Global news is a vital part of news today and can directly affect MHS students. In order to inform our readers, The Mentor has compiled small summaries describing some of the largest happenings in the world today. We encourage the reader to read about these topics, and others, in greater depth.

Satellite takes a selfie

The European Space Agency launched their Rosetta spacecraft into space on March 2, 2004. It has now reached its comet destination. This is the first spacecraft to ever approach a comet for the intent of orbit. It took a “selfie” with its targeted comet on Sept. 7. According to Space.com, “If all goes well, the Philae lander [a lander riding aboard Rosetta] will touch down on its target, the Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, on Nov. 11.” The purpose of the spacecraft is to investigate the composition of the comet. The comet is thought to contain a large amount of organic compounds including nucleic and amino acids — the building blocks of life. This project could help discover the origins of life on Earth since it is thought that comets are responsible for bringing a large amount of water and organic compounds to Earth.

Scots vote “No” to independence

On Thursday, a huge majority of the Scottish population went to vote yes or no to the question “Should Scotland be an independent nation?” A record 84.5 percent of eligible citizens came to vote, this beats the previous record in the United Kingdom which was 84.4 percent after the passing of British universal suffrage in 1918. The results came in early Friday morning with the majority of voters choosing “No” to Scottish independence. According to the Guardian, Scottish first minister Alex Salmond is planning to resign after the idea of independence was rejected.

France begins airstrike against IS

Last week, France began an airstrike against Iraq in an area controlled by the Islamic State. France is the first Western nation other than the United States to make direct military action against IS. However, this worries Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani who said “all political leaders of the country must be aware and awake to prevent the external assistance against the Islamic State from becoming an entrance to breach Iraq’s independence.” Ayatollah is the title given to Maraji,’ or Shiite authorities.

Lethal vaccine mix-up kills 15 children

Up to 75 children were accidentally given muscle relaxant instead of a vaccination by medics in northern Syria on Tuesday. Northern Syria is currently controlled by rebels.  The mix-up was a result of the similar packagings of a muscle relaxant used for surgery and a solution used for the measles vaccine. All of the children given the pseudo-vaccine showed severe signs of shock after being administered the drugs. The ages of the children affected were between six and 18 months old. According to the BBC, “[the parents of the children] initially accused the opposition health authorities of not storing the vaccines properly or using out-of-date medication.” Others are claiming the mix-up is a result of a security breach. The World Health Organisation is assisting in investigating the event.

Ebola medical team killed

A team of medics, officials, and two journalists were killed by members of a small village in Guinea. The team was chased and pelted by stones; they were later found dead in the septic tank of a local school. The team was trying to raise awareness of Ebola in Guinea. According to the BBC, “The motive for the killings has not been confirmed, but the BBC’s Makeme Bamba in Guinea’s Capital, Conakry, says many villagers accuse the health workers spreading the disease. Others still do not believe that the disease exists.” An investigation is underway and six people have been arrested in response to the deaths.