A Note From the Editor: As we’re inundated with news headlines with every passing day, hour and tweet it seems, we thought it would be helpful to begin curating select news stories here for you that bear particular importance about the world we live in and the people who shape it. It’s easy to consume; it’s a lot harder to stop, process, and think critically about what’s going on around us.
We hope this series opens the door for conversations to develop and for voices to be heard. We encourage you to share your own thoughts on the stories shared and suggest new ones for us to feature in the comment section below.
Church Shooting in South Carolina
The facts: Nine were killed on June 17th, 2015 when a gunman with aims of igniting a racial war opened fire inside Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston.
Our response: Rather than focusing on the shooter, his motive, or who else might be to blame for this, as a community begins to process and heal from this tragedy, let’s first join in remembering those who were lost, highlighting the overcoming power of forgiveness, and remembering that love can and will conquer evil. Only after we’ve allowed ourselves to healthily and properly work through other stages of grief should we then set our eyes on the future and look for the best ways to prevent something like this from ever happening again.
For updated information on this story: CNN
US Supreme Court Rulings
The facts: Two landmark rulings were handed down by the Supreme Court last week. One, to keep Obamacare, allowing tax subsidies that make health insurance affordable for low-income individuals to continue. Two, legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states.
Our response: There will never be a government decision that will be universally praised by all its constituents, but that shouldn’t prevent us from engaging with both sides of these two very hotly debated topics. For those who are overjoyed and excited about the latest rulings, let’s seek to understand the journey they’ve had and why these decisions will impact them for the better. Likewise, for those who disagree, let’s choose to set bias aside and press in to ask why. We shouldn’t be afraid of questions; we should be afraid of living solely off of our own assumptions.
For updated information on this story: BCC (Obamacare); Reuters (Marriage Ruling)
First Known Female Registered to MLB
The facts: Melissa Mayeux, a 16-year-old shortstop who plays for the French under-18 junior national team, has been added to the MLB international registration list, according to MLB.com. She’s the first known female baseball player to register for the league’s international signing period, according to MLB’s communications department.
Our response: While commenters are skeptic of Mayeux actually being signed, regardless of the outcome, we still think this is a historic moment for women worldwide. We agree with Mayeux who says, speaking of playing with boys growing up,”We’re very well connected. That makes a good team. Never any problems.” For being so young, we admire the determination she shows in setting her sights high, and for distinguishing herself not just among women, but among men, too.
For updated information on this story: CNN
Economic Crisis in Greece
The facts: Greece is on the brink of defaulting on a 1.6 billion euro loan, which would threaten its position in the EU, as well as have a significant impact on the economic climate of Europe as a whole. The government has issued a referendum for its people to vote on whether to accept the EU’s proposal for a bail out or leave the EU by this Sunday, July 5th. Banks in Greece are closed for the rest of the week and no one can withdraw more than 60 euros from ATMs, causing widespread panic.
Our response: While it’s easy to picture the white-washed walls of Mykonos or daydream about epic sunsets over Oia, we shouldn’t forget that Greece is populated with citizens in addition to tourists, and that life for many of them is especially chaotic, frustrating and scary for them right now. We might not be able to personally lend a hand in the situation, but we can choose to learn from what’s happening as we make our own financial decisions. Additionally, we shouldn’t shield ourselves from taking notice of a country only when it might have something to offer us. A global citizen is a concerned (and informed) citizen.
For updated information on this story: Reuters
Image via Paulina Kolondra
2 comments
Thank you for doing this, you are making the world a better place. It just means so much to have a good report with the daily reports that are cast on the screen in such an ominous way! It helps to have a full, healthy perspective. So again, thank you for the work you are doing.
You’re welcome, Annmarie! That is exactly the kind of response we hope to create. Thank you for reading!