Before we begin I would like to note that these are in no particular order. Number one, by no means, is of greater importance than number ten. So now that that is out of the way lets get to itNet Neutrality
On February 26th the Federal Communications Commission passed a law called net neutrality. This now means that Internet service providers can can no longer slow down Internet speeds for customers. Everyone will have the the same speed Internet, as well as making the Internet a public domain. This is some of the biggest Internet policy change in years.
A recent study by BMC Medicine found that cigarette mortality rates could be higher than previously expected. In their study, they found that the mortality rate caused by cigarettes to be around 66%, this means two out of every three smokers die due to conditions caused by smoking.
Marijuana Becomes Legal In Alaska
Alaska became the third state, on February 24th, to make marijuana legal in the United States. The movement to legalize marijuana has grown to become quite popular and Texas and Oregon look to be the next two states to legalize it.
New York City’s Record Of Murderess Days Is Broken
After 12 days of no murders in New York City (NYC) the current record for murder-less days came to an end in the big apple. On February 15th a 28 year old man was shot and killed ending the 12 day record of no murders in NYC.
On February 24th , President Barack Obama vetoed the Keystone pipeline bill. The bill looks to try and create a pipeline from Alaska to Washington that will help bring oil and natural gas to the rest of the states. Obama vetoed the bill because he did not like the harm the pipeline, as currently planned, will have on the environment.
United States Falls to #49 On List Of Press Freedom
The 2015 World Press Freedom Index rates the United States of America as number 49 of 180 in world press freedom. The U.S. Has been on a steady decline on the list since its peak in 2002 at number 20. This year, however, was the lowest rating due to harassment of New York Times reporter James Risen and the arresting of 15 journalist.
Researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York say that students are having a harder time repaying their student debt than their houses. This research was just released after President Barack Obama has revealed his new student loan program that looks to help aid students that are struggling with debt.
Same Sex Marriage Ban
On March 2nd 2015 a federal judge ruled that Nebraska’s same sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. The judge described the ban as, “unabashedly gender-specific infringement of the equal rights of its citizens.” This lift of the ban will allow same sex couples to get married in Nebraska in the next few weeks.
Wyoming Makes Execution By Firing Squad Legal
Wyoming senate has just passed a bill making execution by firing squad legal in the state. The bill was passed because of a short supply of the drugs necessary to complete lethal injections. Death row inmates need to be unconscious before the firing squad opens fire.
Egypt Launches Attacks On ISIS
Egypt has launched it first set of attacks against ISIS members in Libya on February 16th. In collaboration with the Libyan military, the Egyptian strikes reported to have killed 64 ISIS members. This is the first big step Egypt is taking to help get rid of ISIS.