World Briefs (10/1)

International

France launches airstrikes in Syria

France has carried out its first airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Syria. French planes destroyed a training camp in the eastern town of Deir al-Zour, according to BBC News.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has announced plans to help bring the internet to UN refugee camps.

Speaking at a UN forum in New York, Zuckerberg said the internet would help refugees access aid and maintain family links. He also said Facebook would be part of a new campaign to make the internet available to everyone on earth within five years.

National

US Speaker John Boehner to quit Congress

US House Speaker John Boehner will resign from his leadership position and give up his seat at the end of Oct. According to BBC News, Boehner made the decision while praying on Sept.25 – a day after hosting Pope Francis at Congress.

Armstrong settles $10m dispute

Lance Armstrong has settled a 10-year dispute with an insurance firm over the repayment of $10m paid to the cyclist before he admitted to doping. He received the money from SCA Promotions Inc in relation to his seven Tour de France victories.

Local

MIT student builds real-time MBTA map into wall using LED lights

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) junior Ian Reynolds has built onto his fraternity room wall a map of the T that shows real-time locations of the vehicles using vibrant LED lights. The LED lights indicate where MBTA trains are in real time.

Boston College hosts climate change conference

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey and White House Science Policy Chief John Holdren are coming to Boston College to discuss Pope Francis and the environment. The Mass. Democrat and Holdren are featured speakers Mon., the first day of Boston College’s conference on the pope’s sweeping climate change encyclical.

Stephanie Dawber is the Editor-in-Chief for The Comment. Follow her on Twitter @StephanieDawber.