Welcome to Thursday, January 19th, shrubs and trees...

A state of emergency has been declared in Peru, as the country faces the worst outbreak of violence in two decades. Peruvian security forces have brutally cracked down on protesters, who are demanding a change in leadership. Over 50 people have been confirmed dead. 

Should the U.S. intervene in Peru?

Eating one fish from the U.S. = Drinking a month's worth of contaminated water

Eating one freshwater fish caught in a U.S. river or lake is the equivalent of drinking a month's worth of water contaminated with toxic "forever chemicals," according to the EPA.

Are you concerned about exposure to 'forever chemicals'?

EU to crack down on gaming "loot boxes"

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted to analyze the impact of loot boxes and in-game purchases. The European Commission will also investigate whether gold farming can be linked to financial crimes and human rights abuses.

Loot boxes allow users to use real currency to buy virtual treasure chests, that may or may not include valuable items.

Should loot boxes be considered a form of gambling and regulated accordingly?

Have your political views changed since you started voting? Take our poll

A Pew Research Center analysis found that Democrats and Republicans are ideologically more polarized now than at any point in the last 50 years.

Where do you stand?

Take our poll here.

All the Memes Fit to Print

And, In The End...

Today is Tenderness Toward Existence day. What will you show gratitude for today? How will you appreciate the strange miracle of existence?

—Emma Kansiz

Talk to us via email at editorial [at] causes.com. And don’t forget to keep in touch @Causes.