Today's News Roundup: Drug Made from Human Bones? Eclipse Wows North America, and Hardest Geezer's Epic Run!

✍ QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."

• Sierra Leone Declares Emergency Over Kush Drug, Made from Human Bones

• Millions Witness Magical Eclipse Across North America

• Hardest Geezer Reveals Scariest Moment in Epic African Run

• Meme of the day!

Sierra Leone Declares Emergency Over Kush Drug, Made from Human Bones

President Julius Maada Bio has declared a national emergency in Sierra Leone due to the rampant abuse of the drug kush, which contains human bones.

A Grave Situation:

Kush, a psychoactive drug, has plagued the country for years, posing an existential crisis. Security measures in cemeteries have been heightened to prevent grave desecration by addicts seeking ingredients. Rising Crisis:

The streets of Sierra Leone are filled with young men, often with swollen limbs from kush abuse, highlighting the widespread impact of the drug. Addiction remains prevalent, with users admitting its tight grip. Mounting Toll:

Hundreds have reportedly died from organ failure caused by kush, with psychiatric admissions surging. Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital saw a 4,000% increase in kush-related admissions between 2020 and 2023, underscoring its mental health toll. Action Plan:

President Bio announced a National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse to address the crisis. Plans include establishing care centers in every district and dismantling the drug supply chain through law enforcement efforts. Challenges Ahead:

Critics argue that the government's response has been inadequate. While President Bio's emergency declaration is a step forward, community efforts will be crucial in combatting the epidemic. Sierra Leone faces a daunting battle against kush abuse, requiring coordinated efforts to curb its devastating impact.

Source

Millions Witness Magical Eclipse Across North America

Millions in North America looked skyward Monday as a total solar eclipse cast a shadow across the continent. The path of totality, a 155-mile-wide ribbon, stretched from Mexico to Canada.

Darkness & Wonder:

From Mexican beaches to Dallas skylines, the moon blocked the sun, leaving only the corona visible. Cheers erupted as the daytime turned to an eerie twilight. Animals fell silent, stars emerged briefly, and then light returned.

Unique Celebrations & Shared Experience:

Hundreds across the path said "I do" under the darkened sky in mass weddings. Even outside totality, people gathered - in New York on skyscrapers, at Niagara Falls hoping for a glimpse. The Trottier Space Institute in Montreal saw an unexpected crowd of 20,000.

A Lasting Impact:

The eclipse left a sense of wonder. Young observer Ady in Dallas, already plans for the next one in 300 years, "I want to be a scientist by then."

This celestial spectacle served as a reminder of our place in the universe, leaving a lasting impact on millions.

Source

Hardest Geezer Reveals Scariest Moment in Epic African Run

Russ Cook, the "Hardest Geezer," opened up about the dangers he faced during his record-breaking run across Africa.

Close Call in Congo: In a Q&A session, Cook described fearing for his life in the Congo jungle. Separated from his support team, he was eventually freed after villagers were paid off.

Robbed in Angola: Cook's team also faced an armed robbery in Angola, losing cameras, phones, and passports.

Motivation and Achievements: Despite the challenges, Cook raised £700,000 for charity. He aims to inspire young people and support refugees. Cook ran the equivalent of 379 marathons across 16 countries, clocking over 16,000 kilometers.

Source