Welcome to Optimize, a weekly update to keep you informed on what has happened during the week. Here are five national/international stories that you should know:
New Year’s addresses by world leaders
On Monday, presidents and prime ministers across the globe rung in the new year with speeches on the state of world affairs and on their diplomatic goals for 2018. Here is a compilation of various leaders’ addresses.
Iranian protests
Anti-government protests in Iran have turned violent, with over 20 people dead.
Mental health crisis in Puerto Rico
Since the devastating hurricane, Puerto Rico has noticed a disturbing rise in mental health issues. This video shows how the island’s only suicide prevention center is trying to help.
Cold front
Shortly into the new year, many parts of the United States are experiencing unusually cold weather, and the East Coast is facing what meteorologists have named a “bomb cyclone.”
Provocative book about Trump presidency
Author Michael Wolff’s new book, “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,” was released on Jan. 5. The book includes disparaging quotes about Donald Trump from White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, angering the president.
