It’s the end of the week, but the news never stops. Luckily you’ve got us around to read it and sum it all up for you. Here are the top stories everyone will be talking about today:
1. #NeverForget
Today is the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Vigils will be held all over the country to remember those we’ve lost, but you might be surprised to find out that we are still losing people from the attacks. Thousands of first responders have been diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses caused by their work at Ground Zero. Nearly 21,000 people have filed eligibility claims with the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund, but the fund is set to expire this month. Comedian Jon Stewart will join leaders in Congress next week to fight for a permanent extension of the fund. 9/11 changed our country in so many ways, and we continue to mourn for every single person affected by that day. — The Daily Beast
More:8 Powerful 9/11 quotes for the 14th anniversary
2. “Heal the world, make it a better place…”
Yesterday President Obama committed to taking in 10,000 Syrian migrants and refugees over the next year. The announcement was met with mixed reactions. Some people voiced concerns that the U.S. is not doing enough, while others harpooned Obama for allowing “possible terrorists” into the country. The refugee crisis has become as polarizing a political issue as any other in this country. More than seven million refugees have been displaced and 18,000 of them have already been referred to the U.S. for resettlement. We have the resources to support many more, but unfortunately we might not be able to bridge the political divide. — The New York Times
3. This is a big, big deal
Vice President Joe Biden and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. announced yesterday that they will devote $79 million to pay for lab processing of the more than 70,000 rape kits that sit untested across the U.S. The money will come from grants by the Manhattan DA and the U.S. Department of Justice. The backlog of untested rape kits has long been an issue in this country, with presumably thousands of rapists going unconvicted. It’s a legal failure that withholds closure from victims and puts others at risk. The decision to fund testing for all of these ignored and abandoned kits is historic and will hopefully make testing an immediate priority going forward. — USA Today
More:Students say rape culture is a men’s problem, and for good reason (VIDEO)
4. Target is on point
Target is introducing plus-sized mannequins to select stores in Australia. These stores will be the first in Target’s vast empire to get the size 14 and 16 dolls, but it’s possible we could see them in stores near us in the next few years. It’s a small gesture, but it’s just one more way Target is bringing its A-game to the retail world. A few weeks ago they announced a move towards gender neutral toy sections and rumor has it some of their stores might soon have bars. Now we might even get to see diverse mannequins! As if we needed another excuse to spend all of our time and money there. — Cosmo
5. Gotta’ catch ’em all
Nintendo is working on a Pokemon game for smartphones that will allow users to interact using Bluetooth technology. It’s an effort by the company to court casual gamers they’ve lost by refusing to make the move to smartphone games. Pokemon Go will be available in 2016 on iPhone and android. With the app, users can hold up their phone cameras in a public place and see characters placed around the landscape. They can also wear an interactive wristband that notifies them of the presence of other players by vibrating and lighting up. Despite the fact that many of us haven’t seen an episode of Pokemon since we were 10, it is still hugely popular and the game will likely rake in a ton of money. — Bloomberg
More:11 Brain-boosting smartphone apps to try
6. Um, what?
In possibly the weirdest combination ever, Macy’s department store will be opening Best Buys inside of select locations. The two companies brokered the deal earlier this year and say it will be a way to test consumer interest in buying electronics at Macy’s. It’s also probably an attempt to combat stagnant sales, as Macy’s announced earlier this week that they’re closing 35-40 stores across the U.S. They’re testing the combination in 10 stores to start. If things go well, they’ll add more and become the KFC-Taco Bell of department stores. — USA Today
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