Peru’s former President Castillo denies charges as protest death toll rises

 Former President Pedro Castillo of Peru appeared in court to deny allegations of conspiracy and rebellion. This comes after his arrest last week and replacement with his former Vice President Dina Boluarte. His supporters have clashed with security forces across the country, leading to the deaths of at least seven. People have called for an election and a new legislature. Boluarte spoke out against extreme protest measures. Air travel to some cities and trains to and from Machu Picchu, Peru's most popular monument, have been stopped due to protests. It is unclear if Boluarte will be able to hold on to power, as she does not  have a widespread reputation.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/13/americas/peru-protests-tuesday-intl

Aaliyah McCormick

World Leaders Pledge $1 Billion in Immediate Aid for Ukraine

International leaders agreed to deliver 1 billion euros in fresh financial aid for Ukraine on Tuesday to rapidly repair energy grids, water systems, roads and health centers decimated by relentless Russian strikes, the latest attempt to buoy Ukraine through what is already a brutal and dark winter.

The pledge of aid came at a one-day summit in Paris convened by President Emmanuel Macron that brought in countries outside of the usual list of Ukrainian allies. Leaders from about 50 countries attended, including Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, Kuwait and Oman. “It’s tangible proof Ukraine is not alone,” Mr. Macron said at the opening of the summit.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/12/13/world/russia-ukraine-news

Zack Weiss

Amnesty rights group slams Spain, Morocco on migrant deaths

Amnesty International says Morocco and Spain have failed to properly investigate the deaths of more than 20 migrants at the border of Spanish enclave city of Melilla in northwest Africa in June, saying that “smacks of a cover-up and racism.” 

A report released Tuesday, almost six months after the deaths, describes the events as crimes under international law, and questions the inquiries run by both countries as stalled and inadequate. “We are talking, not only of (mass) killings but also governments attempting to cover” the killings, said Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard.

The deaths occurred when some 2,000 migrants stormed the Melilla border fence from the Moroccan side on June 24. At least 23 were officially reported dead, though rights groups say the number was higher. Spain has denied any loss of life on its territory. Amnesty International says all the events happened on European soil.

https://apnews.com/article/spain-amnesty-international-government-human-rights-morocco-0166c2c9584327d0340e6552fe8e42be

Zack Weiss

Greek foreign minister slams Turkish leader’s missile threat

The Greek government lashed out at Turkey Monday after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened over the weekend to hit Athens with ballistic missiles.

“It is unacceptable and universally condemnable for threats of a missile attack against Greece to be made by an allied country, a NATO member,” Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said.

Relations between the neighbors and NATO allies have long been strained, with the two sides divided over a series of issues, including territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. They have come to the brink of war three times in the past half-century. Turkey has ratcheted up the rhetoric in recent months, with Turkish government officials saying alleged violations by Athens of international treaties put the sovereignty of some Greek islands under dispute.

https://apnews.com/article/greece-turkey-athens-recep-tayyip-erdogan-government-5bee76c2e7b2e1feaea3e2dddf54144c

Zack Weiss

Second known protest-related execution carried out in Iran

 The Nationwide anti-government protest in Iran is continuing to be violent. A man was executed for stabbing security officials. These protests were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini who was arrested by morality police and later died in their custody

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/12/middleeast/iran-executes-second-protester-intl-hnk

Ellie Berns

Trump is willing to 'burn the country down' if the DOJ doesn't back off: former attorney

 One of the many former lawyers of past President Donald Trump stated that the former president is not going to play as the bigger person while dealing with the impending criminal charges stacked against him. He threatens the action of holding the United States "hostage" if our department of justice forms a plan to indict him. Should we be worried?

READ MORE BELOW!

Trump is willing to 'burn the country down' if the DOJ doesn't back off: former attorney (msn.com)

Attack on Chinese in Afghanistan shows Taliban allies coming under fire

 On December twelfth just mere hours ago the sounds of rapid gunfire filled the town of Kabul, some sources suspect this is an action carried out by the Taliban, but a confirmed perpetrator is still Unkown. While this attack was carried out in Afghanistan the main target was a greenhouse where Chinese nationals were believed to be stationed. The Nations of Afghanistan and China will remain on high guard for the time being.

READ MORE BELOW! 

Attack on Chinese in Afghanistan shows Taliban allies coming under fire (msn.com)

Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano eruption may end soon after producing dazzling lava displays

 An active eruption takes Hawaii by storm. The volcanic body Mauna Lao erupted just weeks ago on November 27th; the lava was predicted to flow approximately three miles from the source. In recent days the flow of the volcanic substance has begun to halt, but the eruption rages on. Some sources say the activity may cease in just a couple of days, but the future remains to be unknown. 

READ MORE BELOW!

Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano eruption may end soon after producing dazzling lava displays (msn.com)

China criticizes new U.S. sanctions over alleged human rights abuses in Tibet

 Authorities and Representatives from China criticize sanctions imposed by the U.S. government against two fishing companies stating that the labor these companies provided was a violation of human rights. Wang Wenbin, a Chinese ministry spokesman states the accusations made the United States blatantly disregard the basic norms of the International System. 

READ MORE BELOW!

China criticizes new U.S. sanctions over alleged human rights abuses in Tibet (msn.com)

Grant Wahl soccer journalist dead

American soccer journalist Grant Wahl has died in Qatar and his body has now been returned to the United States. He reported not feeling well and started to get sick. He then saw the on-site paramedics until he was taken to a hospital. He was told he likely had bronchitis. And was given antibiotics but ended up dying. But some of his family members are expecting an autopsy because of their doubts that it was bronchitis. 

Connor Davis

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/body-journalist-grant-wahl-returned-us-death-qatar-rcna61327 

Kosovo's need for NATO

Kosovo’s prime minister has reached out to NATO to send peacekeeping units to help against the minority serb protesters which have blocked off roads. And as of recently there was a fire exchange between an unknown protest and the local police. And the tensions continue to rise. The prime minister wants the NATO forces to guarantee free movement so they can prevent road blockages.

Connor Davis

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/12/europe/kosovo-serbia-nato-violence-protests-intl-hnk 

Ukrainian strike

Ukrainian forces have struck the Russian city of Melitopol where they bombed a church where Russian forces were located. Showing the effort and need to push back against the Russian forces in the east and south. But when Yevgeny Balitsky spoke on the matter he reported that only two men were killed and 10 wounded. Which is significantly lower than previously reported. 

Connor Davis

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/12/europe/melitopol-ukraine-strikes-russia-intl 

27 dead 1 alive

The Zambia police force has come out saying that they are investigating the deaths of 27 men. Their bodies were found along a road where they had been dumped and abandoned. All of the men are believed to be Ethiopian nationals. In total there were 28 men found with 27 dead and only one was barely alive where he was taken to the nearest hospital and is being treated. As the police continue to try and find the culprits. 

Connor Davis 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/12/africa/ethiopians-found-dead-zambia-intl   

Execution in Iran

Iran has executed a second man. The man was “allegedly involved in the nationwide anti-government protest movement after he was convicted of fatally stabbing two security officials last month”. The man's name is Majidreza Rahnavard he was reported for killing a policeman and injuring 4 others. Majidezra Rahnavard is the second man to be executed in relation to the recent protests. 

Connor Davis 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/12/middleeast/iran-executes-second-protester-intl-hnk

Pan Am flight 103

A man from Libya has been accused of being involved in the bombing that destroyed the Pan Am flight 103. It was destroyed over the town of Lockerbie in December 1988. The man accused is Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi. And he has been confirmed to be the bomber from the US Justice department. 

Connor Davis

 https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/11/uk/lockerbie-bombing-suspect-custody-intl 

Prisoner swap

The United States has done a prisoner trade where the US got WNBA player Brittney Griner and the US gave Russia Viktor Bout who is a Russian Arms dealer and is known by another name with his nickname being the Merchant of death. Many Americans are upset by this transaction from the fact that US marine Paul Whelan is still in custody and has been since 2018. But experts have said that when dealing with this kind of situation you are typically losing the deal. 

Connor Davis 

https://news.northeastern.edu/2022/12/09/brittney-griner-prisoner-swap/ 

China Drops Travel Tracing Requirement

 On Monday, December 12, China's tracking smartphone app will cease to function. This will cause travelers to no longer to be traced leading to fewer forced quarantines for visiting pandemic hot spots. Xi's government still believes in stopping virus transmissions, but the party will now tolerate cases without quarantines and shutting down traveling, aiming to have a "zero-COVID" strategy. 

Crista Salceda 

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/12/1142170198/china-to-drop-travel-tracing-as-it-relaxes-zero-covid 

Sulli Deals: Indian man who 'sold' Muslim women online to be tried

Last year an Indiana man tried to "sell" women on an app he created. He uploaded over 80 pictures stating that the women were for sale. Apparently, they were not actually for sale but it was just to degrade them. Police still arrested him and he is now on trial. More Details:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-63939822

Ellie Berns

Mainland China's COVID-19 cases drop; world weekly down 3%

 Just 14 days ago, China's COVID-19 cases had reached one quarter of a record high, but as of recent records, China's cases have significantly dropped. This is great news to hear as China seems to be having an ongoing battle with the virus that shows no signs of stopping. Additionally, the worldwide cases showing signs of dropping is also tremendous news to hear. Although the battle with the deadly virus continues, glimpses of hope, like this, allow for a future where COVID-19 may be in the past is ever pleasing to hear.

US: Russia, Iran moving towards full defense 'partnership' - James Worster

 The US announced that Russia and Iran have been in talks to continue trading military supplies to one another. 

US: Russia, Iran moving toward full defense ‘partnership’ (msn.com)

China abandons key parts of zero-Covid strategy after protests

After protests against the strict policies, China is abandoning its toughest control measures on Chinese citizens, including the famous quarantine camps. It seems that there is a new intention to move from a zero-covid strategy to one of coexistence with the virus, similarly to what happened in the rest of the world. The zero-covid policy was extremely unpopular, specially because it separated families and removed individuals from their homes. Chinese citizens have expressed relief, but some of them expressed their concerns too.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63855508

Reyes Venegas

emicide happening in Ecuador.

The article I chose this week, I selected from “Ecuador’s original English language new paper”

This article talks about the femicide happening in Ecuador. This is an ongoing event that has been happening for years. The article goes into detail from as far as 2020. “Between January and June 2021 there were 68 femicides in Ecuador according to civil society organizations. In the same period of 2020, there were 53”.

The amount of violence that women face in foreign countries is so saddening and it puts into perspective how harshly women are treated outside of the united states.

 

jessicah finglass 

USA and British Pound

 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/27/opinion/uk-pound-inflation-mortages.html

Although this is sad for the Uk in terms of the pound losing value, I also feel conflicted because I am not the most economic person but I believe that this also helped the US in the way.

Monsoon and Climate changes coming impact

 Personally, I am disturbed by this because of the upheaval it will cause, as well as the fact that we are in a position to cause global warming because human civilization has become much more energy intensive since the industrial revolution. We are burning massive amounts of fossil fuels, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. This is the first time in human history that something so drastic has occurred, but there was a major extinction event caused by plant evolution that caused a massive increase in the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and killed off much of life at the time.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/10/04/climate/south-asia-monsoon-climate-change.html

Biden and his policy to Federalize

 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/06/us/politics/biden-marijuana-pardon.html

Personally, I understand why he did it as a first step, but it also doesn't do anything because not many people on the federal level are in jail for selling a lot of weed, but rather for selling multiple drugs, so it helped for legalization, but I have no idea if actually pardoning people helped with anything.

Liz Truss resigning

 https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/10/20/world/liz-truss-news

Ms. Truss announced her resignation after six weeks in office, as virtually all of her signature tax cuts were being reversed, a stark repudiation of her leadership. I believe this was insane not only because it shows a weaken country and someone who they elected and trusted abdicating their responsibility.

North Korea failing?

 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/12/09/world/asia/north-korea-promises.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

In this video it depicts a typical, state-run grocery store in the capital. Despite the country's isolation, the shelves are stocked with products from Western brands such as Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Goods were paid for using American dollars even when it was highly illegal. Such transactions, and other illegal activities, have allowed Mr. Kim to keep American dollars flowing into his coffers. It has enabled him to increase the country's arsenal and capabilities, including the recent testing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile.

Russia forcing Ukrainians to become Russian

 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/13/world/europe/russia-kherson-ukraine.html

National songs were banned in Kherson, speaking Ukrainian could result in arrest, and students were told they were Russian. I just think this is insane because I don't understand how Russia believes it can force citizens to become Russian. In essence, I believe that the restrictions imposed on citizens are causing this to devolve into a dictatorship.

Law schools and International relations

 Although it may appear that this is not an international issue, I would argue that it is because many international students attend law school to further their education and seek better opportunities. Indeed, many law schools take pride in attracting the best and brightest from around the world, so the fact that law schools are getting rid of rankings may allow more students who don't have the training to get a higher LSAT to still get into these universities because it's less important about ranking and more important about who you are as a person.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/18/us/law-school-rankings-test-scores.html

Construction to begin on world's biggest telescope

South Africa and Australia will share the building of the largest radio telescope. The article states the that telescope will be able to "perform the most precise tests of Einstein's theories, and even search for extra-terrestrials" (Amos). This telescope has taken 30 years to develop, and will hopefully be completed by 2028. Several countries have already signed a treat to help fund the building and research, South Africa, Australia, the UK, China, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland, but experts are hoping that other countries will join as well. 

Ana De La Torre 

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-63836496

Here are the results in Georgia's Senate runoff election

The article shares the exciting win of the Georgia Runoff election for the Senate, in which Rafael Warnock won the seat by 51.35% and Herschel Walker lost with 48.65% of the votes. In this short period between the midterm and the runoff election, both candidates spend a total of $79 million in an effort to get Georgia to vote again. This win puts the Democrats at a win of 51 seats, which will surely come in handy in tough situations. 

Ana De La Torre

https://www.npr.org/2022/12/06/1139566883/georgia-runoff-results-raphael-warnock-herschel-walker

Blasts deep inside Russia hand Putin a fresh problem, with no obvious answer

 There is concern that Russia may attempt to escalate the conflict in Ukraine after Ukrainian drones reportedly struck two airbases significantly inside Russian borders. This concern is slightly leveled because it is unclear what Russia could do that they have not already done besides escalate into nuclear conflict. Russian strikes have already progressed to the point of targeting vulnerable areas and civilians. Nuclear war seems unlikely given the level of worldwide opposition Russia would face, even from countries historically opposed to the influence of the West. The West itself is put in a complex situation by Russia's apparent failures in Ukraine, with uncertainty in areas of how many resources to give and an inability to convince Ukraine to negotiate while they are ahead. 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/06/europe/russia-ukraine-strikes-analysis-intl

Aaliyah McCormick

ISIS has a new leader

 ISIS has acknowledged that its leader Abu al-Hasan al-Hashmi al-Qurayshi has died. US central command has confirmed his death and that he was killed by the free Syrian army. And as a result of this ISIS has announced its successor, Abu al-Husain al-Husaini al-Quraishi who has been described as an old fighter but still very little is actually known about him. And it is unknown what will happen to ISIS with a new leader. Will things change or will things mostly stay the same? But one thing is certain ISIS is still dangerous and unpredictable. 

Connor Davis 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/30/middleeast/isis-leader-dies-intl/index.html 

  

Mount Semeru Eruption

Aleesa Andresen

 Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted this Sunday. Forcing thousands of civilians to evacuate due to the volcanic ash covering roads and homes. Fortunately, there have been no injuries or deaths so far. Indonesia however sits on the band of the Pacific Ocean, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The same eruption occurred last year causing 50 deaths. Thousands of people have been displaced due to these volcanic eruptions. The past month in Indonesia has been traumatizing, as 300 people had died due to an earthquake. 

Chinese astronauts return to Earth after six-month mission

 Three Chinese astronauts who left for space on June 5th, have finally returned from their six month mission. Commander Chen Dong and his teammates Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe were in space and oversaw the arrival of the second and third modules for Tiangong and carried out three spacewalks to check and test the new facilities. The mission has been deemed a "complete success" by China's space agency. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63854701

Kenny Siwicki

Thousands of troops surround Soyapango to combat gang violence

 Ten thousand troops have been sent to surround and protect the city of Soyapango in El Salvador. This has been ordered by President Nayib Bukele in order to reduce gang violence in the city. The city of Soyapango is home to 290,000 people and has been a growing hotspot for gang violence in recent history. President Nayib Bukele is taking measures extreme as blocking off all major roads, installing mandatory identity checks, and having houses checked for suspected gang members. Extraction teams have been tasked with removing every gang member in the city, even if it is as slow as one by one. While this is an aggressive plan, the president has stated that citizens have no need to panic and that the only ones that should be worried are gangsters and other criminals. Interviewed citizens seem to understand that this is all being done for their safety, and many support the measures being taken.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-63846159

Bradyn Almasy

Iran allegedly shutting down ‘morality police’ after protests; critics brand news ‘disinformation’

 Iran's 'Gasht-e-Ershad,' also known as the morality police, is allegedly being shut down by the Iranian government as a way to calm down and bow to protesters across the country. The Iranian morality police are in charge of enforcing Iran's dress code laws. which are extremely strict. Protests have intensified over the death of a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after she was arrested for not wearing her hijab properly. However, despite the government's announcement, protesters have the death of the 22-year-old woman named Amini fresh in their minds and have made it clear to Iranian journalists that they will not stop protesting simply because the government has given them a win. 

Andres Perez Delgadillo

Iran allegedly shutting down ‘morality police’ after protests; critics brand news ‘disinformation’ (msn.com)

700 endangered seals found dead on Russia’s Caspian shore

     About 700 endangered seals have come up dead on the Caspian shore. This is not the first time large amounts of these seals have been found dead. Earlier this year almost 200 were found dead. Already endangered from overfishing, they are now being affected by climate change. The cause has yet to be determined but sea mammals washing up dead has become far too common.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/04/world/dead-seals-russian-beach-caspian-intl-hnk/index.html

Ellie Berns

South Korea spent $200 billion, but it can’t pay people enough to have a baby

 Seoul, South Korea

CNN — 

The season of baby fairs is here once again in South Korea. Busy, noisy affairs held in cavernous conference halls where hundreds of vendors try to sell expectant parents everything they could possibly desire for their new bundle of joy – and plenty of other things they never knew they needed. 

But this is a shrinking business, and the customer base is dwindling.

South Korea recently broke its own record for the world’s lowest fertility rate. Figures released in November showed the average number of children a South Korean woman will have in her lifetime is down to just 0.79.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/03/asia/south-korea-worlds-lowest-fertility-rate-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

Jason Connor

Could the British Royal Family Have Saved the Romanovs?

 Could the British royal family have saved the Romanovs? In a new episode of the series "The Crown" on Netflix the storyline focuses on the true story of whether King George V could have saved Russia's last imperial family. The response to the latest documentation of these events what far more powerful than predicted, uproars of all kinds flooding news sources and becoming a topic at dinner tables around the world. Read more below by clicking the link!

Could the British Royal Family Have Saved the Romanovs? (msn.com)

El Salvador: Thousands of troops surround city in gang crackdown

Around 10,000 troops have surrounded the city of Soyapango in El Salvador as part of a massive crackdown on gangs. All roads leading to the city have been blocked, and special forces have been searching houses for gang members. Officers have also been stopping everyone attempting to leave the city and checking identity papers.

Rights groups have criticized the heavy handed nature of the crackdown, saying the measures, which allow police to arrest suspects without warrants, have led to arbitrary detentions. However, the president’s allies say the crackdown is necessary after a wave of homicides culminated with gangs being blamed for 62 murders in a single day on 26 March.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-63846159

Zack Weiss

How China’s Police Used Phones and Faces to Track Protesters

China is using technology to track the attendees of the latest protests that have taken place this weekend. To this end, we observed how the government has detected people who were originally wearing balaclavas to the demonstration, simply by using a tracker for their cell phones that showed which of their citizens were at the protests. Consequently, the people of China are being affected, and seeing their privacy challenged as a result. In conclusion, there are alarming headlines like China is using the country's all-seeing surveillance methods to find those bold enough to challenge it.

How China’s Police Used Phones and Faces to Track Protesters - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

María de los Ángeles Negrillo Pérez

Yale University sued over discriminating against students with mental health disabilities

 Yale is being accused of discriminating against students with mental health disabilities. They are being sued by current and former students alike, and they are claiming that the university has been pressuring them to leave. Students who were looking to be reinstated were given "unreasonable burdens." Two current students went on record to say the school asked them to voluntarily leave after they were admitted to the hospital for harmful mental health issues. If the students didn't willingly take time off, the school insisted they would be involuntarily withdrawn from courses. The law suit is looking to change the school's "withdrawal policies, including the mandatory relinquishment of health insurance and tuition payments." Karen Peart, the spokesperson for Yale, responded on behalf of the university saying they were working on rewriting policies that were more responsive to students' emotional and financial needs. So far, the policies don't include referring students to professionals or an avenue in which they can seek help. The policy does, however, include the withdrawal of students for self harm or other disability-related symptoms. This policy has been most burdensome for students from "less privileged backgrounds." Yale is taking steps to improve these policies, but people fear they are not enough and aren't happening quickly enough to help students or improve the situation. 

By: Sarah Hein

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/11/30/yale-university-mental-health-students-lawsuit/10806552002/ 

Is attacking Ukraine's power grid a war crime?

Russia's frequent and widespread attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure have plunged millions of people into darkness, depriving them of heat, power and water just as winter arrives and temperatures drop below zero.

Many Ukrainian and Western leaders quickly condemned the strikes as war crimes because of the harm done to the civilian population. But attacks on energy grids have long been part of warfare. With certain limitations, parts of a country's electrical grid can be considered legitimate targets if they are used to power military facilities. This is true even if the targets have a civilian as well as a military purpose, so long as destroying the object would "offer a definite military advantage".

Civilian deaths and injury caused by attacks on military targets are not necessarily violations of international law. However, the principle of proportionality must be applied, which says that the harm to civilians should not be excessive in relation to the military advantage gained. Parties must also take "constant care" to spare the civilian population and civilian property.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said after strikes on cities in November that 10 million people had been left without electricity and that half of the country's power capacity had been knocked out. Six million were still without power by Thursday night, he added.

So, is attacking Ukraine's power grid a war crime?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63754808

Zack Weiss

Iranian security forces kill anti-government protester celebrating World Cup defeat

Mehran Samak, a 27 year old man,  is reported to have been killed by security forces in northern Iran during public celebrations by anti-government protesters following the national football team’s defeat against the United States on Tuesday. Norway-based rights group Iran Human Rights said Mehran Samak was shot in the head by security personnel when he was out celebrating in Bandar Anzali Tuesday night. 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, has said that the country is in a “full-fledged human rights crisis” as authorities crack down on the protests.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/01/middleeast/iran-world-cup-defeat-man-killed-intl/index.html

Zack Weiss

Iranian protesters celebrate World Cup defeat, as fears surround players' return - James Worster

 After losing to the US in their World Cup match, Iran's public celebrated the loss. It has been hailed as a blow to the ruling government and family. 

Iranian protesters celebrate World Cup defeat, as fears surround players' return (msn.com)

Terrorism? or Freedom Fighter? - Megan Lemley

 According to BBC, there was a bombing on a religious school in Afghanistan that killed at least 10. Afghanistan has had to grapple with ISIS-K, or "a group known as Islamic State - Khorasan Province" in recent years, and although the government wants to blame the group for this attack, they have yet to formally claim responsibility. When we discussed the tell tale signs of a terrorist, we came to the conclusion that there are rules of war that everyone must follow like targeting civilians. In this case, the group responsible targeted children. So therefore, I think it's fair to categorize this event as a terrorist attack, and I truly hope that the Afghan government will find those responsible and hold them accountable.

Source: Students Killed as Bomb Blast Hits Afghan School

Ebola in Uganda: The people spreading misinformation online

 Uganda has been battling Ebola for two months now, with 141 cases and 55 deaths so far. However, and similarly to what happened worldwide with covid-19, speculation and unfounded claims about the disease have appeared. Many individuals believe it is no other but a government's excuse to control citizens or a cover to harvest body organs to sell illegally. Behind those claims are mainly critics of Museveni's government.

https://www.bbc.com/news/63741125

Reyes Venegas Aparcero

Possible Kumbaya Between China & the US - Megan Lemley

 After new Covid-19 safety measures are on the rise in China, there are many civilians of China that are not so pleased with these new precautions. Many protests as a "show of civil disobedience" spoke out against the Chinese government, but they seem to be falling on deaf ears in China. However, this is not the case in the United States, as a White House official made a statement saying they support "the right to peacefully protest [...] [especially] the PRC (People's Republic of China)." This show of support is hopeful, but I am anxious to see what continues to play out as both health and human rights are in question here. 

Source: U.S Backs Right to Peaceful Protests in China

South Africa pit bull attacks: "We can't live in a world where dogs eat children"

Residents of Phomolong township in South Africa woke up to horrific screams last Sunday morning, which came from a three year old boy as he was attacked and then mauled to death by two American pit bull terriers. The 21 year old owner of the dogs, Lebohang Pali, was arrested and charged with keeping dangerous dogs and could face a fine or a jail term of up to two years or both. Three days after Kekesto's death, a 15 month old toddler died in hospital after being attacked by a pit bull in the Eastern Cape province. With the two deaths this week, which are yet to be included in its list, it will bring its total number of deaths by pit bulls to 37 over the last 18 years. The killing of 10 year old Storm Nuku by his family's two pet pit bulls in September prompted the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation to start an online petition calling for the dogs to be banned as pets in South Africa.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-63727936.amp

Zack Weiss

Protests erupt across China in unprecedented challenge to Xi Jinping's zero-Covid policy

A deadly fire at an apartment block in Urumqi, the capital of the far western region of Xinjiang, killed 10 people and injured nine on Thursday. The fire has acted as a catalyst for searing public anger, as videos emerged that seemed to suggest lockdown measures delayed firefighters from reaching the victims. Anti-lockdown protests have rocked neighborhoods in cities from Beijing, Guangzhou and Wuhan to Lanzhou. According to social media videos, residents at multiple residential communities in Beijing defied lockdown orders. Many residents have marched and chanted, "Say no to Covid tests, yes to freedom!".

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/11/26/china/china-protests-xinjiang-fire-shanghai-intl-hnk/index.html

Zack Weiss

Russian missiles cross into Poland and kill two people

Russian missiles killed two people after crossing into Poland, a U.S. intelligence official told the Associated Press, sparking fears of an escalation of the war in Ukraine. President Biden has repeatedly promised that in such an instance, the U.S. government will uphold Article 5, the clause that outlines how allies will consider an attack on one an attack on all. He has also promised that though the U.S. will not directly engage in Ukraine, it “will defend every inch of NATO territory,” and that its commitment to Article 5 is “ironclad.” 

This is a very delicate situation. Russia needs to issue some sort of apology and confirm that this was an accident, because in the unlikely event this was on purpose, it’s an act of war against a NATO country. It was most likely accidental, since Russian artillery and missiles have been very inaccurate up to now due to inexperienced spotters being thrown into the line of fire. It’s in NATO’s interest for this not to escalate, and it’s even more so in Russia’s interest. 

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/3736711-russian-missiles-reportedly-cross-into-poland-killing-two/amp/

Zack Weiss

Istanbul: Six dead, dozens wounded in Turkey explosion

A blast occurred at shopping street in the Taksim Square area, located in Turkey. Vice President Fuat Oktay said the blast was thought to be a terrorist attack carried out by a woman. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the perpetrators would be punished. At a news conference, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned what he called the "vile attack" and said "the smell of terror" was in the air. 

 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63615076.amp

Zack Weiss

Protests in China due to COVID Restrictions

 Protests have started to emerge as China continues to enforce its COVID restrictions. Millions of Chinese citizens are still affected by mask-wearing, COVID testing, quarantines, and the lockdowns over the last three years. Citizens are now protesting for these restrictions to be lifted. China's current leader, Xi Jinping, has stated that he will not budge on the restrictions. Due to this, the protesters are calling for Xi Jinping to step down, and for the communist party to step down. The protestors have been seen showing their emotion by breaking down and removing barriers that were used for social distancing. It is not common in a communist state for the citizens to protest and publicly speak out against the president's will. This shows that the protestors feel very strongly about making changes and lightening the COVID restrictions. China had certainly underestimated how negatively the citizens feel about the continued COVID restrictions.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63771109

Bradyn Almasy

Iran calls for the U.S. to be expelled from the World Cup.

 

DOHA, Qatar — A representative of Iran’s soccer federation on Sunday called for the United States to be expelled from soccer’s World Cup over social media posts that the federation claimed had “disrespected” Iran’s flag.

The United States Soccer Federation drew Iran’s ire by including a doctored Iran flag in two posts on its official social media accounts on Saturday. A spokesman for U.S. Soccer said the decision to use an Iranian flag stripped of the country’s official emblem and two lines of Islamic script in posts on Twitter and Instagram was intentional, and meant to show support for the women of Iran — a nod to protests that have roiled Iran at home and followed its teamto the World Cup in Qatar.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/11/27/sports/world-cup-scores#iran-flag-us-world-cup

Jason Connor

Brussels sees riots after Morocco beats Belgium at World Cup

After the November 27th World Cup game against Belgium and Morocco, rage quickly spread throughout Brussels after a 2-0 Moroccan win. Dozens of rioters pelted cars with bricks and started fires, until the police moved in after a facial injury. 

The sport has become a sense of identity for people across the planet, explaining the anger people feel when their home team experiences a loss. 

Brussels mayor, Philippe Close, urges soccer fans to stay away from the city center as violence increases and subway and tram traffic closes. The mayor demanded law enforcement to keep order in the streets. It is not known is anybody has been detained from these demonstrations quite yet.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/brussels-sees-riots-morocco-beats-belgium-world-cup-rcna58864]

Megan Sinnaeve 

Venezuela takes first step out of political stalemate

 Venezuela's government and the opposition, with the help of Norway as a mediator, have achieved a preliminary agreement in order to end the current political crisis. It comes after years of conversations and failed attemps. Because of the agreement reached, the US has allowed the American company Chevron to operate again in Venezuela. The US governement considered it "a step in the right direction".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-63771107

Reyes Venegas Aparcero

Gunmen abduct more than 100 in Nigeria’s Zamfara state

 More than 100 people, including children, were abducted in Zamfara, a northwestern Nigerian state, last Sunday. This is an example of a common occurrence in the area, wherein gangs use a tactic of kidnapping people and demanding ransom. The Nigerian Air Force has launched strikes on these groups, though it has been alleged that hostages have been used as human shields in these attacks. They also have been controversial because of findings the strikes caused civilian deaths, leading to a "review" by the Air Force.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/22/africa/gunmen-abduct-hundred-nigeria-intl/index.html

Aaliyah McCormick

Iran government supporters confront protesters at World Cup

 Conflict arrises at Iran's World Cup match against Wales. However, the tension was not caused between opposing team's fans. Iranian fans experienced conflict between each other as spectators in favor of the Iranian government clash with spectators that are not in favor of the Iranian government. Fans saying "Women, Life, Freedom!" caused a dispute with others who chanted "The Islamic Republic!" There were no serious outbursts, but this interaction is a direct display of the internal conflict that is taking place in Iran at this time.

https://apnews.com/article/womens-soccer-world-cup-iran-sports-0584e3e37e03babc19f04d79c8843ca0

Kenny Siwicki

In Indonesia, an Earthquake, Landslides and Homes ‘Flat to the Earth’

 An earthquake strikes in Indonesia, leaving devastating reports.  The rescue workers describe the task of finding survivors as arduous, hampered by power outages and blocked roads. As a result, the catastrophe has left at least 268 people dead and more than a thousand injured.

At the same time, schools were destroyed and thousands of houses were ripped from their foundations, with an entire village engulfed by a landslide following the devastating earthquake in Indonesia's mountainous region.

Indonesia Rescue Efforts Underway After Earthquake Kills At Least 268 - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

María de los Ángeles Negrillo Pérez

Two prominent Iranian actresses arrested - state media

 In the article, Two Prominent Iranian Actresses Arrested-State Media, the author talks about how two Iranian actresses posed without their head-scarfs on. The significance of the lack of head scarf is solidarity to protests against the state. The article went into detail how being arrested for a simple protest like this one is dangerous. At least five protestors have been arrested and sentenced to death by the state, in an attempt to set an example to protesters. This is a sad article to read, in America we have freedoms we take for granted. We, for the most part, have the ability to protest against injustice without the threat of state violence. The article claimed human rights abuses were going on so it will be interesting to see if there will be sanctions levied on Iran or if they will remain unscathed. This was an interesting article and it will be interesting to see what happens, if the Iranian state changes or the protests are quelled.

Zachary Erickson

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63698162  

Reports : Qatar Bribed Eight Ecuadorian Players $7.4 million

The FIFA 2022 World Cup has caused controversy all over the world. Qatar has been speculated for violating human rights. According to Amjad Taha, the regional director of the British middle east center for studies and Research. Qatar has allegedly bribed Ecuadorian players ahead of the opening game. The total bribe amounts to a staggering 7.4 million to lose the opening game of the tournament. Which was held on November 20. 

These claims against Qatar hindered its reputation even more all around the world. The country has yet to face charges against human right violation for the systematic exploitation of labor forces. Many migrant workers lost their lives. FIFA encourages Qatar's bribery and corruption. The lack of transparency shown by the organization has caused a prestigious sports event such as the world cup to lose its shine. The Qatari government also violates LGBTQ rights and prevented England captain Harry Kane from wearing the pride armband.

https://sportsbrief.com/football/28069-reports-qatar-bribed-ecuadorian-players-74-million-lose-opener/

-Aryan Shah

Worlds Longest Presidency

 President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, is looking to be re-elected yet again. He has had a 43-year reign, making him the record holder for the president with the most years in office. As of now, it looks like he will win, despite the many other candidates trying to run. Due to his extraordinarily long time in power, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been able to set many of his family members up in high government positions. Many of these family members live lavishly, most notably his son, the vice president. Many professionals have been recorded saying that these elections are essentially just formality, and that the people opposing have no chance. Some experts say that political opposition is not tolerated in Equatorial Guinea, and it is estimated that Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo will likely get 95-97 percent of the vote due to this lack of opposition. Others say that the elections are corrupt and ingenuine, so Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo wins such a high percentage of the vote. Whatever is the case, it is likely that we will see Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo elected again in the upcoming election in Equatorial Guinea.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-63674539

Bradyn Almasy

COP27: Climate costs deal struck but no fossil fuel progress

 Rich nations will pay developing countries for the damage caused by climate change, that is the deal that was achieved at the UN's COP27. The "loss and damage fund" was agreed after chaotic negotiations, it could be the most significant development since the Paris agreement. However, some nations are still unhappy with compromises on fossil fuels.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-63677466

Reyes Venegas

Explosions at Occupied Nuclear Site In Ukraine

Over a dozen explosions have been recorded near a big Russian-occupied nuclear power plant in south Ukraine since Saturday, Nov. 19. The plant is founded on River Dnipro, the front line in the war. The area around the plant had been under attack for months and had remained calm before Saturday. The IAEA team says there had been damage to some buildings, systems, and equipment at the site, but nothing critical for nuclear safety buildings. Russia and Ukraine continue to face each other across the River Dnipro. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63694763 

Crista Salceda 

At least 5 killed in shooting at LGBTQ club in Colorado

 

Club Q opened in 2002 and was, until recently, the only LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs, the state’s second-most populous city with just under 500,000 residents.

“Proudly queer Club Q has stood as a bastion of the LGBTQ community where others have fallen,” 5280 magazine wrote in a story last year. “It’s where LGBTQ folks go for drag performances, dance parties, and drinks, and it supports the community with event sponsorships, pride celebrations, charity drives, and more. While the club has recently shifted to offering more low-key ‘dinner and a show’ vibes before 10 p.m., it’s still known as the place for queer young adults to go and get their dance on.”

https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/colorado-springs-club-q-mass-shooting/index.html

Hundreds of Protesters in Iran Blinded by Metal Pellets and Rubber Bullets

 During the government protests, which have been ongoing since September in Iran, thousands of people have been injured and unfortunately, more than 300 Iranians have been killed. 

Consequently, it is found  enlightening testimonies about the circumstances: "Security forces have been firing ammunition that has broken the eyes of anti-government protesters over the past two months".

Security Forces in Iran Have Blinded Hundreds of Protesters - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

María de los Ángeles Negrillo Pérez

North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile After U.S. Summit With South Korea, Japan

 This past Thursday at 10:48am, North Korea fired a missile from the eastern city of Wonsan. It hit "an estimated altitude of 29 miles, traveling 149 miles before splashing into the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan." In a statement on Thursday, North Korea's Foreign Minister, Choe Son Hui, cited North Korea launched it in response to the summit between the US, South Korea and Japan. This summit  was to bolster US "security presence in the region with its allies South Korea and Japan." The Foreign Minister said this would "bring the situation on the Korean Peninsula to an 'unpredictable phase.'"On Sunday, President Biden met with his counterparts in South Korea and Japan and insured them that they had the support of the US and they would be defended and supported by Washington's full range of capabilities including nuclear arms. So far this year, North Korea has launched 30 test missiles which is the most that it has launched in a single year. The Foreign Minister claimed these tests are "legitimate and just military counteractions." However, the US, South Korea, and Japan have all said their tests were also defensive. North Korea did launch an intercontinental ballistic missile and a ballistic missile that flew south and of the maritime boarder and set off air-strike sirens in South Korea. President Biden then met with the President of China, Xi Jinping, to see if he could aid in the discussion to talk North Korea out of testing these missiles. The Biden administration has reached out to the administration in North Korea to discuss the current situation but they have not responded to the invite. 

By: Sarah Hein

https://www.wsj.com/articles/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-after-u-s-summit-with-south-korea-japan-11668659266?mod=Searchresults_pos2&page=1 

World Population Hits 8 billion People

 The United Nations projected that the world population would hit 8 billion on Tuesday November 15th. This happened one day earlier than projected when we hit 8 billion on Monday November 14th! This has brought about questions and concerns people have about issue with a bigger society such as climate control and resources. This is a concern for the people living in Africa and less developed countries. Charles Kenny, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington is quoted saying "Population is not the problem, the way we consume is the problem" somethings needs to change for the better or we will start to see more and more issues. 

World Population hits 8 billion, creating many challenges (msn.com)

-Tori Robinson

Poland says the missile strike on its land appears to be an accident by Ukraine

 Yesterday, Poland was hit by a missile and killed two citizens. It was unknown where the missile came from but many guessed it came from Russia. The article states that it was an accidental Ukrainian missile "there are many indications that it was a missile that was used by Ukraine's anti-missile defense"(Myre) stated President Andrzej Duda. Although Russia did not directly fire the missile, many are still saying that it is their fault, due to the illegal war against Ukraine. If it had been Russia who launched the missile, there could have been the possibility of NATO getting involved. 

Ana De La Torre

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/16/1137085278/polands-president-says-the-missile-strike-appears-to-be-from-ukraine

Trump Announces Presidential Candidacy for 2024

Former President Trump announced that he will be running once again, as a Republican in the 2024 Presidential Election.  Although it is a bit early for candidates to announce their campaign, we know that Trump will need to start his funding as soon as possible. The article also mentions how Trump's path back to the Presidency might not be as easy as he might hope, as he is still being investigated for his involvement in the January 6th attack on the capital. In addition, Trump might face some worthy opponents such as DeSantis and Pence. 

Ana De La Torre

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/15/politics/trump-2024-presidential-bid

Poland considers invoking NATO Article 4 after Russian-made missile hit village, killing two people

 Russian missiles landed four miles inside of Poland, killing two Polish civilians. 

Poland considers invoking NATO Article 4 after Russian-made missile hit village - CNN

Will China Lose it's No. 1 Spot at the Top of the Population List? - Megan Lemley

 With the news of China's population being set to hit 8 million people on Tuesday, there has been a lot of attention drawn towards a runaway population or a shrinking population. Tang Huajun, a software developer in China, has been specifically analyzing those around him as the population continues to soar with apprehension. He has discovered trends that support the United Nations' projection that "China's population will start shrinking from next year, when India will likely become the world's most populous country." 

But in all honesty, can we blame the people that "aren't even interested in getting married let alone having babies?" The Covid-19 pandemic has had a disastrous effect on the world in many ways, but reproduction efforts are certainly an issue that should require global attention. 

Source: As World Population Hits 8 Billion, China Frets Over too Few Babies 

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63615076

Istanbul: Six dead, dozens wounded in Turkey explosion

"At least six people have been killed and 81 wounded in an explosion in a busy area of central Istanbul, Turkish authorities have said."

It is alleged that this attack was considered a terrorist attack, carried out by a women.

 Jessicah Finglass

Italy's discovery of ancient bronze statue

 Aleesa Andresen

Archaeologist in Italy, have uncovered more than two dozen preserved bronzed statues that dating back to ancient Roman times.  These statues were discovered in San Casino den Bagni, in northern Rome.  These statues were covered in gold, silver, and bronze coins, and the hot muddy water helped preserve them. The archeologists were surprised they were made out of bronze and not terracotta. So far, 24 large statues and several smaller statues have been uncovered. The statues are going to a restoration laboratory but eventually will be displayed in a new museum. 

Putin can’t escape fallout from Russian retreat in Ukraine

 In the article, Putin can't escape fallout from Russian retreat in Ukraine, the author explains how Russian military generals have received criticism for the withdraw from the Ukrainian city of Kherson. The article explains how Russia has been blaming the west as well as NATO for the difficulty during the war. The article has a western tone to it with some of the verbiage that is used, however you are still able to understand that Russia is struggling to maintain their spirits in this ongoing war. The Russian propaganda in the beginning of the war was that the war would be swift and painless, that was not the case. Nine months later Russia is losing an occupied city. This was an interesting article because, even through the western tone, you get to see Russian view of the west and NATO assisting Ukraine in the war. With the withdraw it intensifies the war, with worries of nuclear weapons being scarily on the radar of possibilities. 

Zachary Erickson

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63601426