Kaylen May Gerkey

NATIONAL
Charred bodies found as officials sift arson clues

Summary:
The number of deaths grew to seven Thursday and more people are being injured. Some have been elderly people, who died during the evacuation and rescuers found illegal immigrants in the ruble and ash killed by the flames. As conditions have improved in some areas people have been able to return back to their homes while the fire rages on in other places. As the people returned home some were shocked by the condition of their homes and others were just glad to be alive and have their families there with them. Bush also appeared on Thursday in Rancho Bernardo with the governor and declared it a federal disaster freeing money to send. The estimated amounted damage is near $1 billion.

Opinion:
I guess these natural disaster things are just going to continue to happen. I know this thing was started by arson but it’s a devastating thing that keeps happening to our country. First the hurricanes and Katrina and now the California fires. I really feel for these families because there was no warning and no way for them to protect there things and with the price of damages continually going up as the burn continues recovering is going to be a hard thing once this is over.

NATIONAL
Student’s death likely caused by staff infection

Summary:
Another child dies from the MRSA bacteria. A student from New York died Thursday from this staff infection that appears to be going around constantly. The MRSA bug kills more people than AIDS every year, says the CDC. 25 – 30 percent of people are said to carry the bacteria, but such infections are typically minor but if aggravated or not taken care of can turn fatal. More and more cases are being heard about this MRSA bacterium and more innocent children are dying.

Opinion:
I believe I wrote a blog recently on this and it’s a bit scary that I am seeing this again. I wish they would find out what the cause is. The CDC and whoever is in charge says this thing is not contagious and whatever but more and more kids are dying and even though it’s just small numbers it could get worse. I think the best thing right now is to find the cause and find a cure or something to help these innocent children, plus I don’t want this to happen to me.

INTERNATIONAL:
A million in Zimbabwe adds up to one US dollar

Summary:
There has been a current frenzy to buy hard currency in Zimbabwe. It’s been said the exchange rate has been $1 million to $1 US on the black market. The new rate has added to the inflation already the highest in the world. The initial rate was near 6,500 but is now closer to 25,000. Demand for foreign currency is huge as people scramble for cash to buy necessities like oil and basic cooking goods. Plus the central government added to the countries problems by also buying on the black market.

Opinion:
I’m guessing they are a struggling nation with such high inflation occurring and the rate soaring through the roof. In the article there was little to say as to why the government was doing this but my best guess is to keep more money for themselves and the government and the people are then left struggling. It’s very sad because they work so hard for food and this kind of inflation is ridiculous, some may starve and even die. I know it is occurring already but it will just add to the already existing problem.

INTERNATIONAL
UK schoolgirls to get ‘cancer jab’

Summary:
Schoolgirls in Britain will be vaccinated against the virus that causes cervical cancer from September 2008, ministers have announced. The government had planned to begin vaccinating girls 12-23 year olds with a catch up plan to 18 year olds. Such a vaccination should save the lives of many people in Britain since it is one of the main killers of girls every year. Britain’s government is looking for evidence that the cost will benefit the government before they begin. They will start out at 12-13 year olds and probably reach 16 year olds. Scotland, Wales, and Ireland are looking at implementing the same measures.

Opinion:
To me this vaccination seems like a good idea. It’s trying to save the lives of little girls from HPV but if they chose not to have sex or stuff of that nature they would not have to worry about contracting the virus to begin. Giving the vaccination to all girls will just encourage them to go out and do it more. I know they probably think they are trying to help and save them, and they are, from dying. But the girls are still going to have sex, now that they won’t die, and who knows what other disease they will contract and or die from next.