Current Events (10/18 – 10/31)
Go through the slideshow and answer the related questions on the Quizzizz at the bottom!
Louvre Museum robbed in daytime
French police arrested two jewel heist suspects amid a manhunt right before they were about to leave France. The Louvre Museum was robbed on Oct. 19, the stolen jewelry worth €88 million, equivalent to $100 million USD. The heist took place around 9:30 a.m. and lasted five to seven minutes total. The Crown of France, a royal sapphire necklace, a royal emerald necklace, matching earrings and a diadem worn by Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, were all taken during this robbery. The thieves left the tools behind that they used to enter the Louvre which included angle grinders, a blowtorch, gasoline, gloves and a walkie-talkie, making authorities’ jobs much easier. Concerns have begun to grow in regards to the security and safety of the Louvre.
Information by Avery Lewis
White House demolishes East Wing for new ballroom
The East Wing of the White House has been demolished in order to make way for a new ballroom. The plans for a new ballroom, which was announced in late July, have not been fully approved by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) due to the ongoing government shutdown. The ballroom will be 90,000 square feet, almost double the size of the current White House itself and will accommodate up to 650 people at a time. The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has urged that construction be paused in a letter, citing concerns that the addition will “permanently disrupt the carefully balanced classical design of the White House with its two smaller and lower, East and West Wings.”
Information by Riley Pepin
Hurricane Melissa threatens catastrophic damage to Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful recorded hurricanes, hit Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean inflicting massive damage. The hurricane left the coast of Jamaica in shambles from flooding and severe winds with rescue operations working around the clock to find and secure survivors. The rescue operations have been slowed due to widespread power outages and debris in the roads. After passing Jamaica, Melissa weakened and reached the rest of the Caribbean, along with the U.S. east coast, causing similar but less severe damage.
Information by Evan Greene
Nuclear weapons testing restarts
President Donald Trump announces that America will restart the testing of nuclear weapons. Trump’s post is seen as retaliation after Russia recently revealed that it had conducted several tests of nuclear “superweapons,” including an underwater drone that is designed to evade interception and create a potentially devastating tsunami at its target. Citizens and weapon experts believe that his decision is dangerous for the atmosphere and environment if radioactive gases leak out. Citizens question whether this was restarted as retaliation to Russia, or if America is preparing for another war.
Information by Avery Lewis
SNAP benefits end for millions in November
Due to the government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be unable to provide benefits for over 44 million people. SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to help them pay for groceries that they need and is funded by the national government. Starting Nov. 1, the government will run out of funding for the program. Because of this, many food pantries across the country are preparing for an influx of people.
Information by Riley Pepin
https://wayground.com/embed/quiz/6904e2d0be60291a06f517bc
