Embedded Files
Deadly and Destructive Wildfires Wreak Havoc in Maui
Experts look closely at causes, effects, and how to provide hope through Relief
By: Ava Proto
On August 8, 2023 Lahaina, an area of Maui County was devastated by the onset of wildfires which killed 98 people. The fire also left nearly 3,000 buildings damaged and destroyed, striping many of their homes and places of business. A day later, on August 9, other parts of the island including Upper Kula, Pūlehu/Kihei and Kaanapali, faced the same fate, increasing the death toll to a devastating 106 individuals. Hawaiian governor, Josh Green, referred to the event as the "worst natural disaster" in the history of Hawaii. The disaster also ranks as the fifth deadliest wildfire in United States history, and the single most deadly wildfire in over 100 years according to the United States National Fire Protection Association.
Though the United States Environmental Protection Agency identified high winds and dry weather as the cause of destruction, locals have other opinions. Some scrutinize, based on video footage from various social media posts, that it was a combination of these heavy winds alongside unsafe electrical wires that may have caused the fatal spark in Lahaina shrubland. Other conspiracies include potentially altered images of “space lasers” or directed energy attacks.
Nonetheless, the disaster has had devastating effects on life in Maui and the damages are not yet done. First Onsite Property Restoration, a Honolulu-based building restoration service, noted that the fire has left behind soot and gasses which contain toxic elements including asbestos and lead from burned buildings and certain biohazards both of which pose a threat to Maui local’s respiratory health. According to state toxicologist Diana Felton, even groundwater can be contaminated with chemicals leached from melted and burnt plastic water-delivery pipes.
Aside from this, the economic concerns of relief plague Maui who’s distance from the mainland poses unique struggles. Rebuilding efforts are far more expensive than they would be in the rest of the United States due to both the cost of oversea shipping and the overall high end costs of living in Hawaii. For example the cost of necessary materials like lumber are 35% to 40% more in Hawaii according to HPM Building Supply, a major Hawaiian building goods supplier.
Many have shown their support for Maui through these difficult times. The American Red Cross, and Hawaii Community Foundation have both helped those displaced by the fires and the Maui Food Bank has provided food, toiletries, and other necessary items to families in need. There have even been efforts to help Hawaii’s furry friends. The Maui Humane Society (MHS) records having taken in 546 animals from the disaster including birds, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even a pet pig. The organization also reports almost 120 of these animals have since been reunited with their owners and has created a Facebook page to continue helping animals return home.
Our town of North Haven has also pitched in to support Maui. In October, The North Haven Leo Club raised nearly 500$ through their lei fundraiser to benefit the “Maui Strong Fund,” a 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial resources to those affected and displaced by the disaster. Though as of now Maui is far from restored, there is hope on the horizon and progress being made each day.
Hamas Attack Culminates in Death and Destruction of War
Long-Standing Tensions between Palestine and Israel over Gaza strip have global impacts
By: Sophia Vollono
Earlier this month, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing over 1,400 people and leaving a war in its wake. Hamas is a Palestinian organization which stands for the Islamic Resistance Movement. Established in 1987 after the first Palestinian uprising, Hamas was a radical political group. It has now been considered a terrorist organization since 1997. Despite this, Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip since 2006 when their leader, Ismail Haniyeh was elected into power. The group now consists of over 20,000 members in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Their primary goal has been to create a state in which Israel is a part of Palestine.
Violent conflicts between Hamas and Israel have been ongoing for over 15 years. Prompted by the escalating conflicts, Hamas launched a gruesome attack on Israel. According to The Washington Post, Hamas justified this recent attack by saying their goal was to, “free Palestinian prisoners, stop Israeli aggression on al-Aqsa Mosque, and to break the siege on Gaza.” Breaking through Israel’s borders in multiple spots, Hamas caught their troops off guard. Many innocent civilians were shot and over 200 captives were taken back to Gaza. Some reports claim Hamas decapitated young children, however there is not any evidence to back this claim. There is evidence of children and women having been brutally killed and burned beyond recognition.
As a counter attack to this massacre, the Israeli government bombed parts of Gaza and Israel in order to eradicate some of Hamas influence. However, they killed thousands of civilians in the process, leaving over 12 thousand severely injured. A couple of days after this attack; on October 9th Israel cut off food and fuel supplies going into Gaza, preventing injured civilians from getting proper medical attention. Most recently Israel bombed a hospital in Gaza, leaving almost 500 dead. President Biden has offered to back Israel and is prioritizing efforts to free American captives from Gaza. He has also convinced Egypt to send aid to Gaza in order to help their humanitarian crisis. On Friday, October 20th, two American captives were released from Gaza after being held there for almost two weeks. Humanitarian groups within Israel have been working to support those afflicted by Hamas and the Israeli government is making efforts to abolish Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip.
At press time, the war rages on with President Biden attempting to reopen negotiations for another cease fire to enable the release of additional hostages. Protests continue throughout the country with strong allegiances dividing people on college campuses, towns and cities. Even the President of University of Pennsylvania, M. Elizabeth Magill, resigned four days after she appeared before Congress and seemed to evade the question of whether students who called for the genocide of Jews should be punished.
Sudden Rise in Four Day School Weeks Spreads Across the Country
Will the concept reach the Northeast?
By: Zayna Saidi
With the rise of costs and decrease of faculty among schools, twenty four states, such as Texas, California, Arizona, and more have at least one district that has opted to a four-day school week. Most districts now only have the school week last from Monday through Thursday rather than the standard Monday through Friday schedule.
Many schools that have changed to this schedule are struggling with their budget due to being underfunded, so this new schedule allows schools to save more through less of their funds being spent on transportation, lunch, and more. Through this new system, the Education Commissions of the States confirms that the maximum cost savings are now 5.43%, when the average savings for the standard 5 day school week districts range from 0.4% to 2.5%.
Many other positive outcomes have come from the new 4 day schedule. Attendance from students has increased due to kids having another day off where they can spend more time to relax and refresh for the upcoming school week. It has also been easier to find new staff and keep current faculty due to the appeal that a 4 day school week has for teachers. The extra day off serves as more time for teachers to grade assignments, plan for their upcoming lessons, and still have enough time for themselves. This, in turn, has proven to boost both student and faculty morale. However, this new system poses a challenge to parents, as many families are not home on that day students have off. Parents, especially those that have younger children, are struggling to find babysitters every week, especially due to the cost for hiring one.
Because this system is still new, there is not yet a finalized report on whether four day school weeks are actually beneficial for student’s education. Some states have conducted their own research, but the conclusion varies. In some studies the results stated that math scores in their district had improved since the four day school week was implemented, but other districts had confirmed that there did not seem to be any significant difference in their students' performance.
So, does this mean we should be expecting most schools to switch from five to four day school weeks? Not necessarily. Most districts that are switching to this new schedule are more rural and small and have more issues with funding. However, there have been some urban districts that no longer have five day school weeks. Once more studies are done on student performance, the results may cause more schools to consider switching to the new schedule. However, if the results are not favorable, it is likely that there will be a decrease in districts with four day school weeks.
Currently, many people are in favor of this new schedule, with popularity among students, teachers, and even parents of older children. However, some people, especially parents of younger kids, still are not entirely supportive of this system. Nevertheless, the topic of implementing more four day school weeks will be highly discussed for many years to come due to its rising popularity.
Biden Seeks Additional Military Assistance for Ukraine
Release of funds delayed as lawmakers fail to reach compromise over Mexican border policy
By: James Sagnella
On February 24, 2022, Ukraine was invaded by Russia in a surge of the Russia/Ukrainian war that began in 2014. As the biggest attack on a European country since World War 2, it is estimated to have caused tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian deaths and hundreds of thousands of military deaths.
On April 27, 2023, Vladimir Putin issued a decree which stated that all Ukrainian citizens in territories occupied by Russia that refused to take a Russian passport would be deemed foreigners and therefore deported. Putin also recently stated in an interview with Chinese media that, “the losses are simply huge — approximately one to eight as a ratio.” However, death tolls during times of war tend to be very inaccurate. CNBC was not able to verify those claims, and since Ukraine has not yet commented, it is widely unknown whether the numbers of casualties both sides claim to have is true or just a false statement. In a nightly address made by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he stated that the country “cannot be conquered because our people cannot be conquered.” He also stated that, “Every day, our cities and villages in the border regions with Russia and along the front line are subjected to terrorist attacks by the occupier ... No matter what happens, Ukrainians take care of each other, and the state remains functional.”
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that helping Ukraine remained a “top priority” for both the U.S and Europe. She also stated that the Biden administration was devoted to helping Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” and that, “We cannot allow Ukraine to lose the war for economic reasons when it has shown an ability to succeed on the battlefield.” The Biden administration also prepares to come through with a military assistance package for both Ukraine and Israel, worth over $2 billion.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainian citizens for their resilience and determination as the 600th day of the war between the two countries was marked. In a post on Facebook he stated, “600. The will that does not give up, gains freedom. Freedom based on unity always prevails. The point is not to waste time. Not to lose unity. Not to let doubts corrode the will.” He also posted, “Every day we must add to Ukraine’s strength. Every day we must destroy the occupier. Every day we must do everything possible to ensure that the future of Ukrainians belongs only to Ukrainians.” However inspiring those words might be, the war has been going on for 600 days, nearly two years now, and shows no immediate signs of stopping. It is estimated that both Russia and Ukraine have lost several hundred thousand military lives, with Ukraine losing thousands of civilian lives as well. Also, millions of Ukrainian people have been displaced by the war. The war in Ukraine is known to be the bloodiest conflict between two countries since World War 2, and with no sign of a cease fire, the loss of lives will only escalade, and the conflict will only get bloodier.
Zelensky visited the US on December 12 to try to persuade Congress to approve billions in additional aid to his country at a crucial time in the two-year war. Unfortunately, lawmakers remained deadlocked on another supplemental spending bill pushing for major changed in immigration policy at the US Mexican border. Thus, lives of millions impacted by the war hang in the balance as politicians play political football.
Tiktok Fuels Republican Debate as Candidates Battle it Out
By: Aaron Dean
In the 2nd Republican Presidential Debate, TikTok came up as a major issue. Vivek Ramaswamy, a 37-year-old entrepreneur, claimed that, “part of how we win elections is reaching the next generation of young Americans where they are.” However, Nicki Haley, former governor of South Carolina, claimed that TikTok is “one of the most dangerous social media apps there is.” This sparring on the debate stage brings up the question of what TikTok is, whether it is dangerous, and whether it can benefit society.
TikTok is a video-sharing app owned by ByteDance, a Chinese-based company. It has skyrocketed in popularity, with over 850 million new users since 2018. However, its success has come with controversy. It has many supporters, who believe that it is beneficial in many ways, and critics who believe that it can be an addictive app that neither educates nor informs.
Supporters of TikTok tout its success and say that it can help users learn about new places, people, and inspire creativity. Because of TikTok’s popularity, it can put users in touch with cultures and people from halfway around the world, while also providing a platform that fosters creativity. People in support of banning TikTok claim that it is a dangerous and addictive app that uses illegal tracking methods, encourages narcissism, and does not educate or inform. Tristan Harris, a technology ethicist, claims that TikTok is like placing the Soviet Union in control of television programming for the entire Western World during the Cold War.
There is also a high level of concern over whether this data is potentially being turned over to the Chinese government. This is due to security threats posed by the tracking methods used by TikTok. Shawn Henry, the chief security officer for the cyber security company, CrowdStrike, has asserted that these claims are “absolutely valid.” Eligible voters in the United States reflect this view. Some polls suggest that voters support a TikTok ban by a two-to-one margin.
In conclusion, TikTok, despite its rise to Internet fame, has perhaps become one of the most controversial apps in not only the United States, but also across the world. It can provide benefits such as increasing exposure to other cultures and encouraging creativity, but the app also poses the risk of illegal tracking methods linked to one of the major competitors of the United States.
Republican Presidential Debate
Republican candidates Nicki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy participate in a war of snarky words.
Ford Auto Workers Go on Strike
Focus on improved wages and benefits
By: Will Sagnella
The United Auto Worker union, or UAW, recently went on strike against Ford Motors and General Motors. The workers demand higher wages, as well as the abolishment of the multi-tiered system; a system that gives some workers lower wages and less security than others.
The strike began on September 15th, and was limited to Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. Over the past month the union has expanded the strike to other facilities and have even shut down six assembly plants. There are an estimated 150,000 UAW workers, and about 34,000 have stopped working and started picketing. The UAW has made their goal clear; an increase in pay for 40% of all their members. Ford is trying to negotiate with the workers, offering a pay increase to 23% of workers, which is higher than both General Motors and Stellantis.
Towards the end of September the UAW expanded its strikes to a Ford assembly plant in Chicago, and General Motors Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan. These plants are important for the companies, but they are not nearly as profitable as the plants that manufacture the companies pickup trucks.
Ford CEO Jim Farley criticized the workers, saying their actions had been planned out. The UAW and the companies had a deadline to reach a deal by September 14th, but Farley says the UAW never had any intention of reaching a deal before this deadline. According to CNBC, UAW President Shawn Fain came back at Farley saying that he was “lying about the state of negotiations” (Fain).
Ford Motor Executive Chair Bill Ford spoke a few days ago about how this strike could not only affect Ford, but the American automobile industry. Before Ford’s speech he made it clear that the speech would not be about his opinion, and he did not want the speech to become personal. The only thing Ford wanted to do was raise the conversation about contract negotiations. Ford summarized that none of his personal opinions mattered anymore; the only thing important is coming together as a company and reaching an agreement. Another of Ford's main points was abolishing any thought that the UAW and Ford Motor Company are enemies. Ford said, “The UAW’s leaders have called us the enemy in these negotiations. But I will never consider our employees as enemies. This should not be Ford versus the UAW, It should be Ford and the UAW vs. Toyota and Honda, Tesla, and all the Chinese companies that want to enter our home” (Bill Ford).
Shawn Fain did not have the same view on matters as Bill Ford. He felt as though Ford was diverging the matter away from reaching a deal. In a statement directed back at Bill Ford, Fain said, “Bill Ford knows exactly how to settle this strike. Instead of threatening to close the Rouge, he should call up [Ford CEO] Jim Farley, tell him to stop playing games and get a deal done, or we’ll close the Rouge for him. It's not the UAW and Ford against foreign automakers. It’s autoworkers everywhere against corporate greed” (Shawn Fain).
The UAW had not wavered and still continues to increase their strikes since September 14th. Most recently the workers entered into a new phase of striking, where they would stop announcing the work stoppages. While everyone hopes that the strike will end soon and a negotiation is reached, Fain says it is up to the members of the UAW when the strike will end, not the UAW leaders themselves.
First Lady Rosalynn Carter Dies at the Age of 96
Remembered for selfless commitment to just causes and philanthropic work
By: Zayna Saidi
On November 19 of 2023, the wife of Jimmy Carter passed at the age of 96. Although widely known for her affiliation with the former president of the United States, Rosalynn Carter was a very impressive woman who made an effort to make the changes she wished to see in the world. Rosalynn Carter was a large advocate towards numerous causes in which she believed in, mainly being known for speaking on the topic of mental health research.
Born in Georgia during the year 1927, Rosalynn faced many challenges throughout her youth. At only the age of 13, she had lost her father, causing her mother to have to work harder to support herself and her children. Despite the many obstacles that stemmed from this, Rosalynn still graduated high school during the year 1944 as the valedictorian of her class, later attending Georgia Southwestern State University.
During her freshman year of college, she began dating her family friend Jimmy Carter, now known as the 39th president of the United States. After only their first date, Jimmy Carter had told his mother that, “She’s the girl I want to marry,” making true to his word when he married Rosalynn in 1946.
Throughout Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign in the year of 1976, Rosalynn had traveled throughout the United States to support her husband, voicing her belief in his abilities to be a fit and effective leader of the nation. She portrayed her beliefs in a friendly manner, making it an effective and impactful campaign, leading people to vote for him. Rosalynn’s support for her husband is known to have helped secure Jimmy Carter’s win in the presidential election on November 2, 1976.
Not only did she voice her support for her husband, but she also spoke up for mental health awareness across the nation. She strongly believed in strengthening programs that sought to aid mental health conditions and fought for a change in the way mental health was treated in America. In 1977, Rosalynn was named the Honorary Chairperson of the President’s Commission on Mental Health.
Up until her passing, Rosalynn was associated with The Carter Center in Atlanta, which promoted peace and human rights. As the vice chair of the association, she worked to diminish the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. She hoped to improve mental health care, promoting the idea of providing more access to aid for those who are in need of it. Although many people knew of her advocacy for mental health, it is also important to recognize her association with projects that sought to promote human rights, improve global health, and resolve conflicts throughout the world.
Rosalynn Carter was a remarkable woman who showed kindness and compassion to everyone, using her power to give a voice to those who could not speak up for themselves. Everything she had accomplished in her life will surely be cherished by all and her legacy will be remembered through all those who she helped throughout her lifetime.
Sandra Day O'Conner Dies at 93: Stanford Graduate Served as First Woman on the Supreme Court
Leaves behind remarkable legacy of a purposeful well-lived life
Sandra Day O'Conner served as the first female associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She became one of the most influential women in the country during a time when abortion, voting rights, and sex discrimination tensions were on the rise.
During her time as legislator, O'Conner worked to change various state laws that oppressed women. Eventually, she was appointed by President Ronald Regan to serve on the Supreme Court from 1961 to 2006.
After retiring, O'Conner lead the creation of iCivics, an online games platform, with the intention of developing civic education through innovative and engaging resources.
Sandra Day O'Conner was laid to rest on Tuesday, December 18th, 2023. The service took place at the Washington National Cathedral where President Joe Biden and Chief Justice John Roberts, gave eulogies in honor of her name.
Henry Kissinger Dies at 100
On November 29, 2023, Henry Kissinger passed away at the age of 100 years old. Kissinger was known for being an American diplomat, political scientist, geopolitical consultant, and politician.
Prior to his life in America, Kissinger was born in Furth, Germany, on May 27 of 1923. Coming from a Jewish family, his mother realized that it would be best to leave Germany due to the rising threat of the holocaust. Once moved to America, Kissinger attended George Washington High School where he famously wrote, “This was a country where one could walk across the street with one’s head erect.”
Later in his life Kissinger became a successful politician, eventually receiving the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1973, for his work in negotiating ceasefires. Additionally, he was awarded the Bronze Star in 1945, The Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, the Medal of Liberty in 1986, and much more.
Henry Kissinger will be remembered through the lasting impact he made on the world throughout his lifetime.
Kissinger faced criticism but also received praise for his life's work. He remained active and vocal throughout his life.
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