Hurricane Maria: Puerto Rico still without power
Hurricane Maria, a category 4 storm, hit Puerto Rico on September 20th and left the entire country, nearly three million people, without power. Though the hurricane has moved on, Puerto Rico still faces mudslide and flash flood warnings. The territory is already in a recession (and has been for over a decade) and filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, so the financials of recovery efforts remain ambiguous. Many people are upset at Donald Trump’s lack of response, especially since Puerto Rico is still a U.S territory. JLo already donated $1 million to recovery efforts. Be like JLo. Donate here.
Kim Jung Un vs. Donald Trump
Trump created an executive order to sanction anyone who does business with North Korea in order to cut off their finances and reconsider their development of nuclear weapons. Donald Trump said that the U.S can “totally destroy” North Korea, with Kim Jung Un responding that Trump is “mentally deranged”. Even China, North Korea’s largest trading partner, agreed with Trump on this one and ordered all banks to cut ties.
Obamacare repeal efforts continue
The Graham-Cassidy bill is the GOP’s newest effort to repeal Obamacare. It would eliminate federal funding of Obamacare and allow states to manage their own healthcare systems. It would also get rid of the individual mandate that requires all people to purchase healthcare. It would also decrease funding for Medicaid, a federal program that helps low-income people pay for healthcare. Many Republicans are upset with John McCain and Ted Cruz for coming out against the bill.
Earthquake in Mexico leaves nearly 300 dead and many missing
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Puebla, Mexico this week and left at least 273 dead and entire cities in ruins. Rescue crews continue to search the rubble for survivors. This earthquake occurred on the anniversary of the 1985 hurricane that killed nearly 10,000 people. Donate to relief efforts here.
Analysis shows Aaron Hernandez had severe CTE
Former NFL player Aaron Hernandez was serving time in prison for murder when he committed suicide earlier this year. Researchers who analyzed his brain post-mortem found that Hernandez had a severe case of CTE, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain disease caused by repeated head trauma with symptoms including suicidal behavior. A lawsuit has been filed against the NFL for its incompetence in protecting football players.
Race riots in St. Louis, MO
Two weeks ago, a judge in St. Louis, MO acquitted a former police officer of the 2011 death of a 24 year old black man, Anthony Lamar Smith. Peaceful protests ensued after the ex-cop’s acquittal, which quickly turned violent. Smith was shot five times after trying to flee the scene of a suspected drug deal.