Geneticist known for studying X-rays dies at 95
Dr. Liane B. Russel, who studied the effects of radiation on developing embryos and discovered that the presence of Y chromosomes determines the sex of mammals, passed away on July 20. However, information on her death was not released until Aug. 18. According to the New York Times, “In studying embryos, Lee Russell, as she was known, identified the stages at which specific body parts develop. She also found a pattern of when deformities would occur.” Russell died of pneumonia at the age of 95 after going through treatment for lung cancer.
Union workers docked pay if they did not attend presidential speech
On Aug. 13, President Trump gave a speech to union workers at the Beaver County Royal Dutch Shell facility. Union workers who attended this speech were paid for their attendance. However, those that did not show up were docked pay. Trump used this speech as an opportunity for his reelection campaign. According to the New York Times, “At one point, Mr. Trump said he was going to speak to some of the union leaders representing the assembled workers about supporting his re-election. ‘And if they don’t,’ Mr. Trump told the workers ‘vote them the hell out of office, because they’re not doing their job.’”
Jet crashes, all passengers uninjured
A twin-engine jet traveling from Oroville crashed after complications at takeoff. According to the Associated Press, “Firefighters were able to quickly control the grass fire, but it took more than an hour to extinguish the jet, partly because it had just taken on 400 gallons of jet fuel, he said. A crash truck from nearby Chico sprayed the jet with foam to help extinguish the blaze.” The jet caught fire, but all of the passengers and the pilots were luckily unharmed.
Sleepaway camp introduces all-gender cabin
Camp Tawonga, a sleepaway camp near Yosemite National Park, is mixing Jewish traditions with inclusivity to all campers. This includes a cabin and campfire gathering for all genders. According to the New York Times, “While Camp Tawonga has for years allowed children to bunk in cabins that matched their gender identity rather than their biological sex, this summer the camp offered a new option: a cabin for all genders.” The camp staff is also introducing other programs to be inclusive to all campers.
