Summary from Wednesday's News

CRIME/ABUSE

Megan: GUN LAWS, 12 KILLED. Story: Aaron Alexis walked into the Navy Yard base in Washington, D.C. where he had worked every day the previous week. He had “secret” clearance granted by the Defense Security service. Alexis was…concealing a Remington 870 shot gun which he purchased just a few days prior. Using his previous military training and knowledge of the building, he put together the shotgun and opened fire… Alexis was killed by police officers after murdering 12 victims and injuring 8…In 2004, Alexis was arrested for shooting a man’s tires in an angry “blackout”…He received 8 misconducts from the military throughout the duration of his active service. Alexis was discharged from the Navy for misconduct in 2010, but his clearance still remained in effect until 2017… just weeks before the shooting, …Alexis…told authorities that there were voices in his head… A few days before the shooting, Alexis contacted numerous veteran hospitals explaining that these voices in his head were keeping him from sleeping. Opinion: if the government missed out on these cues, are there other ones that they are missing out on? …there should be more intensive background checks including psychological tests for everyone who wishes to purchase guns. This may or may not violate the second amendment, but it could save the lives of innocent victims of these killing sprees… how many others are out there like Alexis who own a gun? Source: CNN

Nate: MENTAL ILLNESS AND SAFETY. Commentary: Aaron Alexis… killed 12 civilian workers at the navy yard… Alexis suffered from mental illnesses including PTSD, paranoia, sleeplessness, and hallucinations. Alexis had very high level of security [clearance], so high that it was secret. Opinion: Why was this man given such a high level of security? Why, with police reports of these disorders causing problems, was he still allowed to work in this facility? This just makes me question who else could be high up in ranks that could cause an even bigger problem. Source: BBC

Clayton: MENTAL ILLNESS, CRIME. Story: Geoffery Portway, a 40 year-old British citizen living in Massachusetts was arrested during an investigation involving children pornography. Portway came out as a homosexual as a teenager and had difficulty fitting in.  He also had a series of mental problems. He chatted online with other men about raping, killing and eating children and renovated his basement into a dungeon and created restraint tools and butchering tools. His defending lawyer claims that his basement was a theatre and was used for his fantasies. Before he is deported back to England he must serve the 27 years in jail in America. Opinion: I thought that this was interesting and something that you do not see in the news every single day… shows you how messed up some people in the world really are. Source: USA Today

Gab: CANNIBALISM. Story: Geoffrey Portway planned to kidnap, rape and eventually eat children. Butcher knives, castration tools, bondage equipment and thousands of images of child pornography are just some of the evidence investigators discovered in the home. “Fat Longpig” as Portway is called in his online chats, pleaded guilty to distribution and possession of child pornography and solicitation to commit a crime of violence. His ideas of cannibalism originated from his fascination with the children’s tale of Hansel and Gretel, in which children are caged and fattened so a witch can eat them. Opinion: How vile? Just the thought and premeditation of kidnapping, raping and eating children is enough for Portway to be persecuted. There are sick people in this world who use children as their personal sex slaves, and that is what this man planned to do before he ate the flesh of his youthful victims. Although he has only been charged with pornography possession, what will stop he from kidnapping, raping an eating a child when he is released from prison in 21 years? Source: CNN

Morgan Gass: SQUATTER. Story: A group of male students at Ohio State University leasing a house not far from main campus did not know that they were living with “another roommate”. It turned out that an unknown man was residing in their basement. The students would find their cupboard, oven, and microwave door open with no reasoning. Therefore, the tenants figured maybe it was supernatural activity….It was not until the maintenance workers broke down the door that… “they found a bedroom complete with framed photographs and textbooks.”… A student told sources , "They hadn't changed the locks from the year before, and the keys don't say 'do not duplicate.' There could be hundreds of people with keys to the house." Opinion: any college student can relate to this. This article gives off a very informative message: Make sure you check out the whole house before renting/buying. Source: USA Today

Zowie: NEGLECT. Story: Tuesday morning Nathlayz Rivera’s parents, a young three year old twin, were faced with third- degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, criminal conspiracy, and child endangerment charges. Her parents left this child (and four other children under the age of nine) with absolutely nothing in an unlivable home. When Nathlayz was found, she was immediately rushed to the ER and was unresponsive. She weighed less than one third the amount of an average toddler at eleven pounds. She had multiple disabilities. Their neighbors had no idea this was going on. Opinion: I found this article to be absolutely devastating, eye opening, and shocking. How could someone do this to an innocent child? The fact that people around them had no idea that something this awful was going on in this house is awful and makes me think how many children out there are suffering right now that no one knows about. Source: NBCPhiladelphia

Heather: DISCRIMINATION. Story: An Alabama sorority was accused of not allowing a girl into their sorority based on her race. The girl attempting to join had a very astounding résumé and was a wonderful person. Opinion: I found this article particularly disturbing as a college student myself. Firstly, because it is terrible for people to discriminate based on race. Secondly, because there was only one person that stepped forward to defend the girl not being allowed into the sorority. It makes me wonder what kind of people would still want to be a part of that sorority. Source: CNN

Sabrina: BULLYING. Story: An eight year old boy, Ryan Suffern, wrote a letter to Santa, he said, “Dear Santa ... I wanted a (remote control) car and helicopter, but I don't want that anymor. Kid at school are still picking on Amber and its not fair," he wrote. "I prayed that they will stop but god is bisy and needs your help."…The letter that brought his single mother to tears. Ryan has a twin sister named Amber. She is eight years old, weighs 140 pounds, and has ADD along with other mood disorders. Every day at school, she is picked on relentlessly…After reading the letter, Ryan’s mother posted it on Facebook. Opinion: it is so sad.  The fact that children as young as 8 years old are being subjected to such cruelty is sickening.  I believe that schools, starting with elementary should be making more efforts to stop bullying. Source: CNN

Megan: CYBER BULLYING. Story: On Monday night, a 12 year old girl named Rebecca Ann Sedwick went missing from her Florida home. Rebecca had been the victim of cyber bullying for over a year prior. She switched schools to leave the bullying behind only to still continue to be bullied at her new school. She also shut down her Facebook account in attempt to put an end to the harassment. This tactic also did not work. Peers were still harassing her with text messages saying, “why don’t you kill yourself already?” Rebecca’s body was found on Tuesday morning after she had jumped off an industrial building. The police are investigating the fifteen girls involved in the bullying. They could face felony charges for the death of Rebecca. Opinion: At such a young age, what you peers think of you seems to be important. Most at that age have not matured enough to feel comfortable in our own skin and realize that the only opinion that matters about yourself is yours. Cowards hide behind the security of their own computer. With social media and technology, real life human interaction is becoming nonexistent. It is disgusting that one could push another to end their life. Something needs to change. Schools and parents should be monitoring what their children are doing online. Maybe this would have saved Rebecca’s life. Source: ibtimes

Lexie: DOG FIGHTING, ECONOMICS. Story: One of the largest dog fighting rings was taken over by authorities… they rescued 371 dogs. Most of the puppies that were found weighed less than five pounds, and were left in the scorching sun while wearing heavy chains around their necks. They are receiving treatment from the ASPCA. Opinion: I chose this article because I am interested in animals and helping them… It’s crazy how far people will go to make extra money. Source: CNN

Olivia M: SYRIA/WAR. Story: In Syria, Assad has been using chemical weapons and chemical warfare against rebels of the regime and as a result killing villages full of woman and children. A majority of the nation jumped straight to the conclusion that we were going to yet another war, but Obama broadcasted to clear things up and let citizens know that a threat was placed on Assad that if he did not stop that use of chemical weapons to eliminate those who opposed his ruling, then the U.S would use military involvement to prohibit it. Russia and the United States have imposed a plan to avoid war, however is Assad decides not to go along with this there is a possibility that military involvement will occur. Opinion: I chose to read about this article because I really had not heard about anything and when Obama came on my social media places were filled with war talk and everyone thought that we were going to war. I thought that I might as well get some background information on it if this directly does affect my life. I thought that the way Oren Dorrell (the author of this story) wrote about it was interesting and it was easy for me to understand. He gave a lot of background information of the situation so people like me who really had no idea what was going on got a good understanding. He used a lot of quotes from different views so it was interesting for me to hear different standpoints of the situation. Source: USA Today

 

SCIENCE

Luke: FAILURE OF ANTIBIOTICS. Story: A recent study from the Center for Disease Control is saying that antibiotics are in danger of not curing us at all. Viruses are developing resistance to antibiotics… we humans are going to be getting sicker more often, and potentially dying more rapidly from diseases. Interestingly enough, agriculture is where these viruses are developing immunizations, but the article doesn’t really elaborate. Opinion: From a totally Darwinistic standpoint, this is a good thing. The world is overpopulated with humans. However, I would like to not see humans dying out in droves. I don’t want to be one of those. Medicine, in my opinion, is one of the last frontiers of science. These doctors and scientists are literally running this thing on trial and error, trying to race the clock before we all die. Source: Wired

Melisa: GENOME MAPPING, CONSERVATION. Story: Scientists discovered that big cats and domesticated cats share 96% of genes (the remaining 4% was left unanswered). This map of genomes of big cats has led researchers to understand many new things about big cats, including how some have adapted to harsh climates, and the differences in their coats… The diversity of big cats depends on this research. Big cats are an endangered species, and with the environmental damage that is occurring on earth, the number of big cats is continuously dwindling. Opinion: this research is crucial for our generation to become more involved in. The expansion of civilization is creating a destructive environment for other species to thrive in… it is up to us to help find ways to conserve the genes of the animals we have, as a human race, made become extinct. Source: BBC

Jack: NUCLEAR SUBMARINE FIRE. Story: September 16th, 2013, a Russian submarine powered by nuclear reactors and known to be carrying nuclear missiles caught fire in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok, Russia. After the fire, it was a scan was conducted and it was determined that there were no high radiation levels and no radioactivity had contaminated the sea. Opinion: Differing information as to whether or not the ship was carrying nuclear missiles. Nothing in the article conveyed concern about the drastic effects that this disaster could have on the environment. Source: Yahoo

 

Merrilee: MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Story: N.J. law grants sick children access to edible medical marijuana. It’s required that parental permission is given, in order for eligible children to receive a wide variety of treatment options for their illness. However, in addition to parental consent, minors also needs approval from a psychiatrist and a physician in order to be prescribed medical marijuana. The marijuana is available to minors through syrups, tablets, drops, and capsules. Governor Christie stands by his decision stating that “parents, not government regulators, are best suited to decide how to care for their children, and this law advances that important principle.” The origins of this bill started with the parents of a two year old girl who suffers from Dravet syndrome, which is a severe type of epilepsy. Her parents turned to medical marijuana after multiple failed attempts with anti-seizure medicines. Opinion: In the past most American’s viewed marijuana as an evil drug that causes “Reefer Madness” and should never be used. Now it seems that the tables are turning, more and more Americans are in favor of relaxing the marijuana laws. I feel that it is great that New Jersey is allowing eligible minors access to the drug. Source: CNN

Morgan Harkness: OBESITY WANING: Story: Studies are showing weight loss in teenagers across the U.S. Healthier foods are being consumed, at least one hour of exercise is in effect [per week?/day?] and the amount of television being watched has decreased. This study consisted of 34,000 teenagers ranging from 6th to 10th grade. The participants take annual questionnaires with questions like types of food they eat, if breakfast is a regular habit and about physical activities. Other questions are their weight and height and screen time activity (computer use, television or video games).  After looking at these results, there has been a decline in the obesity rate. Opinion: I think the obesity rate in this country is frightening. Even after the slight decline I still feel like food is a big issue in the U.S. We eat very differently from other countries. The obese rate stayed the same after about 3 years and the overweight category is still high. Source: Philly.com

CELEBRITIES

Olivia L: TWEETING SCHOOL HATE, FAME & INFLUENCE. Story: Over the past few weeks it has been reported that Jaden Smith, son of celebrities Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, used the social media site, Twitter, to tweet his thoughts about school. He tweeted: “School Is the Tool to Brainwash the Youth” and “If Newborn Babies Could Speak They Would Be The Most Intelligent Beings on Planet Earth.” The media is saying he will most likely influence at least one of his five million followers. Up until this past year Jaden and his sister, Willow, were going to a private school founded by none other than, his parents.  The school was based off of scientology beliefs and closed so the children could be home-schooled to work on their music and acting career. Opinion: Smith’s statement is irresponsible and simple-minded. His parents are A-list actors; he was born with connections, money and potential to do almost anything he wanted… his fan base…most likely don’t have half of the opportunities he was born with, so school is the only option. Source: ABC News

Alexandra: Story: Dina Lohan, Lindsay Lohan's mother, age 50, was charged with drunk driving. She was going 50 miles over the speed limit and her BAC level was double the legal limit. Opinion: Drunk driving is nothing to mess around with. This has been a huge cause of death for years for people of all ages. I feel that celebrities often get away with drunk driving as well as other crimes too frequently…they can pay for it, or whatever other reasons. Celebrities should be punished just as harshly as any ordinary citizen. Luckily, Dina Lohan did not harm anyone and she was arrested and charged accordingly. I feel that fame is sometimes too much for celebrities to handle. They usually have absolutely no privacy and I almost wonder if fame has driven this mother and daughter insane. Source: News Daily

Sarah: MISS AMERICA/ETHNICITY. Story: Miss New York, Nina Davuluri was crowned the new Miss America. Davuluri is of Indian descent. (During the competition between 53 women) Judge Bass assured everyone that Miss Florida's knee brace wouldn't affect the judges at all. Nina performed a Bollywood fusion dance for her talent (though she did miss her cue and had to be called three times before coming to the stage). The Top Five moved on to the Question portion of the evening. The questions varied from talk of the situation in Syria all the way to reactions about Miley Cyrus’s performances as of late. Miss New York was asked about Julie Chen's decision to have plastic surgery about making her eyes less Asian. In response, she said she “didn’t agree with plastic surgery,” however, she could agree from a standpoint since Miss America has always been viewed a The Girl Next Door. No opinion. Source: USA Today

 

SPORTS

Tommy: Story: Johnny Manziel is the only QB to challenge Alabama this year.  NFL teams were scouting him last season but now many view him as undraftable as they are worried about his off field decisions and mood swings. Manziel was suspended for the first half of the first game of the season due to allegations of being paid for autographs. Opinion: Given the press coverage, I am a big Johnny Manziel fan anymore. I am glad Alabama beat him this year to give him a reality check. Source: CNN

 

Evan: CRAIGSLIST SPORTS DATE. Story: Gary Yates, an airline pilot and avid Tennessee Volunteers fan, auctioned a ticket worth $150, as well as a date with his 27 year old stepdaughter on craigslist for free. Yates had four tickets for the big game against the Florida Gators. He planned to take his wife, stepdaughter, and his stepdaughter date, but unfortunately her date bailed on her. He posted the ad late Monday night: 1 Free ticket for the Tennessee-Florida Football game this Saturday (cost to me, $150) on the 40 for the right gentleman. You must be an attractive, professional, single well educated gentleman, with a good sense of humor, 25-33. You also must not be threatened by an attractive, professional, single well educated lady, (as she is). If you do not qualify, please pass this ad to a friend. The fine print: I lied! (Sorry...not totally free). Your cost will be a modest dinner, drinks and delightful conversation with her before or after the game. P.S. (Being a Tennessee Vols fan is not required but is highly desirable) Only those that respond with pictures and resume will be considered! Be creative! According to the article, Yates has had about 40 serious responses to the ad as of Tuesday morning. Yates says that he does not know how he and Jessica will decide on a winner. Opinion: shows how desperate people can be for attention. Jessica could also have found herself a date without going on craigslist. It also showed how many creepy guys are out there who cannot find themselves a date without being on craigslist. Source: Fox

 

HUMAN INTEREST

Charlene: Story: A homeless Boston man who police said turned in a backpack containing tens of thousands of dollars in cash and traveler's checks said that even if he were desperate, he wouldn't have kept a penny. Glen James found the backpack at the South Bay Mall on Saturday evening. Inside the backpack was $2,400 in U.S. currency, almost $40,000 in traveler's checks, Chinese passports, and personal papers. Opinion: I find the man’s actions admirable. In a newspaper filled with horror stories, this story was hidden: it was about 2 sentences long, buried on the 4th page in the margins. I find it upsetting that a reputable newspaper that has won 19 Pulitzer Prizes, as it so advertises, would rather print about escalators than a homeless man returning over 42,000 dollars. Source: AP/Philly.com

Brielle: CELL PHONE PHOTOS. Story: There is an odd new rule being put into effect for the annual Hong Kong marathon. Runners are being asked not to take photos of themselves with their cell phones while running. In February, a woman tried to take a picture of herself while running, dropped her phone and stopped to pick it up, causing runners behind her to trip and fall. Opinion: I thought it seemed like a weird rule from the headline. Although I use my phone a lot, I know when it is time to put it away. I think that it’s crazy how obsessed people have become with their cell phones- so much so that they feel the need to take pictures of themselves while running a marathon. Source: Yahoo

Katie: BINGE DRINKING. Story: About 20% of teenagers admitted to consuming at least 5 drinks on one occasion in the past two weeks; about 11% of teenagers admitted to consuming at least 10 drinks on one occasion in the past two weeks; and about 6% of these teenagers admitted to consuming at least 15 drinks on one occasion in the past two weeks. In New York, surveys were taken in high schools all over the state. One in five high school seniors have reported to binge drink within the past two weeks. The survey went on to explain that boys were more likely to drink more heavily than the girls, and Caucasians were more likely than African Americans or Hispanics... Opinion: I can't help but think that this is only a portion of all of the teenagers who have actually participated in these actions. What about those high school students who chose not to admit to the skeletons in their closets? This question only makes the situation more serious. I believe that this article is being written to inform adults, possibly those who work in high schools, about how prevalent this drinking problem is. I also believe the author is attempting to get something started in order to fix this problem. The author mentions that policies against underage drinking must be more prevalent. These policies include stricter enforcement of the underage drinking laws, as well as higher taxes on alcohol. Source: Yahoo