Gitmo Transfer by Matthew Homsher 9th

Summary: The Pentagon is planning to transfer Guantanamo Bay detainees to two other countries that have agreed to take them. There are currently 91 detainees in Guantanamo Bay and most have been held without a trial for nearly a decade. There is one detainee from Yemen who is currently on a hunger strike and has lost nearly half of his body weight. The transfers are part of President Obama’s latest attempt to close the U.S. military facility in Guantanamo Bay. When he proposed the idea last month to have Gitmo closed outright, it was quickly blocked by the republican congress. Obama is also considering an Executive Action to bypass the Republican congress and have the detainees sent to the mainland.

Synopsis: It’s great that President Obama is making good on his promise to close Guantanamo Bay. It would definitely improve relations between the United States and Cuba. The idea that Congress dismissed the idea so quickly shows how deeply the bipartisan divide runs in our government.  However, it is also understandable that the idea of having confirmed terrorists shipped to the mainland does not sound appealing. It would be preferable to build another maximum security prison away from the mainland and have the detainees shipped there instead of spreading them out over the federal prisons of the United States. That way, at least, all the bad apples are kept in one basket.

For more information, click on the link below:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/mar/31/pentagon-moves-to-transfer-a-dozen-more-gitmo-deta/

  

"Five Top Female Players Accuse U.S. Soccer of Wage Discrimination" By Lisl Wangermann Period 1

Andrew Das' article "Five Top Female Players Accuse U.S. Soccer of Wage Discrimination" was published by the New York Times on March 31, 2016. Soccer players Carli Lloyd, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgen, Megan Rapinoe, and Hope Solo have filed a federal complaint against U.S. Soccer, saying that they are paid less than their male counterparts. Not only do they believe this is inherently wrong, but they also claim that because they have been more successful than the men's team and have produced most of the revenue for U.S. Soccer in recent years, they deserve to at least be paid the same amount if not more. This is a culmination of tensions that have been growing between the team and the corporation, and U.S. Soccer is expected to fight strongly against this accusation. Wage differences between male and female teams have been a hotly contended issue recently because men's teams are usually more successful, but in sports like U.S. soccer and figure skating, female viewership far outranks that of men, making this a tricky subject to make a fair judgement on.

This relates directly to the feminist movement in the 70s, during which one of the things women like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem worked for was equal pay for women and men. Groups like the National Organization of Women staged protests and sit-ins and spoke out across the country to get equal rights for women. Now, forty years later, women still on average earn less than men. This topic has been discussed by many but I would highly recommend a video by John Green in which he discusses the gender pay gap in depth and examines some of the causes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/01/sports/soccer/uswnt-us-women-carli-lloyd-alex-morgan-hope-solo-complain.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it0EYBBl5LI

Burglar takes burgers, not money by M'Lynn Musgrove

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/11/us/five-guys-dc-burglary/index.html

A five guys restaurant in Washington DC was robbed, however not in the usual way. A man reportedly robbed the restaurant and took food and not money. "He then rummaged through the establishment, cooked food, and stole bottled water before leaving the restaurant." The man was obviously just a little hungry and was probably homeless. :(

This is so funny! When you think about it, why does food cost money anyways? Food is something we need to nourish our body and to live. However, here in America and many other countries, we must literally pay every day to exist. Is it really that bad if this man took his life into his own hands and fought for what he wanted? Heck no. Let him eat! Af!

"TV station fires anchor Wendy Bell over ‘young black men’ Facebook post"- Leah Messinger (period 1)

    The article that I read this week discuses how a Pittsburgh television station decided to fire their news anchor, Wendy Bell, because of some racist comments that she had made on her Facebook page. Bell's comment about the "young black men" offended many and even started a trend on twitter. Hearst Television made sure to apologize and mention how Bell's comments were "inconsistent with the company's ethics and journalistic standards." By firing Wendy, WTAE-TV showed that they were able to acknowledge one of their own employees' inappropriate statements and show respect to those offended. Although we try so hard to eliminate discrimination, it still exists very abundantly in the world. It is up to how situations like this are handled and not blowing them out of proportion in the process. Hopefully Wendy and others can learn from her mistakes and realize that what you say may not always be interpreted like you meant it and can end up hurting someone in the process.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/03/31/tv-station-ends-relationship-anchor-after-online-post/82458036/

Trump reverses statement on women and abortion after outcry

 

 Trump reverses statement on women and abortion after outcry

North Carolina Attorny Refuses to Defend Anti-LGBT+ Bathroom Law (Bella Di Fazio 8th)

In North Carolina, a law was recently passed that enforced people to use the bathroom that corresponds with their sex, not their gender identity. Attorney General Roy Cooper said that he his against this law, not only because of its effect economically (because this discrimination could drive away tourists), but because it is a discriminatory law.

This is very similar to the laws passed in the 60s that restricted people in certain places because of their race. Even though this news is not especially popular, it still demands attention because everyone deserves the freedom of self expression and an equal life no matter what part of the LGBT+ community they're in. Hopefully, this story will bring into light the other discriminations LGBT+ people face, like being denied a marriage license or adoption refusal.

http://money.cnn.com/2016/03/29/news/companies/north-carolina-attorney-general-bathroom-law/index.html

Mouse Head Found in Can of Green Beans Alexis Williams

               Oklahoma couple Andrew and Chelsea Belfower went grocery shopping at their local grocery store Saturday before Easter. When preparing the Easter dinner they discovered a rodent in their can of green beans. They bought about 8 cans of Best choice Fancy Cut Green Beans. By the fourth can they noticed something fall into their crock pot and what they found was not at all what they expected. Andrew noticed it first and picked it up and threw it. It was the head and Leg of a mouse! The couple was afraid the rest of the rodent was floating around in another can of green beans. They filed a complaint at the grocery store and the manger took the rest of Best Choice Fancy Cut Green Beans off the shelf.
              This connects with the Pure Food and Drug Act passed in 1906. This act prevented the sake, transportation, of misbranded, poisonous, and/or deleterious foods. I think it's completely disgusting that they found that in their food.This Food and Drug Act should protect us from that. However something must have gone wrong when this was being processed and such. I would sue.

http://kfor.com/2016/03/27/what-is-that-oklahoma-family-alarmed-after-finding-dead-mouse-in-can-of-green-beans/

Women for Trump: Supporters stand firm despite outbursts By sGregory Krieg and Martin Edwards (Zoe Roberts, 3rd Period)

Summary--A CNN poll showed that 3 to 4 women hold a favorable view of the Republican Front runner Donald Trump. A band of well educated mormon women, led by Eileen Edgar, refer to themselves as, "The Group" and are fiercely loyal Trump supporters. Members of, "The Group" told CNN that they support Trump despite his comments about women because he is the only candidate who is truly transparent, who loves his country more than anyone and who actually does respect women. When asked about the recent twitter fight between Trump and Cruz the women agreed that candidates should be sticking to the real issues at hand, but all blamed Cruz for the fight. Whatever the slander the women vowed to stay with Trump due to his "personality".

Analysis--This is a lot like the reaction to the feminist movements of the sixties. While many women came together to fight what they perceived as sexism and injustice, other women fought against them. As women came together to fight for gender equality and an end to sexism, women also came together to fight to keep women in the kitchen and with the children. Throughout history, to every movement of women against the patriarchy there is also a movement of women for the patriarchy.
Source-http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/politics/women-voters-donald-trump-ted-cruz/index.html

Capitol shooting: Suspect in custody Desiree smith period 4

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/politics/u-s-capitol-and-white-house-on-lockdown/index.htm

A female civilian bystander was injured by shrapnelNo U.S. Capitol Police officers were injured. A female civilian bystander was injured by shrapnel, but no U.S. Capitol Police officers were injured. "We believe this is an act of a single person who has frequented the Capitol grounds before, and there is no reason to believe this is anything more than a criminal act," said Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa during a brief news conference. The gunman attempted to go through the metal detectors at the Capitol Visitor Center entrance. A Capitol police officer then shot him, sources told CNN. The Capitol complex was locked down for nearly an hour following the incident.

"Per USCP, shelter in place has been lifted and the Capitol is open for official business only. Capitol Visitor Center remains closed," the Senate Sergeant at Arms tweeted. "There has been an isolated incident at the U.S. Capitol. There is no active threat to the public," the D.C. Police Department tweeted.Those outside the buildings on the Capitol complex were told to "Seek cover away from the area."Most lawmakers were away from the Capitol on Monday. The White House also briefly closed its North and South fence lines as a precautionary measure after the Capitol incident.

Gardening coral =healthy oceans-Bethany Wolfe 3rd

Summary:
Ken Nedimyer, founder of Coral Restoration foundation and sea-farmer, is taking steps to make the oceans happier and healthier. He developed the process of growing coral off-shore and replanting it on reefs. His hopes are to encourage the coral to reproduce on its own after forming a small colony (several branches) on the farm.
Analysis:
Because coral is a vital part of marine ecosystems, the reality of its disappearance is awful. However, Nedimyer, among others, works to aid the ocean rather than watch it die. This corresponds to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, enacted in 1972, which works to preserve marine habitats and wildlife.

http://www.greatbigstory.com/stories/healing-the-ocean-with-a-garden-of-coral?iid=ob_homepage_showcase_pool-test&iref=obnetwork

Cuba Is Not The Enemy // Uriel Cruz, Period 6

  After realizing Calvin Coolidge is the only President to have ever visited Cuba while in office, Obama decided to dig up his bucket hat and fly to Cuba. Obama is the second President to visit Cuba while in office, succeeding Coolidge 88 years later. Jimmy Carter has been to Cuba but he doesn't count because he wasn't the President during his visit.
  The President of Cuba, Raul Castro, and Barack Obama are working things out so the US' embargo on Cuba could finally be lifted and Cuba and the US could work together once again. Although Cuba is still communist, the two countries have acknowledged their differences and are putting them aside so that they can work together again.
  The US hasn't had much contact with Cuba since JFK signed off on the Cuba embargo in 1962 after Soviet missiles were found on the island. Now that 54 years have passed, the Soviet Union has collapsed, and JFK has been assassinated, the US wants to let Cuba back in. I think the US should lift its embargo and work things out with Cuba, unlike Fidel Castro who wants nothing to do with the US (conservative connection)

Fidel Castro BLASTS Obama's Trip // http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/politics/cuba-fidel-castro-blasts-obama-trip/index.htmla

Apples Encryption Struggle Reaches a Cease fire-Molly Mitchell 5th

Summary:

Apple and the FBI have lately been in a heated dispute over phone security, to bypass the phone of a terrorist who participated in the December 2015 terrorist attack killing 14 people, the FBI requested Apple create a software they could use to get in the phone. To their surprise, Apple blatantly refused, saying that creating such a software would undermine years of work on security enhancement and would place millions of people at risk of having others see their private information. Although the FBI claims it would only be a one time thing, Apple still refused and the case was brought to court. As of recent, the FBI has revealed that they actually no longer need Apple's support because they have been able to get in without them through an unnamed third party, and the case has been dropped.

Analysis:

This subject is a bit confusing for me in terms of which side I'm on, immediately I agree with Apple, yes it is a breach of privacy if the FBI has immediate access to everyones phone and would definitely be negative, but the expense of safety is high, and one must think to themselves "does this remind me of a George Orwell novel?" if so, it may not be the right decision.

Source:

http://money.cnn.com/2016/03/28/news/companies/fbi-apple-iphone-case-cracked/index.html

Angelique Flores 9th Attack in Brussels

summary:  March 22, 2016 three planned bombings took place in Belgium, Two at a Brussels airport and the third at a Brussels metro station. In these attacks a estimated amount of Thirty-five victims and Three suicide bombers were killed, and over 300 were injured.  The  Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant later took full responsibility of the attacks.  The bombings were the deadliest act of terrorism in the history of Belgium. The Belgian government declared Three days of national mourning. There was a third bomb found in the Brussels airport but was detonated by the police before it could go off.


Analysis: The Brussels attack that took place shook the Nation. Panic occurred amongst many different countries. They began to worry about if an attack would occur in their regions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Brussels_bombings

Homeless provided with reliable food resource / Maddie Hanratty 8th

          An Indian cafe named Pappadavada in Kerala, India has extended the borders of its restaurant out onto the sidewalk in front of its store. The restaurant is opening a fridge to the homeless community in the area that will be open 24/7 and will be stocked with at least 50 meals per day, plus donated meals provided by Pappadavada's guests.

          For a small cafe to put so much into a great cause is pretty remarkable, and is a great solution for unsold meals that are still fresh. The owner, Minu Pauline, seems like a positive influence on her city and I hope her actions inspire other cafes, restaurants, etc. to do the same.

          Homelessness soared during the Great Depression in such high numbers that "Hoovervilles" sprung up all across the U.S., being highly concentrated in Washington. Hoovervilles were homeless "towns" that were named after Herbert Hoover to place blame on him during times of such scarcity. Today, housing is still a problem, but hunger is a greater threat to many American families, and I have confidence that places like Pappadavada will catch on to help.

Link here

Neonatal abstinence syndrome rising - Kate Fehan 8th Period

Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a syndrome caused by maternal drug use and it is on the rise in the US. Babies are born addicted to opioids, which causes health problems like irritability, tremors, and seizures. Current treatment varies and can include weaning them off with methadone or morphine, but there isn't enough research to know what's best. While urban hospitals all report the amount of cases growing, exact numbers are hard to come by, so treatment is difficult. The effects of maternal drugs use first became widely known in the 1970s, partly because of increased drub use in the US. Even though it's been nearly 40 years, treatment for infants hasn't gotten much better. Before we can improve treatment, we need to gather more information from the state departments of health.

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/03/28/471308462/a-crisis-with-scant-data-states-move-to-count-drug-dependent-babies

Emily Rosuck 4th - North Carolina Sued for Anti-Trangender Bill

There is currently a federal lawsuit going on over North Carolina's recent bill that only allows people into bathrooms of their biological gender. This law also stops cities from passing anti-discrimination ordinances to protect gay and transgender people. This poses the obvious issue of discrimination, gay and transgender people are not protected against discrimination in the workplace, bathrooms, or any public environment. This means that people can be turned down from jobs or denied various public services solely because of their gender identity.
The case to pass the bill, according to state legislation, is that if this law doesn't go into effect, as of right now "it would have allowed a man to go into a bathroom, locker or any changing facility, where women are -- even if he was a man. We were concerned. Obviously there is the security risk of a sexual predator, but there is the issue of privacy." While this may be a valid point on the issue of breeches of security, any person could break any law. Furthermore, this passing of this bill causes many other problems for the transgender community. A transgender highschooler in North Carolina recently spoke out about how the passing of this law would affect him directly. He stated that if she uses the girl's restroom, which is his biological gender, other girl's will get freaked out, as they have in the past, because they think there's a boy in the girl's restroom.  This law sets America back decades in social progression and acceptance. 

This law is like that of Jim Crow laws, which were put into effect right after amendments that were meant to help black people progress socially. The Jim Crow laws left black people unprotected against racial discrimination, could be denied public services due to race, and allowed white people to make them drink and eat and sit in "black only" designated areas. Now that America has progressed thus far, for the most part, people see how ridiculous those laws were. The same thing is happening right now in North Carolina and Americans should be ashamed of themselves for putting such hateful  and malicious people into positions of power. 


http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/us/north-carolina-gender-bathroom-lawsuit/index.html

Cameron Eisenberg- Georgia governor vetoes anti-LGBT law

House Bill 757 would have allowed religious organizations the right to turn away people based on sexual presences and if you were transgender. Supporters claimed it was protecting religious freedom while Opponents called it Anti-LGBT. Earlier today Georgia Governor Nathan Deal vetoed the law, because "Georgia is a welcoming state...I intend to do my part to keep it that way". I'm glad that Georgia agreed against this law. This fight for LGBT laws is like the Civil Rights movement. This can be compared to Brown vs Board of education, or the Civil Rights Act of 1968, both of which denounced segregation and agreed people shouldn't be hired based on race. Similarly, this can be compared to the Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage, saying marriage shouldn't be based on gender. Hopefully, the rest of America will follow Georgia's example

Victoria Garza "U.S. Anti-Gang Sweep Yields Over 1,100 Arrests"

Originally called Project Shadowfire, this initiative was started by the immigration agency in 2005, targeting violent gangs. Over the past couple years, this organization has brought in over 40,000 gang related arrests and have collected over 8,000 firearms. Since February alone, they have arrested more than 1,100 people.
It is important for us to begin trying to control guns and violence. I think it is important for us to justly arrest people who threaten the safety of citizens and their families. This is relevant to US history because of the various violent actions caused by gangs or hate groups like the KKK. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/29/us/us-anti-gang-sweep-yields-over-1100-arrests.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fus&action=click&contentCollection=us&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

Luz Lopez(4th period)- What your kids can learn from the movies

     Has your kid ever misbehaved after watching a movie, well that's okay, It's normal. Kids usually pick up all kinds of things from movies. They can pick negative messages, but they can also pick up positive messages just as easily. The hard part is trying to pick out the right movies you want your child to watch. It's important to choose the right movies that impart lessons designed for your child's age.
     I knew that movies were an impact on kids growth, but I didn't know it was a really big impact. This reminded of when a whole bunch of new artists started coming out and were influencing the teens during that time. Some were showing that smoking and drinking was cool and that they should do it too.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/25/health/movies-help-kids-build-character/index.html

Religious Liberty Bill // Kai Jones 1st period

Georgia Governor, Nathan Deal, announced that he will veto the 'Religious Liberty Bill'. The bill would have hurt the rights of those in the LGBT community by allowing faith-based organizations to deny jobs and service to them. Though the governor ha chosen to veto this bill, a Georgia legislator has called for a special session in an attempt to override the veto.
All in this article.

With the recent decision by the supreme court to legalize same-sex marriage in all states, many states are trying to find any possible way to discriminate. This is a very great decision made by the governor because it has shot down yet another attempt to hurt the LGBT community. We have come such a long way. Don't let it stop here.

Worls Tuberculosis Day, Darby McMahon Pd#9

Globally, TB kills more than a million people a year. While the disease can be treated, it still mutates into non resistant forms. This ancient disease still claims 4,000 lives a day. and requires constant pill taking to possibly cure. TB and HIV are similar in a number of ways including the pill taking, and the way it affects the human body. There needs to be a hightened urgency for the cure of both diseases, treatments will not work alone. TB spreads from person to person through the air. If we could improve indoor air quality and sanitation, the spreading would be minimalized. Currently there is no effective TB vaccine, and treating the disease is a long, complicated task. Political leadership is needed now to stress the urgency of a TB free world.
Source:World TB Day, CNN News
This article written by Linda Bekker, CNN, helps to raise awareness for the cure of Tuberculosis. Before reading the article I had no idea that this ancient disease was so deadly. I liked the way the article compaired TB to HIV, to enforce the severity of TB. From the very outset in early 1980, the community demanded HIV to be a priority. This momentum from then carries on the movement today. It is important for the public to recognize the abundant, and deadly disease that is TB, and rally for political and communal support.

Madi Thoele, 4th Period: Man Pees on Kellogg's Products On Assembly Line

Summary: A video has surfaced of a Kellogg's worker peeing on products on an assembly line. Further investigation  by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reveals the man filmed himself sometime in 2014 in a facility in Memphis, Tennessee. This crime could potentially affect Rice Krispies Treats and Rice Krispies Treats cereal, although these products have passed their expiration dates already.

Analysis: Henry Ford first introduced the assembly line in 1913, and it has revolutionized manufacturing. It's made manufacturing more efficient, easier, faster, and has increased mass production. The assembly line is one of the most beneficial inventions of the industry, when used correctly. I don't think urinating on products is how to correctly use it, for starters. Poor Henry Ford.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/13/us/kellogg-worker-urinate-video/

"WOMD" Julia Plummer pd 1

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/29/world/asia/pakistan-bombing-lahore.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news


This Sunday, Lahore in Pakistan suffered a terrorist attack, which is not uncommon in that area. Innocent civilians had their lives torn apart by this event, which only lasted a matter of seconds. As a response to this bombing, the Prime Minister held a speech addressing the matter at hand, and vowed to "fight terrorism," and rid it from the country.

When I think of this event, I can't help but relate it to the bombing of Hiroshima. I know that these two cities were bombed for completely different reasons, but it's not the motive behind it that impacts me. For some reason I can't make sense of the fact that some people can simply push a button, or order a bomb to be dropped when they know how many lives it will destroy, and how future generations will be impacted by it. Over spring break I went to Japan, and saw the Hiroshima bombing memorial and museum. I couldn't (and still can't) understand how people think that bombing innocent people is a good way to solve their problems, I can only see how it creates more problems. I hope that in the future, governments and the general public alike will see that weapons of mass destruction impact everyone negatively- not only those they are used against. 

Ted Cruz still won't say if he'll back Donald Trump - Lia Kerkman 6

      Ted Cruz claims the Trump attacks his wife and family. He says that he will undoubtedly beat Trump for the nomination, by "beating him to the ballot box."Some saw this as an ambiguous answer seeing as Cruz is a very strong republican supporter. Cruz even said that he was willing to support whoever the running republican candidate was, that is until he began to mock his wife.
     It will be very interesting how all of the campaigning turns out and the outcome of it all. It seems that a lot of them just throw shade and talk trash about one another instead of taking about what THEY are going to change, and Trump is no exception. This souldnt be the first time that Trump's mouth has gotten him in some deep trouble. 

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/politics/ted-cruz-donald-trump-support/index.html

Volcano erupts in Alaska By: Emma Wall

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/us/pavlof-volcano-eruption-alaska/index.html

This article briefly describes the massive volcano eruption that happened in Alaska.  The eruption spewed ash 37,000 feet up into the air.  It was Alaska's very own Pavlof Volcano that unexpectedly exploded.  It trailed 400 miles over Alaska.  It has caused many flights to be cancelled as it has disrupted the air traffic.

This is crazy!  What if the volcano would have exploded as a flight would have flown over it?  I thought that they could predict when a volcano would erupt?  This one was so unexpected, however.  This is odd to me because it is known as one of the most active volcanoes in it's location so you would think that scientists would keep an eye on it.

Robert Gilliam 5th Period - How Black Lives Matter Activists are Influencing 2016 Race

Summary: Racial inequality is affecting the presidential race very much so, as presented in this article. This is causing presidential candidates to cling to this topic. The nature of their expression of such thoughts, though, has resulted in comments such as "Black lives matter, but black manners do too." They have been quite forceful in their acts such as stripping scripted candidates off of podiums and threatening to derail planned events and other such things. The problem here is, well, they should expect to be held accountable for such actions.

Synthesis: This can be compared angry given to blacks in the 50s and 60s, urging for voting and civil rights. I personally think that the removing speakers from podiums is much less a big deal than things such as brutal treatment of blacks in shootings and beatings, for instance in Freedom Summer of 1964. Also, around this time of these events, Civil Rights was a big deal in elections, like the Election of 1960.

Marines Gear Up For Women In Combat, But Will They Sign Up- Eleni Loving p.1

Starting in June, the Marines will allow the first women ever to train for ground combat jobs. There have been calls to open up ground combat positions to women for years, but so far those jobs have only been available to men in the military. Military leaders were concerned that women would not be able to meet the harsh physical demands of ground combat, but many people felt that was discriminating against the women based on their  sex . However, they ran an experiment that gave 200 women Marines a chance to demonstrate their abilities by going through ground combat training last year. After that experiment, about half of the women had been taken out by injuries,  but enough women were successful so that they decided to open the positions to some women who qualified.

Even though women are now able to apply for ground combat jobs, and even though there have been those one hundred women who completed the training and are considered eligible to apply, not one woman has signed up yet to switch career tracks to ground combat position. A Marine Corps spokesperson said that they expect there will be some to sign up, and that they still believe there are women who are interested, but that some may have other reasons for not wanting to change their current career track of doing other kinds of jobs. They also believe some of the new female recruits to the Marines will be interested in attempting to go into ground combat training. In the meantime, they are working on developing better training for the females to help prevent injuries, and on changing the mindset of the men in the Marines, to make women more accepted in these positions.

 http://www.npr.org/2016/03/28/472105527/marines-gear-up-for-women-in-combat-but-will-they-sign-up

China on strike- Erin O'Day

Labor revolts have been shaking the country of China for a long time now, but the number of strikes are increasing as workers protest unfair wages, poor treatment by employers, and the lack of enforcement of much needed labor laws. The labor movement is affecting every province of China. In some cases, the protests turn violent. But fortunately, in many places, progress is being achieved. On the other hand, many union leaders are greedy and manipulative, only interested in keeping their positions of power and not helping the laborers. Most of them have never actually worked in a factory, and union members are becoming increasingly frustrated with them. Now, the government deliberates whether to give into these demands by amending labor laws, or instead mass-firing millions of protesting workers. Authorities are afraid that these pockets of protesters across the country will organize and stage a nationwide revolt.

The labor problems facing China today are sad and troubling. Hopefully the government will listen to what the people are saying and help them instead of hurt them more. But America has been there, when back in the early 20th century, labor unions and striking grew, and soon the government had to listen because it was getting out of control. But the unions' efforts led to new labor laws and standards and improved working conditions and wages for many.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/asia/china-strike-worker-protest-trade-union/index.html

Obama looks to scale up ISIS fight -Carli Copell, Ped.6

Obama looks to scale up ISIS fight

This article is talking about how Obama is looking to scale up that battle against militants in Iraq and Syria ahead of a White House meeting with U.S military leaders. The President cited coalition efforts to block the highway between two cities where ISIS has gained strongholds. "We are going to squeeze them and defeat them."

Analysis: This is good news and hopefully will help with the progress on the end of this warned keep people safe. This article can synthesize back to the beginning of the War on Terror in the early 2000s and this is hopefully going to be another step towards the end of the war on terror.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/05/politics/obama-isis-military-meeting/index.html

Erin McElhone: Organic Foods Still Aren't As Mass Market As You Might Think

Recently a study has been done in Manhattan, recording whether each retail location sold organic, local or conventional versions of 24 foods that are among the most common to be sold organically. What they found surprised them: Stores selling more than a handful of organic products were overwhelmingly concentrated on the Upper East and Upper West sides —neighborhoods that are wealthy and highly educated. Sixty percent of the borough's stores did not offer a single organic item on the list, and one-third offered 12 items or less. Only 5 percent of the stores offered at least half of the 24 items in organic versions. Only five organic items were found in 10 percent or more of stores: cheese, eggs, milk, packaged lettuce and yogurt. Organic milk, the most common item, was found in just 35 percent of stores. Some of the findings might be limited to New York because of the difference in the store dynamic: floor/shelf space is limited in the small Manhattan grocery stores, were in the south space is a lot more attainable. But because organic foods aren't just rare, but routinely command a significantly higher price than conventional — anywhere from 20 percent for lettuce to 173 percent for beef, according to recent CNBC coverage — fewer Americans buy organics than they otherwise would.

Many things that we think of as "necessities" today started out as luxuries: indoor plumbing, central heating/air conditioning, and electronics. My hope is that someday these organic foods will prevail in our economy leaving the unnatural produce and other groceries in the dust.

find article here 

Nicholas Godfrey Period 8: Bernie Sanders on the rise?

Summary: Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders may be on the rise! So far, he has been lagging behind the leading democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, but he says that now that we are shifting away from the south and to the more liberal west, he believes that he is going to rise in the delegates in the primaries. He said this after he swept the primaries in three western states: Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska. He has also now made claims that America knows who ISIS is and we need to make steps towards taking them down. He also praised the efforts of President Obama, saying that ISIS is now on the defensive, and on the retreat. Also, he claims that the super delegates may reconsider supporting Clinton once their states popular vote is going to turn up Sanders. He also criticized Clinton for paying $343,000 to sit at the head table at an event put on by George Clooney. He said that Clooney wasn't the problem, but the people attending were.

Analysis: I think that there is definitely a chance for Bernie Sanders to become the Democratic Nominee but I think that, sadly, its a small chance as far behind Hillary that he is. Like he said, those pledged super delegates can always change their minds and support him instead of Clinton. I also think that its so alarming, at least from the way that the information was presented, that Hillary paid $343,000 to sit at the head table. That could easily be money that she is using to campaign. There are many instances throughout history in which somebody pulls through at the last possible time and becomes the nominee. For example, Ronald Reagan ran two elections before becoming president as almost a joke but ended up shaping the Republican party that got him elected. I think that there is definitely a chance that Bernie could pull through and I would definitely be excited to see that.

Link:http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/27/politics/bernie-sanders-isis-surveillance/index.html

"U.S. Says It Has Unlocked iPhone Without Apple" By Lisl Wangermann Period 1

Katie Benner and Eric Lichtblau's article "U.S. Says It Has Unlocked iPhone Without Apple" was published by the New York Times on March 28, 2016. After a month of heated debate over the battle between privacy or security, the court case concerning Apple's refusal to unlock the phone of the San Bernardino shooter has abruptly come to an end with the news that the government has been able to unlock it without Apple's help. Although this does not signify an end to the underlying argument, it does bring a new issue to the table: Apple's security issue. So far, the FBI has not told Apple how they unlocked the phone. However, they have said that nothing of value has been found so far on the phone as of now.

This current event is a follow up to another one I wrote a week or two ago, written when the government announced that a third party had come forward that might be able to unlock the phone. In reaction to this story, many people have shared their opinion that the government has not really unlocked the iPhone and is just saying that it has in order to win good publicity. Although I am not sure about this theory, I do believe that it is a little odd that they have not found anything of import yet on the phone and that they have not released their method of unlocking it to Apple. Hopefully the government will be more transparent as the investigation continues. It is weird to think about how trials like this one may soon be in history textbooks as defining Supreme Court cases about the role of technology in society and the government's relationship with it. These are new issues, and it is important that they are discussed thoroughly in order for the correct decision to be made.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/29/technology/apple-iphone-fbi-justice-department-case.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Japan's Loss// Tymie Jadagu 6th Period

Article: http://news.discovery.com/space/astronomy/japan-loses-track-of-273-million-black-hole-satellite-160328.htm
Summary: A billion dollar Japanese space craft sent to explore black holes has now lost communication with it's base. It touched ground but since has been reported to be in many peices. Japan considers this a serious issue, and while they know it's approximate location, they really need it's specific location. Japan is very interested in the study of black holes and the craft was supposedly supposed to be collecting data on a very large hole. Japan's space program is one that they value a lot,  and have had many successes both scientifically and commercially.
Analysis: this reminds me of the space race that took place between the US and the Soviet Union. At this time, there was a battle between democracy and communism and every upper hand a country could achieve, it went for. This also can relate to the US's history of putting a lot toward NASA, and scientific research and education.

The war in the middle east will stop?(Alejandra Hernandez 6th period)

Summary:This article discusses how during Obama's presidency there has been the question of removing American troops, whether it should happen or not. This is a debate that has been there for a while, ever since America got in to one foreign affair, other countries keep bringing America in.


Analysis: This debate can be traced to many wars, however it has a connection to World War 2. After World War 2, there was a follow of the red scare, which lead to the belief of containment. Containment was when the US tried to limit communism worldwide, because of containment US's foreign policy was broadened. This eventually led to The US's involvement in the middle east and creating the tensions that affect us today.

https://apple.news/AhsOckrUFO4i_fUzcUCBrlw

Kiyanna Elliott Pressure builds on Obama administration to declassify 9/11 report

Summary: The Obama administration is being pressured into releasing information about the 9/11 attacks that have been hidden in a vault under the Capitol from the public. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York read the 28 pages and say that the 9/11 families deserve to read them. She as well as other senators have created legislation that will require declassification within 60 days.

Analysis:  in the article, it says that the Bush administration kept the documentation hidden because of the security.  On one hand it's understandable for the government to try to protect citizens in away because of national security but at the same time is it really been classify for the proper reasons. We might never know unless the documents do you come out. There must be some reason why they aren't allowing the families To see the documents so I'm gonna put my faith in this and hope hat this is what is happening.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pressure-builds-on-obama-administration-to-declassify-911-report/

North Korean Nuclear threats Paul Radke (5th)

summary- As north Korea rattles its nuclear saber, threatening to bomb the us at "any moment" a nerve-jangling question hangs in the air: of Pongyang did launch a nuclear armed missile at an american city, could the pentagons missile defenses overcome their spotty test record and shoot it down beyond US shores? America has never faced such a real life crisis, and although officials say they are confident the defenses  would work as advertised the pentagon acknowledges potential gaps that North Korea or others may be able to exploit, someday if not immanently.

Analysis- This is definitely not the first time that North Korea has threatened us with nuclear warfare. And being that the US is 20 years ahead in technology, there is no way that they would be able to put up a fight against us, we have the ability to take down what they try and bring before it reaches the US. North Korea is trying to show us that they have good technology and that they want to start Nuclear Warfare with us but I don't believe that these threats will go far as war.

http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2016-03-28/north-korean-nuclear-threats-spotlight-us-missile-defense

Lincoln Anthony (8th Period)-"Alaska volcano ash cloud covers 400 miles"

Recently, one of the most active volcanoes in Alaska, Mount Pavlof, erupted. The area around it for four hundred miles was covered in a thick blanket of ash from the eruption. This has caused all flights in a quite significant area in Alaska to be cancelled. It was a pretty big one.

Mount Pavlof. . . has erupted! Mama mia! I feel like if the eruption was somewhere where more than two guys and a moose lived we would have another Mount Vesuvius situation on our hands here. I mean I guess it also stopped all air traffic in the area so that's kind of a big thing as well. Like Jesus Christ. On a bike. This was, indeed, a fairly big one. Mama mia.

http://hosted2.ap.org/txdam/633c954da7d9434f9de7ed15f38075aa/Article_2016-03-28-US--Alaska%20Volcano%20Eruption/id-3781aca77a184465a741129e9f94b8e6

Victoria Rhodes 5th- Transgender fights for prom king

a transgender male fights for the opportunity of prom king. they said to him "you can either run as prom queen or you can't run at all." Ash Whitaker came out sophomore year to his friends and family and this year he decided to make the change to a different gender. his peers gathered outside the school to protest that what they're doing is discriminatory and unfair. the majority of the student body is supportive of his choice to run but its the faculty's decision on who they let run.

the gender that a person decides to be is completely their choice. no one should tell them how that is done and this is exactly what this school is trying to do. its already hard enough to make the leap and come out but its even harder to begin the change into another gender since so many people are still set in conservative ways. although being transgender and gay is still looked upon as bad by some, it has gone so much better and so much more support. this is similar to the fight for legal same sex marriage which was legalized in june.

http://www.wisn.com/news/transgender-teens-fights-for-chance-to-become-prom-king/38904766

Man urinates on Kellogg food -Kennedy Park

A video has just surfaced of a man in the Kellogg's assembly line peeing on the food. Apparently no one knew anything about it until march 13 which was past the expiration date of the food. The U.S. Food and Drug administration is doing a thorough investigation of this. Apparently it only affected the rice krispy treats and the cereal.

I am glad that people are looking to catch the guy. I think this relates back to history because when the pure food and drug act was passed I'm sure no one pictured people purposefully publicly urinating on food. I think it also just shows that there is always someone watching now. It's hard not to get in trouble because it's so easy to get caught without even knowing it. I wonder what his motive was?

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/13/us/kellogg-worker-urinate-video/index.html

Alexis Farrell, 5th Period: North Carolina governor sued over transgender law

On Monday, a federal lawsuit was filed the governor of North Carolina about a law passed that blocked transgender individuals from using public bathrooms that matched whatever gender they identified as. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina claimed this was unconstitutional because it violated federal laws that banned discrimination against sexes. Later, the governor signed the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act allowing transgender individuals to use the public restroom that matches whatever sex they identified with. 

I'm sure the law blocking transgender people was originally passed because others claimed they were "uncomfortable." Although this is understandable, we are easing our way into a new day and age where everyone should be accepted no matter what they identify as. In my opinion, there should be an effort to build gender neutral restrooms all around the US. Additionally, the article mentions how the American Civil Liberties Union made an effort to fight against the original law passed. This organization was founded in the 1920s to defend/preserve individual rights and liberties. Obviously, they are still around and contributing to help this cause. 

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/us/north-carolina-gender-bathroom-lawsuit/index.html

Shelby Flowers 9th

Shelby Flowers

White House:  Warming Poses Urgent Health Risk

            The change in the climate is considered a major health risk to Americans and will likely kill 27,000 annually by 2100.  The numbers are staggering to think about.  One group that goes by U. S. Global Change Research Program believes that the average outdoor worker who performs a necessary task that we as Americans need will not be able to continue their job with the heat wave that will likely hit during the hottest times of the year.  People will be unable to control their body temperature and this will result in death.  Texas appears to be on the list of high-risk states that will perform poorly in the face of global warming. 

Analysis:

Bobby Magill writes that the government is behind this study and he feels that the focus has been moved from the normal thought of a few polar bears and ice caps melting and dying to having to let the American public know that global warming is very real and if we as Americans do not take the warning seriously then we could be facing a real crisis.

I have never really thought about the whole issue of global warming.  I keep hearing science teachers mention it and I have seen a few things on the news lately, but I never really paid much attention to it.  I feel bad that when I do some serious thinking about my family in the future, I realize that I may not be alive when the full brunt of what is being predicted actually happens, but my children will be impacted as well as my grandkids. 

Link:   

http://news.discovery.com/earth/global-warming/white-house-warming-poses-urgent-health-risk-160404.htm

Taytum Buford (Period 6)- Terror Attacks

Summary: At least three more men have been charged with terrorist activities in weekend raids following the Brussels terror attacks. The latest arrests add to growing evidence that the Brussels and Paris Bombings were carried out by a Europe-wide network of terrorist cells that the security services are only just beginning to figure out, reports CBS News correspondent Allen Pizzey.

Even as the police were conducting at least 13 raids against suspected terrorist hideouts, they had to contend with a right-wing demonstration at a memorial to the bombing victims on Sunday. The near-riot came as news broke of a controversy over police phones having crashed for unclear reasons during the attacks last week.

Analysis: This reminds me of a Big Time Rush episode, when the lead character offended the Brussels by calling them defensive, but it looks to me that they need to be more of that considering all for the terror attacks that have been occurring there. I think that we as a stable government need to get more involved to help them out.  

link

Bouncy Castle kills -Avery Yoss 4th

This Sunday at an Easter party, there was a bouncy that children were playing in. One specific girl, Summer Grant, happened to be in the bouncy castle when a gust of wind hit and started blowing it around. The girl was tossed around inside and had to immediately go to the hospital afterwards and then later died of her injuries. The article mentions that two people who were charged for manslaughter after this event.

 The article doesn't mention how they are related to the situation, maybe they ordered the bouncy house or maybe they set it up. This is such a sad story, especially since she was at such a young age.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/europe/bouncy-castle-summer-grant-harlow/index.html

Shooting at the Capitol by Shara Jeyarajah p.8

A suspect who pulled a gun on a police officer was shot today at the Capitol Visitor Center. The suspect entered the visitor center's metal detector. When the detector went off, he pulled out a gun. The Capitol complex was shut down for an hour but soon reopened. The senate sergeant of arms tweeted that the Capitol was reopened but the visitor center remained closed. This is believed to be an isolated incident, meaning that no other activities would coordinate with this. The visitor center was crowded by police and firefighters. Many congressional leaders were ordered to "take cover outside the area". The White House was closed for precautionary purpose.
It is incredibly that a potential gunman was stopped by something as simple as a metal detector. Many lives could have been saved due to this incident. This synthesizes to 9/11 when security was tightened not only in airports but in many public facilities. Thanks to these securities, a potential shooting might have been prevented.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/politics/u-s-capitol-and-white-house-on-lockdown/index.html

Reagan Rees Period 5

Another terrorist attack has occurred, and this one was stated to be specifically targeting Christians. It took place in Pakistan on Easter Sunday, where a group of Christians was mingling with Muslims in a park. Many women and children were present. and suddenly there was a large blast all through the park. This suicide blast was reported to have killed at least 69 people.

These attacks are becoming less and less rare, multiple happening in a week all over the world. This is similar to a great many other hate groups who fought with violence, such as the KKK. However, the world has never seen such hatred on this large of a scale.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/27/asia/pakistan-lahore-deadly-blast/index.html

Equal Pay Day: When, where and why women earn less than men by M'Lynn Musgrove

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/12/us/equal-pay-day/index.html

Equal pay day is a day (April 12th) where women's pay has caught up with men's pay from the year before. Women tend to frown upon this day because it highlights the reason the feminist movement exists. Although there are more factors such as race and age that go into how much a human is typically paid, the consensus is that women are paid far less.

This is yet another article on feminism! and why the movement exists! It is important for both men and women to understand why the movement exists and what it is doing for us! Every year, along with reminding us how white boyz get everything, April 12th shows us that the gap of what men are paid vs what women are paid is getting smaller! YAY!

72 Christians Murdered.- Simon Waranch-3rd period.

On east sunday in Lahore, Pakistan 72 christians died and over 300 people were injured.  Nothing has been released if anyone has been arrested for the crimes committed. 24 children were among the people who died. The Pakistani prime minister canceled his trip to the United States because of the rising violence.
There are way to many bombings and mass killings that have been happening recently. This is due to the rise in terrorism and radicals. It feels like as time go's on there are just more and more innocent people dying because of things that don't even matter.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/asia/pakistan-bombing-lahore/index.html

Claudia Anthony "Georgia governor to veto 'religious liberty' bill"

Governor Nathan Deal of Georgia announced that he will veto the House Bill 757, which would have given faith-based organizations in Georgia the ability to deny services and jobs to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The supporters of the bill say that it is meant to protect religious freedom, while people against it say that it is "anti-LGBT." The governor said he did not find the bill necessary, and that his choice was not based on pressure from the faith-based community, or from businesses in Georgia, who said they could lose jobs if this bill was signed. State Senator Mike Crane called for a special session to override the veto, and he said that the veto was an example of how corporations can buy influence. Supporters of the bill pointed out that the bill has "clear anti-discriminatory language" and that opponents of the bill just haven't taken the time to read it. Members of the LGBT community are praising the governor's decision to veto the bill.

I think it was a good decision for the Governor Deal to veto the law, because any discriminatory laws should not be passed, no matter how anti-discrimanitory the supporters believe it is. This is similar to the court cases of Engel v. Vitale and School District of Abington Township v. Shempp which ruled that prayers and Bible reading could not be required in public schools, because the First Amendment requires the separation of church and state.

Click here to read the article

Clinton's speaks about new Supreme Court Justice- Isabella Montague 5th period

     As you all probably know, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passed away, and elected officials are debating whether or not President Obama should elect a new justice, or if it should be chosen by whoever wins the current presidential election. President Obama already nominated Judge Merrick Garland, but Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell say that the new Supreme Court justice should be chosen by the next president, not Obama. In her speech, presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton said that the Senate Republicans have no reason not to allow the president's nomination to get a vote. She also warned that a Justice appointed by Donald Trump could be potentially dangerous and could undo some of America's progress. She also mentions that she still has a lead over Democratic opponent Bernie Sanders, but he is gaining momentum, which she intends to stop to keep her lead on delegates.

http://news.yahoo.com/clinton-americans-put-court-nomination-forefront-100032020--election.html

     Honestly, I think that President Obama should be able to appoint a new Supreme Court Justice. Senator McConnell says that it should be chosen by the people, which can happen when they vote for a new president, but is he forgetting that America chose Obama when they voted for him? Twice? Also, I feel that it would be a lot time without a Supreme Court justice, because the next president won't be sworn into office until January of 2017. However, we want to avoid the same circumstances that existed in the 1970s, where President Nixon was unhappy with Cheif Justice Warren Burger and the Warren Court. Everyone should be harmonious and should work well together so that they can get things done.

- Isabella Montague 5th period

Brussel terrorist attacks by Eleanor E-W

There were some terrorist attacks in Brussels. They were bad. People died.

Kenley Turner 3rd period- Fidel Castro Blasts Obama's Trip: Cuba doesnt need 'empire' for anything

Summery: Fidel Castro rejected Obama's visit and his words of reconciliation. Although Fidel Castro is retired he still has a lot of influence on the country and says we dont need anything from the empire. Obama  talks about how he wants to rebuild a relationship regardless of the past, but Castro disagrees. He claims that the US has abused Cuba.

Analysis: It is hard to move passed things that have been planted in our past for so long. If Castro feels that America has abused Cuba, then in a way, it probably has. America has endured many mistrusts with Cuba as well, such as the Cuban missile crisis, and basically any other event that has happened in the cold war. But it seems like our democracy is secure, so what is the problem? Maybe there is a personal relationship that cannot be reconciled. Obama seems very honest in his speech, but his term is almost over, so it is really up to who ever takes his place to carry out his promises.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/28/politics/cuba-fidel-castro-blasts-obama-trip/index.html

'Affluenza' teen trial by Eleanor E-W

the "Affluenza" teen was recently caught in Mexico and brought back to U.S. where he will be tried.

Girl escapes kidnapper in Japan after 2 years, calls police on pay phone- Paisley Norburg 5th Period

Girl escapes kidnapper in Japan after 2 years, calls police on pay phone

Early Monday in Japan, Japenese police caught the twenty-three year-old man who had been keeping a teenage girl held captive for two years. The teenage girl disappeared from her hometown in Saitama near Tokyo when she was thirteen years old. The fifteen year-old girl escaped Kabu Terauchi's apartmen in Tokyo, when he went shopping in a district close to Tokyo known for technology and comics etc. Terauchi forgot to lock the door behind him when he left, so after he left, she made a run for it. The girl was seen wearing sweats and sandals in the cold weather running downtown to a train station to find a payphone and call her parents. Police aren't releasing her name because she is a minor, but she is safe. Police caught him in a forest west of Tokyo bleeding from the neck; in attempt to failed suicide.

This article is jaw-dropping! How crazy that a fifteen year-old girl had to go through all of this and was so bold. Even though this story happened in Japan, hopefully kids and teenagers can take awareness to this story and it will be an eye-opener that the world is a crazy place and that we all need to stay cautious, at all times.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/03/28/girl-escapes-kidnapper-in-japan-after-2-years-calls-police-on-pay-phone.html?intcmp=hplnws

Death Toll in Pakistan Bombing Above 70 by Jack Higgins period 6

A manhunt is currently underway to find anybody related to the Muslim extremist terrorists who left over 300 people either dead or badly injured in Lahore, Pakistan yesterday. The bombing allegedly targeted Christians out in public for Easter picnics, although the number of Muslims dead is much higher. The suicide bombing left 14 Christians dead, 44 Muslims, and several others who were not immediately identified as either religion. A massive weapons cache was found shortly after the incident, according to Lahore police officials, but the location of the weapons found has not been disclosed.

This is a terrifying incident perpetrated by individuals who do not realize that their God - whichever Abrahamic deity they choose to worship - does not at all condone the actions of these people. The idea that the Qur'an promotes the killing of those who do not believe is a common misconception, nowhere in the book is the idea entertained that forceful conversion or violence against those who do not convert is acceptable. If somebody disagrees, please feel free to provide evidence proving me wrong (quotes in full context surrounded by at least one paragraph). Even out-of-context in inaccurate English translations, I have been unable to find that anywhere. We need to fight these people with every resource we have ("we" meaning every collective Western country and our respective militaries).


https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/death-toll-in-pakistan-easter-suicide-attack-rises-to-72-authorities-vow-to-hunt-down-perpetrators/2016/03/28/037a2e18-f46a-11e5-958d-d038dac6e718_story.html

Indiana woman missing since 1974 found living in Texas, Bella Morris, 5th Period

Bella Morris
March 28, 2016
5th Period
            An Indiana woman who went missing after surrendering custody of her kids more than 40 years found alive Texas. Lula Ann Gillespie-Miller, gave authorities permission to pass along her contact information to her now-grown daughter after investigators found her living in rural Texas Thursday, Indiana State Police said in a statement. Officials are not releasing where she lives in Texas but she is alive, well, and very happy. Indiana trooper Scott Jarvis tracked down the missing woman this week. “Gillespie-Miller could offer no explanation as to why she left her Indiana life behind in 1974,” police said in a statement. Gillespie- Miller says that she is going to come in contact with her daughter this week. This is so significant because throughout history crime rates have risen and kidnapping has become more abundant due to technology and online predators as oppose to the 1970's.
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/indiana-woman-missing-1974-found-living-texas-article-1.2578643

American Airlines Co-Pilot Under Suspicion of Being Drunk - Olivia Browne Period 6

A co-pilot for American Airlines was detained at Detroit Metropolitan Airport Saturday morning on suspicion of being drunk, an airport spokesman said. The co-pilot was taken into custody after allegedly failing a Breathalyzer test administered by airport police, according to airport spokesman Michael Conway. As a result of the incident, American Airlines canceled Flight 736 from Detroit to Philadelphia on Saturday.

Analysis: The Author is Azedah Ansari and she appears to be a non-bias party. This article was created on March 27th, right after the incident had taken place, adding to the urgency. I had no prior knowledge of this event. The Audience is the concerned American public and this story has a negative effect on them. The reason for writing this article was to educate the American public on these occurrences. This directly relates to the Prohibition Movement and what they tried to prevent. 

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/26/us/american-airlines-co-pilot-detained/index.html

Elizabethkingia Outbreak - Ava Cosentino

Summary:
The Department of Public Health in Illinois confirmed that there was a person who died earlier this year to a new virus outbreak known as 'Elizabethkingia'. Since then, 57 more cases have been confirmed to have contacted the exact same strand of this virus, and 18 have been pronounced dead because of it. Though the bacteria is commonly found in soil and river water, it has not been known to affect human's in a negative way.

Analysis:
This outbreak is reminding me of so many others we have experienced as a nation in the near past. Virus outbreaks such a Ebola, have really put a lot of stress and fear on the U.S. and I would hate for this virus to build up that same reaction. Though 'Elizabethkingia' cases have only been confirmed in Wisconsin, it seems as if it spreads fairly easily and quickly. What can be done to combat it since the bacteria has been deemed so common?

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/12/health/elizabethkingia-illinois-bacterial-infection/index.html

Obama laments current politics; says media must do better- Keeleigh Everett

Summary: Obama upheld a meeting to talk to the voters using media to consider and hold candidates to what they say and take that into account when voting.

Analysis: It is crazy how much we rely on public and social media. Before media campaigns were reliant on visuals and their speaking

Supreme Court Rejects Suit Against Colorodo Over Marijuana Law by Caroline North 9th period

The Supreme Court recently turned away lawsuits filed by Oklahoma and Nebraska against Colorado for its authorization of, protection of, and profiting from marijuana growth and exportation.  This Colorado law lead to the sale of marijuana to 44 states in 2014.  Oklahoma and Nebraska argue, "if this entity were based south of our border, the federal government would prosecute it as a drug cartel.”  They also argue the law violates the federal Controlled Substances Act.  However, the Supreme Court claims Oklahoma and Nebraska have not suffered a "direct injury" from Colorado's sale of marijuana, and states are free to increase strict regulations of marijuana crossing their borders as they please. 


This event marks another significant action by the Supreme Court and debates the constitutionality of certain states' actions.  This event can be synthesized and related to important court cases of the passed such as Plessy v. Ferguson, Marbury v. Madison, Brown v. Board of Education, Gibbons v. Ogden, etc.


 http://www.studentnewsdaily.com/daily-news-article/supreme-court-rejects-suit-against-colorado-over-marijuana-law/

Sundar Pichai and How He Plans to Change the World by Shelby Linker, 8th period

This article is about the CEO of Google Corporations, Sundar Pichai, and the direction that he wants to lead Google in in the future. The article states some background information on Pichai when he grew up in India, then it talks about how Google is attempting to bring internet access to those who have been unable to access information online. It compares Google's current approach to Facebook's earlier attempt to connect India to the internet. Facebook's program was called Free Basics and it offered services like Wikipedia, weather, and, of course, Facebook. Unfortunately, India's government banned differential pricing plans which included Free Basics. Google is trying to approach the situation at a different angle by reducing the amount of data its devices use and help provide free bandwidth for people to use whichever services they want.

I think this is really amazing that someone is so dedicated to encouraging other people explore and learn about things they might not know about by giving them access to the internet. I also think it says a lot when a big company, such as Google, steps up to help them. This situation somewhat reminds me of muckrakers, in the sense that they were informing the general public of things going on around them that they knew nothing about but had the right to know. I want to see Google succeed in their goal of giving internet access to everyone but I realize I might have to wait quite a bit to see that happen. Despite how long it might take, I do want Google to achieve their goal.

Sources

Buzzfeed News

Couple Survives Brussels Airport Attack --Madeleine Norton, 4th period

CNN author Susanna Capelouto reported just yesterday about how a dutch couple "who live in Las Vegas were checking in to fly home Tuesday at the Brussels Airport when two explosions ripped through the hall." This reported ISIS attack has been all over the news and is especially interesting as Brussels, Belgium has not been very centered as a government and not well-prepared for an attack involving terrorism.

Catherine Breyer, survivor of the explosion, told broadcasters, "We saw the explosion was on the Delta check-in desk, at the end. We ran the other way, we couldn't get really far because the second explosion was five or 10 seconds later." Capelouto further explains that "They felt the full force of the explosion on their legs, according to Philippe Breyer. Catherine quickly realized that her husband was in bad shape. 'I saw his left leg, I knew it would be hard to save it, because it was ripped off.' They waited, hoping there wouldn't be another blast, and a Belgian soldier came to help. 'Catherine called him to say he had to tie my leg. He immediately came over, put his gun away and tied up my leg,' Philippe said.
"The couple is recuperating at a hospital in Vilvoorde, Belgium. Philippe did lose his left leg, but Catherine wants to thank the soldier who assisted them for saving her husband's life. They know it will take some time to heal, but they also know how lucky they are to survive the attack, which killed 14 people at the airport."

This can be synthesized with other terrorist attacks in the past year and beyond, including the infamous 9/11 attacks. This also includes other attacks using fear tactics throughout history, like the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution (where any insubordination to the current anarchy was threatened with the guillotine). Personally, I feel it's awful and terrfying to hear things like this because we are reminded that as safe as we think we are, anything can happen to any one of us, anywhere at any time. Perhaps with this attack however, Belgium will become more united as a country to defend itself and work together as opposed to giving in to fear and falling apart, as ISIS surely wants.

Article link can be found here: http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/26/us/las-vegas-couple-brussels-victims/index.html

Adriana Hinojosa 8th, Autism in Adulthood

In the United States we are so quick in diagnosing people with ADHD and fail to look beyond that to see if that person may have anything else wrong with them. I read this article and was so intrigued especially because I feel like I currently know an adult who may have autism and is not diagnosed. While I do strongly believe ADHD is over-diagnosed I do not think anyone's outlandish behavior should be overlooked and should be taken seriously. Especially when it comes to things like autism which has to do with behavior around other people, it is vital for that person to not be clueless their whole life. What I think this article really brings to light is the importance of doctors really taking the time with each of their patients to give them and tell them exactly what it is they need. While this is obviously easier said than done, that is the point of a doctor. If doctors want to receive the credibility they seek, they need to keep those standards high by being super personal with each of their patients no matter how many patients they may have. (I HIGHLY recommend reading the interviews in the article!!)
A drawing of one of the newly diagnosed adults with autism who came forward.
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/03/27/471600733/when-an-autism-diagnosis-comes-in-adulthood