Current Events (10/4 – 10/17)
Go through the slideshow and answer the related questions on the Quizziz at the bottom!
Alex Jones appeal rejected in $1.4 billion lawsuit
Podcast host Alex Jones has been denied his appeal to overturn the $1.4 billion decision by a Connecticut court. Jones was sued in 2012 after stating that the Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax staged by crisis actors. This 3 year case has echoed the trauma burdened upon the families of the victims of the shooting. However, Jones has continued to argue that he should get a trial but was proven liable by default after refusing to turn over evidence to back up his claim and abide by court rulings.
Written by Evan Greene
The Pentagon recent press badge policy
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded reporters agree to a new press policy by 5 p.m. Tuesday pertaining to what press can do within the Pentagon, the headquarters for the Department of Defense. The policy would require reporters to pledge not to obtain or use any unauthorized material and restrict access to certain areas unless accompanied by an official. Critics of this policy change argue that it violates the first amendment rights of journalists. In response to this, Hegseth said that reporters would have to comply with the policy or have press privileges revoked. Matt Murray, The Washington Post’s executive editor, said, “the policy runs counter to constitutional guarantees of freedom of the press.” Major outlets, including The BBC, The New York Times, CNN and The Washington Post, have stated they will not agree to the new guidelines, citing concerns that it could severely undermine press freedom.
Written by Matthew Hill
Hanford Site begins Vitrification of Nuclear Waste
The Department of Energy (DOE) has begun the process of turning contaminated material at the Hanford Site in Washington state into glass. The site was used to manufacture and enrich plutonium during the Manhattan project, the program that created the first Atomic weapons, and up until the late 1980’s. However due to the amount of nuclear waste that was created at the plant, a large cleanup operation was started. Multiple solutions were created to help assist in the cleanup, including vitrification. Vitrification is the process where material is melted at high temperatures before being cooled into a glass-like material, which can help contain nuclear waste from leaking into the environment. The plan was first created in 2002, but due to high costs and budget restraints, construction on the site was delayed further.
Written by Riley Pepin
Madagascar president flees country, army takes control
The President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, has fled the country after waves of protests against government corruption and growing calls for his resignation. Many of the protests were led by groups like Gen Z Madagascar, who were inspired by similar protests that took place in Nepal in September. Rajoelina was later impeached by the Madagascar Parliament as the military declared control of the country after a coup. The leader of the coup, Michael Randrianirina, declared himself as interim president soon after taking control.
Written by Riley Pepin
