International:
The Good: Countries Are Coming To Thailand’s Aid
Two weeks ago, news broke of a team of young soccer players trapped within the watery caves of Thailand’s northern region. This week the Royal Thailand Navy has issued a statement regarding the rescue of the 12 children and their coach; due to the rainy season and the amount of water trapped within the 4 mile long cave exit, officials said extracting the team would be too dangerous. Currently, the only means of escape is diving through the depths of the cave waters winding over 10 miles from start to finish.
Although there was a video released of the trapped boys in good spirits there are at least two reports of exhaustion and malnutrition. Acknowledging the sensitivity to time, rescuers have begun teaching the students how to scuba dive in case they are forced to swim their way out, but given their current physical state, it’s the least likely of the viable options.
Currently there are 30 – 40 teams actively working to rescue the team with assistance from divers coming from the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia. As officials connect the children with their parents via the internet, drain water from the caves, and continue to dig for ways to save the group, morale continues to remain high and hopeful.
The Bad: Uganda Has A New Social Media Tax
Despite a strong public opposition to the new legislation, The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has confirmed that there is officially a tax for the use of social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. A lawsuit has been filled on behalf of the Ugandan citizens by a local tech company claiming the government is violating net neutrality. So far two men have been arrested for storming the parliament after the change went into effect this past Sunday, with one man claiming he needs social media to stay in contact with his tutor overseas and has no other means of income.
Although members of the Ugandan government claim the tax will contribute to the overall wellness of the citizens by providing more revenue, independent studies report that the cost of data exceeds the average income of the majority of Ugandan citizens.
Environment:
The Good: Seattle’s Plastic Straw Ban Goes Into Effect
This past Sunday the “Plastic Straw Ban” went into effect in Seattle, Washington after the city overwhelmingly voted for their ousting. Seattle is one of the first metropolitan cities in the U.S. to adopt environmentally conscious regulations directly effecting businesses, however there are several other cities such as New York and San Francisco considering making the change. Seattle’s Public Utilities Manager Mami Hara said in a statement to press last month: “Plastic pollution is surpassing crisis levels in the world’s oceans, and I’m proud Seattle is leading the way and setting an example for the nation by enacting a plastic straw ban.”
Although discontinuing plastic utensils isn’t excepted to resolve global pollution, it has been seen as a positive sign of change to come through out other major U.S. cities.
The Bad: Deadly Heatwave On Its Way To Western United States
Meteorologist’s are warning citizens of the western United States of a heat wave that has already claimed dozens of lives in Canada. The high temperatures and dry lands are contributing to the spread of wildfires in western states such as Kansas and Utah where fires have taken several lives and thousands in property damage. The disastrous wave was responsible for the deaths of over 30 individuals in Canada over the past two weeks since the storm began. Canadian media reports that many of the victims were single men living alone with no air conditioner.
Officials in Canada opened cooling centers across the country urging to call public transportation to get to a safe air conditioned refuge. As the heat begins to escalate in California and even as far east as Mississippi, authorities are strongly suggesting people remain inside as much as possible while staying well hydrated. Special concern has been expressed for older members of the communities who are at a higher risk of death.
Hilarity:
London Mayor Approves Giant Trump Diss
President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit London on July 13th and protestors are fully prepared to greet Trump with an unusual “welcoming gift”. The mayor of London Sadiq Khan, has officially approved a 6 meter (19 foot) blimp of “Baby Trump” to fly as Trump enters into England as a means of protest from critics within London. Khan’s office has been openly opposed to Trump’s presidency and made a statement concerning the controversial blimp: “(the) Mayor supports the right to peaceful protest and understands this can take many different forms.”
The blimp will be allowed to be flown for two hours and is scheduled to take flight during the “Stop Trump” demonstration taking place on the same day.
Man Calls 911 Over Cold Burger
Meanwhile in Ontario, Canada things became serious between McDonalds, Uber Eats and the recipient of a cold hamburger. This week Ontario police reminded citizens that frivolous calls tie up their lines and prevent officials from addressing serious crimes. Canadian police responded to a call from a man who was “irate” about his cold food delivery but so far has been unable to bring the culprit or culprits to justice. Although it is unclear whether the cause of the sub par meal was the fault of the restaurant or the driver, officials say neither warranted emergency response.
