In the fall of 2014, thousands of protesters took part in the Umbrella Revolution to fight for more democratic representation in Hong Kong. Now, the movement is biding its time and trying to figure out its next move.
Tag Archives: Current Events
Kenya’s running champions walk 800km to break ‘cycle of violence’
In an effort to end raids in which pastoralists kill people and steal livestock, top Kenyan athletes plan to undertake a three-week walk for peace. Funds raised will go toward peace-building programs for youth.
On front porches, some still divided on Confederate flag
This article from a Charleston, South Carolina, newspaper outlines conflicting views on the Confederate flag.
Barrett Brown Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison in Connection with Stratfor Hack
Some consider Barrett Brown, a journalist and activist recently sentenced to five years in prison, a political prisoner. Read the article to decide for yourself.
My Day One: From the Streets of Lahore to the Heart of Texas
In honor of the second annual Immigrant Heritage Month, the White House is inviting people to share their immigrant stories on its blog. In this one, a woman gains a new outlook after learning about her parents’ history, which wasn’t often talked about in their household.
Saudi Arabia women defy authorities over female driving ban
In Saudi Arabia, no law bars women from driving cars, but cultural tradition does. In recent years, though, some Saudi women have defied the ban and even posted videos online of themselves driving, resulting in official punishment and harassment from neighbors.
Social Networking Sites and Politics
What’s a little political disagreement among friends? In many cases, it’s the last straw that causes people to cut ties to acquaintances on social networks like Twitter and Facebook. The Pew Research Internet Project set out to document how often this happens.
Brilliant Time-Lapse of Alaska’s Northern Lights
Watch this amazing video showing time-lapse photography of the Aurora Borealis in Alaska
In 5 to 10 years, robots will deal with disasters, not humans
Could robots take over from humans in disaster recovery? Scientists at Virginia Tech think so. Learn about their work with robotic disaster response here.
Anna Kendrick’s ‘Indianna Jones’: Should a woman don the fedora for real?
Read about Hollywood’s recent trend of casting women in roles made famous by men, including in the re-make of the 1980s blockbuster Ghostbusters.
Nellie Bly: Google Doodle’s 1st original song (Karen O) salutes an American original
In the late 1800s, investigative journalist Nellie Bly reported on issues that shed light on people who were disadvantaged and voiceless. Recently Google paid tribute to her by featuring an original song about her contributions as its daily Google Doodle.
How social media is helping Nepal rebuild after two big earthquakes
As the effects of the recent earthquake in Nepal became clear, many people have turned to social media to help them locate loved ones and help those affected.
Why Air Force Cadets Ought to Study Philosophy
An admiral realized that the Air Force Academy studies in STEM subjects should be balanced with humanities courses. Find out why the Academy thinks these courses will help young people as they grow into adulthood and face present-day challenges.
California’s worst drought in 1,200 years in pictures
This series of images shows the devastating effect of the drought in California which has led to sweeping state-wide water restrictions for the first time in history .
Harriet Tubman Wins Unofficial Vote to Be on $20 Bill
With more than 33 percent of ballots cast in an online poll, Harriet Tubman emerged as the face that people want to see on a new $20 bill.
Announcing the Finalists of the 12th Annual Smithsonian.com Photo Contest
See some amazing photographs showing nature at work in this year’s photo contest finalists for Smithsonian.com.
Bombing Survivor Rebekah Gregory On Marathon: ‘I Took My Life Back Today’
Returning to the race that caused her to become an amputee, Boston Marathon bombing victim Rebekah Gregory has crossed the finish line.
Iraq’s Cycles of Revenge
In this opinion piece, the editorial board of The New York Times argues that progress in Iraq has been interrupted by cycles of revenge between sects.
Could Paternity Leave Policies Close the Wage Gap?
In this article, business writer Vivian Giang argues that offering fathers more paternity leave will decrease the gender gap.
Finishing the Dream
Great civil rights advances have been achieved in the United States, but there is still much to be done for the full equality of all. Explore this NBC site to learn about how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.