The Bright Side: Reopening Texas, Mondays with Michelle Obama, 10 billion trees

Ryan Wang, Staff Writer • April 30, 2020

“The Bright Side” is a new series which will discuss three pieces of positive news taking place across the state, nation and world in light of COVID-19.

Editor’s note: “The Bright Side” is a series that highlights three pieces of positive news that are taking place across the state, nation and world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. News: Texas has been on stay-at-home orders for a month now

On the bright side: Governor Abbott is beginning Phase 1 of reopening Texas in May,

which includes retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls. However, these establishments must limit the amount of people allowed inside at any given time to 25 percent of their maximum occupancy, while most restaurants are still encouraged to provide drive-by service and delivery. Social distancing should still be observed however, and large gatherings should be avoided.

2. News: Elementary school students are not able to receive the interactive learning style through online school.

On the bright side: Former first lady Michelle Obama has begun a PBS series called “Mondays with Michelle Obama,” where she hosts a weekly read-along series. She reads some of her own favorite children’s books hoping to give some teachers and parents a reprieve as she takes over for story time. The series is streamed on PBS Kids facebook and on Youtube every Monday at 11 a.m.

3. News: Quarantine protocols have left millions unemployed around the world.

On the bright side: Recently, Pakistan hired 63,000 unemployed people to help plant 10 billion trees, which is the country’s largest environmental project ever. Workers are still required to wear masks and adhere to the nation’s social distancing guideline, but the pay is enough to help them get by during quarantine. This is all part of the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Project which was started by Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2018.

About the Contributors

Ryan Wang, Section Editor

They say third time’s the charm, but as senior Ryan Wang struggles to write his third (and last) staff bio, he feels anything but charming. Being crowned the new Arts & Entertainment editor for TRL, he’s spent the past few months perfecting his craft by watching an unhealthy amount of movies.. Having lost touch with reality, he’s gone back to his roots and doing what he does best: making sandwiches, walking his cat, and shouting loudly at the Pittsburgh Penguins on TV. Needless to say, he can’t wait to go back to school to see his friends, zone out in class, and go on boba-trips eight times a week. Aside from running his extremely legit “Magic Zappy Machine” business, Ryan is also involved in speech & debate, investing club, dishwashing, NHS, and of course, The Red Ledger. He’s looking forward to another great year on staff, where he’ll be looking to connect with new writers, producing great content, and most importantly, raiding the local snack cabinet.

Hannah Gonzalez, Graphics Editor

Mama Mia, here we go again. As she takes her last ride in the TRL classroom, Hannah Gonzalez is ready to end this year with a bang. Gonzalez serves as a Co-Graphics editor for the third year in a row and this is her fourth year on staff. When she’s not making killer graphics, you can most likely find Gonzalez on the volleyball court, at FCA meetings, in school or going for a joy ride in the Jeep that she named “Beep.” Although TRL is life, Gonzalez also enjoys going for late-night ice cream runs, watching early morning sunrises, going to church every Sunday morning and going on an occasional lake trip. To add to her list of accomplishments, Gonzalez has won three state championships and is looking for a fourth. With her happy planner by her side, Gonzalez is looking forward to kicking procrastination to the curb as she conquers her final year as a high school student.