Have you been too busy with classes to keep up with current events? Stay informed and check out the top news stories from this week.
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Typhoon Haiyan
Relief efforts in the Philippines for survivors of last Friday’s Typhoon Haiyan have been improving, but the aftermath of the storm has left roads and airports damaged, making relief progress difficult. The U.S. military began providing humanitarian assistance to the country earlier this week.
The Philippines are also facing consequent problems, including looting of stores, starvation, and diseases. There have been outbreaks of rabies, measles, and polio from a lack of access to clean drinking water.
Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines is being called “one of the worst storms ever recorded,” according to NPR reporters. This Wednesday, the Philippine government announced the official death toll at 2,300, with final estimates expected to be between 2,000 and 2,500. Although Haiyan has not been linked to climate change, it has brought up concerns about the increasing intensity of recent tropical storms.
Want to help? The U.S. State Department is working with the Philippines Typhoon Disaster Relief Fund established by the mGive Foundation, a U.S. nonprofit organization. You can text AID to 80108 to make a $10 donation to the fund, or visit mgive.org to find out other ways you can help.
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Obamacare
The Obama administration has announced that 106,185 people have signed up for an insurance plan through the federal exchange during the first month of enrollment. This is well under the originally anticipated 500,000 that were expected to enroll in October, but White House officials aren’t worried. They expect the number to rise once technical issues with healthcare.gov are resolved and they begin their major marketing campaigns.
In addition to the people who have enrolled, another 975,407 have completed the application process, but haven’t chosen a specific plan yet. California is leading the way with 35,364 enrolled, followed by New York with 16,404.
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Same-Sex Marriage in Hawaii
This Wednesday, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, making Hawaii the 15th state to do so. The law will allow gay couples to marry beginning on December 2nd. President Obama offered praise for the bill and believes its passage makes the country stronger.
The state, a popular wedding destination, is expecting a significant increase in tourism. One estimate from a University of Hawaii researcher says the legalization of same-sex marriage will boost tourism by $217 million over the next three years.
Earlier this month, the Illinois legislature passed a similar bill, but Gov. Pat Quinn isn’t planning on signing it until Nov. 20. This will make Illinois the 16th state to legalize same-sex marriage.
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Toronto Mayor Rob Ford
Rob Ford, the current mayor of Toronto, has admitted to purchasing and using illegal drugs after a video was revealed to officials last week, showing him using what appears to be crack cocaine.
He claims it happened approximately a year ago during a “drunken stupor,” according to his statement during a press conference last Tuesday.
Just days after that statement, Ford was caught on video in a violent rant, swearing and threatening to kill someone. He has since made public apologies, but does not plan to remove himself from office.
The Toronto City Council voted 37 to 5 this Wednesday at a City Council meeting to ask Ford to take a leave of absence. Ford continues to refuse to step down and says voters will have an opportunity to decide whether to keep him during next year’s election. The Council cannot force him to step down unless he is convicted of a crime. Although the police have the video that prompted Ford’s confession, the mayor is not facing any charges at this time.
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Sources: “Why Typhoon Haiyan Caused So Much Damage,” “Aid Groups Struggle To Reach Survivors of Typhoon Haiyan,” “Obamacare’s first month: 106,000 signed up,” “Hawaii to become 16th state to legalize same-sex marriage,” “Toronto Council Asks Mayor Ford To Temporarily Step Aside“