In case you were too busy keeping up with Taylor's latest breakup, or who might be sitting on the bench next to Kaepernick during our nation's anthem, here are some short stories of world news that are worth hearing about:
1. The North Dakota Pipeline Protest
Thousands of Americans and Native Americans have been standing in protest of the construction of a pipeline near the treasured grounds of Native American land in North Dakota. The construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline has a chance of contaminating drinking water of the surrounding community and will also be disturbing sacred prayer and burial sites on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. After the issue has gained more attention, the Obama Administration took action. Recent news states that the federal government has requested that the construction company takes a "voluntary pause" on the project at the moment.
2. The Venezuelan Crisis
Due to a political and economic collapse, basic needs are at an all time high. Inflation rates in Venezuela are currently the highest in the world, and is only expected to get worse by 2017. There are only three markets available in the country where the community members are able to purchase food. These markets are government owned and are not only facing potential shortages, but are also forced to sell their items at outrageous prices. Currently a box of pasta is going for $301.50 and powdered milk is a whopping $703.54. Although Venezuela is looking for outside help to bring more food into their country, it looks like these prices and hunger issues are not decreasing any time soon.
3. #FlintWaterCrisis
Recently the one year anniversary of the Flint Water Crisis in Flint, Michigan has come and gone, and the city's water supply still hasn't been completely figured out. The traces of lead found in the water system a year ago marked the water as poison, causing the city to break out in chaos. Today, the water is said to be safe to drink through filters and the officials are encouraging the community to use as much water as possible to keep it flowing through the new pipe system. 33 lead pipes have been replaced, making that only 6,000 out of 38,000 houses with clean water. The state says that the lead levels have dropped tremendously and that they can't wait to see the improvement the future brings.
