This week in the news:
A case of spontaneous bovine spongiform encephalopathy better known as “Mad Cow Disease” surfaced in California. Heath officials immediately quarantined the diseased cow and claim that the occurrence caused no risk to the food supply.
Meanwhile, an international court has found former warlord and President of Liberia Charles Taylor guilty of aiding war crimes in Sierra Leone. His crimes include sponsoring rebel groups in Sierra Leone’s civil war and organizing numerous war crimes in the West African region.
Here are this week’s stories, excavated from page 7a:
- Child Bride Wins Annulment: In India about 50% of girls are married before they are 18, often as a way for their parents to gain financial stability. Laxmi Sargara was married when she was 1 year old and upon finding out, she sought an annulment–a historical and dangerous societal action. Laxmi was the first childhood bride in India to be granted this annulment and has perhaps paved the road for future child brides.
- Earth Day 2012: In 1970 the first Earth Day took place as a way to voice concerns about growing environmental issues. The movement has grown over the years creating environmental awareness and regulations, as well as protecting land from degradation and pollution and a variety of animal species from extinction.
- Women in Agriculture INFOGRAPHIC: Women make up half of all farmers in the developing world. With more access to resources they would be able to yield higher crops and reduce world hunger by 150 million people
- Development Jargon QUIZ: How much do you know about global development? Learn more about sustainable development.
- World Malaria Day 2012: Malaria is an entirely preventable and treatable blood disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes and claims the life of a child in sub-Saharan Africa every 60 seconds–that’s 1,440 lives a day. Over the years we have made great strides in reducing malaria deaths but there is still much work to be done.
Did you participate in LWR’s 1,440 prayer with us this Wednesday? Please share your experiences!
What else did you read about in the news this week? Please leave your comments below.