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The bird flu makes a comeback, and Connecticut signs the country’s toughest gun law. In the entertainment world, we bid goodbye to iconic film reviwer Roger Ebert while scientists in the Peruvin Andes give us even more warnings about climate change. Welcome back to NEWSFLASH!, where we give you some of the week’s top stories!
Bird Flu Re-Emerges in China
A new strain of the bird flu appeared this week in Eastern China, infecting a confirmed total of 18 people as of this past Saturday.
The appearance of the type A strain H7N9 virus has been especially potent in Shanghai. Six people have died from the virus so far, though the WHO has not confirmed that the virus is spreading through human-to-human contact.
Over 20,000 birds were culled at a poultry market in Shanghai. New cases of the virus have prompted officials to consider slaughtering more birds.
While widespread panic hasn’t hit Shanghai, many residents have decided to start avoiding poultry markets and instead are opting for large supermarkets. Elsewhere in the country, all poultry trading has been shut down in the city of Nanjing, and other municipalities are considering slaughtering birds as well to contain the virus’ spread.
Connecticut Signs Comprehensive Gun Law
Almost four months after the Sandy Hook gun massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, the state has signed what experts are calling the toughest gun law in the country.
Connecticut added more than 100 entries on the state’s banned weapons list and limited the number of magazine rounds to 10. Those seeking to purchase a firearm must now also undergo an extensive background check.
While current owners of magazines that can fire more than 10 rounds are allowed to keep them, the state law is still seen as “setting an example for the whole country.”
“Democrats and Republicans were able to come to an agreement on a strong, comprehensive bill,” said Senate president Don Williams. “That is a message that should resound in 49 other states, and in Washington, D.C., and the message is we can get it done here and they should get it done in their respective states and nationally in Congress.”
Film Critic Roger Ebert Passes Away at 70
Renowned Chicago Sun-Times film critic, Roger Ebert, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Friday.
Ebert, who previously co-hosted the popular film review show “Siskel and Ebert at the Movies” with fellow film reviewer Gene Siskel, struggled with thyroid and salivary gland cancer. Despite his health problems, Ebert continued to write over 200 reviews every year for the Chicago Sun-Times, including over 300 reviews just this past year.
“Last year, I wrote the most of my career, including 306 movie reviews, a blog post or two a week, and assorted other articles,” he said. “I must slow down now, which is why I’m taking what I like to call ‘a leave of presence.'”
Ebert won a Pulitzer Prize in 1975 for his witty, spot-on film reviewing, leaving behind a legacy that has made him one of the most iconic film icons.
Two thumbs up to you, Roger Ebert, and may you Rest In Peace.
Scientists Concerned About Andes Ice Sheet Melt
A recent study by scientists has uncovered that glacial ice in the Peruvian Andes that took around 16,000 years to form has melted in the past 25 years.
Scientists report that the Quelccaya ice cap, the world’s largest tropical ice sheet, has melted so rapidly that plants locked in a deep freeze from thousands of years ago have reemerged. Carbon dating has allowed scientists to accurately determine the ice sheet’s origins and age.
While the ice cap is so large that its body remains very solid, the Quelccaya could very well begin to rapidly disappear because of global warming.
Glacial meltwater is an important source of water for Andean communities. The recent increase in meltwater has given these same communities more access to water, but scientists warn that a rapid melt could mean that sources will be more rapidly depleted.