Our world, cities and communities are constantly changing — and it’s up to us stay abreast of the issues that impact our lives. From money matters to pressing affairs, here are a few newsworthy notables to keep in your mental Rolodex.
Aliens exist. Dr. Richard B. Hoover, an astrobiologist for NASA, reports possessing evidence of life on other planets. The scientist has spent the last decade studying fossils of bacteria on rare meteorites and published his findings in the Journal of Cosmology. The veracity of Hoover’s research, and the journal, has been scrutinized and is being vetted.
United States may hit oil reserves. As political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa lingers, and oil prices surge towards $5, top officials are considering doing what many citizens have been forced to do: raid their savings. In this case it means tapping into the nation’s oil reserves. The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve holds 727 million barrels, which is approximately 38 days of consumption. It has not been used since Hurricane Katrina.
States petition banks to limit foreclosures. State attorney generals and federal agencies have come together to toss a super-sized raft to homeowners whose houses are under water. The officials submitted a proposal to banks urging them to consider reducing loan balances — which are usually interest laden — before seizing homes.
Marijuana may impact psychosis. Many people believe smoking a little herb is harmless, but a recent Dutch study links the indulgence with psychotic breaks later in life. According to research released by Maastricht University, participants who smoked marijuana as a teen or young adult showed psychotic symptoms 2.7 years earlier than those who didn’t.
Egypt rebuilds Cabinet. Nearly one month after political uprisings ousted long-time ruler President Hosni Mubarak the nation announced it’s new high-ranking officials. Prime Minister-designate Essam Sharaf and his new team are now facing the task of restoring order to the country.
