The year is coming to an end as the last month has rolled in. 2016 has been full of surprises and despite the nearing end, it still manages to give us news that we’ve either only 0heard parts of or present new stories altogether. It is the season for giving, and we here at 5 Things to Know have the pleasure of sharing information of current events around the world. So sit back, and we’ll get you up to speed in 5 minutes!

1)  Myanmar

The leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi states that national reconciliation is unavoidable against the Rohingya. “We do not want our country to be unstable. But we’ve had a long history of disunity within our nation,” states Suu Kyi at the International Enterprise Singapore Global Conversations event. “So national reconciliation is unavoidably important for us. It’s not a matter of choice. It’s unavoidable.” Suu Kyi says that only way to progress as a united nation is to progress, to prove to people that in order to develop, a country must progress in unity.

2) Colombian Plane Crash

A charter flight carrying the members of the football Chapecoense or Brazil crashed on the way to their biggest game yet on Monday. From a small football club to national heroes, the story of the football team ends in tragedy. Only 6 people have survived the crash. They were on the way to play against Colombia’s Atletico Nacional with the dream of attaining the Cup. “Just as we had made it, I will not say to the top, but to have national prominence, a tragedy like this happens. It is very difficult, a very great tragedy. We have to trust in God.” says Ivan Tozzo,  Chapecoense vice president.

3) Fidel Castro

Cuban Revolutionary Fidel Castro died last weekend at the age of 90 years old. He led Cuba for nearly 5 decades, defying attacks against the U.S. At the height of the Cold War, he installed the only Communist state in the Western Hemisphere. “For us, he was like a father. And Cuba sees him as a father. One woman just called crying and saying she had lost her father. Everyone feels it.” says Angel Daniel Castro, a nephew of Fidel Castro’s.

4) Mosul

The battle against ISIS continues in Mosul, and the civilians in the area are the ones experiencing the most pain. “Look world, this is my daughter,” Omar Ali cries at the loss of his 18-month-old daughter. “What did she do wrong? She’s gone. She was just playing. She’s gone from me and she’s my only child.” ISIS have no other motive than to attack civilians, as they are the easiest to target. The Iraqi government and the military advised civilians of Mosul to stay in their homes as if they are transported to refugee camps, aid groups may not have the capability to address everyone.

5) Charlotte 

Remember the case of Keith Lamont Scott? He was a 43-year-old African-American, claimed to be unarmed when he was fatally shot by a police officer in September. This sparked protests for justice against the police department, which were mainly driven by Scott’s family members. The videos released by the police and Scott’s wife have been inconclusive. It was claimed recently that the officer who shot Scott will not face any charges, as his fatal shooting of Scott was justified. Prosecutors have revealed surveillance footage showing Scott having a holstered gun on his ankle. “No matter where you stand on the issue, the events surrounding the Scott shooting have forever changed our community, and we intend to learn from and build a stronger Charlotte because of it.” says the Charlotte Police.