The growing hunger problem

     More than a billion people around the world suffer and die from hunger, which is classified as one of the leading causes of death. One in every six people on Earth don’t get

enough food, and that results in hunger. Hunger has been a major problem in this world

for centuries, hugely impacting lives on a global scale. However, with legal action

and understanding of the situation, the problem can be brought to a halt. “No one deserves to go hungry, no matter who they are,” comments Hope Donahue.

     Global hunger is rising for the first time in over a decade. In 2016, 14.9% of the

world went hungry. This percentage increased from 2015 to 2016 by two percent. More

than half of the 14.9% went hungry because they lived in countries that were affected by

conflict. Droughts, floods, climate-related shocks, wars, and the lack of being able to

produce food all add to the hunger crisis.

     All these hunger issues cause competition for the food that is

available. Available foods will rise in price, causing some to be unable to afford

the items they need to stay healthy. This causes parents be unable to support

their children and families, let alone themselves.

     The world produces enough food to provide 2,720 kilocalories for each person every day,

which is more than enough. But because of global issues, such as droughts, floods,

climate-related shocks, and wars, some nations and areas aren’t able to harvest their supply and use it to feed themselves. Knowing this, what can be done by organizations around the world to help those dying of starvation? “Since the world does produce enough food, I think people in a crisis should be able to access food. We can work together to help those who suffer,” says Zane Hissam, a student at B-UHS.

     As the hunger crisis continues around the world, many communities are trying to

lower the hunger rate in their towns. Food industries throughout the world also help and

support their local food banks and pantries. It is actions like these that are making differences for people little by little, slowly but surely. “Hunger is a major problem; I think that as a community, we should come together to end the hunger problems in our town,” says Amanda Marteney.

     Hunger will never completely end, but societies can work together to diminish the issue and provide nourishment to as many people as possible. For a better visualization of the issue, people need to think of six people they know. Statistically, one of those people are going hungry. If everyone offered to help that one person of six who’s going hungry, many more people would be healthy, happy, and fed.

Larry Nassar sentenced to 40 to 175 years behind bars

      
     Larry Nassar, the former U.S. gymnastics doctor, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting

young female athletes. In early February, he was sentenced with 40 to 175 years in prison. “I think this man is sick. He should be sentenced to more than 40 to 175 years in prison,” says Lindsey Howell.

     After the seven-day hearing, more than 150 of Nassar’s victims gave their statements to

the jury. Many of the girls described the former doctor and trainer as being manipulative.

When the hearing ended, the courtroom began to applause the victims and jury.

     When the 54-year-old sexually abused these individuals, he was working with Michigan

State University and the U.S.A Gymnastics team as their team doctor. “These individuals

should’ve been able to trust their team doctor,” commented Ethan Miller.

     Many of the victims went to him with injuries and they were made to feel like his actions

were acceptable. His exams were mandatory, so he took this advantage to press himself upon them. “This is sickening! I’m so glad that these individuals spoke out,” Ben Nolte said.

     Nassar’s accusers, which included Olympic gymnasts Aly Raisman, Simone Biles and

Gabby Douglas, all say they are now the force and that Nassar is the one that needs to listen to what they have to say.

Mudslides effect many areas on California

     Many Californians were hit hard by mudslides in the last week. After over 300,000

acres of California’s land were destroyed in wild fires, five inches of rain fell, causing slick mudslides.

     Mudslides can happen without warning and are deadly. According to the Santa

Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, at least fifteen people have been killed from these recent

mudslides. “This is a tragic event that happened in our country. I wish things like this could be prevented,” says Ethan Miller.

     California residents did not receive wireless emergency alerts to evacuate until minutes

before the first mudslide occurred. Wireless emergency alerts are cellphone messages sent to

everyone in a region, like the Amber alerts that are sent to cellphone users in specific areas

when authorities are trying to find a missing child.

     The alerts sent by Santa Barbara County officials went out around 3:50 a.m. on Tuesday.

This occurred after the first mudslide that started at 3:30 a.m. Officials from that area said

they didn’t want residents to take the alerts as a joke, and that’s why the texts weren’t sent ahead of the disaster. “I personally think that this is ridiculous and extremely unsafe for the residents of that area. County officials should be required to send out alerts as soon as they know something is going to happen,” says Brie Hoffman.

     Over 400 homes were damaged and destroyed and many residents had to be rescued since they did not have time to evacuate. Even though alerts were sent out to residents of Montecito to evacuate, many of those residents decided to stick the mudslides and storms out to try and protect their beloved homes. “I can agree with why some decided to stay and protect their homes. People work hard for what they have!” says Hope Donahue.