Tag Archives: Current Events

World Press Freedom Index

Freedom of the press is an essential liberty guaranteed in the U.S. by the First Amendment. Use this interactive map to find out how other countries rate.

Teen Entrepreneurs – 11 Important Business Lessons from Teenage Entrepreneurs

From a student who made bio-fuel and used it to drive a teacher’s car to another who developed a wind-powered cell phone charger, get 11 valuable lessons direct from teenage entrepreneurs who participated in Schoolyard Ventures. This Philadelphia-based organization helps high school students become entrepreneurs.

Risks and Challenges

Can you imagine the phenomenal planning, testing, and effort it would take to establish a human settlement on Mars? Mars One gives a brief idea of the risks and challenges involved. The FAQ page answers questions about the potential psychological and physical effects of the mission on astronauts.

How a bunch of government space geeks at NASA won the internet

Read how NASA has successfully built a social media campaign and reignited interest in space programs.

Hong Kong’s ‘Umbrella’ protest: One year on, what has changed?

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.

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 .