President Trump took the nation by storm on Friday, calling National Football League players who kneel during the National Anthem “sons of bitches,” and called for owners to fire the players who protested. Trump then followed his speech with a tweet Saturday morning, rescinding his invitation for Stephen Curry to visit the White House after initial hesitation by Curry.
In response to the President, hundreds of NFL players protested by kneeling, sitting or remaining in the locker room for the National Anthem during Sunday’s games. Several singers of the National Anthem followed their performances by taking a knee as well.
These protests were by far the largest social justice protest conducted by NFL players. Following Colin Kaepernick’s protest last year, more players have been kneeling for the National Anthem. However, this was the first time that dozens of players on the same team have not participated in the National Anthem simultaneously. Many team owners joined their players on the field and locked arms in a show of solidarity.
These protests have received mixed reviews from the public. Many are praising players for using their platform to speak up on an issue that is relevant to many Americans. However, others have said that kneeling for the National Anthem is disrespectful towards the country and our United States Armed Forces members.
Local News
Benny’s, an iconic Rhode Island retail store, announced earlier in the month that it plans to close all 32 of its stores by the end of the year. On Wednesday, Benny’s will begin this process, as it’s East Providence store closes its doors for good.
The retail chain is also modifying its hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday in order to “allow staff the time to put the goods on the shelves,” according to a statement released by the chain. Benny’s now has a “40 percent off everything” merchandise sale as their stores close.
Hurricane Jose passed by Rhode Island with few effects aside from gusty winds and high surf. However, as Hurricane Maria left a path of destruction in the Caribbean, Rhode Island is once again under a High Surf Advisory. This has been issued by the National Weather Service, and is in effect until 6:00 PM on Friday, September 28th.
The National Weather Service warns that south facing beaches can see increased surf heights and a high risk of rip currents. Wave heights could potentially approach 11 feet. The National Weather Service warns those who may want to view the waves to do so from a safe distance, as “Individual waves may be more than twice the average wave height.” They warn that this can quickly sweep onlookers into the water, which could bring about imminent harm.
National News
Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 hurricane, devastated Puerto Rico over the past week. The entire island has been left without power, which the governor has described as a possibly “catastrophic” event.
Hurricane Maria is confirmed to have caused at least 26 deaths in the Caribbean so far; there is a possibility that this number could rise. According to the reports, this is the third strongest storm to ever hit a United States territory.
The governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo A. Rossello, said that the island could be facing a “Humanitarian crisis,” as they have been left with no power, no water and long lines for food as well as fuel. The mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz, expects many in Puerto Rico to have to wait “four to six months” before services such as electricity are restored.
Republicans in Congress once again failed to pass a bill that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Susan Collins, a republican Senator from Maine, announced Tuesday that she would not vote in favor of the bill. This meant Senate Republicans would not have the needed votes to pass such a measure.
Despite multiple failed attempts to pass a bill that would repeal and replace the ACA, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell insists that Republicans “Have not given up on changing the American health care system.”
Republicans have also set their sights on a major campaign promise of President Trump’s, and a central goal of the GOP, which is to reform the tax code. These efforts are still preliminary but may start to heat up after another failed attempt at changing the current healthcare policy.
International News
Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that they are finally giving women the right to drive vehicles. The Islamic country, which has been criticized for suppressing women’s rights, says that this change will go into effect in 2018.
The government of Saudi Arabia hopes that this will change their reputation and paint the country in a more positive light. Another benefit they wish to see is a positive impact on the economy, with more women being able to get to work without relying on alternative means of transportation that consume either time or money.
Saudi Arabia, which is ruled by Sharia Law, has seen protests over the years that have attempted to grant women these rights. In less than a year, when the policy goes into effect, Saudi Arabian women will no longer face jail time or fines for exercising a basic right.
Once this law goes into effect, there will no longer be any developed countries that prevent women from being allowed to drive.
North Korea has moved fighter jets and missiles to its Eastern Coast in order to increase its military options. These changes were seen on satellite images by the United States. This follows news of the North Korean Foreign Minister saying that President Trump’s earlier remarks about North Korea meant that he had “declared a war” between the two countries, and North Korea “threatened to shoot down US aircraft flying off its coastline even if they were in international airspace.”
Trump once again reiterated his tough stance against North Korea, which highlighted the option of using “devastating military action” should it be warranted.