Due by 3:30 pm on Friday, 12/19/14
****NEW THIS WEEK: ARTICLE MUST BE ABOUT THE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT: LEGISLATIVE, JUDICIAL, OR EXECUTIVE****
Current Event Content Requirements:
You should summarize the event IN YOUR OWN WORDS and explain why this is important. It should be a minimum of 10 complete sentences. Your chosen current event must involve the government in some way. For example, you may use any news story about the president, Congress (Senate or House of Representatives), Supreme Court cases, or passage of a law. If you question whether your news story qualifies, ask Ms. Rachael BEFORE blogging. You may copy and paste the requirements below in your blog reply.
MISSING ANY REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN A ZERO.
You should summarize the event IN YOUR OWN WORDS and explain why this is important. It should be a minimum of 10 complete sentences. Your chosen current event must involve the government in some way. For example, you may use any news story about the president, Congress (Senate or House of Representatives), Supreme Court cases, or passage of a law. If you question whether your news story qualifies, ask Ms. Rachael BEFORE blogging. You may copy and paste the requirements below in your blog reply.
MISSING ANY REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN A ZERO.
Requirements:
Source: (full website address)
Article Title:
Article date:
Who was involved? (Identify the people, groups, or organizations)
Where did this event happen? (Be specific)
When did this event happen? (Date, month, time frame, and/or year)
What happened? IN YOUR OWN WORDS (Include sequence of events in complete sentences)
Why is this event relevant? (Why did the author write the article now?)
Reflection (how did this event impact society or this branch of government?)
Reaction (describe feelings or attitude toward article, event, or people involved):
Opinion (I think…):
Connection (explain why you chose this article):
Current Event Sources:
Helpful Hint: follow news sources on Twitter so the news appears in your feed. Easy! You may also check out my twitter page for articles I retweet: @msrachael11
http://www.c-span.org/
http://www.cnn.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/
http://www.nbc.com/
http://www.pbs.org/topics/news-politics/
http://www.foxnews.com/
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/category/current-events/
http://news.discovery.com/
http://www.un.org/news/
http://www.amnestyusa.org/
http://www.studentnewsdaily.com/
Helpful Hint: follow news sources on Twitter so the news appears in your feed. Easy! You may also check out my twitter page for articles I retweet: @msrachael11
http://www.c-span.org/
http://www.cnn.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/
http://www.nbc.com/
http://www.pbs.org/topics/news-politics/
http://www.foxnews.com/
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/category/current-events/
http://news.discovery.com/
http://www.un.org/news/
http://www.amnestyusa.org/
http://www.studentnewsdaily.com/
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/12/15/fox-news-says-congress-could-cancel-the-super-bowl-forgets-to-check-with-nfl/
ReplyDeleteArticle Title: Fox News says Congress could cancel the Super Bowl, forgets to check with NFL
Who: This is about Congress and the future NFL Super Bowl teams along with fans.
Where: This will happen in the NFL if Congress doesn’t do anything about it.
When: This article was posted on December 15, 2014
What happened: FOX News reported that Congress, if they want, can cancel this year’s Super Bowl. The threat of the Super Bowl not happening is because of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. The problem is that Congress needs to renew this act before the very last day of the year or else there will be no Super Bowl. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act allows the federal government to back up insurance providers that has an insurance in case of terrorism for big events. The NFL has informed Congress but there’s nothing yet. Even though this problem is very close, the NFL isn’t worried. NFL insider, Adam Schefter, didn’t show any fear on his latest tweet.
Why this event is relevant: This is relevant because its about Congress which is the Legislative Branch. Its also relevant because it’s about one of America's favorite past times.
Reaction: I’m furious that such thing is happening. I personally love football and if I don’t get a chance to see my Patriots go to the Super Bowl this year I think I will be uncontent for the rest of the year.
Opinion: I think that Congress needs to hurry up and renew this act. Millions of devoted fans across the USA will be angry much like I am if there is no Super Bowl. Congress just needs to sign off immediately since they had been for years before because December 31st will be coming quick. I understand where they are coming from but it should be a quick decision they can make in a meeting.
Connection: I chose this article because I was looking up NFL statistics online and this happened to pop up and this seemed like an easy article to write about.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/obama-jeb-bush-run-president-2016/story?id=27693992
ReplyDeleteArticle Title: Obama: Jeb Bush Has 'Every Right' to Run for President in 2016
Who: This is on President Barack Obama and Jeb Bush
Where: This takes place in the Executive Branch
When: President Obama made this remark on December 18, 2014
What happened: Son of former president George Bush and brother of George W. Bush, Jeb Bush, announced that he will be running for president next time around. President Barack Obama doesn’t seem concerned and isn’t worrying because he said he personally loves the Bush family. He says that Jeb has every right to run. President Barack Obama has disagreements with the Bush’s but he believes that Jeb Bush has the right to make choices for the country. He also goes on and talks about Hillary Clinton, who is speculated to run for president too. He believes she will make a great president and will make the right decisions to lead the United States of America.
Why this event is relevant: This event is relevant because it is on the President and how he feels about two candidates that will potentially take his place in the Executive Branch in 2016
Reaction: I feel ashamed that President Barack Obama is talking highly of his predecessors. If this was me I would try to make myself seem better.
Opinion: I think that Hillary Clinton will make a better President and she will also make new changes to America such as being the first female President. I haven’t even heard of Jeb Bush and I don’t think that the reasonable America is ready for another Bush. I think President Barack Obama is already denouncing his presidency and thats sad because he still have 2 more years and a lot of work to get done.
Connection: I chose this article because I wanted to write a current event about the Executive branch.
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.vocativ.com/underworld/drugs/legalized-weed-cromnibus/
Article Title: The New Spending Bill Just Ended the Federal War on Legalized Weed
Where: This will essentially impact the entire country
Who: The Congress and US citizens
When: Congress did this on December 15, 2014
What happened: Earlier in the week Congress approved a bill that will basically put an end to the federal government enforcement on weed. Congress eradicated the search, seize and arresting of weed farmers who supplies users in the medical and recreational fields. Congress will still be involved but not as present and strong as they were before. Instead, Congress will allow the states to decide on the laws of marijuana. This doesn’t necessarily means that Congress won’t be present in some states though. The bill prohibits the FBI from using money to prosecute the marijuana economy in states where either medical or recreational marijuana is legal. This doesn’t mean states like Pennsylvania is safe to use marijuana since PA is one of the many states that doesn’t have any laws legalizing any type of marijuana.
Why this event is relevant: This event is relevant because its about a Congress order which is the legislative branch.
Reaction: I feel happy that Congress is doing this because honestly they’re wasting money and time and this is great.
Opinion: I think that this will spark the change for marijuana legalization because a lot of the states illegalize marijuana because it is a federal crime but now they have no excuses and the marijuana industry will start booming.
Connection: I chose this article because this is one of the articles that interested me that the legislative branch was involved in. I can connect this to Civics class and the Amendments. One amendment says that if the Constitution doesn’t state the status of an issue then it is up for the states to decide and I believe we’re finally seeing a little bit of how that works.
Great connection!
DeleteSource: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/12/18/obama-to-waive-sanctions-authority-in-hill-bill/
ReplyDeleteArticle Title: The title of this article is, "Obama signs Russia sanction bills, no new penalties planned."
Article date: This article was written December 18, 2014.
Who was involved: The people who were involved were President Obama, the US and Russia.
Where did this event happen?: This event happens in the White House in Washington DC.
When did this event happen?: This event happened on December 18, 2014.
What happened?: President Barack Obama signed an authorization that made new sanctions for Russia. President Obama says he doesnt plan to enforce the penalties made in the signed document.
Why is this event relevant?: This event is relevant because this sanction gives Obama the power to send Ukrainian weapons and tactical drones over to Russia. But Obama is not expected to act on these authority.
Reflection: This affected the Executive Branch of government by giving the President newer authorities and powers over another country.
Reaction: My reactions to this that I am very proud to see that our President making power moves that nay help our country in the future.
Opinion: I am very grateful for our President and some of his decisions he's made for our country.
Connection: I chose this article because I find that the Executive Branch of government is the most interesting to me.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/12/17/obama-commutes-sentences-for-8-drug-inmates-under-new-policy/
ReplyDeleteArticle Title: Obama commutes sentences for 8 drug inmates under new policy.
Article date: December 17, 2014
Who was involved? President Obama, Congress, drug inmates
Where did this event happen? It does not mention where the inmates are located but all the bills signed to cut down on their time was done in the White House.
When did this event happen? December 17, 2014
What happened? President Obama has cut down prison time for 8 drug inmates as part of the new initiative to reduce harsh sentences. He, along with Congress, believed outdated cases on inmates in which they have an extremely long amount of jail time left will be cut down. The President is granted clemency anyway. In the U.S. Constitution, it states that the President is allowed to reprieve and pardon offenses in the United States. Basically, the President has clemency and wants to cut down on inmates jail time.
Why is this event relevant? This is relevant because President Obama's 2nd presidential term is getting shorting everyday, and he is doing his best to help this country, as his excellent resume as President already has. Also, the President along with Congress wants to cut down on jail time because some criminals have 50 years for example, and they were put in jail a long time ago, so it is only right for President Obama to cut down on their time. Also, he is trying to cut down on jail population.
Reflection: This affects the Congress as a whole because they are trying to grant President Obama even more clemency, so in reality, he has all the power in the world when it comes to the fate of the inmates. The White House has a petition of whether they should grant the President even more clemency. Most said yes.
Reaction: Most people regarding the situation agree with it. Whether a family has a loved one in prison or whether a person just wants inmates to serve less time, this is a win-win situation. To have a shortened-sentence, an inmate must be behind bars for atleast 10 years, have a nonviolent history, no major criminal convictions, and more.
Opinion: I think this is good. I do believe that inmates that have seemingly been in jail forever have a shortened time if they meet the requirements above.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/obama-sony-hack-proves-us-lot-protect-cyber/story?id=27676765
ReplyDeleteArticle Title: Obama: Sony Hack Proves U.S. Needs to Do 'A Lot More' on Cyber Threats
Who: This is about North Korea, President Obama and Sony
Where: This is happening in America since it is affecting us
When: This was published on December 17, 2014
What happened: The Sony movie, The Interview, has been a target for cyber attacks. Sony, the producers of this movie, is under attack by cyber hackers who can potentially ruin Sony. This is all happening because this movie depicts two people who is trying to assassinate Kim Jong-Un, the dictator of North Korea. Movie theaters that attempts to screen the movie has been threatened by these hackers that an attack much like 9/11 will happen. President Obama doesn't want Americans to be discouraged however. He wants Americans to be strong and not afraid in order to help combat terrorists. He also believes that these terrorists doesn’t really have the forces to cause such an attack.
Why this event is relevant: This event is relevant because it is about cyber terrorism and the president.
Reaction: I like that Obama is urging the Americans to stay strong but his efforts aren't working.
Opinion: I think that people shouldn't go to the theaters because this is a serious threat. I think that the cyber attack itself was a terrorist attack and should be taken as an act of war. I understand if Congress doesn't want to declare war on North Korea because of ISIS and Russia but some punishment must be handed to North Korea
Connection: I chose this article because this story has been all over the news
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/17/politics/obamas-people-interview/index.html?hpt=po_c2
Article Title: Obamas say they're still affected by everyday racism
Article date: Wed December 17, 2014
Who was involved? President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Where did this event happen? No specific place because it happens almost anywhere they go. It’s a daily thing that happens
When did this event happen? No specified time was given
What happened? The Obamas have been facing racism by people out in the public. For instance, Michelle Obama had once went to a Target and was “mistaken” for a worker and a customer asked for assistance as if she worked there. Another incident is when Obama is waiting outside of a restaurant or hotel for his car and people mistake him for valet and hand him the keys.
Why is this event relevant? This is relevant because black people go through things like this everyday and people wonder why we act the way we act. Most of the time it is because we are tired of being treated the way we are.
Reflection: This impacts the executive branch because it deals with the chief commander, the president.
Reaction: Their reaction to it is shocking because they wouldn’t expect to be treated like that because they are one of the most powerful couples in the world and people are oblivious to that.
Opinion: I think people need to evaluate themselves and their actions before they act them out because they really don’t know how they affect other people by just what they say or do.
Connection: This connects to me because I am a African American and I have also faced racism.
Source: (full website address) : http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/04/politics/hillary-clinton-ferguson-staten-island/index.html?sr=sharebar_google
ReplyDeleteArticle Title: Hillary Clinton: America's legal system 'out of balance'
Article date: Thursday December 4, 2014
Who was involved? (Identify the people, groups, or organizations) : Hillary Clinton,The Department of Justice,
Where did this event happen? (Be specific) : In Boston while protesting the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner.
When did this event happen? (Date, month, time frame, and/or year) Thursday December 4, 2014
What happened? IN YOUR OWN WORDS (Include sequence of events in complete sentences) Hillary Clinton wanted to give her sympathy for the families of Mike Borwn and Eric Garner. She also challenged the government for sending military weapons to small town police. Although Clinton did express her joy that the Department of Justice will be taking over those cases to make sure the families of these black males get a fair trial and justice.
Why is this event relevant? (Why did the author write the article now?) Since these stories of police bruality broke the news, the question of why police have these high grade weapns for just protecting a cities, and why they are allowed to use them on citizens, the people of America want answers.
Reflection (how did this event impact society or this branch of government?) : This is a problem for both the branches of government, executive (president), and judicary (courts). The executive branch is supposed to enfocre the laws and amendments but the eight amendment were violated in both cases Eric Garner choked to death over seeling loose ciagarettes, Mike Brown shot for walking in the street that seems to be an unreasonable punishment. The courts did not give death of these men a fair trail or any cases at all.
Reaction (describe feelings or attitude toward article, event, or people involved): Clinton is well thanked for expressing her feelings and hopes for a better future.
Opinion (I think…): I think both trails should be done over so I share that with Clinton. I also belive that if the government watched their funding before none of these incidents would have happened
Connection (explain why you chose this article): This is on the news almost everyday or at least things that relate to it.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/speaker-invites-obama-state-union-27716572
ReplyDeleteArticle Title: Speaker invites Obama for state of the union address.
Article date: This article was written December 19, 2014.
Who was involved: The people that were involved was the president , union and congress.
Where did this event happen?: The meeting was held in DC.
When did this event happen?: The union just recently invited the president this week.
What happened? The president was invited to give his prime-time speech January 20th, 2015.
Why is this event relevant?: This event is very relevant because this is our president and his speech addresses all of us. Also this is going on right now and we all need to be aware of whats going on in our government.
Reflection (how did this event impact society or this branch of government?): This effects the Judicial branch and the House of representatives and the senate because they are both involved in this, wanting him to make this speech.
Reaction (describe feelings or attitude toward article, event, or people involved): This is what I expected to happen and its very interesting.
Opinion (I think…): My opinion is that Iam glad that they invited him to make this speech. Iam glad for my president.
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/27651664/obama-us-ending-outdated-approach-to-cuba
ReplyDeleteArticle Title: " Obama: US ending outdated approach to Cuba "
Article Date: Wednesday, December 17,2014
Who: The people who were involved were President Barack Obama, Cuban President Raul Castro, and the executive branch.
When: This exchange took place Wednesday, December 17.
Where: This took place at the White House in Washington D.C.
What: President Barack Obama decided that the embargo on Cuba should stop. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul
Castro had a conversation via phone, to talk about the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba. They had came up with the agreement that if Cuba releases American, Alan Gross then the US will establish 3 Cuban jails in Florida.
Why: This is important because the US and Cuba has had no relation in 60 years and it was the first time since 1961 that the US President and Cuban President had a civilized talk.
Opinion: I think it's good, it makes since we need as much allies as we can get.
Reaction: Its interesting because I wasn't alive during the time in which they embargoed Cuba. I would like to visit it sometime if this becomes a success.
Connection: I think this connects mostly to how me and my friend rekindled our relationship, since we haven't talked in a while. It wasn't hard to laugh but we had a lot of fun.
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 19, 2014, at 3:15 PM, Essence <14dance1997@gmail.com> wrote:
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/27651664/obama-us-ending-outdated-approach-to-cuba
Article Title: " Obama: US ending outdated approach to Cuba "
Article Date: Wednesday, December 17,2014
Who: The people who were involved were President Barack Obama, Cuban President Raul Castro, and the executive branch.
When: This exchange took place Wednesday, December 17.
Where: This took place at the White House in Washington D.C.
What: President Barack Obama decided that the embargo on Cuba should stop. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul
Castro had a conversation via phone, to talk about the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba. They had came up with the agreement that if Cuba releases American, Alan Gross then the US will establish 3 Cuban jails in Florida.
Why: This is important because the US and Cuba has had no relation in 60 years and it was the first time since 1961 that the US President and Cuban President had a civilized talk.
Opinion: I think it's good, it makes since we need as much allies as we can get.
Reaction: Its interesting because I wasn't alive during the time in which they embargoed Cuba. I would like to visit it sometime if this becomes a success.
Connection: I think this connects mostly to how me and my friend rekindled our relationship, since we haven't talked in a while. It wasn't hard to laugh but we had a lot of fun.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/01/politics/obama-police-militarization/index.html?sr=sharebar_twitter
ReplyDeleteArticle Title:Obama preparing order on police militarization
Article Date: December 1st, 2014
Who: President Obama, police
Where: No certain location. All US police departments.
When: No specific date.
What happened: President Obama wants to get an Executive Order to reduce the militarization force that police have been receiving. He feels like the police shouldn't have some of the military style weapons they do because it's unnecessary. He also wants to get $263 million in funding to get body cameras for the police to wear when situations like Michael Brown's happen again. The $263 million will also go for training purposes.
Why this event is relevant: Because it will cut down on police brutality on citizens.
Reaction: My reaction to this was a positive one because I feel like the cities that has reacted to the brutality will start to calm down if they know that the president is trying to help.
Opinion (I think..) this is a good thing for the U.S. especially the body cameras.
Connection: I'm interested in all of the recent cases of the police force on the community.