TODAY'S TALKING POINTS 09-24-15

TODAY'S TALKING POINTS

Colombia announced a groundbreaking peace agreement. The possibility of peace between the leftist rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, and the government means one of the longest wars ever could end. The conflict, which dates back to the 1960s, has killed more than 220,000 people and driven 6 million from their homes. The plan is to set up a court to try those guilty of war crimes and officially sign a peace deal within six months.

A massive stampede killed more than 300 near Mecca. The crush, which injured at least 450 others, happened during Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage. This isn't the first time tragedy has struck the ceremony — hundreds of participants have been killed in the past.

The European Union will front money for the migrant crisis. EU leaders agreed to send $1.1 billion to organizations helping refugees — welcome news since an even larger wave of displaced people could be on its way.

There’s serious fanfare around the pope — here’s what you should know. He’ll be all over the East Coast this week, so if you want to sneak a peek of him in your city or stalk his public events online, you can follow his schedule here. Also check out Slate’s infallible guide to Pope Francis’ visit.

The current pontiff is pretty chill compared to the former pope. He lives a much less lavish lifestyle and even ditched lunch with lawmakers Wednesday to dine with 300 people experiencing homelessness. Pope Francis stirred up controversy on his second day in the U.S. bymaking Junipero Serra a saint. Serra brought Christianity to California 300 years ago — but he also has been accused of helping kill thousands of Native Americans.

LA made history declaring a state of emergency over homelessness. With a population of nearly 26,000 unsheltered people, it’s the first city to ever declare homelessness a state of emergency. The declaration will make Los Angeles eligible for federal funds to help alleviate the worsening problem and possibly help shift their strategy toward a sustainable solution.