5 Things that happened last week
February 1, 2016
- Zika virus is rapidly spreading throughout the world. Spread by mosquitoes, it is a typically mild disease with hard to spot symptoms. However, the biggest victim of Zika is the child born from a woman who has contracted it. These babies are reported to have microcephaly, or an abnormally small head that is linked to a lack of brain growth, which can lead to serious problems like epilepsy, sensory problems, and learning disabilities.
- Barbie is getting a new body to promote healthy and diverse bodies. Mattel, Barbie’s creator, announced that 33 new dolls will be in stores on March 1. People can now choose from four body types: original, petite, tall, and curvy. Last year, Mattel released 23 dolls with different skin tones.
- Feb. 1 is the Iowa caucuses, kicking off the start of countrywide caucuses and primaries. In the caucuses, both Republican and Democratic individuals begin to choose the candidate for their party. Michigan’s open primaries are March 8.
- Donald Trump failed to show up at Fox News GOP debate on Thursday. He felt that mediator Megyn Kelly was attacking him in a previous debate, and refused to participate after discovering that she was going to one of the mediators. He hosted his own “debate” to boast about his plans on making America great again.
- Former One Direction member Zayn Malik released his debut single midnight on Friday. Titled “Pillow Talk”, the song channels a distinct R&B sound, much different from his previous band’s sound. It has topped charts in 60 countries, and the video, debuted at the same time, has 13 million views as well.
