Thumbs up to - Biden acting on his promise to deal with climate change. After President Trump abandoned the climate accord, as well as pulled much of the funding for renewable energy in America, now is definitely the time to act to make that progress back. Luckily, President Biden is making good on his promise during his campaign to deal with the growing climate crisis. 

     Thumbs up to - Former officer Derrick Chauvin being found guilty of the murder of George Floyd. After nearly a year of protest calling for Chauvin to be held accountable for his irresponsible actions while on duty, Derrick Chauvin has been charged with second degree murder, third degree murder and manslaughter. His sentencing will be held on Jun. 16, where he can face a minimum of 10 years and eight months and a maximum 15 years for each murder charge of jail time. 

     Thumbs up to - the ex-trump administration official, Lynne Patton, being fined and barred from federal jobs for four years for violating the hatch act. Patton was found in violation of the act by her inappropriate use of federal power to assist in the Trump campaign. 

     THUMBS UP TO Destiny James graduating college with her master’s degree with the help of Drake’s “God’s Plan” scholarship of $50,000, which he awarded her in his music video of the same name. James was able to enjoy her college experience without worry of whether or not her tuition would be paid for, thanks to the kindness of this star. 

     THUMBS UP TO the slowing of the coronavirus in the U.S. The average daily report of cases has dropped by 32.5 percent after a large peak in January, and it looks like it is only continuing to drop. This is leading to more loose recommendations for fully vaccinated people, who currently make up more than 35 percent of the country’s population.

     THUMBS UP TO the advancements in MDMA Therapy for those with severe PTSD. A phase three trial of the therapy was so successful that 67 percent of people who once required the service no longer qualify for a PTSD diagnosis.

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     Thumbs down to - France passing a law that bans girls under the age of 18 to wear Hijabs. This is an incredible display of disrespect to the Islamic religion and will only be teaching young Islamic girls the wrong lessons about their religion.

     Thumbs down to - The passing of Prince Phillip, aged 99. He passed at Windsor Castle on April ninth and was laid to rest in a pared-back ceremony. 

     Thumbs down to - The state of Florida approving a ban on transgender students in sports, as well as a “gender inspection” upon students suspected to be transgendered. Not only is this a huge disrespect and violation of privacy to trans students, but a danger to students in general in terms of the risks of pedophiles working in schools. Students are entitled to the privacy of their bodies, transgender or otherwise. 

     THUMBS DOWN TO Israel’s attacks on Palestine on May, 17. Israel launched airstrikes against Gaza, targeting apartments, refugee camps, and a news office building. Since the fighting has resurfaced, over 200 Palestinians have been killed, 58 of them being children. Despite the large amount of Palestinian casualties, only ten Israelis have been killed, only one of them being a child. 

     THUMBS DOWN TO the ‘death-zombie fungus’ that threatens to rot the bodies of Brood X cicadas. This month the Brood X cicadas have emerged all across the states after a 17 year absence, yet a virus that can rot half their bodies away without them noticing threatens their ability to reproduce. 

     THUMBS DOWN TO the gas shortage sweeping the country. With gas prices going up, Americans are panic buying gas, and many are willing to do whatever it takes to get their ‘ration,’ even if it means filling up multiple plastic bags full of gasoline.