Throughout our hectic student lives, we should always remain aware of what is happening around us. In this column, I find the most significant things going on in the world and provide you with a small blurb of all the important details. Here are some of the major events that have been happening since last issue:

1. A federal investigation on the death and injuries linked to vaping products has begun

A federal investigation has begun on account of the breakout of illnesses and deaths linked to the use of vaping products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, state and local health departments and other clinical and public health partners are looking into the causes of the injuries and deaths linked to the use of vaping, e-cigarettes and other similar products. In most cases, the patient was using or had used e-cigarette products, with the majority reporting to have used products containing tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the active chemical in marijuana. The FDA is also taking a step against the manufacturing or distributing illicit, contaminated vaping products that have caused injuries or deaths by considering it as a criminal act. The agency is not considering any enforcement actions against the personal use of vaping as of yet.

Information from CNN.

2. Former Vice President Joe Biden’s son vows to stop working with foreign companies if his father becomes president

Hunter Biden has vowed to step down from the board of any foreign company he is currently affiliated with and will no longer take part in business partnership in the future. This is in response to backlash Hunter and his father, former Vice President Joe Biden, received from President Donald Trump regarding Hunter’s affiliation with overseas companies. Trump accused that Hunter and his father were involved in some type of corruption during the time Joe served as vice president. During that time, Hunter was on the board of a Ukrainian Gas Company while Joe was carrying out diplomatic dealings in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Trump has provided no evidence regarding the claims.

Information from the New York Times

3. President Trump signs executive order pulling American troops out of Syria

President Trump has signed an executive order calling for the removal of American troops from northern Syria. Many government officials are finding the decision concerning because the removal of American troops would potentially enable a Turkish invasion in Syria, which could break the Kurd’s hold on the nation and potentially lead to another rise of the Islamic state. The Kurds belong to a large Muslim ethnic group and were the key to breaking the Islamic state’s control of Syria. Many government officials have condemned Trump for pulling the troops out of Syria calling it an “abandonment.” Trump defends his actions stating that “it is very smart not to be involved,” and expressed her is opened to the idea to put sanctions on Turkey.

Information from the New York Times.