Brazilian spiritual healer, spotlighted by Oprah, to stand trial on rape, sex abuse charges by Cole Griffin

A self proclaimed Brazilian spiritual healer will face trial on of allegations of rape and sexual abuse. This man came to fame in 2013 when he was spotlighted by Oprah Winfrey. Joao Teixeira de Faria is being charged with abusing four women as they were looking for seeking spiritual guidance and treatment. The healer has denied the accusations. His lawyer had said that they are calm and believe that justice will be served. It was found that in a deleted column of Oprah.com that Oprah was overwhelmed when she saw the healer cut into the breast of a woman without anesthesia. Oprah said that she emphasizes with the women and that she hopes that justice is served. We will have to wait and see what happens with Joao.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/brazilian-spiritual-healer-spotlighted-by-oprah-to-stand-trial-on-rape-sex-abuse-charges

Democrats' opening offer in border security negotiations doesn't include money for wall

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/01/31/democrats-opening-border-security-offer/2732549002/

It has been reported that the funding for Donald Trump's border wall was 0$. However, they provided a more adequate compromise which could make Trump reconsidered. They offered him billions of dollars in funding for other reasons besides a wall such as funding for border patrol, scanners at entry points, new patrolling equipment, and a more humane border providing food and drinks to people. It has not fully been said if Trump will accept this border compromise, however, if he does not accept he warned he is open to shutting down the government again if he disagrees.

Matthew Sheinfeld

Emily Knutson: Polar Vortex Claims Eight Lives as US Cold Snap Continues

The United States and Canada are getting hit with the polar vortex and it is changing the way people act and cities run. Many businesses and schools have been shut down, leaving students happy, but cold. Temperatures are reaching record-breaking lows, which is causing several deaths throughout the Midwest. The polar vortex has also caused flights to be canceled or delayed and has stopped the United States Postal Service all-together. I’m not sure what had more of an impact- the government shutdown or the polar vortex. A third of the U.S., ninety million people, are being urged to stay inside and they are taking that advice. However, the temperatures will have a dramatic change on Sunday February third- nearly fifty degrees. People have showed their kindness by doing what they can for the homeless in times like this. One man in Chicago bought hotel rooms for seventy homeless people to protect them from the cold. It is wonderful to see humans care for others in such trying times.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47075143

Venezuela protests: Maduro rejects calls for fresh elections

Posted by Olivia Acanfora



Venezuela's president has refused to engage in any new presidential elections and claims that he already legitimately obtained the position in the election last spring. With this new information, the power struggle between Maduro and self declared president Guaido continues. Protests in support of Guaido are still occurring, but Maduro is not willing to budge and has asserted that he has the military on his side. The U.S and other countries have backed Guaido; while Russia, China, Mexico, and Turkey support Maduro. Venezuela is still suffering economically and at least 40 people have died as a result of the power struggle.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47060659

US government scores worst mark since 2011 in global corruption survey- corinthian

Corinthian Fields



Unfortunately “The US scored its lowest mark since 2011 in a global survey measuring government corruption that was released Tuesday.” The way they do the rankings is 100 meaning the country was very clean and 0 meaning the country was basically nun at all and highly corrupted and each year all the way from 2015 this country had been dropping slowly from 76 percent in 2015 which not bad to the 50’s which is starting to get out of hand. But of course there is always something or an excuse and that is In a statement, the organization said the US score "comes at a time when the US is experiencing threats to its system of checks and balances as well as an erosion of ethical norms at the highest levels of power." So i guess just because everyone think we do privileged and the best country in the world it’s only right that they come test us during our struggles and down moments which is weird because it’s stated that they been doing this so if we getting 76 and 50 on our bad days imagine what we can get on a good day out of 100. I think that’s totally unfair when i first read the article i was thinking we as a country have to do better but now that i continue i see that they just wanna down us and make us seem so on line with all the other countries to make it even and seem there is no bigger difference at all. Patricia Moreira has said something about it because she didn’t like the fact of that also and she stated "corruption chips away at democracy to produce a vicious cycle, where corruption undermines democratic institutions and, in turn, weak institutions are less able to control corruption."... She also added, "With many democratic institutions under threat across the globe -- often by leaders with authoritarian or populist tendencies -- we need to do more to strengthen checks and balances and protect citizens' rights." I thought this was very important to talk about to show you guys how we are targeted in many ways and we have to wake up and pay attention to the little things like this to show you what they really think about the U.S.

https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/01/29/politics/us-corruption-rating/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F

Trump Tells US Spy Chiefs: 'Go Back to School'

President Trump tweeted about the US Intelligence Agency findings. This was after a US intelligence report said Iran was not making nuclear weapons. The Intelligence Agency also said that North Korea is unlikely to give up its nuclear weapons. The US intelligence report also mentions cyber threats from China and Russia and that they may try to influence the 2020 US Presidential elections. President Trump said that US intelligence officials "seem to be extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran. They are wrong!". This tweet is just one example that shows That President Trump does not agree with the findings of this report.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47061509

By: Matthew Rivera

Bolsonaro pushing homophobic agenda

Bolsonaro pushes his homo and xeno phobic rhetoric on the people of Brazil. Jean Wyllys, a gay politician, speaks out on the hate speech Bolsonaro has spread across Brazil. Wyllys states that inaccurate news was spread about him and it ruined his reputation. Bolsonaro has created a violent, divided Brazil. Wyllys says that Brazil's political climate is dangerous and he is fleeing.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-46996206?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cdr1vzk8ngvt/jair-bolsonaro&link_location=live-reporting-story

posted by Milia Harris

landslide kills 30 miners in Afghanistan

A wealthy mining company recruited people from an impoverished community in Badakhshsan, Afghanistan to illegally mine for gold. I have a good idea of what happened after checking with three different sources: CNN, Washington post and Reuters. I had to check with several sources since crucial details (to me) were either deemed unnecessary or just plain omitted. It’s also worthy to note that CNN offered the least amount of details on the event. People seeking to make supplemental income during their slow season were employed by this company to sift for gold and copper. They were instructed to tap into the mine via a homemade tunnel as opposed to one constructed and reinforced by a governing body. Heavy snowfall occurred (something I didn’t expect to happen in Afghanistan) which caused a landslide, shifting a tremendous amount of weight onto this tunnel in question. The tunnel collapsed and killed 30 miners in the tunnel and 7 were injured on the surface. Details of legal action were not disclosed.

David Pate

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/at-least-30-gold-miners-killed-in-afghanistan-landslide/2019/01/06/cb698f9e-11a5-11e9-a896-f104373c7ffd_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.5e690262a0c2

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/06/middleeast/afghanistan-gold-mine-landslide/index.html

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-disaster/at-least-30-gold-miners-killed-in-tunnel-collapse-in-northern-afghanistan-idUSKCN1P0084

Venezuelan president accuses U.S. of inciting a coup

This past week in Venezuela, elections (which many western countries have called illegitimate) were held that saw incumbent president Nicolas Maduro retain control over opposition leader Juan Guaido. Many critics have accused the elections of being rigged in favor of Maduro who has been criticized for tanking the Venezuelan economy. In the wake of the elections, opposition leader Juan Guaido has declared himself acting president despite Maduro's refusal to relinquish power. This has lead to an internal struggle and numerous protests that have led to an estimated 20 dead so far. Countries such as the United States, the UK, and Spain have all either backed or plan on backing Guaido if Maduro doesn't step down and hold new, fairer elections. Maduro has lashed out at the global criticism surrounding him and has accused the United States of orchestrating a coup attempt in order to remove Maduro from office. Maduro believes that the U.S. harbors resentment and hatred towards Venezuela and as a result had supported the opposition in an attempt to destroy the Venezuelan economy. In an attempt to move forward with a peaceful transition of power, Juan Guaido has offered amnesty to those in the military or public sphere that opt to join his movement. This is detrimental to Maduro's viability of remaining in power as military strength is likely the only factor keeping him in power and at least two high-ranking Venezuelan military officials have chosen to join Juan Guaido's opposition.


https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/27/americas/venezuela-maduro-us-coup-accusation/index.html


Robin Czajowski

Bill Gates comes to Washington selling the promise of nuclear energy

Bill Gates the Microsoft co-founder thinks he has an answer for helping climate change. He wants congress to pass a bill to spend billions of dollars to help fund a project to test new nuclear reactors. He said in return he would pitch in money as well as raise a billion more as well for this project. Some experts and political parties are skeptical of funding him the money saying to costly.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/bill-gates-comes-to-washington--selling-the-promise-of-nuclear-energy/2019/01/25/4bd9c030-1445-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f86e742e2213
By Cody Baldridge

20 Killed, Dozens wounded in Philippines church bombings

On Sunday, two bombs tore through a Roman Catholic cathedral in southern Philippines which killed at least 20 and wounded dozens more. The initial detonation went off inside the cathedral and then the second one was targeted at nearby soldiers and those who came to aid those struck initially. At least 81 people had been wounded including 14 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and two Philippine National Police officers. Later on Sunday, ISIS claimed responsibility through their Amaq News Agency, according to the SITE intelligence group. ISIS did not provide evidence for their claims. The Philippine government and law enforcement are encouraging their citizens to be very aware also, the Defense Secretary ordered soldiers to "heighten their alert level" and secure public areas and places of worship.

By: Boy Walker

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/27/asia/philippines-church-explosion/index.html

Hope Flynn-- Iranian Nuclear Chief Again Confirms Iran Flagrantly Violated Nuclear Deal

https://www.dailywire.com/news/42632/iranian-nuclear-chief-again-confirms-iran-josh-hammer

Iran has violated the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and this is not the first time. The JCPOA required the country to destroy all nuclear weapons however since the plan was signed reports have surfaced at multiple different times that they have violated the terms of the agreement. This time the head of the Atomic Energy Organization for Iran has confirmed in an interview that Iran had purchased replacement reactors, photoshopped pictures to look like they destroyed nuclear weapons/pieces and that they are capable and going to replicate their Arak reactors. They are also in the midst of producing two IR-8 centrifuges. This is again not the first time that Iran has broken the deal and probably won’t be the last. 

Venezuelan President(?) Maduro blaims US-led coup for political upheaval

There have been massive and at times deadly protests in Venezuela recently. This is because many believe that the president, Nicolas Maduro, was re-elected through a rigged election. Juan Guaido, leader of the opposition party, declared himself the interim president while they try to kick Maduro out of power and can have new elections. Maduro is now blaming a "US conspiracy" which is referring to reports that VP Mike Pence said that Guaido had full US support leading up to him claiming the presidency. It is a tense situation in Venezuela. Maduro told US diplomats to leave the country, but Pompeo says the US does not recognize Maduro's power to do so and has told Venezuelan diplomats to remain in Washington. The US embassy in Venezuela warned US citizens in the country that they had limited power to protect them and urged them to leave the country. The US and other Western powers recognize Guaido as president, while China, Russia, and others support Maduro. However, it looks like the ones with the power to resolve the situation at the moment are the military in Venezuela. The support for the two leaders seems to be split within the military. Guaido pitched a bill that would grant amnesty to military personnel and others that defect against Maduro. Best case scenario is that the military sets up new and fair elections and the worst case scenario is god forbid civil war. Either way, the situation has potential to further draw major powers into the conflict.

-Devin Carrier

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/27/americas/venezuela-maduro-us-coup-accusation/index.html

Trump is actually prepared to let the government shut down again

`The government shutdown of 2019 was the longest shutdown in the history of the country. It completely stripped the government of billions of dollars and placed extreme hardship on millions of Americans, yet Trump is willing to restart it all over again. On Friday January 25, president Trump finally put an end to the shutdown by signing a solution that would keep the unfunded part of the government functional again. But, he only agreed  to resolve the shutdown for 3 weeks while Congress officials formulate a new plan that includes his "wall" money. If no formal agreement can be reached in 3 weeks, the situation can go one of four ways: they agree on a broader border security deal, no deal is reached and the government shuts down again, Trump declares a national emergency, or Trump caves and gets nothing.

By: Jocelyne Flores

Bank of England blocks Maduro's $1.2B gold withdrawal

The Bank of England has blocked Nichola's Maduro officials from withdrawing gold from the foreign reserves the Venezuelan Central Bank helds.
This move comes after the U.S. urged the British government to help cut off Maduro's access to his country's assets.
This is just another blow to the Venezuelan President as he tries to keep himself in power and continue to use his authority in the country, against the likes of thousands of Venezuelan's that accept opposition leader Juan Guaido, as president when he self proclaim it last Wednesday.
On Saturday many countries around the world, showed their support to Guaido, including the U.S. and U.K. so this move by the Bank of England does not come as a suprise, seeing as many countries in the world, who support Guaido and will recognize him as interim president if , a  new election is not made in next eight days.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/26/uk/venezuela-maduro-bank-of-england-gold-withdrawal-gbr-intl/index.html

by Mirna Solis Perez

Mexico Protests U.S. Decision to Return Asylum Seekers

The Mexican government is not happy with President Trump's plans to return asylum seekers back to Mexico while their cases are in progress in the U.S. The Mexican government has come out saying it has had three meetings with the U.S. department of homeland security since December none of which has come out with an agreement to which Mexico is happy. But Mexico's President Lopez has come out to say it understand human rights are first and that is what needs to be understood in every country. While Trump's administration says its focus is solely to try and crack down on illegal immigration and will still follow international laws. While the department of homeland security believes that people seeking asylum will only be returned for a year. Not only are the Mexican government upset with this but also human rights activists as well. As of right now over 1,200 people are waiting on the list seeking asylum so we need to wait and see which country will push further for what they believe is right.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/25/world/americas/mexico-asylum-seekers.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FInternational%20Relations&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=collection
Katie Engel

How Governments of African Countries Pushed Their Citizen To Die in The Mediterranean Everyday

The author talks about us as human beings, have the right to choose where we want to be citizens of a society, by migrating to a new country with the hopes of having a better life, to be able to “contribute to society and to benefit from society”, but in Nigeria, if they dare to leave they will suffer consequences.

The author questions “what does it mean to be a citizen in Nigeria?”,

“Is one still a citizen even when he could barely feed once a day? Is one still a citizen even when there are no jobs to engage his mind and put money in his pocket? Is one still a citizen even when he can’t afford health care?”. He talks about the people of power doing wrong by the constitution. This article makes you realize the importance of being a citizen, and a reminder that not everyone has the same opportunities.

https://nigeriaworld.com/articles/2019/jan/092.html

Jessica Padilla