We all have that one friend who is always talking about all the crazy things happening in the world. And while it might be fun to follow a Facebook newsfeed, you’re probably not actually absorbing anything. That’s why we’ve put together important events and news in this article which cover everything from politics to entertainment- things you should definitely know about!
What Is Happening in the World?
Recent news and important events from around the world:
1. In Egypt, anti-government protesters continue to clash with security forces. At least 74 people have died as a result of the protests, according to Reuters. byeberry.com
2. North Korea is reportedly holding a military parade in honor of Kim Jong Un’s birthday. The parade features large artillery displays and includes what appears to be an intercontinental ballistic missile on display, according to Reuters.
3. In Syria, government airstrikes continue to kill civilians and destroy infrastructure. The United Nations has estimated that over 500,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the civil war in 2011, according to The Guardian.
4. The Zika virus is spreading rapidly throughout Latin America and may soon reach North America, according to CNN Money. Symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, joint pain, headaches, and red eyes; it can also cause microcephaly, a birth defect in which babies’ heads are smaller than expected due to small brain growths.
Recent News Stories
1. In a significant move, the president of the United States announced that the U.S. will be withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. This global agreement aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was met with mixed reactions from around the world, with many noting that this decision could have serious consequences for climate change mitigation efforts.
2. A report published in The Lancet shows that climate change is causing health problems in low- and middle-income countries, specifically citing respiratory infections and mental health issues as major concerns. eheyo.com
3. As wildfires continue to rage throughout California, officials are working to determine whether these fires are caused by climate change or not. While there is currently no concrete evidence linking the fires to climate change, scientists are investigating whether increased humidity and extreme weather conditions might be contributing factors.
4. China has announced plans to increase its renewable energy capacity by up to 150 gigawatts over the next five years, making it one of the fastest growing renewable energy markets in the world. This announcement comes after recent reports indicating that China is already leading the way in reducing carbon emissions across all industries.
Breaking News
The United States Senate has passed a bill that would make it easier for businesses to let employees use contraception. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives has not yet voted on the bill.
The new bill, called the “Employee Birth Control Coverage Act of 2013,” would allow companies with more than 50 employees to require their workers to receive health insurance that covers contraception, including sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs. Companies with less than 50 employees would still be able to provide contraceptive coverage, but they would have to do so through their own insurance plans.
Supporters of the bill say it will help women gain more control over their reproductive health and prevent them from becoming pregnant when they don’t want to be. They point out that many women currently have to pay for contraception out-of-pocket, which can be expensive.
Opponents of the bill argue that it will lead to fewer births and higher costs for businesses. They say that providing contraceptive coverage is a matter of religious freedom and should not be dictated by the government.
This is the latest in a series of controversial bills being considered by the US Congress. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed a bill that would make it harder for Americans who are living abroad to get healthcare through the government’s Medicaid program. And last month, lawmakers passed a budget amendment that allows states to withhold federal funding from universities if they refuse to allow students who identify as gay or transgender to use bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity
Latest News and Events
1) The Trump administration has unveiled a revised travel ban that excludes Chad and Somalia.
2) The United Kingdom will leave the European Union on March 29th.
3) North Korea has released video of a missile launch.
4) The CDC has announced that the number of cases of measles in the US has reached an all-time high.
5) The FBI is investigating Russian interference in the US election.
6) Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement from the court.
