months.
A women rows solo across the North Pacific for the first time
Sarah Outen, a 28-year-old from Britain, became the first woman to row solo across the North Pacific Ocean. She hit the Alaskan coastline in Adak on Sept. 24 and had her first human contact in 150 days and 3,750 miles at sea. Outen left Japan on April 27. Her boat capsized five times and almost hit a cargo ship after her radar failed. She also faced whiteout fog and exhaustion-induced hallucinations. While in the middle of the ocean, Outen became engaged with her girlfriend via satellite phone call.
