June is Pride Month. Find resources in our “Actions” section. US Department of Labor.

Your Summit Weekly Briefing

By Alex Tananbaum and Ashwath Vimal

 

 Disclaimer: Though the Weekly Briefings are no longer tagged in the Opinions section of Summit News and we try to remain as unbiased as possible, our opinions may show through in this article, especially in the “Actions” section.  

 

1. Summit: Your last weekly briefing (for this year)

Happy last week of school! Ashwath and I would like to let you know that we will not be continuing the briefing over the summer. Additionally, I will not be a cowriter next year, as I will have started college. But don’t worry! Ashwath will most likely continue writing the briefing next school year, while a new writer will take over my sections. Thank you so much for reading our briefing throughout the year. We put a lot of hard work into it, and we really appreciate it. Have an amazing summer. We will be back again next year. 

 

Looking for an interesting video? Watch Staff Editors Lia Bhas, Jovani Contreras and Rosie Esteverena and Giselle Sanchez’s “Prep Students and Teachers Debate the Pros and Cons of Reopening.”

 

Other announcements: Happy Pride month to Summit’s LGBT+ students! Check out the “Actions” section to learn more about being an ally this June*. 

 

*Sources selected by an LGBT+ student. 

 

2. General News: Jeff Bezos going to space, Drones short down over Iraqi airbase holding U.S. troops

Jeff Bezos, the current chief executive officer (CEO) of the world’s biggest technology companies Amazon, officially announced that he will be going to space on July 20. This will happen after Bezos has already stepped down as Amazon’s CEO. He will be on the first crewed flight of the New Shepard spacecraft made by Blue Origin, his space company. His younger brother Mark will also be with him on this flight, who stated that he has always “dreamed of traveling to space”. Jeff Bezos will officially be the first billionaire “space tycoon” to travel into space using technology that he has spent millions of dollars on. The rocket ship will journey 60 miles above the earth during an 11-minute flight, with four-six seats in total. One of those seats will be filled by the winner of an auction that has already started. Along with this project, Blue Origin is also working towards developing another rocket called “New Glenn”, which will supposedly send U.S. government and commercial satellites into orbit and travel into “deep space”. 

 

Two drones were shot down over at the al-Asad airbase in Iraq that is currently holding U, S troops and coalition forces this past Sunday. The air defense system stopped the drones before they could do any damage, as said in a statement by the Iraqi military. Hours before this, the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center was attacked by a rocket round, as stated on Twitter by Wayne Marotto, a spokesman for the U.S. coalition. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities occurred. As of now, it is unknown who committed either of these attacks.

 

3. Covid-19: How the U.S. is moving past the brunt of the pandemic

Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across the country are going down. However, we should not stop and celebrate just yet, as many Americans still have not been fly vaccinated. However, we are going in the right direction, and here is how:

• Only about 8 million, or 2.4% of Americans live in counties that have high transmissions of COVID-19 when it was 9% just two weeks ago
• Community spread has reduced across the U.S.. As long as another surge doesn’t happen in the South, the spread will continue to decrease
• Right now, on a seven-day average, the U.S has fewer than 20,000 cases per day, something that has not happened since March of last year, and this is expected to decrease even more as this month goes on
• Cases in children are also going down, with 16,281 new ones “during the week ending June 3”. This is the lowest number of weekly cases in children since last June. However, long-term cases of COVID-19 (MIS-C) that occur in children still happen, but if children get the COVID-19 vaccine, these cases will go down as well. 
• This past week, more than 400 deaths due to COVID-19 took place, following the steady decline that started after the spike in January February and the incline last November 
• A projected 700 to 3700 new hospitalizations are expected to be reported on June 28th, which have been starting to decline steadily and are expected to do so over the next four weeks 
• More vaccinations could happen because of the chance to win college scholarships, vacations, free alcohol, money prizes, and more, with many companies and states doing this.
• Mask mandates are starting to get lifted, business is being opened, and people are starting to gather more due to everything stated above. 

On the other hand, COVID-19 numbers were expected to decrease during the summer and may possibly increase during the winter once again. If more people keep getting vaccinated, however, then the future is bright for America.

 

Stay Informed: CNN reports live, bite-sized updates on Coronavirus here.

 

4. Politics: Immigration, For the People Act

Speaking at a conference in Guatemala this Monday the 7th, Vice President Kamala Harris told Guatemalans considering immigrating to the United States “Do not come”, stating specifically “I want to be clear to folks in this region who are thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border: Do not come. Do not come.” Instead, the Vice President encouraged those wanting to come to the U.S. to use legal means. This has been Vice President Harris’s first international trip since taking office; she will also visit Mexico City to address the root causes of immigration, including a new anti-corruption task force to “…address corruption, to address human smuggling, [and to do] the work to make sure certain progress be made if we are going to attract investment.” Record numbers of people have flocked to the U.S.-Mexico border in recent months, mostly from Central America, making the issue of immigration a major one. 

 

The For the People Act, which would enact various voting rights protections, could be in peril after Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released an Op-ed explaining why he would not be supporting the bill Senator Manchin argued that the Act was overly partisan and voiced concern that it would lead to the elimination of the filibuster. The For the People Act would require online, same-day voter registration for every state as well as two weeks of in-person early voting, allowing anyone to vote by mail and an expansion of accepted IDs. Democrats see the bill as especially urgent after the slew of voting restrictions that have recently been passed or are being debated (learn more in last week’s briefing). Without Senator Manchin’s support, a filibuster, which would prevent the passage of the Act and would require 10 Republicans to end, could kill the bill on arrival. 

 

5. Sports: Logan Paul vs. Floyd Mayweather 

 

The highly anticipated boxing matchup (an exhibition, not a professional fight) between social media superstar Logan Paul and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather took place this past Sunday on June 6. The bout lasted the full eight rounds, with neither opponent getting knocked out in the end. Since this fight had no judges and no knockout occurred, there was a clear winner. However, many people on platforms like Twitter say that Mayweather won based on the fact that he hit 40 percent of his punches while throwing half of what Paul did, who only hit 13% of his punches. Paul did, on the other hand, survive eight rounds in the ring with one of the best boxers of all time, which many congratulate him for, including YouTube Star Keemstar. Mayweather himself also said that Paul was better than he expected, and we saw this near the end of the first round where he landed a string of punches at Mayweather.  Even then, throughout the fight, we saw Paul burn out much quicker than Mayweather, with his hands dropping and his clinching becoming roe prominent as the rounds went on. Mayweather could have ended the fight early, but he wanted to provide entertainment to the fans, and that is what they got. After the fight, Paul said that he would be open to doing more boxing fights and also exploring the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Mayweather stated that he would most likely not be coming back for another exhibition match and would definitely not be returning to the professional scene. 

 

6. Entertainment: A Quiet Place Part II 

A Quiet Place Part II follows the events of “A Quiet Place”, a very successful science fiction horror/thriller film that was released in 2018. The plot of both films follows a family in the wake of an attack by aliens trying to navigate and survive this apocalyptic world. The aliens can only sense humans through sound, and the family is able to overcome this issue by knowing sign language because of their deaf daughter. The film starts with a flashback of day one of the attacks of the aliens that is full of suspense and terror. As we go back to the present, the daughter, Regan tries to find a way to fight back and escape these aliens as. The mother, Evelyn, and son, Marcus hold the fort with another survivor (who was previously their friend) they found while trying to protect the newly born baby following the death of the husband, Lee. The movie unfolds through two different perspectives and allows the audience to experience two thrilling and suspenseful storylines simultaneously, giving the audience a unique viewing experience. Eventually, the movie ends with Regan and Marcus both fighting off and killing an alien each in a sequence that shows us both events happening at the same time. This parallels how the movie is developed through two different plots occurring concurrently as well and gives the audience a heartwarming moment. Because of the success of this movie, many fans want a sequel. While a direct sequel will not be happening as of now, Jeff Nichols will be writing and directing a movie in the same universe set for release in 2023. 

 

7. Weather

Atlas (West Seattle): This week’s highs will rise in general, starting at 65℉ today, then dipping to 63℉ Fri, up to 69℉ Sat, then 72℉ Sun-Mon. Lows will follow a similar pattern, with 51℉ today, 53℉ Fri and 56-57℉ Sat-Mon. While most of the week will be partially cloudy, Fri will see chances of showers and Sun-Mon scattered showers. Stay dry, wear a mask, and have a good summer.

Summary: Highs in the mid 60’s-low 70’s, lows in the high 40’s-mid 50’s, partial clouds, showers, scattered showers.

 

Olympus (Tacoma): Highs this week will bounce around a bit, with today-Fri’s being 62-63℉ up to 68℉ Sat and 71-72℉ Sun-Mon. Lows will start at 49-50℉ today-Fri and 54-55℉ Sat-Mon. While  the slight majority of the week will be partially cloudy, Fri and Mon will see chances of showers and Sun scattered showers. Stay dry, wear a mask, and have a good summer.

Summary: Highs in the low 60’s-low 70’s, lows in the mid 40’s-mid 50’s, partial clouds, showers and scattered showers. 

 

Sierra (Seattle): Highs this week will start at 65 today, 62℉ Fri, back up to 67℉ Sat and 71℉ Sun-Mon. Lows will rise then plateau, with today-Fri’s being 51-52℉ and Sat-Mon 56℉. The slight majority of the week will be partially cloudy, though Fri will see showers and Sun-Mon scattered showers. Stay dry, wear a mask, and have a good summer.

Summary: Highs in the mid 60’s-low 70’s, lows in the high 40’s-mid 50’s, partial clouds, showers and chances of showers. 

 

Denali (Sunnyvale): Highs this week will rise overall with today’s being 68℉, 70℉ Fri, 76℉ Sat and 74-75℉ Sun-Mon. Lows, however, will bounce around a bit, starting at 50℉ Tues today, up to 57-58℉ Fri-Sun and down to 55℉ Mon. The week will also be partially cloudy. Find some sun, wear a mask, and have a good summer.

Summary: Highs in the high 60’s-mid 70’s, lows in the high 40’s-high 50’s, partial clouds and full sun. 

 

Everest and Prep (Redwood City): Highs this week will bounce around a bit with today’s being 66℉, Fri 69℉, Sat-Sun 71-72℉ and Mon 69℉. Lows will start in the 48℉ today, then rise to 55-56℉ Fri-Sun, then fall back down to 53℉ Mon. The entire week will be partially cloudy. Find some sun, wear a mask, and have a good summer. 

Summary: Highs in the mid 60’s-low 70’s, lows in the high 40’s-mid 50’s, full sun and partial clouds. 

 

K2 (El Cerrito): Highs this week will rise overall with today’s being 69℉, Fri 72℉ and Sat-Mon 75-76℉. Lows will bounce around a bit more, starting at 51℉ today, 56℉ Fri-Sun and 54℉ Mon. Today-Fri will be partially cloudy, Sat sunny and Sun-Mon back to partially cloudy. Enjoy that sun, wear a mask, and have a good summer. 

Summary: Highs in the high 60’s-mid 70’s, lows in the low-mid 50’s, full sun and partial clouds. 

 

Tam (Richmond): Highs this week will rise overall, starting at 67℉ today, 70℉ Fri and 72-73℉ Sat-Mon. Lows will also rise with today’s being 51℉, Fri-Sun’s 56℉ and Mon’s back down to 54℉. The whole week will be partially cloudy. Find some sun, wear a mask, and have a good summer. 

Summary: Highs in the mid 60’s-low 70’s, lows in the low-mid 50’s, full sun and partial clouds. 

 

Shasta (Daly City): Highs this week will start at 59℉ today, then rise to 63-64℉ Fri-Sun and finally fall to 62℉ Mon. Lows, meanwhile, will start today at 50℉ today, then rise to 54-55℉ Fri-Sun and finally fall again to 53℉ Mon. The entire week will be partially cloudy. Find some sun, wear a mask, and have a good summer. 

Summary: Highs in the high 50’s-mid 60’s, lows in the low-mid 50’s, full sun and partial clouds. 

 

Tahoma (San Jose): Highs this week will rise overall, with today-Fri’s being 70-71℉ and Sat-Mon’s 76-77℉. Meanwhile, lows will rise a bit more steadily starting at 49℉ today, then up to 57-58℉ Fri-Sun and down to 55℉ Mon. The entire week will be partially cloudy. Find some sun, wear a mask, and have a good summer. 

Summary: Highs in the high 60’s-high 70’s, lows in the high 40’s-high 50’s, partial clouds and full sun. 

 

8. Cooking: No knead sticky buns

I have made this recipe a few times and it is absolutely delicious. I would highly recommend it. 

Originally from King Arthur Flour.

 

Ingredients

Dough (enough for three batches of buns):

• 7 3/4 cups (934g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1 3/4 cups (397g) lukewarm water
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (170g) honey
• 8 tablespoons (113g) melted butter or 1/2 cup (99g) vegetable oil

 

Filling (enough for one batch of buns):

• 2/3 cup (106) Baker’s Cinnamon filling mixed with 3 tablespoons water*
  • *Substitute 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the Baker’s Cinnamon Filling and water, if desired. If you use sugar and cinnamon, DO NOT ADD THE WATER.

 

Topping (enough for one batch of buns):

• 3 tablespoons (43g) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (43g) maple syrup, honey, or light or dark corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons (18g) Sticky Bun Sugar*
• 1/3 cup (71g) brown sugar
• 2/3 cup (75g) pecan halves or coarsely chopped pecans

*Substitute brown sugar for the sticky bun sugar, if desired

 

Method

Note: 

The flour/liquid ratio is important in this recipe, so measure carefully. Your best bet is to weigh the flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess.

 

To make the dough: 

1. Combine all of the dough ingredients, in the order written, in a very large bowl (at least 6 quarts). Stir to make a sticky dough. You can do this in a stand mixer and then transfer to a larger bowl; or simply use a big bowl and spoon (or dough whisk).
2. Cover the bowl, and let the dough rise for 2 hours at cool room temperature.
3. Refrigerate the dough for at least several hours, to chill it and make it easier to work with. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before using.

 

When you’re ready to make sticky buns, make the filling. 

1. Combine the Baker’s Cinnamon Filling and water, stirring till smooth OR mix 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (this is what I usually do).
2. Set aside.

 

To make the topping: 

1. Spread the melted butter and syrup (or honey) in a lightly greased 9″ round cake pan. 
2. Sprinkle the sugar(s) atop the butter, then scatter the nuts atop the sugar(s). Set aside.

 

To make sticky buns: 

1. Spray your hand with non-stick vegetable oil spray, and dip it into the dough in the bucket. 
2. Pinch off/pull out 1/3 of the dough; this is about the size of a large softball or a large grapefruit, a scant 620 grams. For best accuracy, weigh on a scale. 
3. Place the remaining dough back in the refrigerator, to use another time. Or wrap and store in the freezer. This dough recipe is enough to make three 8″ or 9″ round pans of sticky buns.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface, and roll it into a rectangle approximately 15″ x 10″.
5. Spread the filling over the dough, leaving a narrow margin around the edges uncovered.
6. Starting with a long edge, gently roll the dough into a log. Don’t roll it too tightly; if you do, the centers of the buns will pop up as they bake.
7. Cut the log into 8 pieces.
8. Space the buns in the pan. Lightly press each down till they’re touching one another.
9. Cover the pan, and allow the buns to rise till they’re quite puffy, about 1 hour. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F. I usually do this with 15-30 mins left.
10. Uncover the pan, and bake the buns for 40 to 45 minutes, until they’re a deep golden brown.
11. Remove the pan from the oven, and turn it over onto a piece of parchment, or onto a cooling rack set over a piece of parchment or waxed paper (to catch any drips).
12. Lift off the pan, and scrape any nuts or sugar in the pan onto the buns.

 

Serve immediately, or let the buns cool a bit. Wrap any leftovers securely, and store at room temperature.

 

9. Actions: Educate yourself on allyship

Editor’s note: The “Actions” section includes petitions to sign, prompts and scripts to write officials with as well as other opportunities to engage in your local, national and global communities.

June is Pride Month, a time in which LGBT+ people celebrate our lives, history and community. Learn how to be a good ally this month through the following resources. 

Youtubers:

• Ash Hardell, specifically their The ABC’s of LGBT+ playlist
• Queer as Cat, specifically their QPOC Intersectionality, Nonbinary / Gender and Asexuality videos
• Kat Blaque
• Petite Eva

Books:

• Queer: A Graphic History by  Meg-John Barker, Julia Scheele (graphic novel)
• Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe (graphic novel)
• A full list: socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/lgbtq

Instagram: 

• Schuyler Bailar (@pinkmantaray)
• Charlie/Amáyá (@dineaesthetics)
• Blair Imani (@blairimani)
• Jeffrey Marsh (@thejeffreymarsh)

Actions:

• Fight anti-trans bills via Schuyler Bailar’s Anti-Trans Bills in the U.S. list
• Protect trans athletes through the “Take Action” section of TransAthlete.com
• Contact your senator to urge them to pass the Equality Act, which would protect LGBT+ people from discrimination. 

 

And, as always:

• Watch or listen or listen to this playlist. All advertisement revenue goes to Black Lives Matter. I currently have it on in the background as I am writing this brief. Do not skip the ads, the donations will not go through otherwise.

 

• Watch or listen to this video. All advertisement revenue goes to various aid organizations easing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Please note it is blocked on school Chromebooks due to being in the “Entertainment” category
  • Learn more about the crisis at www.monareliefye.org/.