Matthew Sanchez..... White House shuts down petition website

After 11 months of ignoring petitions that have reached more than 100,000 signatures, the Trump White House is temporarily shutting down its petition website. According to the Associated Press, the platform was taken down on Tuesday and will be come back as a new website in late January.
The site, called "We The People," was created by the Obama administration in 2011. Its purpose was to provide "all Americans a way to create and sign petitions on a range of issues affecting our nation." According to the Obama White House, if a petition garnered more than 100,000 signatures within 30 days, the administration was supposed to issue an official response.

Matthew Sanchez......boy shot twice I two years

  5-year-old boy became the victim of gunfire for the second time in his life Tuesday night, when he accidentally shot himself in the hand.The boy also was struck in the face by a stray bullet last year, police confirm.

Police said he managed to get ahold of a gun at his home at 81st and Coles around 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, when he accidentally shot himself in the hand.The victim was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he was in good condition.Community Activist Andrew Holmes says this incident serves as a strong reminder that guns must be kept out of the reach of children.

Matthew Sanchez.......puerto Rico still suffering since September 20

Thousands of people have died since the storm on September, according to the Puerto Rico. Many, if not most, of those bodies have been buried or cremated. That fact will severely limit the US territory's efforts to re-analyze deaths."At this point, the bodies have been buried, and there is no way to do a thorough investigation of each individual case," said Eric Klinenberg, director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University.

Matthew Sanchez......North Korea fires "warning shots"

South Korea's military has fired warning shots at North Korean guards searching for a soldier who defected early morning.
The North Korean soldier had walked across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) shortly after 08:00 (23:00 Wednesday).
He had emerged from thick fog at a checkpoint, said the South's military.
He is the fourth North Korean soldier to defect this year. The incident comes weeks after one of the most dramatic defections in recent times.
In that incident, on 13 November, a soldier was shot as he fled across to the southern side of the Joint Security Area (JSA) in the village of Panmunjom.

Matthew Sanchez........Trump tax

    After a rough first year President Trump as been described as to "triumph",as he served up to one of his promises given during the 2016 election . Trump ,on Wednesday, after the final approval of land owners he has been approved to raise taxes . About 1.5 TRILLION DOLLARS IN TAXES.

Puerto Rico Still Suffering Damages-Victoria Gonzalez

     Hurricane Maria struck the island and US territory Puerto Rico way back in September. However, despite the event being months ago, the territory has not recovered in the slightest. President Donald Trump did not make an appearance until a month afterwards, and when he finally did, the appearance ended with little to no improvement and self-proclaimed praise. Hispanic and Latino celebrities across the nation and across the world have come together in order to fund money to support help Puerto Rico when are president will not. These celebrities consist of Lin Manuel Miranda, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Ruben Blades with hopes of raising awareness and donating enough money to help the territory progress. Regardless, the people of Puerto Rico still struggle and while they are going through the holidays, they express their sadness that they cannot celebrate with power or shelter or any other possessions. Instead, some remain in tents, others use candles to see in the dark, some sit on old rugs or plastic chairs-the only furniture that survived. This is our responsibility, to help our states AND our territories, and while it's our president's responsibility he's made it very clear he has no intentions of helping. We need to remember that they are our people too, and whether we acknowledge it or not, by denying them help and compassion we prove we're no better than the ignorant, inexperienced man we put into the oval office.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/23/us/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-holidays/index.html

12 Killed in Mexico Bus Crash- Victoria Gonzalez

     While taking a tour bus in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, eight Americans, two Swedes, and one Canadian were killed in a crash that injured twenty-two people, killing twelve of them. The bus was traveling from Mahahual to Mayan archaeological site Chacchoben.  The bus was said to be carrying thirty-one people, most of which were tourists. The bus driver had allegedly been arrested for crimes not mentioned, but was also injured. Authorities are unaware as to what caused the crash, but do however find the driver responsible, possibly for drinking or misconduct. Spokeswoman of the bus company, Cynthia Martinez, offers her condolences to the victims and their families and promises and investigation into what caused the accident. I personally find this confusing and question what caused this horrible accident to occur.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/20/americas/mexico-tour-bus-crash/index.html

Alleged Sex Scandal Cardinal Dies- Victoria Gonzalez

     Cardinal Bernard Law, who is infamously known for the sex scandals within the Catholic Church, has died on December 19, 2017. Law was well known for his involvement in the Geoghen case, a case in which a priest named John Geoghen was accused of sexual misconduct with young boys. The case itself, however, is so famous considering there was documented evidence found that Law was well aware of the issue, but instead of addressing it he swept it under the rug and transferred Geoghen to another church where the cycle started anew. He himself was eventually convicted for the assault of a young ten-year-old boy and was forced into resignation while scrutiny of the Church went under way. The most enlightening case that informed citizens and religious individuals about the sex scandal to being with was 2015's Spotlight which won several academy awards. The movie discusses the true story of a newspaper that sheds light on the hidden scandals of pedophile priests within the church, and completely disregarding the myth that it is "a few bad apples". In fact, the film goes over the fact that at least one hundred pedophile priests were found, and 1,500 of their victims remained while being completely and willingly red by Cardinal Law, the head of the Church at that time.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/20/world/cardinal-bernard-law-death-funeral-reaction/index.html

War in Yemen by Victoria Valdez

There is a war raging in Yemen that America has not heard much about.  As a result of the war, there are many children starving to death because they cannot get the food they need.  The infrastructure of the whole country has collapsed and many have had to flee their homes and now live in a makeshift camp. The little food that is in the country is not getting to the people that need it the most.  Aid workers are afraid to leave their camps because of the war.


http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/19/middleeast/yemen-intl/index.html


This is so very sad.  The children are so helpless and the adults cannot afford any food because of the war.  Now that we know what is going on we need to shed light on this horrible situation and try to help.  968

Have you ever even watched My Cousin Vinny? - Mason Crumpacker

Summary:  U.S. District Court nominee, Matthew Petersen, has withdrawn himself from consideration after a video went viral of him failing to answer basic legal questions during his confirmation hearing.  He is the third judicial nominee to withdraw this week after questions about competency.

Source: http://wapo.st/2jbGvVq

Analysis: Despite Petersen’s cringeworthy performance, the Trump administration has enjoy relative success in getting their nominees confirmed.  However, critics point to patterns of  inexperience, conflicts of interests, or apparent nepotism among many of Trump’s selections.  Comparisons might be drawn with the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant.  Will Trumpism become the new Grantism?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grantism

Nothing to see here… The government admits it studies UFOs- Mason Crumpacker

Summary:  On December 16, following the release by the Department of Defense of U.S. fighter jet radar footage documenting “anomalous aerial vehicles,” the Pentagon confirmed the existence of a $22 million government program to research UFOs.

Rumors have swirled for decades around clandestine operations into extraterrestrial encounters  in the American southwest.   It seems indisputable that something of great signification and national security occured in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947.  Debris from an mysterious crash was removed by the military in armored vehicles.  Then in 1955,  Area 51 was approved by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in as a testing strip in Nevada for top secret aircraft.  Likely neither Roswell nor Area 51 involved alien encounters, but the admitted existence of the Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program, and its hefty budget, has conspiracy theorists feeling vindicated.

Source and video: http://wapo.st/2CUHjGL

Analysis: Much of the speculation and mistrust of the government regarding UFOs likely results from actual secret government military programs such as the Manhattan Project leading to the development of nuclear weapons or unethical medical experiments such as those performed at the Willowbrook School where mentally disabled children were infected with hepatitis to test a vaccine.  When programs such as these become known to the general public, it becomes easy to believe that the government is engaged even more radical programs.  Besides, it is fun to believe in UFOs and Stranger Things.

Summary: On December

Summary:  On December 16, following the release by the Department of Defense of U.S. fighter jet radar footage documenting “anomalous aerial vehicles,” the Pentagon confirmed the existence of a $22 million government program to research UFOs.

Puerto Rico Governor Orders Recount Of Hurricane Death Toll -Mason Crumpacker

Summary:  The Puerto Rican government is responding to reports that there has been a major undercounting of fatalities linked to hurricane Irma.  The governor has asked for a recount and review of all deaths post-Irma.  Initial estimates were 64 deaths, but new estimates are expected to exceed 1,000 deaths.  Many of these fatalities are due to medical equipment not working after prolonged power outages and outbreaks of bacterial infections.

Source: http://wapo.st/2jbGvVq

Analysis: The Trump administration’s response will likely be a point of attack for the democratic challenger in the 2020 presidential elections.  Critics hold that Trump’s response to the devastation left by hurricane Maria has was not equal to the aid received by mainland communities hit by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.  The president’s response, and public comments, do not appear to acknowledge equal rights for the Puerto Rican victims.  However, after the invasion of Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War (Spring of 1889), General Nelson Miles made the following declaration:

To the Inhabitants of Puerto Rico:

In the prosecution of the war against the kingdom of Spain by the people of the United States, in the cause of liberty, justice, and humanity, its military forces have come to occupy the island of Puerto Rico. They come bearing the banner of freedom, inspired by a noble purpose to seek the enemies of our country and yours, and to destroy or capture all who are in armed resistance. They bring you the fostering arm of a free people, whose greatest power is in its justice and humanity to all those living within its fold. Hence the first effect of this occupation will be the immediate release from your former relations, and it is hoped a cheerful acceptance of the government of the United States. The chief object of the American military forces will be to overthrow the armed authority of Spain, and to give the people of your beautiful island the largest measure of liberty consistent with this occupation. We have not come to make war upon the people of a country that for centuries has been oppressed, but, on the contrary, to bring you protection, not only to yourselves, but to your property; to promote your prosperity, and bestow upon you the immunities and blessings of the liberal institutions of our government. It is not our purpose to interfere with any existing laws and customs that are wholesome and beneficial to your people so long as they conform to the rules of military administration of order and justice. This is not a war of devastation, but one to give all within the control of its military and naval forces the advantages and blessings of enlightened civilization.

Nelson A. Miles,

Major-General, Commanding United States Army.

https://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/connections/puerto-rico/history3.html

Judge resigns after allegations- Melanie Escalante

Judge Alex Kozinski is resigning after allegations of sexual misconduct. Claims were made by clerks and other people he worked with. He apologized for having come off as inappropriate and blamed his sense of humor as the drive behind the things he says. He is resigning because he can’t handle defending himself and others for career purposes. This is similar to the handful of celebrities facing accusations made by people they work with or friends surrounding them. Overall, I think that it’s nice how people are starting to speak out against unjust behavior. It’s ironic how a judge is now facing allegations and I find it suspicious how he just quit. I think he knows he probably did something wrong and just doesn’t want to face the consequences under the spotlight.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/18/politics/alex-kozinski-resigns/index.html

Caroline Carter-Thomas Fire threatens safety of all in Southern California

Driven by the Santa Ana winds, the Thomas Fire in Southern California has been burning for two weeks now, and evacuation orders have just been made in Santa Barbara county to both human and animal residents of the area. It is the third largest wildfire in state history and so far it is only 40 percent contained. Winds are predicted to pick up again soon and many in the path of the wildfire are forced to flee their homes. This includes the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo, some of which are endangered. Animals are being shipped to smoke-free areas of the state due to the ever-changing conditions of the Thomas Fire. 

This is very relevant to me because California has a very large eventing community, which is the sport that I am involved in. Many horses are dead because of this fire and others have lost their homes and owners. While there are barns in the area that are caring for some of these horses until their owners can claim them, it is still uncertain what many of their fates will be. This is also similar to the Dust Bowl. Many were left scrambling for cover from the storms and could no longer live their lives as easily as they once could, much like Southern Californians today who may not have a home to come back to when the fires finally subside. 

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/12/16/571380748/southern-california-fire-forces-new-evacuations-threatens-coastal-communities

Olivia Wall pd.8

The hugely attractive hotel in Beverly Hills named Peninsula has been put in a troubled situation. This hotel rakes in all the high dollar and upper class people of California and travelers and is known for its huge population of celebrities. This can be compared to the the Hotel Zaza downtown Dallas. Recently, the staff at the hotel have accused guests of sexual harassment, and esteemed actresses' such as Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow have accused Harvey Weinstein of the harassment. However, there has been no evidence that there have been such allegations, such as grouping womens breast, which has created an uncomfortable situation. Turns out, because of this Chicago, New York, and Seattle have tired to create new standards and new ways to pre check customers of such nice hotels.

This relates to APUSH because pre Civil War, women were not able to stand up for their rights, but now they are able to. Women gained more respect post war because of their importance to the world. I think that it is amazing that people are able to stand up against things such as sexual harassment, and I think that it is sad that women felt scared to share this before.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/17/us/harvey-weinstein-hotel-sexual-harassment.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fus&action=click&contentCollection=us&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront


Olivia Wall

Kathryn Hine- Airplane draws one-of-a-kind Christmas tree in the sky

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/13/europe/christmas-tree-airplane-airbus-germany-trnd/index.html

On Wednesday, an airbus flying out of Hamburg, Germany found a new way to spread Christmas cheer. The passangerless plane created a Christmas tree through drawing patterns that showed up on a radar. The tree was drawn by a Hamburg flight test team, which is a team of pilots who check on planes and take them out for tests to see if they need matinence. 

I think this is a very cute and very creative way to bring holiday cheer into everyday work. The tree is also very well done, so props to the pilot that drew it!

This reminded me of skywriting! People hire pilots to draw or write cute and festive things in the sky and I think it’s very cute.

Kathryn Hine- Chile landslide leaves 5 dead, 15 missing

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/17/americas/chile-landslide-intl/index.html

The small town of Villa Santa Lucia was hit by a landslide early this morning after receiving 4.5 inches of rain in 24 hours. The landslide devasted the area, leaving 5 dead, 8 injured, and 15 missing. One of the dead includes a tourist who’s identity has not been released. The president of Chile offered her condolences via Twitter today in hopes to bring comfort to the families of victims of the landslide.

I hope that all of the missing are found as soon as possible and are safe and that all the injured make full recoveries.  Natural disasters, even in small towns such as Villa Santa Lucia, are always tragic events and my heart goes out to the families that lost people.

In the early 1900s there was a huge earthquake in San Francisco in which over 400 people lost their lives. Although San Francisco was on a much large scale, these were both natural disasters which affected communities.

Kathryn Hine- Hundreds get sick on Royal Caribbean cruise ship

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/16/us/cruise-ship-illness/index.html

A 5,000 passanger Royal Caribbean cruise, Indepedence of the Seas, was stuck by a stomach virus over the past week. According to a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean, 332 passengers fell ill, and were treated quickly. But according to Tracy Flores, a mother of a 15 year old who contracted the virus while on the cruise, the experience “was just terrifying” and there were “plenty of people who were too sick to even make it down to the medical facility.” The spokesperson for Royal Caribbean promises that the ship will be throughouly cleaned before it embarks next and that everyone should was their hands to prevent something like this happening in the future.

I feel very bad for all of the people that were sick, and being sick in the middle of the ocean sounds really scary and unenjoyable. I hope that Royal Caribbean does a better job with sanitation on their next cruise.

Things like this happen on cruises all the time, and usually get out of hand very quickly because everybody is in such a small, contained area. There was an story a few years ago about a cruise ship that broke down and disease began to pop up everywhere because of it.

Kathryn Hine- California Fire: Neighborhood looks like war zone, resident says

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/17/us/california-fires/index.html

A fire in Southern California has been blazing for 13 days, and has lead to countless evacuations. Residents are often being woken up in the middle of the night to be evacuated, and some people leave  had to leave with nothing. In the case of Patricia Rye, a resident of Ventura California for 17 years, she had to leave in the middle of the night with nothing but the clothes she was wearing; she didn’t even have time to bring valuables, her car, or even her wallet. Even zoos had to take precautions. The Santa Barbara zoo moved many of it;s animals to cages for possible evacuation or protection from smoke, and endangered California animals were moved to the Los Angeles Zoo. But luckily, residents of Ventura who had been previously evacuated were allowed to return today.

Being in this situation sounds terrifying. I can’t imagine having to leave my home in the middle of the night with nothing, not knowing if anything would be intact when I came back. My heart goes out to all of the residents in the affected areas, and I hope that the fire will be fully contained soon.

This fire and hurricane Harvey have a lot of similarities. Many people were not fully aware of how bad the situation was, so they had to pack up and leave with not much notice.

Kathryn Hine- UK’s Theresa May ‘will not be derailed’ on Brexit

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/17/europe/theresa-may-brexit-negotiations-intl/index.html


Last week, lawmakers in the UK decided to make an amendment to the controversial Brexit bill. This amendment means that Parliment will have to have another vote before final deals and withdrawal from the European Union began. This is bad news for Theresa May, the current prime minister who is in favor of Brexit. But she’s vowing not to let this stop her and “prove her doubters wrong.” In the past, May has had problems with these Brexit negotiations because of people in opposing parties, but also within her own party. Despite all of this she believes that she will be able to create a new economic and security relationships through leaving the European Union. Micheal Barnier, the chief Brexit negotiator, however, believes that these negotiations will not be as frictionless and May thinks. He stated in a interview that “Bristish people have to understand that it cannot be business as usual... the clock is ticking.”

I, personally, am not a fan of Brexit because I believe that the UK was better off within the European Union, but I guess I have to give props to Theresa May for never giving up. She is against huge adversity right now and refuses to back down, even if these rescissions were not the best for the country.

Theresa May refusing to back down from this decision is slightly reminsistent of Roy Moore, the loser and pedophile of the Alabama senate race, refusing to concede after the election.

42 Men Face the Consequences of their Sexual Misconduct Thus Far- Sara(h) Jenkins

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/11/10/us/men-accused-sexual-misconduct-weinstein.html

Since Harvey Weinstein's being fired after having been accused by several women of gross sexual misconduct, 42 other high profile men have fallen from their positions.A list is given on Huffpost, but I'd like to say a few things.  It's about time men are being held accountable for their actions. We are still so far from the just society we deserve but at least now the issue is being made known.

The $450 Million Painting | Chloe Villa-Abrille

Salvator Mundi, one of Leonardo da Vinci’s 20 authenticated works sold for $450 million. This being the highest auction biddings to date. It turns out the man behind this is Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who bought the painting with bigger ideals than it being a decorative item. It’s to be exhibited in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where he hopes will help diversify the oil focused economy. With the growing amount of art in the UAE, the prince hopes that it will eventually become a cultural hub and more developed region.

Art is definitively a good step in the right direction for diversity and development of its people. While there might be somethings that are more pressing issues at the movement, it’s important to focus on things like this too. Art is a good way to bind people together, grow and develop a country, while it can also speak creative ideas and ingenuity, allowing for the development and transformation of a country into a stronger and more diverse one.

http://money.cnn.com/2017/12/11/investing/salvatore-mundi-buyer-abu-dhabi/index.html

Possible Plans for Mars? | Chloe Villa-Abrille

Trump plans to send a group of trained astronauts to Mars, with Robert M. Lightfoot Jr., NASA’s administrator in charge of the operation. Gidley supports his decision because, if successful, the advancement in American space travel could give them a solid spot in the industry. While wether or not they can make it to Mars, we should expect an expedition to the moon. The will become the first step to the path of Mars, as it’ll act as a training ground.

Space exploration is always an amazing thing hear about; however there really are more pressing issues at the moment. Issues of national unity, war and the need to aid of foreign countries, and especial the risk of nuclear war. Space travel is definitely some thing that should be looked into as we are slowly reaching the point where the amount of resource we have can no longer sustain us, so it is important to look into means of avoiding this.  

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/11/politics/trump-astronauts-moon/index.html

A new victory for a party member- Noah Huerta

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/12/politics/alabama-senate-election-mainbar/index.html


Doug Jones winning the first democrat senate seat in Alabama in over a decade, against Roy Moore, reminds me of the election of 1860 with Lincoln. 

Objectively, a party member being advanced where usually none would see that party happen, seems coincidental to other major elections in history over all. 
A reason Lincoln won was because the other three candidates, who opposed him, were all for the same idea as each other. So the only other option was Lincoln, or three other identical voices which would thin the votes out by statistics. 

In this case, with Doug Jones running against Roy Moore; the choice is pretty clear to most informed about scandal news. 

Disney Set to Seal $60bn 21st Century Fox Takeover - Sam Romine

Walt Disney is close to sealing a deal to purchase $60bn 21st Century Fox Studios. If Disney goes through with the deal, they would be purchasing National Geographic cable channels, 22 regional US sports networks, and 21st Century Fox's stake in Hulu. Negotiations started earlier this month and Murdoch's, the owner of 21st Century Fox, decision surprised many outsiders given his desire to expand his billion-dollar business over the past few decades.

Honestly spending that amount of money in my mind is unfathomable. Why would you spend a little over a third of the value of your company to acquire something like this? Also, Disney is really going all out in the entertainment industry as of late, examples of this being Disney's purchase of Lucasfilms, which in essence is the purchase of Star Wars.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42333452

California Thomas Fire: No End in Sight - Sam Romine

The Thomas Fire in California has been one of the most devastating in California to date. Having already destroyed 900 properties and 234,000 acres of land, Thomas is ranked at 5th largest wildfire in the state's history. Only one death has been reported so far, but many fire fighters have been injured in this week-long blaze.

The growth of this fire is astounding; it's only a week-old fire but it has already destroyed so many people's homes a ruined their lives. The "gusts of wind and low humidity" will continue to pose a threat to the safety of many Californians, but hopefully the wildfires can be contained before too much more harm is done.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42331132

Democrat Defeats Roy Moore in Alabama Race - Sam Romine

The first Democratic Senator in 25 years was elected today in Alabama, and Doug Jones' victory over Roy Moore dealt a huge blow to the Trump administration by shortening the gap in the Senate to 51-49, with majority being Republicans. Although Roy Moore was backed by Trump, the controversial nature of his campaign, which involved sexual abuse allegations from minors, caused him to come short in even the heavily Republican Alabama.

Personally, I am delighted to see that the good of the country is finally overcoming the barriers of political parties. The fact that Alabamians were able to look past political parties and elect a decent human being to office in for their state, even if they share different beliefs, is proof that hope should not be lost for America just quite yet. 

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42333712

Isabella Firsching- Annother Instance of A Police Officer Murdering Someone

On January 18th, 2016, police were called to a Mesa hotel with the complaint that a man on the 5th floor had a gun. According to video footage, Phillip Brailsford, an officer at the Mesa PD, gave the suspected Daniel Shaver instructions. Strangely contradictory instructions. He stated " Do not put your hands down for any reason" but then instructed him to crawl towards him on the floor. Shaver did so, but he also made a slight twisting motion and in return, Brailsford shot 5 times, killing him. The body-cam footage of the incident is haunting, you can see Shaver begging for the officer not to shoot and apologizing before the abrupt end. The most frustrating parts however, came later, no weapon was found on Shaver and Brailsford was acquitted. 

 This story is all too familiar, unarmed men and women  being killed by police, this story differs only in that Daniel Shaver isn't part of the black community, as Tamir Rice, Akiel Denkins, Gregory Gunn, Samuel DuBose, Brendon Glenn, Freddie Gray, Natasha McKenna, Walter Scott, Christian Taylor, Michael Brown Jr., Ezell Ford, Eric Garner, Laquan McDonald, Yvette Smith, Jamar Clark, Rekia Boyd, Shereese Francis, Ramaey Graham, Manuel Loggins Jr., Sean Bell, Ronald Madison, and  Kendra James were, just to name a few. 
I am sick of hearing stories and reading articles about people being killed for no other reason than fear. 

https://www.google.com/amp/abc13.com/amp/body-cam-video-shows-man-beg-before-officer-killed-him/2764978/

US Ready for North Korea Talks Without Preconditions - Sam Romine

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is ready to speak to North Korea without any preconditions about avoiding conflict between the regime and the US. Several hours after Tillersons' remarks, Trump released a statement through press secretary Sarah Sanders that his views on the issue "have not changed."

Tillersons' change of heart could be a huge step in the direction of reconciliation between North Korea and the rest of the world. War with North Korea would be disastrous because of the inevitable involvement of nuclear weapons, which would cause massive loss of human life. 

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42333704

Aeva Ramirez- A Dad's message for Anti-LGBTQ politicians

Nathan Mathis explained in an interview with NBC News that he lost his daughter to suicide when she was 23 in 1995 and that she was a lesbian, struggling with serious discrimination and hate in her town. Mathis said he was protesting Republican candidate Roy Moore because he took the issue with his anti-LGBTQ comments throughout the years. Moore has said that "homosexual behavior" is an "inherent evil" that should be illegal. He has compared same-sex relationships to bestiality. Mathis stated that Moore's is incompatible with someone who is supposed to serve all Americans.

I wish his daughter could have lived to see how excepting the world has become and this also reminds me how grateful I am to get to co to such an accepting and welcoming high school. I also hope that their will be a day when a political leader can serve all Americans no matter who they love or what they look like.

http://www.refinery29.com/2017/12/184878/nathan-mathis-roy-moore-rally-alabama

Alabama Senate Election - Sam Romine

The political race between Republican Roy Moore and Democrat Doug Jones is the closest race for a Democratic Alabamian senator in almost a quarter century. Doug Jones received a fighting chance in the election amidst sexual abuse allegations against Roy Moore involving the molestation of a minor. Moore has denied such allegations but many Alabama residents are choosing to abstain from voting Republican because of the allegations against him and his denial thereof.

The intensity of this election shows that the modern Democrat is still not defeated even with a Republican president and a Republican majority in the Senate. Although Trump has officially endorsed Moore, Jones has as much a chance to win. Former President Barrack Obama has endorsed Jones, and former Republican Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who grew up in Alabama, told her home state to "reject bigotry, sexism, and intolerance."

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42322293

Aeva Ramirez- Impactful tweets about Human Rights Day

 December 10th was Human Rights Day and many organizations took the social media to share how important it is.  This year is especially important because it kicked off a year-long campaign marking the 70th anniversary of the University Declaration of Human Rights.  In 1948 United States released the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which stated that all human beings are born with equal rights "regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status."  This document is the most translated document in the world, available in over 500 languages. The people who took to Twitter hit on topics like freedom from  oh  oppression, immigration, access to clean water, healthcare, education, many other topics.

 It's amazing to see Twitter being used in such a productive and motivating way, and to hear all these people come together to promote equality and community. It's also great that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created and it's a symbol of progress but a part of me is sad that we require a document to tell us that we are all equals, that we couldn't just turn to someone of any nationality and not see an enemy.

http://www.refinery29.com/2017/12/184564/these-tweets-encapsulate-human-rights-day

Kayla Moore: 'One of our attorneys is a Jew"

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/11/politics/kayla-moore-roy-rally-alabama-senate/index.html

Saying, "One of our ______ is ____(insert minority group here!" is like saying "Oh, it's okay that I kiss my dog, my cat told me its okay!"

People have been using this excuse for a long time, trying to cover up their painfully wrong actions.

Greer Leonard- APUSH 8th period

As climate change severely damages our ecosystems with wildfires and massive hurricanes, it has taken another toll on antarctica. A large portion of Antarctica has melted due to global warming, and the ice is beginning to crack at irreversible rates. We need to realize that this climate change ordeal is not just affecting us in the US, but its causing irreversible damage to our planet.

Greer Leonard
APUSH 8th period





     Net Neutrality is a major problem that us Americans face today. The whole deal is that businesses might start charging for the ability to use their websites, which caused backlash from many internet users. although it seems like this plan won't go through, many people have raised their voice to speak out against it. People love their free internet browsing! If only we had the same passion for other more important (globally scaled) issues as we did with Net Neutrality!

Sophia AI by Jules Stowe

Artificial Intelligence has always been the works of science fiction. Until now. Hanson Robotics has just created possibly the most advanced pieces of robotics the world has ever seen, Sophia. Sophia is a humanoid robot that has been shown to express her individual emotions, and even joke. She can carry on simple conversations without fault and mimic other peoples facial expressions. Sophia has been on many different talk shows and interviews, even claiming for equal gender rights in Saudi Arabia.

This is hugely important because this is basically our future! the civil rights movement of the millennial generation is going to be robot rights, and i think it is important we prepare for that. Robots are becoming more and more advanced every single day. Bina48 is a robot that has hours upon hours of thoughts, opinions, and memories programmed into her head. Shes even shown guilt and inferiority about not being the original, human, Bina. The future is robotics and this is a huge deal to history.

http://sophiabot.com/robot-revolution-meet-sophia-bina48/

Women speak out against Trump - Michal Randolph

 www.cnn.com//womensallegation!&trump

As many as 15 women have come forward and accused Trump of fondling them, groping, and force ably kissing them at public events. He is one of the many high political figures that have been accused of sexual assault. He Men's and Women's Programs, also known as the One in Four programs, were written by John Flaubert. and is focused on increasing empathy toward rape survivors and motivating people to intervene as bystanders in sexual assault situations. Published data shows that high-risk persons who saw the Men's and Women's Program committed 40% fewer acts of sexually coercive behavior.

Net nuetrality- jade pierre

Stop net nuetrality!!! Net nuetrality is basically the belief that the user should pay money to use the internet, access websites, and to use the internet on high speed. With net neutrality your personal  endeavors on the Internet will all be watched and tracked.  This information can be sold to third parties too. It’s so creepy so if you don’t want your information being tracked appose it.

https://www.battleforthenet.com/

Liam Wise - New York Pipe Bomb Suspect Arrested

This Monday morning, witnesses say, 27-year-old Akayed Ullah set off a pipe bomb that was strapped to his chest in an attempt to injure bystanders. Ullah and five others were hurt in the blast, dozens more panicked. Ullah was arrested at gunpoint by local port authorities. The chairman of the Port Authority Police praised the officers, saying "thanks to the quick response of these brave port Authority officers, the suspect was apprehended, there were no serious injuries and the PABT was secured without further incident." This is an exciting prospect for those actively fighting terrorism on American soil. In a time where the police remain a controversial organization, it's always good to see a small contingent doing something resoundingly good. The suspect is in custody, so we will hear more about his motivation in the coming week, and act accordingly.

Original Story: http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/12/us/port-authority-officers-pipe-bomb/index.html

6 Wildfires Spread Across California | Chloe Villa-Abrille

Californias dry arid climate brought the Thomas Fire into view as it quickly gained ground starting as a brush fire, and then soon and grew to become larger that New York. Before, in 2007, Zaca had burned 240,000 acres and  destroyed man home just like Thomas. With strong winds still remaining, Thomas has rose to become the 5th largest wild fire. Along with its spread comes the evacuation of 93,243 residents, but luckily persuasions are being taken and the remains to only be one death (who didn’t directly die by fire.) Currently the Thomas Fire, Creek Fire, Rye Fire, Lilac Fire, Skirball Fire, and Liberty Fire have more than covered the land mass of Singapore, thankfully fire fighters are diligently working to control and put an end to these devastating fires.

California is an extremely important part to the United States economy. Many important businesses and corporations are located there, the down fall of the people and companies relying on this land could gravely impact America. The land is also being used for agriculture, which is not helping the land survive, but also does call the issue of the lack of water there. 

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/11/us/california-wildfires/index.html

Henry Haas-Trump resignation heavily encouraged

Recently several more women have come forward in regards to sexual assault. Around fifteen victimized women came forward since Trump was elected, describing various scenarios in which the President allegedly forcibly kissed them and advanced without consent. This also was a very prominent feature during the elcection, coming from both parties involving both Mr. Clinton and Mr. Trump. While many in the White House are defending the president, some senators including democrats from New York and Jersey have started a movement for his resignation. Frankly I think rape is a very important issue however I believe this is an awful way to handle such a delicate subject. Of the 25 or so allegations made, fifteen being made after the inauguration, around ten have been confirmed as fabricated, and no story has been investigated through far enough for any hard case to be made. I feel it is important for these cases to be explored, however I disagree with CNN’s view on the matter which seems to heavily support an immediate resignation with very little proof. One argument made in check against this is the case in 2005 in which Trump was recorded stating very sexist things about women, however, while it is disgusting and disgraceful, it was also stated that he had their consent. That “they let him(me) do it”. It’s not rape when you have consent, no matter how wrong it is. That is however still a very credible piece of evidence against the president, and I won’t deny it’s impact, but personally I find it rash for a claim as large in scale as resignation be made off of little evidence. That’s just my opinion though, I’d love to hear your thoughts as well.

 http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/11/politics/female-democrats-send-letter-trump-investigation/index.html

Zoe Nguyen- A huge part of Antarctica is melting and scientists say that's bad news

A huge part of Antarctica is melting and scientists say that's bad news

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/19/weather/antarctica-melt-texas-rain-climate-change-trnd/index.html  

A 300,000 square mile chunk, about 2x the size of California, of Antarctica is melting and it is alarming to scientists. The area was described as “covered in slush” and to be caused by the El Nino in 2016, which is a weather event that brings abnormally warm water to the Pacific ocean. Even stranger occurences, there were records of rain. If the shelves are weakened any more this could be drastic (way more natural disaters). This is absolutely insane. We are polluting the Earth and it’s coming back to destroy the planet and everything on it.

Chloe Leal - Trump impeachment vote fails overwhelmingly

Trump impeachment vote fails overwhelmingly - POLITICO
https://apple.news/AIoM7SpnGSJKe-3OTFjNI8g

Rep. Al Green of Texas and has been a lawmakers for seven terms whose conscience has “compelled him” to push forward a measure attempting to impeach President Trump. He presented articles of impeachment and described the president as “a bigot who incites hate and has demeaned the presidency.” Democratic leaders viewed this motion as a distraction and all three hundred and sixty-four representatives who voted to sideline this measure believe that the fifty-eight “extremists” who didn’t would better utilize their time “focusing on tax relief for American families and businesses, and working to fund our troops and veterans through the holiday season rather than threaten a government shutdown.”

I relate this motion to attempt to impeach the president as Congress attempting to impeach President Andrew Johnson in the Reconstruction Era. While President Trump has not deliberately and knowingly violated a strongly enforced law passed by Congress, such as Johnson did by illegally removing his Secretary of War from office, it was still a legitimate notion that was voted on.
I think it’s admirable that Al Green felt compelled by his own morals to go forward with this notion even while he knew he was unlikely to succeed, but I think I agree that there are other things to worry about. Not to dismiss the incredible disfavor that Trump receives throughout the nation, but I don’t believe that trying to relieve more direct results of their suffering is immoral.

Retails Going Out of Business - Theresa Dvorocsik

http://money.cnn.com/2017/06/13/news/companies/retail-bankruptcies/index.html

More than 300 retailers have filed for bankruptcy so far this year, according to data from BankruptcyData.com. That's up 31% from the same time last year. Most of those filings were for small companies -- the proverbial Mom & Pop store with a single location. But there are also plenty of household names on the list. Most of these stores are suffering from the same thing: A shift away from traditional storefronts to online shopping.

This is very interesting. I have noticed this around Dallas. I wonder if this helps the economy or puts it in danger?

Trump accusers call for Congress to investigate sexual harassment allegations against him- Taylor Knighton

Three women any in the past accused President Donald Trump on sexual misuse and worry among the years earlier than his selection are livelihood because of Congress after look into the allegations in opposition to him below a sennight of as ternary members on Congress stepped below upon comparable claims.Rachel Crooks, Jessica Leeds yet Samantha Holvey regarded at a news convention Monday.Trump's records over sexual misconduct," Crooks said.Crooks alleged as Trump "has escaped his previous unscathed, but upon a bar ladies have enter far as regardshis sexual misconduct, and we bear video invulnerable about him promotion such behavior," referring after an "Access Hollywood" recording out of 2005."In an goal setting, without question, a character together with it record would bearentered the graveyard of political aspirations, not at all in accordance with return.Asked about the women's claims Monday afternoon, White House grasp queen Sarah Sanders repeated Trump's denials and brought so the White House believes the "allegations have been answered" thru ultimate year's election, given that that was oncevictorious also below the masses was conscious about the accusations.The 3 women seemed before Monday onNBC's "Today" show, concerning as legion Megyn Kelly read a declaration from the White House among explanationin accordance with the women's allegations. It befell hence fast."Leeds, anybody also forward went people amongthe Times thesis in October 2016, alleges that Trump groped her during the late 1970s whilst that used to betraveling forward category concerning an airplane.
Leeds additionally mentioned of the show so much three years then the alleged incident on the airplane, that moved after New York City or ran of Trump while she was deed at a fundraiser gala.