Notre Dame Cathedral Fire
By Audrey Keck
April 29, 2019
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France was saved by the firemen of Paris. The Cathedral caught on fire on April 15, 2019, and was finally put out the next day on April 16th. Authorities are still unsure about the cause of the fire but it will be investigated. The cathedral was under construction already and the scaffolding that was there for construction has been destroyed. The very high, vaulted ceiling with intricate designs collapsed inside the cathedral during the fire. Many of the ancient artifacts have been saved from the cathedral as well. Officials are also saying that there could be lead exposure because the building is so old.
The French President, Emanuel Macron, addressed the issue after it happened and said that they will be rebuilding the cathedral. They have started a donation fund and the reconstruction will happen within the next few years. Although the president wants to rebuild very soon, construction workers of France are saying that this big of a project could take 10-15 years. They have gathered 1 Billion dollars in just two days for the reconstruction of the cathedral.
The people of Paris were very distraught by this tragedy. They gathered around the cathedral and sang hymns while it burned in front of them. The world may have lost an important piece of history, but France has vowed to rebuild so the Cathedral can be enjoyed by generations to come.
By Audrey Keck
April 29, 2019
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France was saved by the firemen of Paris. The Cathedral caught on fire on April 15, 2019, and was finally put out the next day on April 16th. Authorities are still unsure about the cause of the fire but it will be investigated. The cathedral was under construction already and the scaffolding that was there for construction has been destroyed. The very high, vaulted ceiling with intricate designs collapsed inside the cathedral during the fire. Many of the ancient artifacts have been saved from the cathedral as well. Officials are also saying that there could be lead exposure because the building is so old.
The French President, Emanuel Macron, addressed the issue after it happened and said that they will be rebuilding the cathedral. They have started a donation fund and the reconstruction will happen within the next few years. Although the president wants to rebuild very soon, construction workers of France are saying that this big of a project could take 10-15 years. They have gathered 1 Billion dollars in just two days for the reconstruction of the cathedral.
The people of Paris were very distraught by this tragedy. They gathered around the cathedral and sang hymns while it burned in front of them. The world may have lost an important piece of history, but France has vowed to rebuild so the Cathedral can be enjoyed by generations to come.
College Admission Scam Scandal
By: Jadyn Sharp
Several actresses and actors have been caught in the alleged college admission scandal. Supposedly families that are wealthy are paying their way into getting their children into and attending eight prestigious institutions. The institutions are questioning the students if they knew about their parent's scandals. It is getting to the time where the colleges are sending out their acceptance letters, so now the colleges are having to make sure none of these students are tied into the scandal in any way. There is said to be fifty people involved in this scandal, this including, Hollywood stars, top CEO’s, college coaches, and standardized test administrators. Two big actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin have been brought into this scandal and charged. These people allegedly did these things to cheat on tests’ or get students into leading institutions no matter what their abilities are. There was a number of eight universities supposedly involved some way in these scandals. William Rick Singer was the person behind the whole scandal, he started a back way of making some money from wealthy people. Supposedly he got paid twenty-five million dollars by a set of parents to get their students into a top US college. People do not know the exact names of people involved in this scandal; most names haven’t been released. The institutions now are just trying to be aware of people tied in with the colleges so that this doesn’t continue. The people in the institution are still trying to figure out if any students that actually qualified from test scores and other scores to get into these elite colleges didn’t get into these colleges because of the rich students getting in instead.
By: Jadyn Sharp
Several actresses and actors have been caught in the alleged college admission scandal. Supposedly families that are wealthy are paying their way into getting their children into and attending eight prestigious institutions. The institutions are questioning the students if they knew about their parent's scandals. It is getting to the time where the colleges are sending out their acceptance letters, so now the colleges are having to make sure none of these students are tied into the scandal in any way. There is said to be fifty people involved in this scandal, this including, Hollywood stars, top CEO’s, college coaches, and standardized test administrators. Two big actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin have been brought into this scandal and charged. These people allegedly did these things to cheat on tests’ or get students into leading institutions no matter what their abilities are. There was a number of eight universities supposedly involved some way in these scandals. William Rick Singer was the person behind the whole scandal, he started a back way of making some money from wealthy people. Supposedly he got paid twenty-five million dollars by a set of parents to get their students into a top US college. People do not know the exact names of people involved in this scandal; most names haven’t been released. The institutions now are just trying to be aware of people tied in with the colleges so that this doesn’t continue. The people in the institution are still trying to figure out if any students that actually qualified from test scores and other scores to get into these elite colleges didn’t get into these colleges because of the rich students getting in instead.
Corps of Engineers Releasing More
By: Michail Todd
Date: April 1st, 2019
The 2019 Midwestern U.S. floods have been chaos. Nebraska has been flooded for the past three weeks, and the nearby city of Craig was also flooded. Then, it has been revealed that the Army Corps of Engineers have released more water into the Missouri River. This is likely going to be the worst flood season in years. What are we going to do in response to this destruction that has and will happen?
On March 27th, as the snow begin to melt more and more, the Army Corps was forced to release more water from Gavins Point Dam, pouring into the Missouri River. This has been an unpopular decision to towns and communities that have or will be affected by the upcoming waters, such as St. Joseph. However, John Remus, the overseer over corp’s interactions with the Missouri River system, claims the releases were made to prevent even more disastrous events from occurring. In other words, as cruel as this may sound, the releases that could affect entire communities was a heart-wrenching sacrifice for the greater good.
The cause of these overflows have been melting snow piles from the state’s winter. While the snow hasn’t surpassed any records, the warmer temperatures have been melting them at a faster rate. In addition, the permafrost within the soil has yet melt enough to absorb the water. Fortunately, rain isn’t reported to occur in the area, allowing some relief for the Corps.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to say that hasn’t already been discussed during the last broadcast. It is important for those in the possibly affected areas to prepare for the events via gathering supplies and moving to higher ground. Remember to gather anything that can signal search parties, such as flares or fire, should the situation get dire enough. Finally, for those with loved members in the areas, stay strong and carry forth.
By: Michail Todd
Date: April 1st, 2019
The 2019 Midwestern U.S. floods have been chaos. Nebraska has been flooded for the past three weeks, and the nearby city of Craig was also flooded. Then, it has been revealed that the Army Corps of Engineers have released more water into the Missouri River. This is likely going to be the worst flood season in years. What are we going to do in response to this destruction that has and will happen?
On March 27th, as the snow begin to melt more and more, the Army Corps was forced to release more water from Gavins Point Dam, pouring into the Missouri River. This has been an unpopular decision to towns and communities that have or will be affected by the upcoming waters, such as St. Joseph. However, John Remus, the overseer over corp’s interactions with the Missouri River system, claims the releases were made to prevent even more disastrous events from occurring. In other words, as cruel as this may sound, the releases that could affect entire communities was a heart-wrenching sacrifice for the greater good.
The cause of these overflows have been melting snow piles from the state’s winter. While the snow hasn’t surpassed any records, the warmer temperatures have been melting them at a faster rate. In addition, the permafrost within the soil has yet melt enough to absorb the water. Fortunately, rain isn’t reported to occur in the area, allowing some relief for the Corps.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to say that hasn’t already been discussed during the last broadcast. It is important for those in the possibly affected areas to prepare for the events via gathering supplies and moving to higher ground. Remember to gather anything that can signal search parties, such as flares or fire, should the situation get dire enough. Finally, for those with loved members in the areas, stay strong and carry forth.
By :Sean Houston
The current round of flooding, triggered by last week's brutal bomb cyclone storm was expected to proceed across several states into next week. The Army Corps of Engineers says more than a dozen levees have been damaged or just overwhelmed in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. The historic flooding that hit parts of the central U.S. this month was so devastating that the damage could be seen from space."When an intense storm brought downpours and unusually warm air to the region in March, it rapidly melted much of the snow and ice, producing enormous runoff in a short period," the space agency explained in a statement. The intense late-winter storms forced residents in dozens of communities to evacuate. governor Ricketts of nebraska declared a state of emergency as more rain is expected to soak the already flooded region. States of emergency have also been declared in Iowa, Wisconsin and South Dakota. At least three people have died, and estimated farm loses could top $1 billion. Parts of 15 states are under flood watches and warnings.
The current round of flooding, triggered by last week's brutal bomb cyclone storm was expected to proceed across several states into next week. The Army Corps of Engineers says more than a dozen levees have been damaged or just overwhelmed in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. The historic flooding that hit parts of the central U.S. this month was so devastating that the damage could be seen from space."When an intense storm brought downpours and unusually warm air to the region in March, it rapidly melted much of the snow and ice, producing enormous runoff in a short period," the space agency explained in a statement. The intense late-winter storms forced residents in dozens of communities to evacuate. governor Ricketts of nebraska declared a state of emergency as more rain is expected to soak the already flooded region. States of emergency have also been declared in Iowa, Wisconsin and South Dakota. At least three people have died, and estimated farm loses could top $1 billion. Parts of 15 states are under flood watches and warnings.
New Zealand Shooting
By Audrey Keck
March 2019
In Christchurch, New Zealand there was a shooting at two different mosques on March 15, 2019, and there were 49 people killed. There were 42 people killed at the Al Noor Mosque and seven killed at the Linwood Mosque. The shooting appeared to be a terrorist attack carried out by a white national extremist. The shooter actually live streamed the shooting. He shot the first shot at the Al Noor Mosque at 1:40 pm and six minutes later, drove away. Once he left the first mosque he went to the second mosque and shot there. During the video uploaded to Facebook, he identified himself as a 28-year-old man from Australia. Being a white nationalist, there are many ways for him to get his hands on guns since they believe that the white race is the highest of them all. Him being a white nationalist would also be a motive for him to want to kill someone who isn’t of the “highest race”.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has decided to ban semi-automatic rifles and large ammunition magazines just six days after the mass shooting in Christchurch. I asked the Elementary Principal Mr. Walker some questions about the way the shooting was handled to see what he had to say.
By Audrey Keck
March 2019
In Christchurch, New Zealand there was a shooting at two different mosques on March 15, 2019, and there were 49 people killed. There were 42 people killed at the Al Noor Mosque and seven killed at the Linwood Mosque. The shooting appeared to be a terrorist attack carried out by a white national extremist. The shooter actually live streamed the shooting. He shot the first shot at the Al Noor Mosque at 1:40 pm and six minutes later, drove away. Once he left the first mosque he went to the second mosque and shot there. During the video uploaded to Facebook, he identified himself as a 28-year-old man from Australia. Being a white nationalist, there are many ways for him to get his hands on guns since they believe that the white race is the highest of them all. Him being a white nationalist would also be a motive for him to want to kill someone who isn’t of the “highest race”.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has decided to ban semi-automatic rifles and large ammunition magazines just six days after the mass shooting in Christchurch. I asked the Elementary Principal Mr. Walker some questions about the way the shooting was handled to see what he had to say.
America’s Bizarre Weather
By: Michail Todd
The United States has been experiencing a strange time with ice and snow. For example, Hawaii has experienced a rare moment with its weather- snow has fallen onto the islands. The lowest elevated snow in the state’s history has possibly been set in PoliPoli State Park, with the elevation being 6,200 feet. The recent Kona Lows have costed winds going anywhere between 67 and 191 miles per hour in Hawaii County’s Mauna Kea Summit.
Hawaii isn’t the only victim to snow in unexpected areas- Seattle also had experienced snow issues until the morning of February 13th. On February 3rd, Seattle reported over twenty inches, making it the snowiest month for the state in 50 years. The 8th and 11th also experienced an additional 6 inches of snow over the city. To empathize the unexpected ending to the snowstorm, the city’s National Weather Service tweeted the following statement:
“What’s this?! Temperatures in the lower 40's by the weekend?!? I’m not saying it’s time to break out the Bermuda shorts, but at least we won’t have to order coffee on a stick at the local coffee shop. And I won’t need a team of Huskies and a sled to get to work.”
It is hard to say what the upcoming seasons will be like in 2019- perhaps the spring could lead to several floods, or the summer will cause record heat waves. It could perhaps be the opposite effect for the summer. What is known, however, is that this winter has broken many records. For those listening, remember to drive slow and safely, and finally covering up appropriately against the elements.
By: Michail Todd
The United States has been experiencing a strange time with ice and snow. For example, Hawaii has experienced a rare moment with its weather- snow has fallen onto the islands. The lowest elevated snow in the state’s history has possibly been set in PoliPoli State Park, with the elevation being 6,200 feet. The recent Kona Lows have costed winds going anywhere between 67 and 191 miles per hour in Hawaii County’s Mauna Kea Summit.
Hawaii isn’t the only victim to snow in unexpected areas- Seattle also had experienced snow issues until the morning of February 13th. On February 3rd, Seattle reported over twenty inches, making it the snowiest month for the state in 50 years. The 8th and 11th also experienced an additional 6 inches of snow over the city. To empathize the unexpected ending to the snowstorm, the city’s National Weather Service tweeted the following statement:
“What’s this?! Temperatures in the lower 40's by the weekend?!? I’m not saying it’s time to break out the Bermuda shorts, but at least we won’t have to order coffee on a stick at the local coffee shop. And I won’t need a team of Huskies and a sled to get to work.”
It is hard to say what the upcoming seasons will be like in 2019- perhaps the spring could lead to several floods, or the summer will cause record heat waves. It could perhaps be the opposite effect for the summer. What is known, however, is that this winter has broken many records. For those listening, remember to drive slow and safely, and finally covering up appropriately against the elements.
Snow Storms
By Audrey Keck
2/1/19
Winter is here and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. The past couple of weeks have brought us an abundant amount of snow, ice, cold air, and wind. So much to the point where school was not in session on the 21st, 23rd, and the 30th of January. There were also half days on the 18th, 22nd, and the 24th and there was a late start on the 25th. The two snowstorms have factored into canceling or rescheduling many sports including wrestling, basketball, and scholar bowl. The first snowstorm was on Friday the 11th of January and the second storm was Friday the 18th. January 31st was the coldest day in 35 years. The coldest it got here was -10 degrees. The polar vortex is the reason for these extreme temperatures and it is not a new thing either. The polar vortex already exists near the poles of the earth and consists of low pressure surrounding the poles. It weakens in the summer and gets stronger in the winter. There has been a jet stream of air moving south into the United States causing the snow storms and cold air. Missouri is on the inner south edge of the jet stream of air. The upcoming weekend is forecasted to be in the 50’s and hopefully, the rest of the winter season will start to warm up more and we won't have to worry about being in school until the fourth of July.
By Audrey Keck
2/1/19
Winter is here and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. The past couple of weeks have brought us an abundant amount of snow, ice, cold air, and wind. So much to the point where school was not in session on the 21st, 23rd, and the 30th of January. There were also half days on the 18th, 22nd, and the 24th and there was a late start on the 25th. The two snowstorms have factored into canceling or rescheduling many sports including wrestling, basketball, and scholar bowl. The first snowstorm was on Friday the 11th of January and the second storm was Friday the 18th. January 31st was the coldest day in 35 years. The coldest it got here was -10 degrees. The polar vortex is the reason for these extreme temperatures and it is not a new thing either. The polar vortex already exists near the poles of the earth and consists of low pressure surrounding the poles. It weakens in the summer and gets stronger in the winter. There has been a jet stream of air moving south into the United States causing the snow storms and cold air. Missouri is on the inner south edge of the jet stream of air. The upcoming weekend is forecasted to be in the 50’s and hopefully, the rest of the winter season will start to warm up more and we won't have to worry about being in school until the fourth of July.
Deer Hunting Season 2018
Ryan Wilmes
November 16, 2018
It's that time of year again for Missouri Deer Hunting. Hunters need to wear orange hunting gear. Hunters need to have some type of orange hat and orange vest. Now the Missouri Conservation lets hunters have your tags online on the Missouri Conservation Hunting app. Hunters can notch the deer on the app straight from their phone. The regular firearm season started Saturday, November 10th and lasts until November 20th. The late portion of youth firearms season is November 23 and last till November 25th. There is not an Antler less portion this year, but the firearms alternatives methods portion is December 22 through January 1st, 2019.
Tyler Schuman shot a nine-point buck but ended up not finding it, however, he did find the blood trail from it. Gunner Lawrence also shot a really nice 10 point buck. Michail Todd went deer hunting and didn’t shoot one because he wanted one with antlers. Audrey Keck went and shot at one but missed. Mr. Weidmer has never gone deer hunting so the NAC news team has decided to take him hunting. Jim Stone from Crocker Missouri shot an albino 11 point buck in the first season of deer firearms season. Make sure you wear your orange good luck hunting.
Ryan Wilmes
November 16, 2018
It's that time of year again for Missouri Deer Hunting. Hunters need to wear orange hunting gear. Hunters need to have some type of orange hat and orange vest. Now the Missouri Conservation lets hunters have your tags online on the Missouri Conservation Hunting app. Hunters can notch the deer on the app straight from their phone. The regular firearm season started Saturday, November 10th and lasts until November 20th. The late portion of youth firearms season is November 23 and last till November 25th. There is not an Antler less portion this year, but the firearms alternatives methods portion is December 22 through January 1st, 2019.
Tyler Schuman shot a nine-point buck but ended up not finding it, however, he did find the blood trail from it. Gunner Lawrence also shot a really nice 10 point buck. Michail Todd went deer hunting and didn’t shoot one because he wanted one with antlers. Audrey Keck went and shot at one but missed. Mr. Weidmer has never gone deer hunting so the NAC news team has decided to take him hunting. Jim Stone from Crocker Missouri shot an albino 11 point buck in the first season of deer firearms season. Make sure you wear your orange good luck hunting.
Elizabeth Warren Heritage
by Tyler Schuman
October 22nd, 2018
Ever since Trump has been in the political spotlight he has had nicknames for people in the government. Crooked Hillary for Hillary Clinton or Lyin’ Ted for Ted Cruz. He even had one for Elizabeth Warren because she had talked about how she had Native American blood in her. Trump called her Pocahontas. Trump had previously said that he would donate $1,000,000 if Warren could prove her ancestry. Recently Warren has had her DNA tested and the results came back with her having anywhere from a 6th to 10th generation Native American. That could be as little as 0.09% Indian. The average American with a European descent has around 0.18% which is more than Warren. Many people talk about how they still do not classify her as a Native American. President Trump has said that he will not be paying the $1,000,000 since it is not a clear test. The Cherokee Nation themselves has said they do not support this."A DNA test is useless to determine tribal citizenship. Current DNA tests do not even distinguish whether a person’s ancestors were indigenous to North or South America," Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.
by Tyler Schuman
October 22nd, 2018
Ever since Trump has been in the political spotlight he has had nicknames for people in the government. Crooked Hillary for Hillary Clinton or Lyin’ Ted for Ted Cruz. He even had one for Elizabeth Warren because she had talked about how she had Native American blood in her. Trump called her Pocahontas. Trump had previously said that he would donate $1,000,000 if Warren could prove her ancestry. Recently Warren has had her DNA tested and the results came back with her having anywhere from a 6th to 10th generation Native American. That could be as little as 0.09% Indian. The average American with a European descent has around 0.18% which is more than Warren. Many people talk about how they still do not classify her as a Native American. President Trump has said that he will not be paying the $1,000,000 since it is not a clear test. The Cherokee Nation themselves has said they do not support this."A DNA test is useless to determine tribal citizenship. Current DNA tests do not even distinguish whether a person’s ancestors were indigenous to North or South America," Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.
How The Breast Cancer Awareness Month Started
By: Jadyn Sharp
It is now October; this is the month of Breast Cancer Awareness. To represent this month we use a pink twisted ribbon. The story of how the ribbon was chosen to be tied comes from a story of a woman in 1979. In 1979 there was a woman who was held hostage and she tied yellow ribbons together to show how she wanted to see her husband again. This idea was used again in 1990 when people tied two ribbons together but this time the ribbons were red and they were used to represent those who were affected by AIDS. From this, they got the idea of twisting the pink ribbons and using them to represent Breast Cancer Awareness. The first logo design was created through the mid-1980’s through the early 1990’s. In 1990 the very first program for Breast Cancer Awareness was launched. In 1991 in New York City, pink ribbons were given to people who have survived breast cancer and they were given to the people in the Komen New York City Race for the Cure. In 2007 the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was changed to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. When they changed the name there was also a new logo made. The new logo had a pink “running ribbon.” There is a Komen running ribbon that is reserved for this use every year. Susan G. Komen is the woman who reserves this ribbon. For breast cancer awareness any type of pink ribbon can be used to represent this month. Even schools represent the Breast Cancer Awareness month. One of the ways schools represent this month is by having football games, but at the games, we have what we call a “Pink Out,” game. Pink out is where everyone wears pink to represent Breast Cancer Awareness, even the football players. North Andrew’s “Pink Out” game is Friday, October 19, 2018.
By: Jadyn Sharp
It is now October; this is the month of Breast Cancer Awareness. To represent this month we use a pink twisted ribbon. The story of how the ribbon was chosen to be tied comes from a story of a woman in 1979. In 1979 there was a woman who was held hostage and she tied yellow ribbons together to show how she wanted to see her husband again. This idea was used again in 1990 when people tied two ribbons together but this time the ribbons were red and they were used to represent those who were affected by AIDS. From this, they got the idea of twisting the pink ribbons and using them to represent Breast Cancer Awareness. The first logo design was created through the mid-1980’s through the early 1990’s. In 1990 the very first program for Breast Cancer Awareness was launched. In 1991 in New York City, pink ribbons were given to people who have survived breast cancer and they were given to the people in the Komen New York City Race for the Cure. In 2007 the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was changed to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. When they changed the name there was also a new logo made. The new logo had a pink “running ribbon.” There is a Komen running ribbon that is reserved for this use every year. Susan G. Komen is the woman who reserves this ribbon. For breast cancer awareness any type of pink ribbon can be used to represent this month. Even schools represent the Breast Cancer Awareness month. One of the ways schools represent this month is by having football games, but at the games, we have what we call a “Pink Out,” game. Pink out is where everyone wears pink to represent Breast Cancer Awareness, even the football players. North Andrew’s “Pink Out” game is Friday, October 19, 2018.
The California Wildfires
By: Michail Todd
In recent years, California has been a major site for droughts and wildfires, due to climate change. This year has been especially harsh towards the state. During mid-July to August, a series of wildfires had brought destruction to the north. Unfortunately, three more wildfires have brought tragedy, destruction, and despair to the world itself this November.
The Camp Fire (also known as the Paradise Fire) began in Camp Creek Road in the Feather River Canyon on November 9th, although the cause is currently unknown- the same can be said about the Hills fire. However, while the cause of the Woolsey fire is unknown, an electrical company experienced an electrical outage near the location of its beginning.
Currently, the Camp Fire has caused at least 70 deaths and destroyed more than 100,000 acres land, causing this to be the most destructive and lethal fire in Californian history. In addition, authorities have yet to find more than 1300 missing people- this doesn't include the destruction caused by the Hills or Woolsley. The city of Paradise has been left to the ash of its former state, with the city’s Mayor Jody Jones comparing it to a war zone. In addition, Southern wildfires have cost multiple celebrities their homes. It’ll be hard to say how much will be lost to the flames.
Even though the fires will eventually burn out, the effects could be long-lasting. The economy of California or even the U.S. itself would be significantly damaged by being forced to pay for the damage dealt. The worst air quality in the state is Yuba City, with an AQI of 369, which is especially harmful. The homeless population would increase significantly in a state which already has an issue with the situation. In general, the state of California is going to experience a harsh time.
In addition, there will more than likely be a major controversy concerning prisoner’s rights. Since World War 2, nonviolent crime-based prisoners have been used for fighting fires. Unfortunately, the 200 inmates have been recently paid at least $1 an hour. In addition, they are actually not allowed to have a career in firefighting after being released. Many claim that this is a violation of prisoner’s rights. While it may or may become an issue at the moment, it would likely get worse.
Even our own alumni is affected by the fires. North Andrew Class of 2003 graduate Derek Thompson was forced to evacuate his home in California, along with his wife and his son. NAC News member Audrey Keck has Californian relatives who were forced to evacuate from the fires.
Fundraisers and charities have already made to help those in need. For example, the California Community Foundation is an organization assisting with long-term recovery effects and unemployment, due to the fires. The Salvation Army has already donated 150,000 meals and over $100,000 dollars worth of gift cards. In addition, The IAFF has been helping the firefighters with economic and psychological situations. Unfortunately, I cannot say anything further, as the fire is still going on.
By: Michail Todd
In recent years, California has been a major site for droughts and wildfires, due to climate change. This year has been especially harsh towards the state. During mid-July to August, a series of wildfires had brought destruction to the north. Unfortunately, three more wildfires have brought tragedy, destruction, and despair to the world itself this November.
The Camp Fire (also known as the Paradise Fire) began in Camp Creek Road in the Feather River Canyon on November 9th, although the cause is currently unknown- the same can be said about the Hills fire. However, while the cause of the Woolsey fire is unknown, an electrical company experienced an electrical outage near the location of its beginning.
Currently, the Camp Fire has caused at least 70 deaths and destroyed more than 100,000 acres land, causing this to be the most destructive and lethal fire in Californian history. In addition, authorities have yet to find more than 1300 missing people- this doesn't include the destruction caused by the Hills or Woolsley. The city of Paradise has been left to the ash of its former state, with the city’s Mayor Jody Jones comparing it to a war zone. In addition, Southern wildfires have cost multiple celebrities their homes. It’ll be hard to say how much will be lost to the flames.
Even though the fires will eventually burn out, the effects could be long-lasting. The economy of California or even the U.S. itself would be significantly damaged by being forced to pay for the damage dealt. The worst air quality in the state is Yuba City, with an AQI of 369, which is especially harmful. The homeless population would increase significantly in a state which already has an issue with the situation. In general, the state of California is going to experience a harsh time.
In addition, there will more than likely be a major controversy concerning prisoner’s rights. Since World War 2, nonviolent crime-based prisoners have been used for fighting fires. Unfortunately, the 200 inmates have been recently paid at least $1 an hour. In addition, they are actually not allowed to have a career in firefighting after being released. Many claim that this is a violation of prisoner’s rights. While it may or may become an issue at the moment, it would likely get worse.
Even our own alumni is affected by the fires. North Andrew Class of 2003 graduate Derek Thompson was forced to evacuate his home in California, along with his wife and his son. NAC News member Audrey Keck has Californian relatives who were forced to evacuate from the fires.
Fundraisers and charities have already made to help those in need. For example, the California Community Foundation is an organization assisting with long-term recovery effects and unemployment, due to the fires. The Salvation Army has already donated 150,000 meals and over $100,000 dollars worth of gift cards. In addition, The IAFF has been helping the firefighters with economic and psychological situations. Unfortunately, I cannot say anything further, as the fire is still going on.