Thousands Gather in Ottawa to Protest Canada's COVID Mandates

 Thousands of people gathered in the Canadian capital to protest mask and vaccine mandates and lockdowns, beginning this past Saturday. 

These protests have been seen as truckers coming together in response to recent vaccine mandates for truckers, but the Canadian Trucking Alliance has denounced any ties. Many expletive signs can be seen directed towards Prime Minister Trudeau, along with confederate flags, native to the American civil-war South. The protesters have turned to parking their trucks at the national cemetery and dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and harassing civilians in lines at soup kitchens.

 Several Fox News hosts and even former-President Trump have expressed their support of the rioters and protesters.

- Ethan Garard

COVID in Canada: Thousands head to Ottawa to protest restrictions : NPR

"Ukraine’s Zelensky’s message is don’t panic. That’s making the West antsy."

The message that Ukraine's President Zelensky is sending to his people versus what Biden is saying about the nearing conflict between Russia and Ukraine are quite different. While Zelensky is saying that there's no need to panic, Biden is saying that conflict is imminent and will face harsh punishments.

Some feel that Zelensky isn't equipped for this level of crisis management, implying that he rose in elections due to a television character he played (which was a widely popular high school teacher). His political inexperience allows fear to grow that much larger. He took a clear and calm stance towards the rising situation, and whether or not his decision not to mobilize the country is correct can only be known in hindsight. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/30/ukraine-zelensky-russia-biden/ 

By: Hunter Scherer

"Top leaders on Senate Foreign Relations Committee confident there will be bipartisan deal on Russian Sanctions"

Both Senators Menendez and Risch are confident that there will be a bipartisan deal on Russian sanctions after the Senate recess. Although there is still debate over the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline, which is a large source of energy specifically for Germany, with Germany signaling that they are suspending the certification of the pipeline there is more hope for bipartisan support. The package could include some sanctions upfront because of actions already taken like cyberattacks on Ukraine, and also sanctions that would go into effect if Russia invades Ukraine, which would have devastating effects on Russia's economy. In addition to this, President Biden has said that U.S. troops would be sent to NATO allies in Eastern Europe soon.

By: Madelyn Milowski

https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/30/politics/ukraine-russia-sanctions-cnn/index.html

"Britain Toughens Stance on Russia, as Russia Presses NATO for Assurances"- Joey Jens

 British lawmakers will be asked to consider legislation this upcoming week that would let ministers impose a wider range of sanctions against Russia should they move against Ukraine.   According to sources, Britain is already supplying defensive weapons to Ukraine and has offered to increase its troop deployments elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Britain has stated that they will rule nothing out and would look at every option to support Ukraine, as the British Government and its allies pursue diplomacy at the same time developing economically punitive measures that might pursue Mr. Putin not to invade. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/30/world/europe/britain-russia-ukraine-sanctions-nato.html 

by: Joey Jens  

North Korea missile Tests: Biggest Launch Since 2017 Sam Fretto

 North Korea launched their largest missile since 2017. The weapon is believed to be an intermediate range missile and had a maximum of 2,000km as it landed in the Sea of Japan. Japan, South Korea, and the United States condemned these actions by North Korea and have imposed heavy sanctions on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, time and time again North Korea ignores these sanctions as he vows to bolster North Korea's defense. 

Speculation suggests he is doing this close to the winter Olympics to make his country seem strong and like a global power. It is also speculated he is doing this to reignite nuclear talks with the United States that have stalled. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-60186538

 

“Why Italy’s New President Could Make or Break Economy”

 The article I chose to blog about this week is titled “Why Italy’s New President could make or break Economy” by Russell Padmore. This article taken from BBC News talks about multiple different things. In Italy, politics is different. In the article, it states, “The head of the Italian state has limited powers, but the President does appoint a prime minister and can influence the government’s economic strategy…” This means the appointed prime minister the President can choose early next year in 2023 will either help the economy, or make it worse. There is pressure on the President to choose the right person who will help their economy. As of right now, Italy’s economy is struggling. The reason why is due to the pandemic. The article talks about how Italy’s economy suffered at the start of the pandemic, but yet has gotten better. The current prime minister of Italy is Mario Draghi. The article discusses how he wants to become the next President of the Italian Republic and what would happen if that were to occur. Italy’s economy is steadily growing to where it used to be, but they still have more growth to go. I recommend this article because it highlights different key information that I find very interesting. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60106517

US combat jet crashes in South China Sea during Navy exercise, 7 hurt including pilot

      A US combat jet that was conducting routine exercises in the South China sea crashed trying to land on an aircraft carrier. Thankfully before the jet crashed into the USS Carl Vinson the pilot was able to eject. The pilot was retrieved by helicopter and seven sailors were hurt in the accident. The status of the aircraft and the details of the accident are still being investigated.

US combat jet crashes into South China Sea, 7 sailors injured (usatoday.com)

Jake Leggero

Death toll rises after Tropical Cyclone Ana tears across southern Africa

 Over the last week, a terrible tropical cyclone has devestated the Southern Africa, Killing more than 80 and injuring more than 110,000 people. According to CNN, In Mozambique, at least 15 people were killed and more than 45,000 have been affected, while Malawi has reported at least 11 deaths, with nearly 217,000 people impacted". The region has been affected by multiple storms in the last year or so, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawian stated on Facebook to its citzens, "Since most of the areas are inaccessible and considering the large number of displaced households, additional resources are required to provide assistance to all the affected people. In the circumstances, it is clear that we have a flooding problem in the country which has affected a considerable number of our fellow citizens". Not only Malawian but many of the surrounding areas are in diffcult situations and stuck in the what to do to help the people. 

Written by: Erik Batkiewicz 

Link: https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/28/africa/southern-africa-storm-ana-intl/index.html 

Voting for Italy's president fails again; no political deal

In this article it talks about how on its fifth day of voting there has not been declared a winner of who is to be the next president of Italy. The two political blocs of Italy keep disagreeing on who should be president. I assume the two political blocs think differently about issues in the country and how to solve them. A candidate needs 505 votes for victory from Parliament's Senate and lower chamber of Deputies and special region electors. Balloting would continue to go forward until a winner has been decided. Current President Sergio Mattarella does not want a 2nd term and is already preparing to leave office. Italy needs to agree soon who they want their next president to be. 

By: Jose Morales 

 https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/vote-italys-president-fails-political-deal-82533268

North Korea missile tests: What does Kim Jong-un want?

 North Korea missile tests: What does Kim Jong-un want?

This article talks about how North Korea has been creating new missiles and launching them into the Pacific Ocean and what their plan going forward is. The article states that North Korea wants to have a "full and effective nuclear deterrent". They are creating powerful technology and missiles so that they can be prepared for if anything were to happen. This is a little bit suspicious because although they have not harmed anyone or anything yet, we do not really know what North Korea could do in the near future. 

Elise Kamp

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60150121 

Xiomara Castro becomes Honduras' first female president

Xiomara Castro officially became Honduras' first female president this week. She is a democratic socialist and promised to advocate for poverty relief as well as abortion rights. She won the November 2021 election with a large lead, in fact, she got the largest number of votes in the country's history. She is married to Manuel Zelaya who was elected president of Honduras but was driven out of position by a 2009 military coup. Helping her husband to get back into the political world ultimately began her own career. Her promise to help with things like poverty, inequality and violence make her a promising ally for Joe Biden. Kamala Harris was in attendance for Castro's inauguration. 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/27/americas/xiomara-castro-honduras-inauguration-intl/index.html 

 - Sarah Tanny 

Conflicting Tensions Arise Between European States Over Ukraine-Russia

 European nations are at odds over how to handle the increasing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, especially with the United States' hard-line stance.

 Nations such as France and Germany favor de-escalation tactics with Putin and Russia, opting to send little aid, such as battle helmets only, to the Ukrainian defense. Other nations such as Poland and numerous Baltic states closely align with American stances, taking harder and stronger measures against the eastern superpower. NATO, however, understands the dangers of a lack of unity between its states, and that lack on favors Putin and his requests to block Ukraine from joining the alliance, and to remove NATO military weapons and personnel from neighboring states of Russia. 

- Ethan Garard

The U.S. and NATO stress unity on Ukraine as EU leaders worry about divisions : NPR

Inflation, Supply Chain, Omicron Expected to Take a Bigger Toll on Global Growth

    With Omicron on the rise all over the world, it has halted any idea of coming back to normal life for the time being. Although Omicron, with the combination of masks and vaccinations, can be fought off like a common cold, it has created even more problems with in the global and domestic supply chain. This new variant has also spiked inflation, which can be correlated to the government payments throughout the pandemic and also the supply chain issues. With this new variant, many producers are seeing their employees testing positive again and then having to take a five-day sick leave. This leaves many companies shorthanded, stalling shipments and making it very hard for consumers to get goods. The IMF, International Monetary Fund, predicted that the global economy will grow by 4.4% this year. This figure is down from the original estimated about 5.9%. In the U.S. the decline is projected to be steeper, coming in at 4% in the coming year, a 1.2% decline from the original figure. The U.S. decline is the largest compared to any other country tracked by the IMF. With supply chain issues being plagued by Omicron, inflation is in the rise. The supply chain issues are a direct correlation to why inflation is sky high. The current inflation rate at 7% is not predicted to go down until the middle of 2022. Inflation can also be explained by the Federal Reserve is planning to raise interest rates. Also, for the fact that Bidens Build Back Better plan has been stalled which would have given the economy a boost. With inflation high and the supply chain in a complicated and messed up spot, the beginning of 2022 will be rough for most Americans. Not to mention COVID-19 numbers continuing to claim lives and reinfect most of the world. 

By: Luke Schmidt 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/inflation-supply-chain-omicron-expected-to-take-a-bigger-toll-on-global-growth-11643119381?mod=Searchresults_pos7&page=1

Afghans Face Famine

While Afghans have experienced hunger before, it is different this winter. Since the Taliban have taken control jobs have disappeared, there have been multiple economic collapses, and food prices have rapidly increased. Millions of Afghans are now in a critical situation and some have no food at all.

Because of this, the U.N. launched its biggest appeal for a single county- $4.4 billion dollars. Many Afghans report that while they were doing fine last year, this winter is the first time they have to stand in food lines. Normal families who are middle class now have to beg in the street for spare change.

 Link: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2022/0125/No-one-has-food-In-bleak-Afghan-winter-a-fight-for-survival

By: Noah Hittie

Tonga Volcano Blast

 In Tonga an underwater volcano erupted on January 25th. The blast was said to be hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic bombs released on Hiroshima. Jim Garvin and other scientist at NASA have been keeping tabs on this Volcano. On January 15th, smaller eruptions created tsunami waves and ash destroyed Tongs. Scientist have reported similar volcanoes on the surface of Mars.  To read more click on the link below retrieved from NBC News on 1/25/22 :

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/tonga-volcano-blast-hundreds-powerful-hiroshima-nasa-says-rcna13445

written by Jenny Smith

Biden refers to Fox News correspondent as a "Stupid son of a Bitch"

 Hot mics can cause some problems to presidents and politicians in general. We have seen how many famous people have been caught speaking their minds. For Biden, this can damage his public image as a calm and coherent politician. 

We will see what is the outcome of this comment and whether or not the media tries to make a fuss out of it. It is true that the media tends to be more tolerant with democrats rather than republicans, except Fox News (which is the journalist's employer)

This happened after the journalist asked him about inflation: "Do you think inflation is a political liability going into the midterms?" 

Nevertheless, it was later stated that President Biden called the reporter to "clear the air"

Link: biden-fox-news-peter-doocy-stupid-son-of-a-bitch

Written by: Javier Isasi Serrano.

North Korea threatens to resume “all temporally-suspended activities”

     As a result to North Korea accusing the United States of hostility and threats, they announced that they have recently put into consideration to resume “all temporally-suspended activities” like nuclear explosives and long-range missiles. The North isn't happy with the U.S. because they are continuing military exercises with South Korea and creating more advanced weaponry. Kim Jong Un has developed a five year plan to develop stronger military forces with more advanced nuclear missiles (including submarine launched missiles) and solid fuel ICBMs. 

https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2022-01-19/north-korea-hints-at-resuming-nuclear-icbm-tests

-Kayla McSweeney

Russia and Ukraine

I believe that this is a very scary time in international politics, as Russia has been in close contention and proximity to many NATO countries, I believe that they are gearing up to take an offensive attack on Ukraine to keep NATO from actively expanding. Due to the United States now actively participating in the security of Ukraine as well as the ongoing commitments to evacuate any eligible U.S. citizens from Ukraine, the chances of conflict are now increasing. With Russia mobilizing troops close around the boarder of Ukraine it becomes more of a question on when Russia will cause action rather that if. Despite Russia denying any intention of causing an invasion in Ukraine, it has already deployed troops to Belarus, and with an already spotty track record in honesty, Russia's actions are becoming more and more questionable and worrysome.

By Daniel Lomeli

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/us-sending-weapons-to-ukraine-and-pulling-americans-out

Winter Olympics cause Beijing to strengthen their defenses against Coronavirus, US networks pull back.

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics have been causing quite a bit of controversy and conversation about how the Olympics will be held in the times of Coronavirus. The Chinese government has been extremely strict on their coronavirus policies and regarding the Winter Olympics, China has come up with a plan to keep Covid-19 out of their country. Managing the influx of athletes and journalists by tracking their health and their travels while in China. Already, ESPN and NBC have decided against sending all their journalists to China to avoid all of the mess that will be the mandates China has been enforcing.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/21/china/beijing-winter-olympics-covid-quarantine-explained-mic-intl-hnk/index.html

By: Jennifer Schroeder 

Ukraine: US Orders Families of Embassy Staff to Leave by Sam Fretto

 As the situation in Ukraine escalates between Russia, The United States is preparing for a Russian invasion as they have their troops set up at the border. The United States is urging all families of embassy staff to leave and non-essential staff as well. The United States seems to believe that Russia is planning to take significant military action on Ukraine, however, Russia denies this. The United States and other European countries are offering military aid to Ukraine. There are many sides trying to resolved this diplomatically, time will only tell how this saga will end. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60106416

Deadly ISIS prison break attempt fuels fears of the group's resurgence

On Friday January 21, ISIS led a small burgarde to the Ghweran Prison to break in and set free some of their ISIS memebers. The event started when a car-bomb went off in the parking lot, which led to to many of the ISIS forces to attempt break out. Just about 90 people escaped but most were recaptured, within the day. Although many of the prisoners were recaptured 7 U.S Allied Syrian Democratic Forcesd were killed. SDF said the attack was "thwarted" and reportedablly ISIS was planning for this attack to be more of "Large-Scale Attack" but that led to 28 ISIS memebers being killed. A statement from Pentagon Representative John Kirby said the U.S provided many air strikes to help with this confict. Lastly, many Middle East conturies are worried about ISIS's resurgence in power and growing "in the shadows" according to Syrian President, (from CNN author Joshua Berlinger). 

Link: https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/21/middleeast/isis-attack-prison-iraq-intl/index.html 

Written by: Erik Batkiewicz 

China warns foreign Olympic athletes against speaking out on politics at Winter Games

 The winter Olympics are set to be in Beijing, China towards the end of 2022. The Chinese Olympic committee is warning athletes that they may face punishment if they start protesting or trying to speak out about China's restrictions on political expression. The Chinese government is trying to not to mix sports with politics and don't want people protesting about the way they handle their people. There have been people that have been put in prison for staging political protests or saying things on social media. Later on in the article Beijing cancelled ticket sales to the public because of a spike in corona virus cases. It will definitely be interesting to see how the Olympics will play out. With China's government warning athletes not to protest against their policies on human rights and with the pandemic still going on. I wonder if China is going to be hosting any more Olympics after this one. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2022/01/19/china-winter-olympics-politics-speech/ 

Written by: Jose Morales 

Belarus calls referendum that could strengthen Lukashenko

 Called by many as the last dictator of Europe, Alexander Lukashenko will try to pass a constitutional amendment that could perpetuate him as president until 2035. He has been president of Belarus since 1994 and, since then, he has increasingly gained executive power.  Well, this new amendment that will be voted through referendum could increase his power even more. The president will be now able to choose delegates, become a member of the assembly, and be elected as chairman.  

This amendment will most likely pass as democracy is highly questionable in Belarus. Mass protests happened after he was elected for the 6th time. These protests were aggressively shut down and the main political opponents have to live in exile.

Last but not least "Lukashenko has offered to host Russia’s nuclear weapons if NATO moves U.S. atomic bombs from Germany to Eastern Europe, the latest in a series of steps aimed at cementing ties with Moscow"

Link to article: belarus-calls-referendum-strengthen-lukashenko-82379812

Written by: Javier Isasi Serrano

Czech Folk Singer Hana Horka Dies After Getting COVID

At age 57, a Czech singer a part of the Czech folk group Asonance died on January 16th from choking to death after lying down due to her back hurting. She had contracted the virus from her husband and son who had caught it during Christmas which reports say was intentional. Her son, Jan Rek, says she wanted more access to venues and fewer restrictions on her movements as part of the group, so she elected to stay close with her son and husband when they got the virus. She was unvaccinated as well by choice, claiming she "was more OK with the idea of catching Covid than getting vaccinated" (Ben Tobias). Her son hopes that what happened with his mother will further encourage people to get vaccinated, especially with the numbers of COVID cases increasing rapidly in the Czech Republic. 

Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60050996

Written by Abbey Scuito