Category Archives: News

National

The mail bomber

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By: Vivian S

Starting Monday, October 22, bombs targeting noticeable Democrats were found in the mail. The mail bombs were sent to: Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, George Soros, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Eric Holder, Rep. Maxine Waters, Robert De Niro, James Clapper, Sen. Kamala Harris, and Sen. Cory Booker. A bomb was also sent to CNN, specifically to John Brennan, who is a periodic contributor to CNN.

Federal authorities say that the bombs were real and a danger. So far, 15 bombs have been intercepted.

The suspect is a Florida man named Cesar Sayoc, 56. He was arrested by authorities on October 26, at an auto parts store. He had previously been arrested nine times. He had apparently threatened to blow up Florida Power & Light before when the worker he had called recorded their conversation. He was arrested, and Sayoc pleaded guilty was put on probation. On social media, he was an avid Trump supporter.

Sayoc’s van was covered in Trump-related stickers. One sticker read “CNN Sucks,” and there were targets on pictures of those he disliked, such as Hillary Clinton. Investigators believe that he lived in his van and made the bombs there. Inside there were objects that could be linked to the crime.

He apparently had a list of hundreds he was going to target. It is thought that he was still in the process of sending out bombs and that more might be in the postal system.

Prosecutors have called what he did a domestic terror attack and said that he had been planning this since July. They found that he had created a document, in July, with the return address he used, and that he had searched up Hillary Clinton’s address then as well.

Sayoc is facing five federal charges and up to 48 years in prison. The charges are as follows: illegal mailing of explosives, interstate transportation of an explosive, threats against Presidents and other persons, threatening interstate communications, and assaulting federal officers.

For more information please visit: cnn.com

World

Youth 2030 project

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The Youth 2030 project was launched on Monday, September 24, at the 73rd UN General Assembly. The goal of the project is to make sure every young person is empowered so they can reach their full potential and to protect human rights of the youth. Youth 2030 is a framework to assist the UN towards their 3 pillars: peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. The UN aims to strengthen the engagement of young people and to benefit from their ideas and views.

For their goal, the UN has come up with 5 priorities which are to: amplify youth voices to promote a peaceful and sustainable world, support young peoples’ access to quality education and health services, support young peoples’ greater access to decent work, protect and promote the rights of young people and support their political engagement, and support young people as activists for peace and security.

Separate from the Youth 2030 project, the UN has also launched Generation Unlimited. It’s a project that mainly focuses on young peoples’ access to better education, receiving employability skills, and empowerment.

Today in the world, there are about 1.8 billion young people between 10 and 24 years old, with nearly 60% living in developing countries. Many do not enter or complete secondary education, and don’t acquire the skills they need to get jobs, which puts their future at risk. By 2030, the UN wants to make sure that every young person has access to education, learning, and employment.

Local, News

SPPS school budget referendum

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By: Vivian S

This year, the St. Paul Public School District has placed on the ballot a referendum on raising the property tax levy to increase the district’s budget. The referendum will increase the amount of money the district receives per pupil from $704.52 to $1179.52. The estimated tax impact on an average homeowner would be $11 more per month.

If voters approve the referendum, the money will be used to: boost achievement, improve mental health, foster social-emotional learning, and help middle schools better prepare kids for high school. It will limit additional budget cuts. The district has already cut more than $50 million over the past three years.

If voters do not pass the referendum, the district might have to: cut programs for students that need help with basic academic skills, cut staff and other programs, and cut support staff (custodial, clerical, etc.). Most likely, they would start by cutting the electives and after-school programs.

SPPS has a strategic plan they wish to implement: they want to help English Language Learners more, assist students receiving special education, improve kindergarten readiness, help students grow academically in reading and math, and prepare everyone for college and life. They also wish to decrease the disparity of achievement based on race, culture, ethnicity, and identity.

SPPS is currently facing a $17.2 million budget shortfall, and they are not alone in their budget troubles. Minneapolis Public Schools are also trying to push through their own referendum for similar reasons. Up to now, no agreement has been made on how to handle the shortfall. One thing is clear, though: our schools need more money to operate.

SPPS, although the second largest school district in Minnesota, receives about $320 per student less than the metro district average. SPPS says they need this referendum because the state, which provides the majority of school funding, has not kept up with inflation and the needs of schools, which has put strain on the operating budget and caused the school system to rely on operating levies for many critical functions. The second largest amount of money that schools receive is from local communities, through operating levies like this one.

SPPS maintains they spend money wisely: they spend less on district administration and more on classrooms. Schools are an important part of many childrens’ lives, and the school system needs more money to give them the best education.

For more information about this topic, please visit:

https://www.spps.org/referendum2018

Events

MEA Conference

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The week after MEA, I’d always listen to my friends and their interesting stories about their vacations. Their families went to Duluth, or they went to apple orchards, or they had movie marathons. I, however, being the daughter of a teacher, spent part of my MEA break at the Xcel Energy Center for the MEA Statewide Teachers Conference. The oddest part was that I wasn’t envious of my friend’s fall breaks. I liked the conference. Then again, I was a weird third grader.

The event is an annually held conference that teachers and educational workers statewide can attend. It offers workshops, speakers, a job fair, educational exhibits, and much more. It’s Minnesota’s biggest (professional) event for teachers and educators.

I remember getting up at 7:00 AM for the event, and driving through painfully terrible traffic to get to the conference. We’d eat breakfast muffins there, and then walk around the educational exhibits. Being one of the only children there, I received prizes, candy and loads of much wanted attention. Being the age I was, we often didn’t stop to listen to the speakers or sign up for workshops.

This year, the 2018 MEA Fall Conference was held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on Thursday, October 18. For the first time, it was only open to Minnesota educators. So, while some teachers will be in classrooms and schools, others will be at the Saint Paul RiverCentre this Thursday.

Events

Hispanic Heritage month

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By: Daniela Fernandez

Every year, there is Hispanic Heritage month throughout the months of September and October. It takes place September 15 – October 15. This year’s theme was “Hispanics: One Endless Voice to Enhance our Traditions” according to Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme was about reflecting on traditions, culture, and the history of Hispanic Americans. The theme was announced by The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers.

This year’s Hispanic Heritage month had many events going on. The events listed below are according to the National Hispanic Heritage Month website. One of these events was Realm of the Jaguar, that took place at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian on September 22. This event was about honoring the jaguar found in artistic traditions from Mexico to the Amazon. There were many dances from places like Bolivia, Guatemala, and Mexico. At this event people could see how masks are made, and how traditional ceramics were made too.

Another event this year, was on September 23, at the National Zoo, called the ZooFiesta. At this event they had live music and activities that were educational, and that focused on conservation in South and Central America. During this event there were presentations and demonstrations, and feedings from animal keepers about sloths, tamarians, golden lions, golden frogs, and Panamanian and Andean bears.

A third event was on September 27, and it was a conversation with Congressman Pete Aguilar. He is a representative of the 31st Congressional District of California, and he is on the House Appropriations Committee. This conversation was about issues that Latinos are faced with today. This also included talks about his experience as a Latino person in congress. This event took place at the Library of Congress.

Another event that took place this year was on September 28, and it was the 2018 Americas Award Ceremony at the Library of Congress. This was an awards ceremony for two authors who wrote books portraying Latinos in the United States. These writers were Duncan Tonatiuh, for writing and illustrating Danza!, El Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, and Amalia Hernández, and author Ibi Zoboi for writing American Street. They received the 2018 America Award for their writings.

The fifth event was on September 29, called Nuestra Ciudad (Our City). This was an event where people could meet local artists, dancers, and musicians. This was an event where people from Washington D.C. could learn about their local hispanic culture. This event took place at the National Portrait Gallery.

National

Midterm elections

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Midterm elections are held halfway between presidential elections. Voters elect one-third of all U.S. senators and all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives during the Midterms. The reason Midterm elections are so important is that this election determines which political party—Democratic or Republican—will control each chamber of Congress for the next two years. The party in control of either chamber is the party more likely to get its proposed legislation passed in that chamber. Because proposed legislation must pass in both the House and the Senate for it to reach the president’s desk for approval it is easier to pass bills when the majority is leaning toward your political party.

The Midterm elections serve the purpose of allowing the public to have more control over the US government. The election also gives the public the freedom to implement their ideas and inspirations in the country’s laws, future goals, and other projects/ moments they might want to include into the government’s think box. The factor that Midterm elections play in this is, is if your party is elected in the majority, then chances are those ideas will be more likely to turn into something bigger. Therefore, the Midterms can present new opportunities, and concerns our day to day lives.

Though the Midterms only happen once every two years, the state and local elections can take place any time in various places throughout the year. These elections can be held for offices such as the state’s governor, seats in the state legislature, a city’s mayor, judges, a local official, or for other reasons. The election can be held to ballot initiatives that affect the laws, taxes, and budget of your state or town. The difference between these elections and the congressional ones is that the latter affect your state’s representation in Congress, which is the legislative branch of the federal government that includes the House of Representatives and the Senate and thus pertains to the entire country. The former, however, is only relevant to your own state or town.

As of 2018, we have the following people running in Minnesota:

  • Tina Smith (Democrat) and Karin Housley (Republican) for U.S Senate
  • For the U.S House of Representatives: the Democrats – Dan Feehan (District 1), Angie Craig (District 2), Dean Phillips (District 3), Betty McCollum (District 4), Ilhan Omar (District 5), Ian Todd (District 6), Collin Peterson (District 7) and Joe Radinovich (District 8)
  • For the U.S House of Representatives: the Republicans – Jim Hagedorn (District 1), Jason Lewis (District 2), Erik Paulsen (District 3), Greg Ryan (District 4), Jennifer Zielinski (District 5), Tom Emmer (District 6), Dave Hughes (District 7), and Pete Stauber (District 8).

To educate yourself with more information on what each of these individual’s takes on taxes, national debt, immigration, health care, and guns, are click on this link!

http://www.startribune.com/2018-minnesota-election-voter-guide-who-is-running-governor-house-senate-politics-issues/483224571/

Books/Art, Events

Inktober 2018

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No, I did not misspell October.

Inktober is a month long drawing challenge that takes place during October. The challenge is to fully complete one ink drawing every day from October 1st through the 31st. The challenge was created by Jake Parker back in 2009 to help artists develop their skills and get in the habit of drawing every day. There aren’t many rules, just draw and complete a full piece every day, and upload it onto Instagram or any social media platform.

Some people wonder why Inktober is a challenge. Why not just draw every day? What makes Inktober more challenging than “drawing every day” is that you must fully complete the drawing. Personally I draw every day, but most commonly the drawings are just sketches, and not inked and completed pieces.

How do you come up with an idea every day? On the official Inktober website there is a prompt list. The first prompt list was created in 2016. Each year the prompts change, although I have noticed many of the prompts tend to be fall/Halloween themed. There is a different prompt for every day, and although most people follow these prompts it is never required. Some groups also make alternative prompt lists. Feel free to come up with your own ideas, or only follow your favorite prompts!

Now, you’re probably thinking I’m crazy right now. Thirty one days of drawing? If a whole month is too much for you, people also do a “half-marathon” (One drawing every other day) or a “5k” (One drawing a week). There is also some confusion about which art supplies to use. Originally, the challenge was to do just black and white ink. Now, people do color as well, but the official rules suggest limiting the amount of color that you use to one or a few colors. People have also done calligraphy, lettering, watercolors, and more. If you do decide to participate this year (It’s not to late!) or in the future, just remember that you are the artist – do this challenge to help yourself and have fun!

For more information on Inktober, or to see what other people are drawing, check out Inktober.com, @inktober, #inktober, and #inktober2018.

National

Mass texts of the Presidential Alert system to everyone with smartphones

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On Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018, everyone with a smartphone in the United States was expected to receive a text message that stated: “Presidential Alert: THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency System Alert System. No action is needed.” This is the first test that the federal government and cellular carriers put together to alert people of serious things like widespread disasters and terrorist attacks.

These are similar to AMBER ALERTS, for missing children, or serious weather warnings because they both come from the federal government. The only difference is with Presidential Alerts, you can not turn them off in your cell phone’s settings. The system is run by FEMA, which is the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They have stated that all major cell phone carriers have agreed to participate in this.

This test was originally scheduled for September, but it was delayed because of Hurricane Florence. The law behind the cell phone notification system, which was passed in 2016, requires FEMA to run a test at least every three years.

There has been a concern about privacy with these notification alerts. People are worried that the government has too much power over what they can see on our personal devices. Thankfully, President Trump isn’t the one who can just decide what message to send out to cell phones. It is controlled by specific people that work for FEMA. Also, the FCC will ask cell service providers to produce a reflection about how the test went.

News, World

Marijuana and legalization

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No matter who you are, you probably have an opinion on the debate about whether or not marijuana should be legalized. According to The Pew Research Center, support for recreational marijuana use, and for legalization, has nearly doubled to 61% of Americans since 2000, when support was at 31%. As more and more states start to legalize marijuana, we need to get informed and start deciding what would be best for our state of Minnesota.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is defined as the dried flowers and leaves of a cannabis plant. It puts you in a state of “high” by mimicking a brain chemical and latching on to your neuro transmitters, which alters the way your brain sends messages to your body.

Arguments against marijuana

  • People with pre-existing marijuana problems will have easier access to the drug
  • The industry will market too heavily to younger targets
  • It has been proven to contribute to long, and short, term memory loss
  • There isn’t a productive way to enforce driving limits like there is with alcohol
  • Indoor marijuana farms could use up a lot of resources, and outdoor farms could have a harmful impact on wildlife

Arguments for marijuana

  • The majority of the public favors legalization
  • Legalization could create new jobs and revenue
  • Marijuana has medical benefits such as reducing the size of cancerous tumors, lowering anxiety and depression, and it can reduce the chance of seizures
  • Studies have shown it is less toxic then alcohol, which is a legal substance
  • Legalization could reduce legal costs, including police enforcement and jail expenses

At HPSH, I asked 10 adults and 10 students if they were in favor of legalizing marijuana or against it. 5 out of the 10 adults were in favor of legalization, while 7 out of the 10 teens felt marijuana should be legalized for medical and recreational use.

There are good arguments for both sides, for and against, but before any decisions should be made, there needs to  be more research done. If marijuana is to be legalized, the pros should outweigh the cons.

News, World

Hurricane Florence

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Hurricane Florence was first discovered on August 30, 2018, when forecasters tracked a disturbance in the Atlantic, near the west coast of Africa. Hurricane Florence was considered to be a category 4 hurricane on September 10, 2018, and it was expected to hit the Carolinas and Virginia. Hurricane Florence was a fast approaching tropical storm and the agency predicted heavy rain over the Carolinas and Atlantic. About 1 million people who lived on the coastline of South Carolina and Virginia were ordered to evacuate by the South Carolina governor. But as the hurricane struck the coast of the Carolinas’ on September 15, 2018, it was downgraded to a category 1 hurricane. Over the course of four days it managed to dump around 23 inches of rain in South Carolina and 35 inches in North Carolina.

After Hurricane Florence first struck the coastline, it damaged many structures and caused a loss of power which affected thousands of people, but the after-effects of the storm was much worse than expected. The rainwaters of the hurricane increased water in rivers and streams which have now caused flooding. North Carolina’s two biggest rivers, Cape Fear and the Pee Dee River, both saw increased water levels which became one of the reasons for the major flooding. The water level has now risen and many residents are still waiting for the water to recede. More than 8,100 residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia that were forced to evacuate are still staying at Red Cross shelters, or with family or friends.

In Kinston, North Carolina, the streets flooded to the point where the National Guard had to use a helicopter to distribute water to stranded survivors. In North Carolina, it is estimated that around 3.4 million birds, and 5,500 pigs, drowned to death, and in South Carolina, the flooding damaged cotton, peanuts, and hemp crops. According to authorities, Hurricane Florence’s death toll climbed to 36, as of September 19, 2018, when two women died when they got swept away by the floodwaters while they were in a sheriff’s van.

President Donald Trump arrived in North Carolina on September 19 to help out at a church at New Bern, North Carolina, which was one of the first few towns that was hit. Trump distributed box lunches that consisted of hot dogs, chips, and fruits for people who waited for over an hour to collect their meal. As President Trump handed a man a lunch box, he said “Have a good time.”

On September 20, the power plant operator of Duke Energy reported that there was about 2,000 cubic yards of harmful waste that had gotten into the water from the landfill because of the flooding. The company spokesperson, Erin Culbert, had stated that the company will continue monitoring the situation.

Americans are trying their best to help everyone who was affected by the hurricane by donating money to nationwide agencies that are assisting the victims. On September 18, NBA champion Michael Jordan donated around $2 million to the cause. Members of NBA Hornets organization are putting together around 5,000 boxes for food banks in Charlotte, North Carolina. The organization also partnered with Fanatics, the NBA merchandising company, to help raise funds by creating a special T-shirt which features the Hornets logo in the middle of the Carolina states with the words “Carolina Strong.”