Ending months of speculation, Hillary Rodham Clinton announced via social media that she will run for the presidency in 2016. In the announcement posted on YouTube, Clinton said: “Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion.”

Clinton, 67, will be the third major party candidate to announce an official 2016 campaign. Should she win, the former first lady would be the first U.S. female president.

The former secretary of state is making her second bid for the White House. In 2008 she withdrew from the contest after Barack Obama took the lead in the primary elections.

A campaign insider told CNN that following the announcement Clinton will travel to New Hampshire and Iowa to woo voters. Both are paramount to presidential races as early-voting states. In 2008 Clinton finished third in Iowa.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll suggests a tight race for Clinton in Virginia, Colorado, and Iowa. Those swing states would be crucial for the Democratic frontrunner. The polling suggests a slight weakening in Clinton’s lead in comparison to her potential GOP contenders since polling in February.

While speaking to reporters Saturday in Panama President Obama said Clinton “will be very clear about her direction for the country” during her campaign.

To date she faces two Republican opponents, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-K.Y.), but that field is expected to widen as early as tomorrow when Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is expected to announce his candidacy. As many as 10 other potential GOP candidates may be waiting in the wings. Democrats who may enter the fray include former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, and former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee.

Clinton has faced a wave of criticism in the months leading up to her announcement regarding the use of her personal  email account while serving as secretary of state. House Republicans have been investigating Clinton over the deadly Benghazi attacks in 2012.

Related:

• Clinton’s official web site.

By Taylor Walker/ Jun Tsuboike 
BU News Service

A symphony of sweat and resilience echoes in a Lawrence basement as boxers enter the ring to fight Parkinson’s disease.

Rock Steady Boxing, an Indiana-based workout program came to New England due to a serendipitous meeting. In 2008 Greg Geheb was diagnosed with the progressive movement disorder. The former IBM specialist was introduced to the vigorous program on a family visit to Indianapolis. RockSteady aims to help Parkinson’s patients improve their mobility through non-contact boxing exercise.

“Parkinson’s patients need exercise. It’s like another drug to us,” said Geheb. “The first time I took the class I thought I would die, but I turned out loving it.”

Yearning to continue exercising, Geheb was given free boxing lessons at a Boston gym. The surprise gift led to him being coached by Al Latulippe, amateur boxing trainer.  Latulippe created exercises that Geheb says helped his balance, speed, and agility immensely .

As they continued to work out, Geheb told Latulippe about his experience with Rock Steady in Indianapolis. The duo later received certification as a Rock Steady affiliate and brought the program to Lawrence and Concord, New Hampshire.

Researchers say exercise is a key “medicine” for the chronic disease. Studies have shown that exercise may be “neuro-protective” and slow down the disease.

“This resonates with me,” says Geheb. “It feels good to hit something, to pound away your frustration.”

To learn more about Rock Steady Boxing’s training in the Boston area visit: Rocksteadyboxing.com

Final: New England 28, Seattle 24
Hundreds flock towards Kenmore Sq. to celebrate the New England Patriots Super Bowl victory.

BU News Service’s Taylor Walker recorded this time-lapse of the storm action along Boston’s Commonwealth Avenue.

By Taylor Walker
BU News Service

Ava DuVernay had 127 minutes to unfold the story of a movement that transformed America. Speaking before a packed cinema in Somerville Monday, the “Selma” director shared her thoughts about the film, the backlash over historical accuracy, and a controversial lack of Oscar nominations.

“I wasn’t really tripping about everything people are getting up and arms about,” said DuVernay in response to not being nominated for an Oscar for her direction of the film. “The sundae’s still good if there’s no cherry on top, it’s still delicious,” she said. The film has been nominated for best picture and best original song. 

Her film is a dish members of the audience thoroughly enjoyed judging by the standing ovation that they gave the director. Visiting Boston for the MLK Day screening and discussion moderated by Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., DuVernay said that the film created a needed discomfort.

“I am not here to rehabilitate or celebrate, I am just telling a story,” said DuVernay. “Selma” chronicles one historic battle in the fight for voting rights for African Americans in the South. “This is the first major picture with King at the center of his own story.”

Critics and historians have harped on the film’s depiction of President Lyndon B. Johnson, calling it inaccurate.

“I can only shrug and keep moving,” said DuVernay. “I will not allow this film to get strangled by that narrative.”

The director says her primary mission for movie-watchers is to not allow the film to wither from their minds upon exit. And for critics she made one blunt declaration: It is done, it’s in the world, and you’re just going to have to deal with it.

The event was sponsored by Harvard’s Hutchins Center for African & African American Research.

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Big names, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, championed Martha Coakley’s bid to become the next governor of Massachusetts on Friday. U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey also spoke at the Boston campaign rally. Taylor Walker reports. (Photo by Ann Wang/BU News Service)