Week in Review: Life Expectancy, Migrant Caravan, and Alaskan Earthquake

Photo from the CDC

This Week in Review was written by Senior Editor Jake Whitfield

1.      U.S. life expectancy has dropped for the second year in a row, the first time since the first World War. A result of the Opioids crisis, and increase in suicide, the American life expectancy dropped from 78.7 years to 78.6, according to the CDC. America’s spending on healthcare is near the top, yet our life expectancy has never been on the top, and is now falling. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of the drop in life expectancy, but liver disease and suicide, both on the rise, are also to blame

2.      The migrant caravan reached the U.S.-Mexico border this week. After weeks of anticipation of their arrival, much hyped by President Trump, migrants from Honduras attempted to cross the border near Tijuana. President Trump tried to block those that cross from seeking asylum, but was overturned in court. While most are seeking asylum, which comes with refugee status, but most will be denied. You can read more here.

3.      A magnitude 7 earthquake rocked Alaska earlier today. Reports include collapsed roads and broken windows. The USGS has warned of the potential of up to 1,000 aftershocks in the next 24 hours. A tsunami warning has been issued. Alaska has more earthquakes then the rest of the country combined. You can see pictures of the damage here.