Local

Know: The age to purchase tobacco and vaping products will be increasing from 18 years old to 21 years old in St. Louis County, Dec. 1.

Inform: “Tobacco 21” is the law that will enact the increase in purchasing tobacco and vaping products. The St. Louis County Council passed the law, Sept. 6.

Care: Almost a fourth of seniors (141) will be 18 by Nov. 1 and could legally purchase nicotine products and vaping products can no longer purchase them in St. Louis County. Since it is now more difficult for teens under the age of 21 to purchase tobacco and vaping products, legislators designed to bill to protect the health of teenagers. According to the CDC, nicotine is a leading cause for lung cancer, so the best way to prevent lung disease or cancer is to stop smoking.

Know: In the state of Missouri, a new bill, House Bill 1750 requires all publicly funded schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance each day.

Inform: House Bill 1750 was passed in Missouri, Aug. 26. The new Missouri bill requires the pledge to be recited at least once per day in publically funded schools.

Care: Although students are encouraged to pronounce the pledge each day, it is not required. Students have the right to decide on whether or not they want to announce the pledge.

National

Know: Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers quarterback, sat during the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Green Bay Packers v. San Francisco 49ers football game in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, Aug. 29.

Inform: Kaepernick along with other NFL football players have decided to kneel, and/or sit during the national anthem and pledge in support of African American rights. Kaepernick started this movement to stand up against a society that “oppresses people of color.”

Care:  Kaepernick’s actions by sitting down for the national song have paved a way for students to stand up for African American rights in school when reciting the pledge.

International

Know: Two earthquakes erupted in Gyeongui, South Korea, Sept 12.

Inform: The earthquakes in South Korea included a 5.1 magnitude earthquake, and a record 5.4 magnitude earthquake The earthquakes that happened in South Korea caused 2 injuries but no deaths.

Care: Earthquakes have been happening around the world.  People always need to have a plan in place in case unexpected natural disasters occur. The St. Louis area sits on top of the New Madrid fault, an active seismic area. Since we are located on top of one of the largest seismic areas in the United States, it is important for students to know what to do in case an earthquake.