Throughout our hectic student lives, we should always remain aware of what is happening around us. In this column, I find some of the most significant events happening in the world around us and provide you with a small blurb and nitty-gritty details. Here are some of the major events that have been taking place:
Flash Flooding in New Rochelle.
Last Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for all of New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region due to flash flooding. Westchester was severely impacted as New Rochelle declared a local state of emergency. The city experienced as much as five feet of rain. Flooding occurred in sections of the Bronx River, Saw Mill, Hutchinson River Parkways and local roads. Schools in the county dismissed students early with local officials advising people not to drive unless they were fleeing a dangerous situation. The Metro-North Harlem and New Haven lines were also suspended. Many vehicles were stuck, and basements were flooded. Gaels were reminded of the flooding from Hurricane Ida back in 2021, preparing to relive distressing moments.
Information from the Patch, CBS News and NBC News.
Senator Dianne Feinstein dies at the age of 90.
The longest-serving female senator in history and former mayor of San Francisco, Dianne Feinstein, died last Thursday night at her home in Washington D.C. She was first elected to the US Senate in 1992 after being involved in California politics for decades. Feinstein was the first woman to chair the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Towards the end of her life, Feinstein suffered from health issues, which resulted in her taking an extended absence from the Senate earlier this year. She is remembered as a trailblazer who broke the glass ceiling and served as an inspiration for many women, including her colleagues, in the Senate. Feinstein is also remembered as an early fierce advocate for gun reform and LGBTQ+ rights. Following Feinstein’s death, Governor Gavin Newsom was granted the power to appoint a replacement to serve the rest of her term. Previously, Gov. Newsom promised that he would appoint a Black woman.
Information from CNN, AP News and CBS News.
US Government Shutdown narrowly avoided.
Unexpectedly, the Senate passed a 45-day measure to keep the government open. The Senate overwhelmingly voted to pass the continuing resolution three hours before commencing the shutdown. The government would have shut down at 12:01 a.m. if an agreement was not met. Crafted by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the bill allocates disaster funds, but does not include new financial assistance for Ukraine. The House passed the measure in the afternoon after McCarthy pledged that he would try to push the bill through the House with Democratic help. The bill will keep the government funded through Nov. 17 and now needs President Biden’s signature. No Democratic senators voted against the measure with all nine no votes coming from Republicans.
Information from CNBC, NBC News and CBS News.
Sources:
Flash Flooding in New Rochelle.
https://patch.com/new-york/newrochelle/do-not-drive-time-parkway-closures-westchester-wcpd
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/new-york-flooding-live-updates-rcna118055
Sen. Dianne Feinstein dies at the age of 90.
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/senator-dianne-feinstein-death/index.html
US Government Shutdown narrowly avoided.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-shutdown-2023-latest-short-term-bill-passed/
