News Briefs
Staff Writer, Patrick Brown
International
Three million to be evacuated
On Sept. 12, a natural disaster happened in Japan. Japan experienced a flood leaving seven people dead and 15 people missing. After the flood, Japan has now advised over three million people to evacuate and find safe ground. The flood reached two feet in some parts of Japan. There is no word yet on what is going to be done to evacuate the people who are going to be hit the hardest, but Japan is currently working on ways to help.
North Korea threatens America again
North Korea is calling for America to be ready for a nuclear strike. North Korea is saying that it is ready and willing to attack America. The director of the North Korean Atomic Energy Institute said, “If the U.S. and other hostile forces persistently seek their reckless hostile policy towards the DPRK and behave mischievously, the DPRK is fully ready to cope with them with nuclear weapons any time.” Some reports show that North Korea is expecting to have 20 to 100 nuclear weapons by 2020. American leaders have said there are proper defense measures in place in case such an event were to occur.
NATIONAL
Wildfire takes its toll on California
It is something that no one wants to see or experience, but for thousands of people in California, it is a reality. Nearly 600 California homes have been affected by a recent wildfire. One person has died. The wildfire has spread across 65,000 acres and firefighters say that it is not fully contained. Five firefighters have been injured. A reason for the start of the wildfire is under investigation.
Teen arrested after plot against Pope Francis
The FBI arrested a 15-year-old boy last month for planning an alleged ISIS-inspired attack on Pope Francis when the world leader visits the United States. According to a joint intelligence bulletin by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, “The minor was inspired by [ISIS] and sought to conduct a detailed homeland attack which included multiple attackers, firearms, and multiple explosives, targeting a foreign dignitary at a high-profile event.” Authorities arrested the teen before any harm could be done to the Pope and he has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization. There will be extra security in place for the Pope when he visits the U.S. this week.
New way to watch YouTube
A YouTuber is changing the way videos are going to be viewed from now on. Casey Neistat is showing us the future with some help from his friends. Neistat recently uploaded a video in which he takes viewers on a tour of his office. The video was shot in 360 degrees and in 4k resolution. If viewers watch the video on a computer they can control what aspects of the video are shown by using the arrow keys. From a phone, viewers can manually change the aspect. This is all a part of Google’s new product, Cardboard.
A $12 burger at McDonalds
McDonalds is revolutionizing they way we order fast food. Yes, McDonalds. McDonalds has introduced a new, interactive way to order your own food whenever you visit. The product is called Create Your Taste and gives customers compete control over what they order. The program will not be available at every McDonalds.
Lieutenant sworn in as Deputy in Berkeley County
Four months after a fatal shooting, Will Rogers was sworn in as deputy in Berkeley County, Calif. on Monday, Sept. 14. Four months ago, Rogers was shot in the head, leaving him in critical condition. Rogers said that he is still having trouble seeing out of his left eye and experiences double vision at times. Rogers is expected to be back on the job sometime next year.
LOCAL
Blount in the finals of America’s Got Talent
Local Greenville musician, Benton Blount, is having one more chance at winning America’s Got Talent. Blount was saved by an online fan vote last week that got him into the finals. If Blount is to be crowned as the winner, he will receive one million dollars and a show in Las Vegas. The final performances of all finalists on America’s Got Talent will be aired Tuesday, Sept. 15 on NBC.