Three weeks are gone from the Winter quarter at the University of Denver. As news moves fast in 2019, plenty of noteworthy occurrences have already marked this relatively short time period. This mashup contains tweets decked out with #DigitalJournos (or #MFJSOnline), all linking to either text or video content that touches on a topic of relevant news value, or is produced and tells its story in an especially captivating way.
Vice’s cough syrup saga
While also present on Vice’s own twitter, this short documentary on the narcotic problem within Zimbabwe was released on Wednesday, Jan. 9 and has gathered over 4 million views on their Youtube channel. The production focuses on the nation’s rampant abuse of the drug BronCleer and Vice interviews several users, former users and their families to paint this grim picture in Africa.
Fyre fraud redemption
Netflix released a documentary on Jan. 18 titled Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened. The roughly 90 minute long video tells the story of Billy McFarland, a wealthy man in over his head who spectacularly failed in organizing a music festival in the Bahamas. His shortcomings left many customers without compensation for their tickets, but more importantly many island residents in tough financial situations, such as this couple whose GoFundMe post fortunately received plenty of internet traffic.
Sandy Hook families to receive InfoWars’ financial documents
In a legal decision made on Friday, Jan. 11, a Connecticut judge ruled the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims victors in a lawsuit against InfoWars founder Alex Jones. The families, seeking to debase Jones’ claims of the Sandy Hook tragedy as a staged conspiracy, are using these financial documents to prove that Jones has been profiting off of fallacies and grief in the years following the murders.
‘MAGA’ students face consequences in fallout from Native American controversy
A Kentucky Catholic school is considering the expulsion of several of its students following the traction gathered by a viral video released on Jan. 11. The teenagers from the school are seen yelling and harassing a Native American Vietnam War veteran, donning ‘Make America Great Again’ hats and chanting ‘Build that wall’ repeatedly. In a public apology from the all-male private school, officials stated that all appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Roger Stone creates neighborhood drama
Chad Johnson, former Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots wide receiver more affectionately known as ‘Ochocinco’, seemingly witnessed the arrest of Roger Stone before his morning jog on Jan. 25, according to his Twitter account. Stone, a former advisor to President Donald Trump, was arrested in the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. neighborhood that he and Johnson share on charges of witness tampering, obstruction, and giving false statements.
Shutdown secondhand smoke
President Donald Trump signed a bill on Jan. 25 reopening the nation’s federal government temporarily until February. Although immediate panic is gone from many who were not receiving pay for their work, Vox informs readers of the often under-reported areas of our government still suffering from the aftermath of the government shutdown, including potentially delayed tax returns, and closed National Parks.
Marvel’s Black Panther makes history during Oscar season
The 2019 Oscar nominations were announced early on Tuesday, Jan. 22, and Black Panther has made history by becoming the first Marvel picture to be nominated for the Best Picture award. This obviously represents a tremendous achievement for Marvel Studios, and speaks to the recent surge in popularity of superheroes within popular culture that they have helped to cultivate. Despite receiving just the Best Picture nomination, it is phenomenal regardless to see the committee acknowledge the talent of black lead actor Chadwick Boseman, hopefully setting a trend for future Oscar shows.