Katherine+Keegan

Katherine Keegan

=__**Week of June 20, 2011**__=

1) International


 * __Obama Sets Afghan Rollback; Balancing Troop Demands of Military and Critics in Congress Leaves Neither Happy__**

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama announced his decision to remove 10,000 American troops from Afghanistan this year, and furthermore, expressed his plan to withdrawal the remaining surge forces by the early fall of 2012. Although he strives to protect the American troops and do what is best for our nation, Mr. Obama now faces tough criticism from several parties as he struggles to "balance the demands of antiwar Democrats and budget-conscious Republicans". In addition, Commanders of the United States armed forces oppose such a hasty effort to remove the troops in order to buy the military more time in which they may solidify the secure status of recently obtained provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, and will begin by withdrawing "support units", and thus allowing forntline troops to work "to preserve fighting power". I believe that it is important to keep the safety of our armed forces and our nation as a whole as our number one priority. In that since I agree with the large scale removal of troops in that it not only protects them but also conserves the United Stare's resources. I do worry, however, and am anxious to see how the transition of power from American to Afghan forces plays out, and believe it should be a slow and smooth, gradual transition.


 * Entous, Adam, Julian E Barnes, and Carol E Lee. "Obama Sets Afghan Rollback; Balancing Troop Demands of Military, Critica in Congress Leaves Neither Happy." //The Wall Street Journal// 23 June 2011: A1+. Print.

2) National


 * __New York to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage__**

On Friday, the New York state Senate, which is republican controlled, passed a bill which made New York the sixth state to legalizing same-sex marriage. This 33 - 29 vote is seen as a major victory for gay rights advocates after the failure of similar measures in both 2009 and 2010, and further holds to be an even greater triumph due to the size of the state and New York City's accreditation of being the birthplace of the gay rights movement. The vote gives confidence and hope to advocates of gay rights for further expansion across the country. Additionally, unlike California, which legalized same-sex marriage only to have it overturned by the State Supreme Court, Reversing this law would require a more extensive process in the state of New York, giving advocates even more hope for expansion. Although, from a religious standpoint, I am not a supporter of same-sex marriage and firmly believe marriage was made to be a union between man and woman, form a political point of view i believe it is important to allow equal rights to all citizens of the United States and agree that all individuals ahould have access and the liberties of basic human rights.


 * Gormley, Michael. "New York to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage." //Richmond// //Times-Dispatch// 25 June 2011: A1+. Print.

3) Economic


 * __Higher Gas Prices Drive Oil Decision__**

On Thursday, President Obama announced that the United States and other large oil-consuming nations would release sixty million barrels of oil from the emergency reserves as an attempt to relieve the "economic and political pail in the U.S. caused by higher gasoline prices". Administration officials have voiced that this act is a direct reaction to "a supply disruption due to military conflict in Libya during a season when gasoline demand is usually high", and have high hopes that this increase in available gasoline will help to lower the prices of gasoline and stimulate the U.S economy. Both the republican and Democrats criticize this decision however, with the Republican argument that the United States should seek to find domestic sources of oil, and the Democratic argument that the Obama administration should take on a more intense course of action to reduce the demand for oil all together. While I do believe it is important for the Obama administration to search for ways to ease the economic burdens of the citizens of the United States, I also think it is more important to save those resources set aside for a real emergency. It would be awful to continue to dip into our emergency reserves and then when a real disaster occurs, such as a natural disaster occurring in the United States, or say another world war, not have the full resources we need to overcome those challenges.


 * Power, Stephen, and Tennille Tracy. "Higher Gas Prices Drive Oil Decision ."//The Wall Street Journal// 24 June 2011: A4. Print.

=__**Week of June 27, 2011**__=

1) International


 * __Al Qaeda Remains Top Threat to U.S.__**

On Wednesday, the Obama administration stated that Al Qaeda is the "preeminent security threat to the United States" and that "direct attacks on the homeland by foreigners or homegrown militants were its top priority" in the first formal document on counterterrorism strategy.Although Al Qaeda's message has recently been weakened through peaceful protests in other countries and in the death of bin Laden by the Navy SEAL team, the administration still fears new plans for attack from Al Qaeda. Mr. Brennan, Mr. Obama's chief counterterrorism adviser stated the administration should continue to eliminate Al Qaeda leaders and gain support from countries including Yemen and Pakistan. In addition, the administration is taking steps to "beef up" homeland security in the United States. I believe it is good that the United States and Obama administration are taking control of the situation, however, while i understand the Al Qaeda leaders are dangerous, I believe it is important to deal with them in a controlled manner as to not further aggravate the supporters of Al Qaeda and bring on feelings or actions of retaliation against the United States.


 * Johnson, Keith. "Al Qaeda remains Top Threat to U.S." //Wall Street Journal// 30 June 2011: A4. Print

2) National


 * __Agency Blames Massey for Fatal Mine Disaster__**

The West Virginia mine explosion, the worst coal mining disaster in 40 years, that took the lives of twenty nine mine workers last year, is now seen as having been able to be prevented if the company would not have withheld hazardous findings to government inspectors last year. Now, the former head of safety of the mine is pleading not guilty to withholding the information that could have possibly prevented this accident form occurring. Hazardous conditions are reported by employees in "onshift reports" completed every shift at the mines and in addition, "production reports" which describe coal output, also describe reasons for production delay. At least three incidents were found in which reasons for delay in the production reports were not mentioned in the onshift reports, thus causing a serious issue which could have otherwise been prevented. The explosion also resulted in the sale of Massey to Alpha Natural Resources Inc. this month for $7.1 billion. I believe the government should more frequently and closely monitor the hazardous reports of the mines to prevent accidents and detect issues that do not match up before a tragic event such as this occurs. In addition, it should be one workers sole responsibility to record both the onshift reports and the production reports as to prevent mix-ups.


 * Maher, Kris. "Agency Blames Massey For Fatal Mine Disaster ." //Wall Street// //Journal// 30 June 2011: A3. Print.

3) Economic


 * __Gold Can't Hold $1,500__**

Gold dipped below $1,500 due to a strengthening dollar. This mark was a "key mark in the sand that was broken (Tuesday)" according to Adam Klopfenstein, a marketing strategist with a Chicago based brokerage. The gold's daily settlement price closed at $1,496 per troy ounce, the lowest that it has closed since May 19, 2011. in early June, gold was expected to top May's record highs above $1,550 per troy ounce, but soon after, it decreased significantly by $50 due to increased dollar value, and other markets that declined causing other investors to sell gold to cover their losses. I believe that it is bad that gold is being devalued because it is normally a stable investment, however, the increased value of the dollar that helped to bring about the decline in the value of gold is a good sign of the recovering economy.


 * Day, Matt. "Gold Can't Hold $1,500." //Wall Street Journal// 28 June 2011: C7 Print.

=**__Week of July 4, 2001__**=

1) International


 * __Beijing Sparks Ire of WTO Over Curbs__**

On Tuesday, after being brought to their attention by the European Union, The United States, and Mexico, The World Trade Organization made a decision that will control how "resource-rich nations", such as China, save raw materials for use in their own industries rather than export them fairly to other nations seeking to buy them. Such raw-materials that these countries believe are not being exported fairly include bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, silicon carbide, silicon metal, yellow phosphorous, and zinc. The European Union trade commissioner, Karel De Gucht, believes that this new decision brings us "one step closer to a level playing field for raw materials". Although China claims that it has withheld these items from export because they are harmful to the environment, the WTO maintains that if use of these items are not also limited in that country, they are still harming the environment. I believe that the nations of the world represented by the WTO should establish a certain percent of all raw material that must be exported in order to avoid a circumstance in which one nation is selfishly withholding raw-materials. However, if countries, such as China, who are withholding materials do in fact believe that they are harmful to the environment, they should also make sure that use domestically is also reduced as much as is possible.


 * Dalton, Matthew. "Beijing Sparks Ire of WTO Over Curbs." //Wall Street Journal// [Brussels ] 6 July 2011: A9. Print.

‍2) National


 * __States weigh 'Caylee's law' in Aftermath of Verdict__**

In response to the death of two year old Caylee Anthony, several states lawmakers proposed Caylee's law which would "make it a felony for a parent or other caregiver to not to report a child under the age of twelve missing after 48 hours". This law additionally calls for felony charges to be raised against any individual who fails to report the death, or location of a dead child's body. to the police within two hours form when it occurred. Failure to abide by this law could also result in up to fifteen years in prison for offenders. This law is also in response to an online petition which by Friday, July 8, already contained 700,000 names. Critics of the law claim that because cases such as the Casey Anthony trial are so rare, there is no need to create a such a law because these occurrences are not common. Supporters of the law, however, such as Florida representative Scott Plakton have voiced their concern in such measures are not taken, "It's very sad that we even need a law like this, but Casey Anthony just proved that we do as unfortunate as that is". While I do agree that cases such as the Casey Anthony trial are rare, I do believe the law is a good idea because I think it is important for any parent who is cruel or negligent enough to have their child go missing for so long, or have them dead and not report it, obviously has serious mental issues and needs to serve a serious sentence for such abuses.

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 * The Associated Press. "States weigh 'Caylee's laws' in Aftermath of Verdict." //Richmond Times-Dispatch// 9 July 2011: A3. Print.

3) Economic

With gas prices rising and the fragile state of the economy, retailers are trying to get shoppers out on the roads and in their stores. Recently, retailers have been giving special offers to shoppers, picking up part of the cost of filling up their gas tank and also bringing shoppers into their stores to increase their business and for promotion. Retailers such as Kellogg's is sending a ten dollar gas card to shoppers who mail in ten bar codes from their products such as Raisin Brand and Corn Flakes, and stores such as CVS are giving ten dollar gas cards for shoppers who buy thirty dollars worth of certain items. Even massive chain retail stores such as Wal Mart are giving advantages to shoppers who purchase a Wal Mart card and spend a certain amount of money. Although foot and goods prices are rising, and in most cases consumers are spending more form goods than they normally would to get fuel advantages, the uncertainty of gas prices continues to control shoppers behavior more than anything. Although sometimes it seems silly to spend more money just to get some free gas, in these economic times I completely support thrifty spenders who look for the best deals and take advantage of opportunities.

> //New York Times// 3 July 2011: B1. //The New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011. >  04gas.html?_r=1&sq=july%204,%202011&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=13&adxnnlx=1314475229-Vg0 > JKvbVgM2dD9IboTEWPw>. = =
 * Clifford, Stephanie. " To Keep Parking Lots Full, Retailers Offer Gas Deals ."

=__Week of July 11, 2011__=

1) International

__**U.S., Vietnam in Exercises Amid Tensions With China**__

On Friday, the United States began naval exchanges with Vietnam, which include noncombat training, in hopes to strengthen ties with not only Vietnam, but other areas in Southeast Asia. These new military ties, however beneficial, run the risk of further deteriorating relationships with China, in that both China and Vietnam, along with several other countries, are involved in territorial disputes over the South China Sea, during which time Vietnam accused China of interfering with an oil boat earlier this month. For this reason, both the United States and Vietnam are cautious about possibly upsetting China. General Chen Bingde, chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army voiced China's opinion that the United States interaction with Vietnam is both inappropriate and comes at a poor time due to the dispute over the South China Sea. Furthermore, even major leaders in Vietnam are skeptical about the United States' intentions, and fear they will further promote and spread ideas of expanding democratic changes or aid human-rights causes which could overthrow government rulings. I believe it is good that the United States tries to bridge gaps and make alliances with the countries of Southeast Asia, however, if it comes at the cost of having China as a greater enemy than friend, it may be wise to back off of the launch to make strong military ties, at least until the South China Sea incident clears up.


 * Barta, Patrick. "U.S., Vietnam in Exercises Amid Tensions With China ." //Wall// //Street Journal// 16 June 2011: A7. Print.

2) National


 * __DEA Takes Down Ghana-based Drug Traffickers__**

On Thursday, the Drug Enforcement Administration put an end to a drug trafficking ring based in Ghana, which has been smuggling heroin into the United States through Dulles International Airport for about a year. Seven of eight suspects were arrested, including those both in Ghana and four in the United States; Maryland, New York, and Virginia. The leader of the heroin drug ring, Edward Macauley, also known as Cudjoe Opoku, was also arrested. All the suspects arrested in Ghana are to be extradited to the United States and tried here on charges which could result in as few as ten years, or as many as a life sentence, in prison. Those trafficking the drugs received up to $15,000 per trip and are said to have carried up to $250,000 worth of heroin at a time. I believe it is great that we have been able to put an end to this one ring, but it is scary to imagine the vast number of drug trafficking rings still in full force. One solution could be to increase security in the US airports, but seeing as we already have full body scanners and other advanced technology, it's hard to imagine what else can be done in terms of detection.


 * Barakat, Matthew. "DEA Takes Diwn Ghana-based Drug Traffickers." //Richmond// //Times-Dispatch// 15 July 2011: B4. Print.

3) Economic

__**Gas Prices Edging Higher, But No '$$ Alarms' Are Heard**__

Gas prices, although they had dropped to an average of $3.37 at the beginning of the month, have increased steadily since then. Thursday, one gallon of regular gas sold for $3.56, whereas a year ago on the same day, gas was over a dollar less at $2.53 per gallon. However, prices for the rest of the summer are expected to stay between $3.25 and $3.75 per gallon. Martha Mitchell Meade from AAA voiced concerns, however, that the upcoming hurricane season could drastically effect our gas prices depending on storms and damage done. Additionally, the gas prices weigh heavily upon the state of the crisis in Libya, in that, since February, an average of about 1.5 million barrels of oil are removed from the market daily, causing gas prices to soar in the US. Although it is troubling to hear that gas prices have been raising so steadily over the past months, it is comforting to hear that there is an estimated cap to raising the limit of cost. However, it is shocking to hear the great difference, over a dollar, in gas prices now in comparison to a year ago.


 * Bacque, Peter. "Gas Prices Edging Higher, But No '$$ Alarms' Are Heard ."//Richmond Times-Dispatch// 15 July 2011: D1+. Print.

=**__Week of July 18, 2011__**=

1) International


 * __Savage Terror Attacks__**

On Friday, at about 3:26 PM, a domestic terrorist set off a bomb in downtown Oslo, Norway, killing at least seven people. The bomber then continued on to attack a summer camp were, dressed as a police officer, he shot at least 80 people, both on land and swimming in the water. The main suspect, 32 year old Anders Behring Breivik, was arrested. Breivik is thought to have acted alone in thee two acts of terrorism, and is not seemed to be associated with any organized terrorist group. Both strikes, however, seem to be directed toward the ruling Labor Party in Norway in that the bombing destroyed government buildings such as the finance ministry and the government headquarters. It is shocking to me that one man could create so much chaos and be so vicious and angry. I find it extremely disturbing that he would go as far as to attack a summer camp. I am glad that the police force in Norway was so diligent and worked hard to find him so soon after the incident.


 * Dxbury, Charles, and Kjetil Hovland. "Savage Terror Attacks." //Wall Street// //Journal// 23 July 2011: A1+. Print.

2) National

__**Military Ban on Gays Will End**__

On Saturday, July 23, President Barack Obama formally signed to end the United States' seventeen year old "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which prohibits those who openly claim to be homosexual from serving in the United States armed forces. The "don't ask don't tell policy", put in place by President Bill Clinton in 1993, would only remove an individual from the service only if their sexual orientation was revealed. However, with this new ban, affective September 20th, those serving in the armed forces will no longer be required to hide their identity in order to serve their country. Although the military will no longer deny the ability to serve to any gay man or woman, same sex partners will not receive the same benefits as married couples, such as housing, and will be treated as having unmarried status. I believe this new ban on the "don't ask, don't tell policy" crosses major bridges for not only the gay community but also is a major victory for advocates for human rights in general in that is gives every individual the opportunity to be able to serve their country, regardless of their sexual orientation.

3) Economic


 * __At Stores, Making 5 for $5 a Bigger Draw That 1 for $1__**

With the unsteady economy and uncertain gas prices rising and falling, stores are doing all in their power to entice shoppers into coming into their stores. One way to do this is by attracting shoppers with sales in large amounts, for example 10 for $10 for two liter bottles of soda. By attracting consumers with large amounts, shoppers tend to by more than they intended to, and much more than they need. In addition, often times shoppers are fooled into paying more per item when buying them in bulk because they are fixated on the overall sale, and not necessarily about finding the best price. I think this is a very smart marketing agent for stores to use, and can see how it would be very easy t get shoppers to buy more then they usually would given the economy, and for a higher price.


 * Clifford, Stephanie. "At Stores, Making 5 for $5 a Bigger Draw That 1 for $1."//New York Times// 18 July 2011: A1. //The New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011. .

=**__Week of July 25, 2011__**=

__**China Fires Officials After Crash Kills 35**__

At least 35 people were killed on Saturday when one train, traveling at high speed, crashed into a stationary train in the eastern providence of Zhejiang. In addition, at least 200 people were injured when four train cars fell from a 49 ft bridge and two other cars derailed when the moving train smashed into the first train, which had lost power after being struck by lightening. The accident also stopped the service of 58 other trains in the area. The chief, deputy chief, and communist party secretary at the Shanghai Railway Bureau were dismissed the following day. Critics of the train system complain that it is wasteful and overly expensive while supporters enjoy the shortened travel times. Both sides, however, are in agreement of the utter disaster of the accident. I believe the accident was awful and very tragic, but wonder why the second train was allowed to continue in that path and was not warned of the broken down train ahead, which could have possibly prevented this accident.


 * Dean, Jason, and Norihiko Shirouzo. "China Fires Officials After Crash Kills 35." //Wall Street Journal// 25 July 2011: A7. Print.

2) National


 * __After Long Wait, Same-Sex Couples Marry in New York__**

Hundreds of couples lined up to say "i do" in New York on Sunday when same-sex marriage was legalized in the state. Ray Duran, 68, stated he and his partner "felt a little more human today". This law doubled the number of Americans who live in states where same sex partners can wed. The numbers of same sex partners who came to wed in the state were greatest in New York City, however, with 659 couples going to pick up marriage licenses and 484 couples going to city marriage bureaus to be wed. Although several apposed to the legalization of gay marriage protested saying, "God cannot be mocked", the day was a triumph for same sex partners and human rights activists all over the country. Although i personally do not support gay marriage, I do understand that it is a major triumph for same-sex couples and it is wonderful they now finally feel more comfortable and alive.

> after-long-wait-same-sex-couples-marry-in-new-york.html?scp=18&sq=july%2025,%202011&st=cse>.
 * Barbaro, Michael. "After Long Wait, Same-Sex Couples Marry in New York ." //New// //York Times// 25 July 2011: A1. //The New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011.The Commerce Department released the gross domestic product report on Friday, revealing that the economy grew at the slowest pace in a year, 1.8%, in the second quarter of the year. The low economy is a reflection of the the lack of auto parts available following the natural disasters in Japan recently, such as the earthquake and tsunami, but is thought to bounce back soon. An increase in car manufacturing is though to create a rise in the economy in that with increased production jobs will open up and wages will be able to rise once again. Furthermore, with increased salaries, consumers will be able to spend more money on goods. Some fear, however, that the high and rising cost of gasoline prices will effect how willing to spend consumers may be, especially with the rocky job market that currently exists. An expected 7.5% more cars are going to be produced in the approaching third quarter than last years. With so many people really struggling to find work, it is comforting to hear that this increase in production could not only open up the job market, but also provide a chance to increase wages to those in need.

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 * Lahart, Justin. "Car Makers Help Drive Economic Recovery ." //Wall Street Journal// 27 July 2011: A3. Print.

=__Week of August 1, 2011__=

1) International

__**Europe's Youth Face Scarcity of Jobs**__

Do to Europe's rising debt crisis and budget cutting, unemployment continues to rise steadily among Europe's youth. Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency that there is currently a 20.3% unemployment rate among young adults between the ages of 15 to 24. As a result of pressure from financial markets to reduce spending across the nation, the government has been unable to raise employment rates through increased government spending. This unemployment is further hindered by the lack of consumer spending as well. The rate of unemployment is the lowest in the Netherlands, 7.1%, Austria, 8.2%, and Germany, 9.1%, and is the worst in Spain at 45.7%. Nations such as Spain are urged to follow in the footsteps of countries, such as the Netherlands, in developing education and vocational training in areas most needed in their markets. However, it is easier for these countries to field such operations because their government budget has not been cut as much. It is hard to imagine fighting for a job, in a country such as Spain, when nearly 50% of the youth and young adults are unemployed. This is also difficult for American youth hoping to work abroad because the demand will be so low and competition so low.


 * Froymovich, Riva. "Europe's Youth Face Scarcity of Jobs." //Wall Street Journal// 2 Aug. 2011: A14. Print.

2) National

__**Alabama Immigration Law Spurs Wider Fight**__

The new Alabama law on immigration, which is scheduled to go into effect September 1, is being challenged by the Obama administration and several other organizations. The new law allows police to ask for immigration status from anyone they suspect may not be a legal citizen, employers to check employees' legal status with the federal database E-Verify, and require public schools to report the legal status of their students to the state. Monday, the Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit against the new law in fear that it will result in the "harassment and imprisonment of legal immigrants and overwhelm the federal resources". Additionally the new law is thought to not support the original purpose of federal immigration law, to focus on illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds and to seek out those who use illegal immigrants as a source of labor in their workplace. Other organizations such as the America Civil Liberties Union and the Roman Catholic, United Methodist, and Episcopal churches have filed lawsuit, stating that the Alabama law is unconstitutional. I also believe this law is a bit extreme and do believe that the state should stick to the objectives of searching more for illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds and those knowingly employing them.


 * Martin, Timothy W. "Alabama Immigration Law Spurs Wider Fight." //Wall Street// //Journal// 3 Aug. 2011: A6. Print.

3) Economic


 * __Budget Accord Cuts College Kids a Break__**

As a result of the deficit-reduction deal, made law this week, pell grant spending was increased by $17 billion. These grants currently provide over nine million students of low-income families with financial assistance in paying for college and give capable students the chance to further advance their education. Unfortunately, this increase in spending completely cut programs under which students in grad school in these same financial situations are not required to pay interest on their loans while still in school. This was not the only downside, however, as the White House also could not pass other programs such as extending a payroll tax cut, increasing unemployment benefits, and creating more infrastructure projects to provide more jobs and boost the economy. While there are negative effects, such as cutting programs for graduate students, I think the increase in the amount of sending available for pell grants is wonderful because it will provide new opportunities and advancements for millions of students who may otherwise would not have had the same advantages.

4 Aug. 2011: A2. Print. = =
 * Meckler, Laura. "Budget Accord Cuts College Kids a Break ." //Wall Street Journal//

=__**Week of August 8, 2011**__=

1) International

__**U.S. Retaliates for Copter Deaths**__

Monday, an F-16 fighter jet killed those Taliban responsible for shooting down an American helicopter Chinook this past weekend which killed 38 U.S. and Afghan troops. The man who launched the rocket-propelled grenade was killed at the time of the shoot-down as well. The top American commander in Afghanistan, Marine Corps General John Allen, stated that fewer than ten insurgents and a Taliban leader. General Allen stated that "this crash was the deadliest single loss for U.S. forces in the nearly 10-year Afghan war". While we should mourn the loss of our service men and women, and never rejoice in the death of another, even our enemy, it is comforting to know that we have such brave and sacrificing men and women defending our freedom and liberties.


 * "U.S. Retaliates for Copter Deaths." //Richmond Times-Dispatch// 11 Aug. 2011: A4. Print.

2) National

__**Lonestar State Drought Hurting Wildlife Habitat**__

The Texas Panhandle is currently suffering form the worst year long drought ever recorded. Since January, Texas had gotten about six inches of rain, less than half of its normal average of about 13 inches. This drought, which has made its way as far as Oklahoma and Kansas has caused some lakes and rivers to be at their lowest point since the 1950s. In addition to the withering of crops and deaths of multiple animals of every kind, the high temperatures are also causing reservoirs to completely evaporate. Furthermore, because there is little food and crops for the animals, they are dying out faster than reproducing and thus entire ecosystems are being wiped out as a result of the drought. It is hard to imagine such little rain and extreme temperatures, and is unfortunate that this is happening because eventually, those inhabitants of the area will also being to feel the sting of the drought, especially those who rely on the land or the animals to earn their living.

> //Richmond Times-Dispatch// 9 Aug. 2011: A4. Print.
 * The Associated Press. "Lonestar State Drought Hurting Wildlife Habitat ."

3) Economic


 * __Stocks' Plunge Worst Since '08__**

In light of the economic crisis still present in Europe and increasing national fear of a recession, the stock market plummeted severely today, the worst drop since the fall of 2008. Over a little over a to week period, the stock market had lost about 15% of its total value. Economists at Goldman Sachs have predicted the likelihood of the United States falling into another recession to be one in three. Since the end of the last major recession in 2009, the economy grew at it's slowest during the first half of this year. Other countries, including South Korea, Japan, Germany, and France also experienced trouble in their markets Monday. President Obama responded in stating that, " Washington needs more common sense and compromise to tame its debt.". It is frightening to think of the United States falling into another major recession such as in 2008, and even more-so to realize that this economic frustration is occurring not only in the United States, but across the world.

> 2011: n. pag. Print.
 * Wiesman, Paul. "Stocks' Plunge Worst Since '08." //Richmond Times-Dispatch// 9 Aug.

=__**Week of August 15, 2011**__=

1) International


 * __Israel Won't Apologize for Attack on Gaza Flotilla__**

Israel's Prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, told U.S Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, in a recent phone conversation, that Israel has no intention of formally apologizing to Turkey for killing nine pro-Palestimian activists on a Turkish ship trying to break the blockade of Gaza last year. The Obama administration hoped that an appology and compromise could solve more than just the issue at hand but furthermore, "the perilous situation in Syria and rising tensions between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel's officials have voiced concern that apologizing would not be enough and that rather, "apologizing and paying compensation wouldn't satisfy Mr. Erdogan and that he would continue demanding the Gaza blockade be lifted". Turkey's leaders have been swift to respond, however, in making it known that relations can not improve without an apology and changes being made. This situation is scary in that not only is their obvious tension between the two nations which the United States does not want to be caught up in, on can only hope that retaliation does not occur before a compromise can be made and the two nations begin to make peace with one another.


 * Mitnick, Joshua. "Israel Won't Apologize for Attack on Gaza Flotilla." //Wall// //Street Journal// 18 Aug. 2011: A10. Print.

2) National

__**Schools Restore Fresh Cooking to the Cafeteria**__

Schools in Colorado are beginning to focus more on serving healthy foods for their students and promote good eating habits and healthy lifestyle. Although about 60% of the 19500 students qualify for free or reduced-priced meals from the school system, the school systems are trying to break the pattern of lower income schools serving foods low in nutritional value for the students. Colorado has been recorded as the least obese state when compared to others in the Unites States, and is committed to instilling good nutrition in the younger generation. The school systems are using Cook for American, a program which teaches and provides instruction for school cooks on how to make healthy and nutritious foods for their students. The most common myth for schools that serve healthy foods is that it is so expensive to serve. In addition, some schools claim that they do not have the resources or facility to supply healthy foods for an entire school. I am really impressed in Colorado's effort to support healthy food and lifestyle choices even though they are not always easy to afford.
 * Johnson, Kirk. " Schools Restore Fresh Cooking to the Cafeteria." //New York Times// 17 Aug. 2011: A16. //The New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011..
 * Johnson, Kirk. " Schools Restore Fresh Cooking to the Cafeteria." //New York Times// 17 Aug. 2011: A16. //The New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011..

3) Economic

__**Bank of American Plans Big Layoffs to Cut Costs**__

The Bank of America is set to get rid of over 3500 jobs in the next coming months. The bank's stocks are now down 50% since January and it is looking to totally reconstruct the entire system. The total job cuts over the next few months are expected to total around 10,000 layoffs overall in this phase of the reconstruction. The Chief Executive of The Bank of America, Brian Moynihan has said he hopes to trim quarterly expenses by $1.5 billion. When asked about the extreme amount of job layoffs, Mr. Moynihan stated,“While the markets reflect many economic factors we cannot control, we must stay focused on what we can control,”. I am shocked by the large scale layoffs, but if it what is best for the company and the economy then it is a good thing. They should also take into consideration, however, the massive number this adds to unemployed numbers across the country.


 * Schwartz, Nelson D. "Bank of America Plans Big Layoffs to Cut Costs." //New York// //Times// 19 Aug. 2011: B1. //The New York Times//. Web. 27 Aug. 2011.

=Week of August 22, 2011=

1) International

__**Attack on Mexico casino kills 45**__

On Thursday, two dozed gunmen attacked a casino in northern Mexico, the Casino Royale in Monterrey, covering the building in flammable liquid and trapping employees and gamblers inside. At least 45 people were killed in the attack and twelve more were injured. Survivors told police that after throwing the flammable liquid all around, the attackers began to yell and scream and told the employees and customers to get out. Many, however, ran further into the building and got trapped in the flames and smoke and died. This attack represents "one of the deadliest attacks on an entertainment center in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against drug cartels in late 2006". It is shocking to imagine this happening, and terrifying to believe that there is such a problem with violence and crime that people would just burn an entire establishment down, and all those there along with it.


 * The Associated Press. "Attack on Mexico Casino Kills 45." //Richmond// //Times-Dispatch// 26 Aug. 2011: A3. Print.

2) National


 * __Quake Calls Shut Down 911 Line in Albemarle__**

In response to Thursday's earthquake, so many of those who felt the movement called into 911 simply to report what they had felt and to find out information. The calls were so numerous that at one point they overloaded the phone lines and cut off the emergency lines in Albemarle County, the city of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia. Of all the calls that came in however, not one of them was actually an emergency. Bob Spieldenner, a spokesman with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management stated, "It overloads the call takers and when they've got something going on, it can definitely slow down their ability... to handle the calls that they really need to handle ". I think it is really amazing that enough people called in to actually shut down the lines, but i also think it is scary to imagine if something such as a car accident would have occured and the lines would have been blocked and how tragic that could have been.
 * "Quake Calls Shut Down 911 Line in Albemarle." //Richmond Times-Dispatch// 26 Aug. 2011: B10. Print.

3) Economic


 * __Advocates Urge Easier Visa Policies To Boost Startups__**

Recently, with the economy continuing to rise and fall like a roller coaster ride, the government is hopeful that new businesses will be arising and begin building up to help pull the United States even further away from the possible lurking fears of another recession. Foreign businesses looking to build in the United States are extremely helpful in building our economy back up. However, with all of the regulations and restrictions placed on immigrants trying to come into the United States, the process can be long and taxing for young immigrants looking to start work, and thus, they are more inclined to take their business elsewhere to countries with more relaxed systems for immigration and to get a working visa. In response to this, the White House is working to ease restrictions on working visas for those looking to come begin their own businesses in the United States. While I do understand all of the security precautions and regulations immigrants must go through in order to gain access into our country, I do think, with the current state of the economy, that it is wise of the Obama administration and the White House to look into making a working visa more accessible to immigrants, and further promote our country as a place for work.

> NPR, 23 Aug. 2011. Web. 30 Aug. 2011.  139798265/advocates-urge-easier-visa-policies-to-boost-startups>.
 * Kaufman, Wendy. "Advocates Urge Easier Visa Policies To Boost Startups." //NPR//.