Month: August 2019

Before August eighteenth the boat was called a humanitarian crisis. The Open Arms, a rescue ship, was stranded off Italy’s coast. Why? Because Italy refused to let the rescued people in. Over 100 people were crammed on the ship for two weeks. Minors were eventually let onto Italian soil; without their parents. Other countries have offered to take some of the people in but leaders believe the journey is too far for the weak passengers.

This is a summary of the article “Migrant Ship Stranded Off Italy in ‘Crisis,’ Aid Group Says” by The New York Times.

Tornados and thunderstorms were been ravaging in and around tornado alley in the US. Storms have been reported in Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas during the weekend and several were certified by the National Weather Service. One weathercaster said the tornado in Illinois was caused due to a snowstorm. Damages in Taylorville and other towns include powerlines down, damaged and flattened houses, as well as injuries. One person was reported dead in Missouri, and 21 patients visited Taylorville hospital.

Note, this was written sometime last year and left unpublished. Oops…

According to new research, many major cities are running low water. Without any preventative measures or water-use limits in place, we could soon step into a major crisis. The World Resources Institute says on its website* that “the world’s water systems face formidable threats. More than a billion people currently live in water-scarce regions, and as many as 3.5 billion could experience water scarcity by 2025.” As they also point out on their water page; water is vital to human life. With thousands living in depleted areas, urban centers targeted, preemptive measures are desirable.

*https://www.wri.org/our-work/topics/water

China has changed its strategy on the US-China trade war. Xi Jinping, the current president, let the Yuan drop in value possibly as a weapon against the US. As of August 5th, 2019, the Yuan is worth 0.14 US dollars; one of the lowest values in the last year. China also proclaimed its decision to stop buying crops from the US. Xi accepts waiting out the possible economic falls resulting from his decision in hopes of long-term gain. He encourages/demands that the Chinese people do the same. It is yet to be seen how his approach works.

The Sunrise movement and other independent groups have been busy in preparation for the upcoming election. The Sunrise Movement has targeted Democrat candidates, hoping for alignment of their cause. They are not only promoting eco-friendly actions but also want candidates to support their ideas for social change; economic, anti-racism, inequality, and justice. Large concepts for a liberal movement. Candidates consistently agreed with the eco-friendly side of their ideas but not as many as they wanted to align with their social concepts. According to the New York Times post; Progressive Activists Have Pushed Democrats to the Left on Climate Issues. Now What? several candidates began closer to the Sunrise Movement’s ideals but have strayed, possibly because of the social side of the movement’s campaign. The future will show how much power the movement will have in the government.

Hey! So, I may have switched to a charter school for the second semester of last year and not told you. But I’m back and excited for high school (I’m a Freshman now)!

More coming soon!