NEWS
Māori Haka in New Zealand's Parliament Sparks Conversations
Winter Estrada
In the original settlement of the British in New Zealand, there became a need to address land distribution and jurisdiction between the British settlers and the indigenous Māori. To confront such issues, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs. The treaty outlined the relationship between the British and Māori relating to governance, and has remained as a landmark agreement that guides many of New Zealand’s acts and legislations today. Fast forward 183 years after the treaty’s signing, a staged haka puts a New Zealand parliament meeting on hold. “Haka”, the Māori word for dance, is a long held tradition of the Māori people. Usually performed in a group, chanting is accompanied by movements including facial and hand gestures. Though movements and meaning may vary depending on iwi (tribe), the haka originates from Māori legend involving the sun god, Tama-nui-te-ra, goddess of summer, Hine-Raumati, and their son, Tane-roneeach. The haka is most commonly performed at important occasions like weddings to funerals, and celebrates the triumph of life over death. In this case, the Māori custom is used as a parliamentary interruption led by member of parliament (MP) Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke of Te Pāti Māori, the Māori political party of New Zealand that advocates for Māori rights. Maipi-Clarke proceeds to rip the bill during the traditional dance as other MPs and some of the public gallery continue the haka’s chant throughout the meeting room. Description: Maipi-Clarke ripping the bill as she starts the haka Courtesy of X https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fenglish.jagran.com%2Fworld%2Fnew-zealand-mp-rips-up-bill-in-parliament-sparks-controversy-with-traditional-dance-10201097&psig=AOvVaw3hAQiLbXCGAzWQYukbpy_a&ust=1733597961912000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCOCIiOnpk4oDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ Their disruption was prompted by the first reading of The Treaty Principles Bill, a flagship policy created by David Seymour, leader of the Association of Consumers and Taxpayers (ACT) New Zealand. To the ACT, principles currently established by the New Zealand government have misinterpreted the original intentions of the Treaty of Waitangi, specifically the principles leading to a creation of a separate government system for Māori with different privileges and political/legal rights in comparison to non-Māori. According to Seymour in the Guardian, the bill is meant to apply the treaty’s principles, such as legal and political rights, to all New Zealanders, including those who aren’t Māori. “[The bill] provides an opportunity for parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” Seymour said. A vast majority and parties such as Te Pāti Māori believe the bill infringes on the rights presented by the Treaty of Waitangi. Specifically, it is seen to be undermining the rights presented to the indigenous people by the treaty’s previous interpretations. With Seymour’s bill, his “equality” is seen to be a mask ultimately putting Māori at a disadvantage. In further protest of this bill and other policies against the indigenous people, hundreds have set off on a hikoi, a nine-day march, with staged rallies along the way. This march is set to end in a big rally on Nov. 19th at New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, where thousands more are expected to join. Description: Hikoi reaches Wellington, Courtesy of BBC https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Farticles%2Fcdd0qr9mv9mo&psig=AOvVaw38ydD8xVGMy9KgGmzeaMpN&ust=1733598219618000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCOjcguPqk4oDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE Due to the bill being part of a political ACT’s coalition agreement with National, a New Zealand political party, the bill has made it past its first reading. However, National and New Zealand First, a third coalition partner, have opted out of supporting the bill beyond this. Given the severance of this support as well as its wide opposition, it is unlikely for Seymour’s bill to become law.
The Life and Accomplishments of Ethel Kennedy
Addyson Dempsey
Ethel Kennedy, a pillar of the Kennedy political dynasty, passed at the age of 96. Her grandson, former Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III announced her passing early Oct. tenth, Thursday morning. E. Kennedy was hospitalized after suffering a stroke last week. After campaigning for John F. Kennedy in his 1946 Congressional campaign, she married into the Kennedys; in 1950, Ethel Skakel married R. F. Kennedy, JFK’s younger brother. Following her marriage into one of the most influential families in the United States, E. Kennedy supported her husband in his successful Senate campaign and 1968 Presidential campaign. R.F. Kennedy was assassinated shortly after winning the California Democratic Primary. E. Kennedy never remarried, committing her life to raising her 11 children. Following her husband’s tragic death, E. Kennedy founded the nonprofit organization Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights in Oct. 1968. Her activism rose to prominence, taking her efforts both across the country and around the world. She marched with Cesar Chavez in support of the United Farm Workers movement. She remained a figure in politics throughout her life, giving endorsements to presidential candidates, such as President Barack Obama. In 2014, E. Kennedy received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts in human rights advocacy. E. Kennedy continued to be active in advocacy following her award. During the late 2010’s E. Kennedy participate through the Coalition of Gun Control, the Earth Conservation Corps, and Special Olympics. Furthermore, in 2018 E. Kennedy joined a hunger strike to protest the separation of families at the US-Mexico border. After her passing on Thursday, President Joe Biden made a formal statement, honoring the matriarch’s passing. “American icon — a matriarch of optimism and moral courage, an emblem of resilience and service. Devoted to family and country, she had a spine of steel and a heart of gold that inspired millions of Americans, including me and Jill. We were blessed to call her a dear friend,” Biden said. E. Kennedy is succeeded by her surviving nine children, 32 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and her long-lasting legacy. Her family gathered on Oct. 14, to celebrate her life and successes. They were joined by three presidents, President Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former President Bill Clinton, as well as former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
Hurricanes Milton and Helene leave the East in shambles
Sadie Robison
For roughly three weeks, the eastern regions of the United States, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee have been drastically affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. Helene made landfall on Thursday, Sept. 26, hitting land as a category four storm with 140-mile winds. As of Oct. 6, 230 have been confirmed, with first responders continuing to search for any survivors. Just after Helene passed, another storm, hurricane Milton, formed. Milton hit land on Oct. 9, targeting Florida and areas such as Tampa Bay and Siesta Key. The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, recommended for over five million people to evacuate. Most were able to find shelter elsewhere; however, a significant number of families had to brave the storm head first due to financial difficulties. To be able to book a flight out of Florida would be around $1000, which is not realistic for low income families. The destruction from the hurricanes have affected many citizens in areas where the storms hit. More than two million homes have been destroyed by the winds and flooding due to the hurricanes, causing families to be stranded. A resident of Florida, Charlene Huggins, had her home destroyed. Huggins had a strong connection to this house, making it more than just 4 walls and a roof. "Five generations lived in this house, from my grandmother, my father, myself, my daughter, son, and my granddaughter. So there's a lot of memories here. It just breaks your heart," Florida resident, Charlene Huggins said. In addition, 16 people have been found dead as of Oct. 11. Emergency workers are still unsure whether there are more injured. Fortunately, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an American government agency that is equipped with supplies to assist areas that were damaged in a natural disaster, has brought relief to many residents affected by the tropical storms. For those affected by the hurricanes, FEMA is giving $750 to victims and their families to support them while recovering. Due to the lack of financial aid and efficiency, politician Donald J. Trump claimed that FEMA and Kamala Harris, his political opponent, were giving money to immigrants coming to America rather than to victims of the hurricanes. “Kamala spent all her FEMA money – billions of dollars – on housing for illegal migrants, many of whom should not be in our country,” said Trump. FEMA quickly addressed the allegations and counteracted Trump's accusations. According to FEMA, their Disaster Relief Funds are going to only communities who need support and migrants are being funded by Congress. As FEMA face criticism more on their slow relief, they continue to provide financial assistance to those affected. Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused mass destruction and devastation to countless families and victims. As the storms pass, Floridians and residents in other states are trying to recover. While these events have been extremely devastating, residents are keeping high hopes. Christal Shola, a resident in Fort Myer, had her home destroyed from the winds and rain from the hurricanes. “It’s heart-wrenching to have to keep going through this. We have terrific neighbors, we all help each other, and the fact that we all love it here so much - we just keep doing it,” Shola said. As recovering spreads, US officials continue to provide assistance and empathy to all citizens whose lives have been altered from these tropical storms. https://cms.accuweather.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FMBeach3.png?w=1024 Photo Courtesy of AccuWeather
Technology’s Continued Hold on Schools
Nex Ganesan
The increased use of technology in schools has become a controversial topic among teachers and parents. While some argue that phones can enhance the learning process by providing students with instant access to information and educational apps, others believe that they are a major distraction and potentially harmful to student well-being. The same issue has been seen at MC, where more teachers are incorporating technology into their classrooms with tools such as Kahoot and Blooket, resulting in a larger need for phones in school. This has caused a complete transition from older methods in schools from paper towards Chromebooks and phones. Technology has had its benefits such as convenience and quicker communication, helping with quicker access to resources for educational support such as Khan Academy. However, excessive use of cell phones raises concerns about both mental and physical health among teenagers. Digitalresponsibility.org states that increased phone usage can cause psychological issues such as distraction, narcissism, and symptoms of depression. Use of technology can also have negative repercussions on physical health such as vision problems, hearing loss, and neck strain. Additionally, the growing presence of social media on these devices can contribute to cyberbullying and other negative effects, leading many schools to implement strict phone policies or even bans. As technology continues to play a larger role in education, it is important for schools to be able to balance the benefits and negatives of phones and technology in order to provide a safe and productive environment for students. Many argue that this is a result of increased dependence on phones by both parents and staff for children’s safety. This increases the use of technology among children making it more popular to use technology to improve education. Many students at MC like Liza Kasishov (10) have shared their opinions on the increased use of phones and Chromebooks. “I have met a lot of great people on the internet; some of my closest friends are people over the internet [but then] internet safety is a big concern,” Kasishov said. Many elementary teachers in our district have seen this and have their own thoughts on its effects on young kids , including Frank Cvar, a third-grade teacher at Morning Creek Elementary. Cvar believes that technology has a great impact on his class by providing students with creative output, helping them develop spelling, and providing them with better access to information. Yet technological advances reveal many drawbacks. “It helps us present and gives the kids a creative outlet, but it also has a negative side effect; we are seeing a lot of behavior issues with kids having access to things [on the internet]; these kids see these TikTok and Youtube videos where a lot of older guys in their twenties, even older than that, pull pranks and roasting each other, and they come here and think that’s how adults behave and think it’s ok,” Chav explained. Many young children are spending more time on the internet to occupy their minds due to the system of online school during quarantine where parents do not have enough time to check or limit everything their children can view on the internet. This has affected most Americans, especially younger children; according to EducationWeek.com many people on the internet behave differently and almost put on a facade which has and continues to lead to cyberbullying and carries over to in-person conversations. Especially over these past few years, technology has been a savior in keeping in contact with family, friends, teachers and even employers. This means that a lot of people have made schedules that depend heavily on technology which will make the idea go into younger generations. The only way to keep children from becoming overly reliant on technology is for schools to find a healthier balance to ensure that both the drawbacks and benefits both weigh equal to each other out to make kids more productive and healthier.
La Jolla: A Runaway City
Sam Johnson
Since the 1950’s, select residents of La Jolla have sought for their community to be separated from the larger city of San Diego. In the past two years, efforts have only increased, with actions currently underway in order to evaluate the possible effects the split would have on government spending and tax revenue. President Trace Wilson of the Association for City of La Jolla and his team have been working on this process for two years, and are still undergoing evaluation. Wilson and his team argue that La Jolla is one of the few areas with the financial and governmental means to govern itself, especially if it means lifting pressure off of the rest of San Diego. “We know that when we become our own city, we will self-govern. That will release the city of San Diego from a tremendous amount […] that La Jolla costs today […] We can actually help not only our own community but, more importantly, the entire San Diego community,” Wilson said. Encompassing over 52 community planning areas, San Diego is considered to be the second largest city in all of California. This means the city must work to divide their resources across many different cities, which can result in some areas not receiving the necessary funding and resources that allows them to maintain their environments. Many La Jollans in support of the change have cited their dissatisfaction with the support they receive from the city of San Diego, citing dissatisfaction with the deteriorating side walks, roads, and many potholes. Alongside this, many of the 45,000 La Jolla residents have found that being governed under the city of San Diego’s laws have prevented them from making critical quality of life decisions. “This is a world-class tourist spot but doesn’t look like that anymore. People come here expecting something amazing… but the city can’t give us the maintenance we need,” Melinda Merrywether, a longtime supporter of La Jollas movement for cityhood, said. “We could make La Jolla much more beautiful and give money back to San Diego. It’s a win-win for everyone.” As one of the most popular tourist towns in the county, keeping La Jolla’s infrastructure up to date and caring for its environment is a monumental task. Whether the city of San Diego is up to this task or if La Jolla becomes its own city is yet to be seen, however it is clear that many La Jollan’s are prepared to tackle the difficult transition into their own city. If the separation were to go through, La Jolla would be the first city in California to secede from another city in over 60 years. In the meantime, it is necessary that the city works with LAFCO to determine whether the separation would be beneficial for both La Jolla and San Diego.
The Willow Project
Nex Ganesan
As the climate change crisis worsens, issues such as oil and petroleum drilling are receiving increased media attention. Symptoms of the rising crisis become more evident by the day, whether it be through changing weather cycles or policy changes. On March 13, The Biden administration approved a massive oil project in Alaska’s oil-rich area. The Willow Project is essentially a National Petroleum Reserve oil drilling project that was established to produce more oil for the US government while simultaneously supporting and coexisting with subsistence activities through the use of numerous mitigation mechanisms built into the project design. The area contains up to 600 million barrels of oil, which would take years to reach the market and be sold. The project would generate up to 180,000 barrels of oil per day, or about 1.5% of total US oil production. It is currently the largest proposed oil project in the United States of America. Despite the fact that this project will create new job opportunities in Alaska, it is a major setback for climate activists and indigenous Alaskans. Many have argued that it would undermine the president’s ambitious climate goals and pose health and environmental risks. The project has sparked a wave of online activism, with over a million letters written to the White House in opposition. In addition, a Change.org petition against it currently has millions of signatures. One of them, including Earthjustice, an environmental law firm that has been preparing a case against the project, is one of the many environmentalists who plan to sue to stop The Willow Project. Earthjustice claims that the Biden administration’s authority to protect resources on Alaska’s public lands includes taking steps to reduce carbon pollution. Which in turn the Willow Project would only add on to. According to CNN, Earthjustice president Abigail Dillen how this project will only worsen the issues that are still here. “We are too late in the climate crisis to approve massive oil and gas projects that directly undermine the new clean economy that the Biden Administration committed to advancing, […] We know President Biden understands the existential threat of climate, but he is approving a project that derails his own climate goals,” Dillen said. Biden’s decision has forced many Alaskan lawmakers against environmental groups with the opposing of the Willow Project. Many Democrats in Congress also argue against Willow, claiming the project contradicts his goals of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030 and transitioning to clean energy. Even with continued protests and future detrimental effects on the Alaskan environment, many Alaskan federal lawmakers cheer for The Willow Project. Democratic Representative Mary Peltol stated that many Alaskans have been determined to set this project in motion and even thanked President Biden and the administration for listening to Alaska. “I would like to thank the President and his administration for listening to the voices of Alaskans when it mattered most,” Peltol said. Lawmakers were not the only ones happy with this decision; many Alaskan native groups are glad for the jobs and revenue it would bring to this region and many even said that it would ensure a stable and prosperous future for Alaska and its people. In response to the Willow project, the Biden administration plans to consider protection for more than 13 million acres within the petroleum reserve for wildlife and nature.
Six Killed in a ‘Cartel-Style Execution,’ Motives Left Unclear
Eddy Leaf
On this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, residents of Goshen, California complained of a noise they believed to be coming from an active shooter. Tulare County police officers were dispatched to the neighborhood as early in the morning as 3:37 a.m. but were unable to prevent any fatalities. Six people were shot and killed, including a teenage mother and her six-month-old baby. Not all bodies were discovered at once. According to Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux in a press release covered by CNN, deputies arrived on the scene of the shooting at around 3:37 a.m., and immediately encountered two dead bodies. Later, they found a third body in the doorway of the home. As they searched the property they found three remaining victims. The sheriff’s office presumed the attack to be connected to the Norteño gang. It stated that acts of violence are not uncommon in this area, but not to this extent. As such, investigators believed that the severity of the incident would be in line with the gang. This suspicion has been furthered by the identification of Eladio Parraz Jr., a victim of the shooting convicted of multiple felonies days prior to his untimely death. On Jan. 3, Parraz was found guilty of possession of multiple firearms and a controlled substance in a routine parole compliance check on the home. He was released on bail four days later. In late January, Sheriff Mike Boudreaux had continually expressed his outrage and frustration towards the situation in a number of press releases and speeches. In one release, he called upon Governor Gavin Newsom to lift the ban on the death penalty in situations such as this one, but not to any avail. “What these cowards did is disgusting and I want to see them face their judgment. This was a cartel-like execution. We are not eliminating the idea that the cartel was involved. But we are looking at all avenues. We are looking at every fact. We will not give up until we find these monsters,” Sheriff Boudreaux said in a press release. A week later, Tulare County police forces began to track down their two suspects, Noah David Beard and Angel Uriarte, in what was known as “Operation Nightmare.” Sheriff Boudreaux, in another release, mentioned that they only continued with the search when they had concrete DNA evidence. “Operation Nightmare” involved the manhunt of Beard and Uriarte across neighboring towns Visalia and Goshen. It began the morning of Feb. 3 after the Tulare County District Attorney made sure no mistakes had been made in the process of their arrests. “More than 100 detectives, officers and agents from local and federal agencies, executed search warrants at three locations. […] Detectives arrested Noah Beard without incident. At that same time, a warrant was served in the 6600 Block of Ave. 308 in Goshen. Angel Uriarte was found at that location, but ran from law enforcement. While he was running, Uriarte fired several shots at ATF Agents. The agents fired back, hitting Uriarte in the torso. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. He is expected to survive,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook on Feb. 3. Investigators and law enforcement have concluded that the attack was the work of rivaling gangs, but the exact motive for it remains unclear. Though the suspects have been identified and arrested, the investigation remains ongoing.
AI in Schools: A Blessing or a Curse?
Sam Johnson
When the modern calculator was invented, it was met with fear. Worries rose amongst teachers and mathematicians, who were concerned that it would make people mentally lazy. Today, calculators are an ordinary tool for both students and professionals. A similar question shakes the now, asking if AI will change how writing is learned.
Nancy Pelosi: Retirement From House Leadership Positions
Jashlene Cawagas
After two decades of leadership, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that she would not run for any leadership position in future elections for Congress. Pelosi stepped down after Democrats lost control of the House to the Republicans in the midterm elections. According to the Associated Press, Pelosi said on the House floor, “I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress. For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect. Followed by saying we must move boldly into the future.” After being the first woman ever to hold the Speaker position, Pelosi plans to remain a member of the House despite stepping down as Speaker. As the San Francisco representative, a position she has held for 35 years, Pelosi will continue in Congress when it convenes in January. “In her more than three decades serving in the House, Pelosi earned a reputation for amassing power in the face of male colleagues who at times undermined her opinions, and she earned respect by delivering votes on her party’s top priorities, even if that meant twisting the arms of her colleagues to take a bill over the finish line,” Marianna Sotomayor and Paul Kane, reporters from The Washington Post said. Another factor driving Pelosi’s retirement was the attack that happened to her husband on Oct. 28th at their San Francisco home. The couple’s residence was broken into through a glass door and Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, was hit by a hammer in the head. Following her husband’s incident, Pelosi experienced a change regarding her political career and her wish to retire. Pelosi has been a politician for decades and first became a House speaker in 2007. This was after the Democrats rose to power in the 2006 midterm elections as a repercussion of then-President George W. Bush to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many politicians have sent their respects for Pelosi- a farewell to a fellow comrade and associate. Though saddened by her withdrawal from the leadership position, she’s glad to continue her role as a public servant.
Old MC Lockers: Removed
Jashlene Cawagas
In October, MC lockers between the D and B buildings were taken down. Eventually, the area will become a new spot for students to hang out during breaks or lunch, as additional lunch tables will be placed there. The lockers taken down were old and fragmented and needed lots of repair and maintenance. In response, the MC administration decided that the lockers should be dismantled and forever discarded. Instead of rows of old lockers, the area’s tables can be used by kids who typically sit on the ground, or wander during breaks. During lunch, an increasing number of students sit on the ground near the Performing Arts Center, the stage, and the library. To prevent more students from roaming around the school and hurriedly trying to acquire a table at lunch, the MC admin decided that lunch tables are a useful and needed addition to the campus. MC has other lockers that are rarely used, so students that used the dismantled lockers were assigned new lockers in between the F and K buildings. Campus Safety said the PUSD district is no longer repairing old lockers because of wasted manpower and tedious work. For old lockers to be repaired, parts need to come from new lockers, which can be expensive and tiresome. An announcement was made stating that students had one day to pack all their belongings from the old lockers to clean them out before they were all taken apart. Some students felt that they did not have enough time or notification to take out their belongings from the lockers. Students who were absent had to retrieve their belongings from campus safety the day they came back to school. Instead, there were teachers who notified their students during class about the plan to get rid of the old lockers and to remind students that their belongings would need to be removed to prevent students from being shocked and worried about their missing items. At the end of the day, MC removed the lockers to improve student comfort and ensure students’ experiences and welfare were prioritized.
How China Faces an Unprecedented Challenge Lifting Strict Quarantine Restrictions
Sam Johnson
After months, the Chinese government has relaxed dozens of heavy restrictions put in place to completely prevent domestic Covid cases. Since March of 2022, twenty-five million Chinese citizens have been subject to draconic lockdown policies. Entire neighborhoods have been pulled out of their homes at 1 am to be tested, people are constantly being monitored through surveillance apps, and forced to stay in government quarantine facilities. While they succeeded in an outcome of extremely low Covid deaths, the Chinese government faced the challenge of reopening their borders. With weaker vaccines and no herd immunity, the government made the choice to continue the quarantine. Chinese citizens grew even more unrestful, and with the kickoff of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, millions of Chinese citizens sat indefinitely quarantined at home while hundreds of thousands gathered maskless to celebrate the tournament. For the first time since 1989, masses of people gathered to protest against the government, overcoming the government’s strict censorship rules. Protesters used various strategies to avoid being censored. “Blank paper protests,” were highly useful throughout protests, where thousands rallied with pieces of blank paper that said nothing, but all knew what they stood for. Citizens employed various other means to overcome suppression from the government, making over-the-top ironic social media posts in support of the zero Covid policies, and singing the Chinese national anthem with an effort to emphasize lines about overcoming tyranny and refusing to be slaves. Despite numerous efforts, many protesters were arrested off the street for no viable reason and faced abuse from police officers. With a rallying population no longer satisfied with what had become a long economic downfall for China, officials had no choice but to lift the lockdown. Four Chinese leaders symbolically removed their masks for the first time during a press conference announcing the reopening. The rest of the world forced its way in gaining herd immunity through the roughest parts of the pandemic, but China now faces an unprecedented challenge— suddenly opening up in the middle of a surge in cases of the flu, RSV, and Covid-19, all with weaker vaccines, and little to no ER capacity. Experts are left unsure of what variants currently exist in China and the chances of more popping up amidst their reopening. According to The Guardian, several countries, such as Singapore and Germany have expressed their concerns about incoming travelers for China, while the opposition claims that this is simply an effort to undermine China’s borders reopening. Chinese officials plan to notify the World Health Organization upon discovery of potentially harmful variants, but it is unsure whether that will be enough. According to a study by The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, predictions show that Covid deaths in China could easily rise past a million in the next few months, but data that China’s government is reporting show little to no rise in deaths. In the past month, Our World in Data only shows seven reported deaths of Covid-19. Despite this, hearses sit in winding lines outside cemeteries and week-long wait lists on crematoriums leave the mourning with no option to deal with the remains of their loved ones, raising concerns that the numbers reported are not all what they seem. With the rise of cases, the Chinese government has narrowed its definition of what qualifies as a “Covid death”. Originally, it was anyone who was positively diagnosed who died. Recently, it’s been changed to only those who have died from respiratory failure. This in turn eliminates deaths which cause pre-existing health conditions to intensify. These types of deaths are one of the primary contributors to Covid-19 deaths across the world, and experts worry that as the Chinese government reports the deaths, citizens will take the disease less seriously. Already, the effects of the loosening definition have made a difference in the way the public views the disease. Many citizens are convinced it is less harmful than in reality, with several reports of neglect to go to the hospital resulting in death. While the long-term effects of the reopening are impossible to predict, it marks an incredibly important change in the power the Chinese government holds over its citizens. The reopening is certain to devastate thousands, if not millions of people, but marks the monumental breaking of the long-lasting great silence.
Johnson & Johnson opioids settlement
Jashlene Cawagas
The opioid epidemic which has plagued the United States for more than a decade was recently stabilized among pharmaceutical companies, as a nationwide settlement agreement was created for the casualties of the opioid epidemic. Specifically, Johnson and Johnson and its U.S.-based Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies resolved the litigation against the company by bringing relief to states and communities affected by the epidemic. According to the Washington Post, “Johnson & Johnson and the big three drug distributors have settled for $26 billion which is going to go to drug treatment programs in some of these communities”. Johnson and Johnson’s actions influenced other companies to do the same and help fund the settlement. As major companies manufacture drugs, small companies that followed suit earned profit from their involvement. Though, there are companies that did not settle they will be trialed for breaching regulatory steps to prevent the drugs from being diverted, which would further harm the public. For instance, the retail pharmacy Walgreens was one of the main reasons for the opioid epidemic in San Francisco. “Not stopping suspicious orders and dispensing drugs that were diverted for illicit use caused a public nuisance in a major city that is among the hardest hit by addiction and overdoses”, Meryl Kornfield, a reporter for the Washington Post said. According to the Washington Post, “nearly 1 out of every 5 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills distributed nationwide during the height of the opioid crisis,” Kornfield said. The Johnson and Johnson opioid settlement was able to provide treatment for individuals or groups that were damaged in the past years. Though despite reaching an agreement, there were many details that needed to be looked at and investigated; who the manufacturers were, who prescribed the pills, and who distributed the pilss to the public. According to NPR, America’s opioid industry has operated like a drug cartel. Many cases including “A plethora of corrupt doctors in this country who were willing to write prescriptions for drugs, for cash, for sex, for all kinds of things, but mostly for cash” and the process would never stop. Investigators have also found the opioid crisis’ connection to the more recent fentanyl problem. Manufactures produce fentanyl, as it’s much cheaper and has a higher effect compared to other drugs like heroin. In such cases involved with fentanyl, the drug industry continues to expand even if companies like Johnson and Johnson have agreed on a settlement to resolve such damage. Fentanyl overdose numbers keep rising in the present day, and the trades are becoming the new deal in the black market and other underground organizations. “It’s very difficult now to get pain medication, and it’s almost impossible to find it on the black market. This has created an enormous market for the Mexican drug cartels […] cartels figured out that fentanyl is a much cheaper, easier drug to manufacture. It’s much easier to smuggle,” Terry Gross, a writer at NPR said. And people who are hardcore users prefer fentanyl. “It’s 50 times more powerful than heroin. It’s exactly the same high, except more powerful. And you stay high longer. It’s a lot cheaper. You don’t come down as hard,” NPR writer Brian Mann said. The Johnson and Johnson opioid settlement has, and is in the process of helping many individuals and communities who’ve been hit greatly by the opioid epidemic. For instance, they can go to rehab and establish more therapeutic buildings to help lessen the aftereffects of the crisis. Lives will be better and society becomes a better place. d that she would not run for any leadership position in future elections for Congress. Pelosi stepped down after Democrats lost control of the House to the Republicans in the midterm elections. According to the Associated Press, Pelosi said on the House floor, “I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress. For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect. Followed by saying we must move boldly into the future.” After being the first woman ever to hold the Speaker position, Pelosi plans to remain a member of the House despite stepping down as Speaker. As the San Francisco representative, a position she has held for 35 years, Pelosi will continue in Congress when it convenes in January. “In her more than three decades serving in the House, Pelosi earned a reputation for amassing power in the face of male colleagues who at times undermined her opinions, and she earned respect by delivering votes on her party’s top priorities, even if that meant twisting the arms of her colleagues to take a bill over the finish line,” Marianna Sotomayor and Paul Kane, reporters from The Washington Post said. Another factor driving Pelosi’s retirement was the attack that happened to her husband on Oct. 28th at their San Francisco home. The couple’s residence was broken into through a glass door and Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, was hit by a hammer in the head. Following her husband’s incident, Pelosi experienced a change regarding her political career and her wish to retire. Pelosi has been a politician for decades and first became a House speaker in 2007. This was after the Democrats rose to power in the 2006 midterm elections as a repercussion of then-President George W. Bush to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many politicians have sent their respects for Pelosi- a farewell to a fellow comrade and associate. Though saddened by her withdrawal from the leadership position, she’s glad to continue her role as a public servant.
The Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Anabelle Green
On September 8, 2022, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 years old. According to the Guardian, The Buckingham Palace stated that the Queen died peacefully at Balmoral, her summer residence in Scotland, that afternoon. Flags on landmark buildings in Britain are being lowered, and public royal residences are being closed to induce a period of mourning. The flag at Buckingham Palace has been lowered to half-mast after the queen’s death. However, the flags will be raised in the afternoon before being lowered back to half staff, in order to the new rule of King Charles III. The bells of Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral was also rung Friday, September 9. In addition, ceremonial gun salutes will be fired in Hyde Park and at Tower Hill in London. According to the New York Times, Prince Charles, 73, is the heir to the throne and now the king. Therefore his wife Camilla has been named the Queen Consort, since she is the wife of the king. This transition of power has already occurred and it is part of a plan called Operation London Bridge, which has been planned down to the minute of her death. By the time the world knew about the queen’s death, Charles had already taken power and become king, according to Sam Knight from The Guardian, “Under British common law, the moment the sovereign’s death marks the moment the heir becomes the monarch,” said Knight. The transition of power and new rule will alter the national anthem to, once again, say “God Save the King”. Furthermore, Operation London Bridge had also formulated a plan, which involved the queen’s private secretary responsible for delivering the message to the prime minister, Liz Truss. This message was the coded phrase, “The London Bridge is down”, which meant that the Queen had died. The Foreign Minister was also then required to relay this message to Commonwealth leaders. Who was in charge of sending the news to the fifteen governments outside the UK where the Queen is Head of State, and to the other 38 countries of the Commonwealth. This then allowed for a stream of planned events, which includes the ten day national mourning period and a funeral that will take place on Monday 19 September. According to BBC News, King Charles III will give four traditional public statements as he enters his new role (three are required by law). He will also host a political inaugural celebration at the first meeting of the Privy Council, that could possibly be televised. Later, he will make the accession declaration oath, which is a vow to maintain the established Protestant line of succession. The King will also make the coronation oath, that establishes his promise to withstand the rights and privileges of the Church of England. The life of Queen Elizabeth II marks the longest reigning British monarch in history. 76 years of rule have now come to an end.
Is this Russian SUV Bombing Really Part of the War?
Addyson Dempsey
On the night of Aug 20, in Moscow, 29 year old TV commentator Daria Dugina was killed in a bombing attack that was planted in her SUV. Dugina was the daughter of a national philosopher, writer and known ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Alexander Dugin. The explosion took place after Dugnia left a culture festival she had attended with her father. Witnesses say the SUV belonged to her father, who had decided to take another vehicle at the last minute. The possible reasoning for the attack was Dugin’s known support of Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. Also the “Russia World” ideal, a political and spiritual concept that emphasizes the traditional values of Russia. While Dugin’s exact ties to Putin are unclear, he expressed his patriarchal viewpoint. Dugin believed in traditional Russian values, authoritative leadership and expressed displeasure with Western liberal values. Dugina was known to share the same ideals as her father. She expressed her disdain for western values on the nationlist TV channel Tsargrad, where her father was Chief Editor. This bombing has created outrage within both Russia and Ukraine. Russian citizens believe this was an assaination attempt or a terrorist attack. However, many in Ukraine expressed that they are not a terrorist state. President of the Separatist Donetsk People’s Republic, blamed the bombing on the Ukrainian regime, claming this was an attempt on Dugin’s life. A Ukrainian adviser to President Voldymyr Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, quickly denied any Ukrainian involvement in the blast. “We are not a criminal state, unlike Russia, and definitely not a terrorist state,” Podolyak said. The Moscow branch of Russian Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the murder of Dugina. While there is no current evidence, many suspect the bomb was meant for Dugin. As the investigation continues many wonder both the outcome of who’s responsible and the tensions this will bring to the ongoing war.
Fatal Crash in Torrey Pines Area
Anabelle Green
On Monday night, April 25, two teenage passengers were killed and two others were seriously injured after a suspected drunken driver lost control of his car near Torrey Pines State Beach. According to Del Mar Times, the crash occurred at 11pm alongside North Torrey Pines Road south of Carmel Valley Road. San Diego Police Officer John Buttle stated that a 911 caller who had been inside the vehicle told police the group was traveling on North Torrey Pines Road, which runs along Torrey Pines State Beach. Then suddenly the vehicle ended up on the beach. It has been reported that the 2020 Subaru WRX was going south at a high speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle, hit the center median, and then the guardrail before rolling down the embankment onto the beach. According to Times of San Diego, the two passengers killed in the fatal car crash have been identified as Joshua Adonai Manzaneres and Johnny Ildefonzo Punzalan who were both 19 and from Lake Elsinore. They had been ejected from the vehicle and were both not wearing seatbelts. Manzaneres had died at the scene of the crash, but the other three passengers were removed from the vehicle and taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital for treatment of trauma. The 19 year old who had been driving the car only had minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation and it is currently unclear whether the driver will face criminal charges due to the suspicion that intoxication was a factor in the crash.