THE WEEK IN REVIEW: MAY 19-25, 2013

This is the Memorial Day weekend in the United States, where we pause to remember those who gave their lives protecting the freedoms of others.

Amongst events that have happened around the world this past week...
*CITIZENS OF MONTREAL, CANADA ARE BEING URGED TO BOIL THEIR WATER BEFORE USE AFTER SEDIMENT HAS BEEN FOUND IN THE CITY'S WATER SUPPLY.
*Sweden has suffered several days of internal turmoil; with many thinking they are a result of peoples feelings over unemployment levels, the current standards of education, and the current state of the police force.
*The African Union celebrated its 50th anniversary this week.
*Although a final vote has yet to be taken on the subject, the House of Commons has voted in favor of allowing same gender marriages in England and Wales.
*Author Lydia Davis has been awarded the 2013 Man Booker prize for literature.
*In the World Table Tennis Championship, Zhang Jike won the Men's singles and Li Xiaoxia won the Women's singles.
*Civil unrest continues in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and Syria.

IN NORTH KOREA:
*Swearing it is only protecting its borders, North Korea captured a Chinese fishing boat and is holding it for ransom. In light of this, a special envoy has been dispatched to China in hopes of easing the strained relations between the two countries.
*Meanwhile, North Korea confirmed a bird flu outbreak, with the death of over 160,000 ducks in Pyongyang.
*North Korea has also conducted more short range missile tests, keeping its neighbors on alert.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
*While thankfully not causing too many deaths, a tornado has devastated the town of Moore, Oklahoma; practically wiping the location out of existence.
*The United States Senate is closer to presenting an immigration reform bill that will eventually grant full citizenship to millions of illegally present, but otherwise law biding citizens.
*While the Boy Scouts of America has changed its guidelines to start accepting gay scouts, the organization will not allow gay scout leaders.
*Taylor Swift won eight awards, including Best Artist and Best Album at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards.
*Microsoft has announced the impending release of the new X-Box 1.

For more news at any time, either scroll down to our IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen or visit any other reputable news source.