Current Events
The Murder Trial of Tristyn Bailey
By Brynne Hathorn
Published 6/1/2021
On Sunday evening, May 9th, 2021, 13-year old Floridian Tristyn Bailey went missing. She was a full-of-life cheerleader who brought happiness to everyone around her, from family to classmates. Then she suddenly disappeared and was found dead the next day. The tragedy was unexpected and brought the community of St. Johns so much loss.
Her body was found fully clothed with evidence of blunt force head trauma and multiple stab wounds in a wooded area around a pond in her neighborhood. Her death was ruled a homicide and the lone 14-year old suspect, Aiden Fucci, was charged with second-degree murder. The two went to school together but there is no evidence of history between them or reason behind the murder.
She was sighted with Fucci at about 1:15 am on May 9th. She was reported missing around 10:00 am and then a Florida Missing Child alert went on at 4:49 pm. The body was found later that evening and identified on May 10th.
Fucci’s Snapchat account reveals a grim selfie of him in the back of a cop car, with text reading “Hey guys has inybody seen Tristyn lately”. Fucci is now being held in the St. Johns Florida county jail waiting for his court date.
On the 20th, Fucci's parents applied for indigency status, to be able to afford a lawyer for the defense. It was accepted and he will now be represented by the public defender's office. Meanwhile, people nationwide are searching for ways to get justice for Bailey’s murder.
A petition at change.org has been signed by thousands of people in hopes of convincing the State Attorney’s Office to charge Fucci as an adult. However, he will remain in juvenile detention until May 31, and the public awaits further information on the trial.
Families and friends have gathered in memory of Tristyn Bailey’s life, laying flowers and drawing her name in teal, her favorite color, on the street. There have been several candlelit vigils and fundraisers in remembrance, open to friends, classmates, and community members, and the family has said they’re grateful for all the support shown to Tristyn.
The end of the trial is still out of reach, but questions remain. Will Aiden Fucci continue to be charged as a minor or will he move to adult court and face life in prison? For now, we grieve the death of Tristyn and pray that her name will be remembered forever.
Editorial: Stone Mountain
By Dylan Pittz
Published 6/1/2021
Stone mountain is a confederate monument in Georgia; a carving in the side of the mountain that pictures three Confederate leaders on their horses: Jefferson Davis, Robert E Lee, and Thomas Jackson. People were beginning to hate the monument and felt like it should be destroyed, as it honors these leaders that advocated for racism. However, the Stone Mountain Association has come to a compromise. They will be adding a new memorial in Memorial Hall that will tell more of the history on Stone Mountain including how the Ku Klux Klan held fifty years of rallies on top of the mountain.
According to CNN "Other planned changes include moving the park's Confederate Flag Plaza, which includes a Confederate battle flag among others, from the bottom of the trail that leads to the top of the mountain to another area of the park that contains other "related monuments," the association said. I think this is a much better alternative instead of destroying the monument. No part of history should ever be destroyed, even if it is offensive. We can use history to see how far we have come in today's society. "I know folks have been waiting for some time to see changes at this beloved state park," the Rev. Abraham Mosley, chair of Stone Mountain Memorial Association, said in the news release. "Additions and changes are coming, but we are on a journey, and we want to get this right."
Local Undersea Earthquake Reminds Us of Disastrous Potentials
By Paige Speakman
Published 3/8/2021
Living along the ring of fire, you get used to the constant threat of earthquakes. Especially since the Oregon Coast is overdue for a massive quake. Fearing a 7.5+ magnitude earthquake in the next 50 years, people still have some fears concerning minor earthquakes, like one that happened on February 27th.
In an article published by The World Link, they reported a 4.0 magnitude earthquake around 5:30 in the morning last Saturday. It was off the Oregon Coast, where in recent times small undersea tremors are occurring frequently. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) states that there is no tsunami danger from the earthquake.
Although this is a minor quake, referred to as a tremor, it reminds us of the threat of the destructive & overdue earthquake. According to the USGS’s website, an earthquake's damage is not necessarily dependent on the magnitude of the quake, but the location and the type of soil. Most earthquakes begin to cause damage above 4-5 magnitude, therefore, a 7.5+ magnitude will cause harm to the coast from northern California to British Columbia. There will be damage from the shaking itself and exacerbated by the destruction of the predicted, at least 100 foot tall, tsunami wave.
(Image from The World Link) Map image showing the location of the 4.0 quake on Saturday, February 27th, 2021.
The USGS and Oregon Government advise you to be prepared for an emergency in the future, and has provided resources for survival kits and information on being prepared for a natural disaster. Not to stress about it, but recognize the potential for disaster. Thankfully, we are not harmed by the minor quakes like the one on the 27th, but it reminds us of the possibilities.
(Image from Oregon.Gov) Illustrating the events that cause the earthquake predicted along the Pacific Northwest.
The COVID-19 Vaccines
By Brynne Hathorn
Published 3/8/21
The COVID-19 pandemic has had us in chaos for an entire year. From toilet paper selling out to online school, this past year we have been kept on our toes. During this time; doctors, researchers, and scientists have worked tirelessly to create vaccines for COVID-19. They have come up with the “Johnson & Johnson”, the “Pfizer”, and the “Moderna” vaccines. The “Johnson & Johnson” is a viral vector vaccine which is a gene code that helps make a spike protein to display on a cell.
“It causes the immune system to begin producing antibodies and activating T-cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection," says Hackensack Meridian Health.
Then, the “Pfizer” and the “Moderna” are mRNA vaccines which is an acronym for “messenger ribonucleic acid”. The vaccine helps our bodies naturally build up immunity to COVID. The Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines can be given to those who are 18 years and older. Opposingly, the Pfizer vaccine can be given people who are 16 years and older.
The state of Oregon has been intense with COVID-19. We are one of the few states with schools, restaurants, and public places mainly shut down. With our numbers rising every day, we are stuck in lock-down. Coronavirus Oregon says that we have had 156,037 cases, 2,225 deaths, and a whopping 3,760,400 tests. Although, Oregonians have been brought some hope. Starting with first responders, medical workers, and senior citizens; the vaccine is being distributed at max speed. Oregon is planning on having all people, ages 16 or older, vaccinated by July 1st of 2021.
There are several pros to getting a COVID-19 vaccine. By getting it, we are creating a safer place to live, having fewer deaths due to the virus, and getting us out of a pandemic and back into normalcy. Research has shown that the vaccine has been extremely effective in the United States. Clinical trials are going on that are helping to make certain that these vaccines are safe. All the while, there are also many cons to getting a COVID vaccine. There are so many side-effects and unknowns to getting it so early in the development. Most commonly vaccines take up to 15 years to create. The COVID vaccines have taken under a year and are still in the clinical trial stage. “Vaccines are a critical new tool in the battle against COVID-19 and it is hugely encouraging to see so many vaccines proving successful and going into development.” says the World Health Organization; but is it worth it now? That is up to you.
Extreme Winter Storms in Texas
By Abby Halverson
Published 2/23/2021
Texas has experienced a devastating winter season, from snow storms to power outages. Recently, one person died in an 18 car crash on February 10th after a massive storm left freeways icy and dangerous. The following Thursday, six people died from a 133 car crash in Dallas. In those two days alone, there were a total of 300 accidents reported. In total, more than 30 deaths have been blamed for the harsh weather conditions happening in Texas.
As of Sunday, February 14th, most of Texas has been experiencing power outages and water system problems from the winter storms. People living in the state have been told to start boiling water before drinking it, but many Texans can’t because of the power outages. People have been using barbecue grills, stoves, gasoline generators, and going to their vehicles to keep them warm.
Videos and pictures shared on social media show pipes bursting through ceilings along with flooding inside houses. Once people in Texas do get power back and the frozen power systems begin to melt, each of the systems will need to be tested to see if the water is safe enough to drink before the boiling water notices will get lifted. During this crisis, Texans are struggling for food and water, as well as repairs for costly structural damages.
Power has started to return today but 500,000 businesses and homes are still without power. It’s been nearly thirty years since Texas experienced these kinds of temperatures. The federal government has declared a state of emergency and FEMA is stepping in to assist families in need. With no clear end in sight, Texans wait for relief from the deep freeze.
Power has started to return today but 500,000 businesses and homes are still without power. It’s been nearly thirty years since Texas experienced these kinds of temperatures. The federal government has declared a state of emergency and FEMA is stepping in to assist families in need. With no clear end in sight, Texans wait for relief from the deep freeze.
President Biden Reverses Transgender Military Ban
By Brynne Hathorn
Published 2/23/2021
During Trump's presidency, he created a ban against transgender people joining the military. His reasoning was because there is no drug use allowed in the military. After someone transitions, they are often required to take certain drugs, which goes against the rules. Another concern is cost; the sexual-reassignment surgery is a huge cost and Trump didn’t want the military to have to pay for dozens of them. “Look, massive amounts and also people going in and asking for the operation – you know the operation is 200,000, 250,000 dollars, and getting the operation, the recovery period is long and they have to take large amounts of drugs after that for whatever reason – but large amounts, and that's not the way it is" said Trump. The ban was a big event with many different opinions, the same goes for the reversal.
President Joe Biden reversed the ban to relieve discrimination against the LBTQ+ community. NBC News reports, “In a statement, the White House said Biden's order ‘sets the policy that all Americans who are qualified to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States should be able to serve.’" Biden believes that it shouldn’t matter how you identify, everyone should be welcome to serve in the military. On President Biden’s first day in office, he signed the order to repeal the Trump administration's transgender military ban. He made history with this movement and has gotten a huge response from the public. Some are angry and some are hopeful for what is yet to come.
As President Biden begins his presidency we will be expecting many new changes in the future. We will watch what unfolds as the new reversal is put into place. The LGBTQ+ community is ongoing new changes and new hope. The real question is, will this help or hurt our military?
Officer Eugene Goodman: Hero in the Capital
By Kensley Evans
Published 2/23/2021
On February 12th, the United States Senate voted unanimously to award a Capitol Police Officer by the name of Eugene Goodman with a Congressional Gold Medal. His actions on the day of the deadly January 6th siege of the Capitol were valiant and courageous.
On the fateful day, Goodman singlehandedly herded a pro-Trump mob away from the Senate chambers. When he was awarded with the medal on the 12th, he was met with a thankful floor and a standing ovation. It was a stellar example that even in times of division, both sides of the aisle can put their differences aside, and rejoice over the heroes in our country.
Previously to the meeting in the Senate, Goodman had already been recognized as the hero he is. However, on the floor, the Senate reviewed never before seen footage of Officer Eugene Goodman pointing Mitt Romney, a Republican senator, in the opposite way of oncoming extremists. In the video, it’s seen that his escape was narrow, and if Goodman had not stepped in, the events of that day would have gone much differently.
This was not the only instance of Goodman proving his bravery in a sea of terror. Previous to that event, Goodman was seen standing as the lone barrier between dozens of rioters, and the rest of the building. In what looks like footage of Goodman retreating up the stairs in fear, he later reported that his actions were purposeful. His intent was to lure the violent mob away from the Senate chambers.
Experts say that the five-person death toll would have been much higher if Goodman hadn’t stood strong in the face of the pro-Trump extremists. Goodman remained modest, and has stated multiple times, even after his award, that he was simply doing his job. “My job is to protect and serve,” he told co-workers after the video of him went viral. “And on that day, I was protecting.”
How Elliot Page’s Coming Out Affected the LGBTQ Community
By CJ Wintjen
12/14/2020
Umbrella Academy and Juno star, Elliot Page, has recently come out as trans. This was a big shock to fans of his work. He came out via a post on his instagram; the way that he wrote it was very touching to many people in the trans community. He said in his post that “I can't begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.”
This quote has touched many people who are a part of the lgbtq+ community; it can be hard to be yourself, especially for celebrity. It can feel like everyone doesn't want you to be who you are.
As most fans of his hit Netflix show The Umbrella Academy may be wondering, what will happen to his character, Vanya Hargrives, when they make Season 4. The creators of the show have said that nothing will change, and even though there are many people saying that Netflix should recast Vanya, most people think that the show just wouldn't be the same without him and I couldn't agree more.
Elliot Page Will Continue to Star in ‘Umbrella Academy'
Mysterious Monoliths Found Around the World
By Abby Halverson
12/14/2020
The monolith, first found in Utah, has been appearing and disappearing in places around the world. The monolith is no more than a metal pillar in the shape of a triangular prism. It is approximately 9.8 ft high. The first sighting of the monolith was in Utah on November, 18th. Some people believed that it was aliens, while others joked about it. Some artists tried to take credit for it.
On November, 27 the Utah monolith disappeared. Later, a photographer claims he witnessed four people taking the monolith down and carrying it away. The photographer, Bernards, said “It took them maybe three big pushes to get that thing to pop up a little bit and start turning on its side. It fell to the ground and made a giant bang.”
Bernards recalled one of them say, “This is why you don’t leave trash in the desert.” Shortly after the photographer posted the video, two Utah residents came out and posted a Youtube video explaining why they took it down.
In Romania there was another discovery of a monolith the day after the one in Utah was taken down. On December 2nd, more monoliths were discovered in California, Pennsylvania, the Netherlands, England and the UK. It is not known who is behind this, but Santa Fe-based art collective has a 10ft structure that was for sale on its website for $45,000 that has been sold.
Former Space security chief says aliens exist
By Abigail Halverson
12/14/2020
There are a lot of theories around aliens. In a interview that ran on Friday Haim Eshed, a former Israeli Space Security Chief stated “The unidentified flying objects have asked not to publish that they are here, humanity is not ready yet.” He also mentioned that “there is an agreement between the U.S. government and aliens, they signed a contract with us to do experiments here.”
He goes on to say that President Donald Trump knew that aliens are real and was “on the verge of revealing,” but that it wasn't released so as to not make people panic. Eshed stated that “ they have been wait in for humans to evolve to know what space and spaceships are” but NASA said that "Although we have yet to find signs of extraterrestrial life, NASA is exploring the solar system and beyond to help us answer fundamental questions, including whether we are alone in the universe,"
As many people have heard, there is a triangular prism that has been sighted in multiple locations across the world. Some think this to be because aliens are moving them around. It was last seen in Texas by a user on TikTok, pseudonym "seg.boy" revealed in a short clip where the monlist was with two of his friends. In the background of the video you can see a black thing in the rock crevice it looks to be a balck gargoyle or could it be an alien: all we know is that there are weird things happening in the world that revolve around space and aliens.
Source:
Former Israeli Space Security Chief Says Extraterrestrials Exist
Saving Mother Earth
By Kensley Evans
11/30/20
For the past 250 years, humans have been artificially raising the level of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, by burning fossil fuels, mass cutting forests down, and incinerating products with harsh chemicals in factories. Our global atmosphere now contains more greenhouse gas molecules than ever before. This energy is hard for the atmosphere to absorb or expel, and as the atmosphere warms from these molecules, it gets reflected back onto the Earth.
With increasing global surface temperatures, droughts are not the only thing we have seen an increase of. Storms with higher intensities are also on the rise. Hurricanes are happening more often, tornadoes are forming with more violent winds and force, and weather patterns are growing increasingly unpredictable. It’s not too late to turn the tables, but action is required now to make a difference. There are small things that every household in the world can do to stop the spread of climate change. Millions of people have already joined the cause, and if you haven’t, there’s still time. Single use plastics are one of the leading causes of global warming. Plastic cutlery, plates, and bags are extremely harmful to the environment.
There are simple things that we all can do: start composting items that are biodegradable. By composting your food, cardboard, and more, you’re slowing emissions quite a bit. Start buying more second hand clothing.
Mass production of clothing to keep up with trends and fads, is responsible for more than 3% of global emissions, due to the CO2, purely because of the energy needed for the production of clothing. Turn to renewable energy, and advocate for green energy worldwide. Turn off your lights, heaters, air conditioners, or anything that requires electricity, when not being used. Removing the plug from the wall makes a huge difference, no matter how unnoticeable.
We can all do our part to save our planet. Right now, it’s our only home, and we are it’s only hope. Look into sustainable energy sources, and start treating the Earth like the safe haven it truly is.
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Measure 110: A New Solution
By Brynne Hathorn
11/30/20
Recently Oregon Measure 110, a measure to fund Addictive Recovery Centers, was passed in Oregon on November 3rd, 2020. This measure makes Oregon the first state in the US to decriminalize and legalize drugs. Oregon is making history with this measure. Although, it has become a huge controversy. Citizens of the US and Oregon have strong feelings about this move to end jail time for these debatably small crimes.
Measure 110 allows funding for the recovery centers to be taken out of Cannabis taxes and schools. It decriminalizes personal possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, meth, and LSD, or Psilocybin Mushrooms, the latter sold at local pot stores. This new measure alters the felony or misdemeanor of possession of a substance into a $100 fine or “Completed Health Assessment”. The assessment is done through the Addictive Recovery Centers that Oregon Measure 110 funds. The goal of the measure is to start treating drug addictions as a public health issue rather than a criminal act.
However, there are two sides to this controversy. On one side, those who agree with Measure 110. Citizens who voted in agreement with the measure said that addiction is a serious issue and claim that decriminalizing these acts is the solution.
According to Tobias Read, our Oregon State Treasurer,
“It costs taxpayers too much to arrest, incarcerate, adjudicate, and supervise people in simple drug possession cases. It costs individuals too much when they are arrested for a health issue, separated from their families, and given criminal records that make it harder to turn their lives around. Measure 110 would expand access to treatment, and save money and lives.”
Read reminds us that everyone is human and putting people in jail for possession takes away the second chance that they could get in a rehab center. He prompts us to start trying to give help to people with addiction. Our current system is not only expensive, but extensively flawed, and he believes Measure 110 will change that.
The other side of debate comes from those who disagree with the newly passed measure. According to OPB news, the Willamette Week news, and the Statesman Journal; the funding for Measure 110 and it’s treatment centers is coming from Cannabis tax revenue, some of which goes to schools. The Statesman Journal says, “Measure 110 would take away $56 million from addiction treatment and prevention, and $90 million from schools over the next three years alone.”
The underlying ideas behind the measure also have voters upset. Union County District attorney, Kelsie Davis McDaniel gives us a hypothetical,
“Let’s say your 15-year-old son was caught in possession of 2 grams of methamphetamine. Police would issue him a citation, much like a speeding ticket. It would carry a $100 fine. You as the parent would not be notified. If he simply paid the fine, that would be the end of the case. If he wanted to, he could call the number on the back of the ticket and engage in a health assessment...The most the assessment will do is likely put him on a waiting list to receive treatment that exists now, should he choose to accept help. This whole process could take place without any notification to the parents.”
McDaniel urges us to read between the lines and see how much danger we are putting our community and it’s children in.
Oregon is making history- we are setting an example for the rest of the US. But we have to ask ourselves, will we become a detrimental accomplice to the drug problem of America or will this help us to start paving the way to ending the War on Drugs?
The citizens have voted and now we wait with one question in mind- what will become of Oregon in light of this new measure?
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Trump’s Refusal to Acknowledge Biden’s Planning Transition Team
By Abby Halverson
11/30/2020
Trump is continuing to block information about COVID-19 as cases are spiking.
So far, 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, has said that it is crucial for Trump and Biden to work together, and if not it could further worsen the situation.
Trump is continuing to refuse to acknowledge Biden’s win and as a result, Trump's administration is unwilling to provide Biden's transition team any of the White House briefings.
On November 16th, Trump tweeted, “I won the Election”, confusing many Americans.
After the election had been processed, he claimed he may fire Dr. Fauci, along with unprofessionally naming him an “idiot” and a “disaster''.
In the history of the United States’ presidents, never has a president sought to block the transition. In order to receive the paperwork for the transition process Emily Murphy, the head of General Services Administration, needs to sign it.
If information isn't shared with Biden and his team they won't be aware of any vaccine distribution problems which makes their job significantly more difficult than need be. Biden's decision team could potentially be 70 days behind if Trump continues to deny the election results, making a disastrous situation even worse.
