News Roundup 9/10/18

World Suicide Prevention Day

#StopSuicide

1. World Suicide Prevention Day

Monday September 10th, marks the 15th annual World Suicide Prevention Day. The International Association for Suicide Prevention partnered with the World Health Organization back in 2003.The World Health Organization reported that 800,000 people commit suicide a year across the globe. According to their 2016 statistics, the second-leading cause of death for 15-29 year olds is suicide, with more than 79% of those deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. The International Association for Suicide Prevention released a statement today promoting mental health education and encouraging people to share their stories.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free, confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-273-8255.

Source: NewsWeek

2. Hurricane Florence Reclassified

Hurricane Florence was reclassified as a Category 4 hurricane on September 10th. The storm is expected to hit the North Carolina coast by Thursday September 13. The National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Florence reached maximum wind speeds of 140 mph and could reach 150 mph. North and South Carolina have already issued mandatory evacuations for coastal areas. Virginia declared a state of emergency to prepare citizens for the incoming storm. The 500-mile wide hurricane is expected to cause flooding along with state wide damage along the coast.

Source: NPR

3. CBS Corporation Chief Executive Leslie Moonves Steps Down

After 15 years of serving as CBS Chief Executive, Leslie Moonves stepped down from his post on September 9th. The former CEO had been under scrutiny after 6 sexual harassment allegations were made public this past July. CBS has been under negotiations to provide Moonves’s exit with a payout of 120 million. Although there has been a controversy with the leaders of #METoo, questioning why he should receive any money at all. The network stated it will donate 20 million dollars to one or more organizations supporting women’s equality in the workplace.

Source: The New York Times

4. Nigerian Gas Explosion Kills at Least 18

A gas tanker exploded in the northern Nigerian state of Nasarawa on Monday, September 10th. The explosion killed at least 18 people and injured dozens more. The State Emergency Management Agency reported that the explosion led to a fire eruption along the Lafia-Makurdi road at a petrol station. An eyewitness testimony claimed the truck exploded after disengaging the gas from the truck. This marks the second incident related to a gas tanker within the past few months. In June, nine people were killed in Lago after a petrol tanker caught fire and burned 53 other vehicles.

Sources: Reuters

5. The Swedish Election

The results of the general elections in Sweden on Sunday, September 9th sparked interest.The Sweden Democrats party gained 17.6% of the vote in comparison to their 12.9% in 2014.Sweden, widely known for its liberal ideology, is seeing an increase in support for the far-right.The nation underwent a massive change in 2015 as their parliament accepted over 160,000 asylum-seekers bringing about change.

Source: CNN