National Audit Office cuts 4.2 billion pounds in aid

 Today the U.K.'s National Audit Office (NAO) and Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) cut aid in other countries. The NAO cut 4.2 billion dollars and the FCDO cut more than 53% of all aid. Here is the break down of the NAO's aid 69 % of these funds went to Syria, 62% of funds go to Bangladesh, and 49% go to South Sudan. These organization cut funding, because performance has gone down in the recent years due to the pandemic. The long term effects to reallocation is still yet to be determined. for more information read : https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/mar/31/uk-foreign-office-rushed-42bn-of-aid-cuts-official-audit-finds

Jenny Smith 

President Biden Releases Large Amount of Oil

In response to the international strain the Ukrainian war has put on the world's oil and gas prices, President Biden as announced a release of up to 180 million barrels of oil over the course of six months, which is the largest output from the oil reserve since it was created back in 1974. Oil prices dropped on reports of the move, which is aimed to ease the supply crunch caused by the war. Some analysts, however, confess that this release won't be sufficient enough to resolve the energy crisis. Biden is calling oil companies to pay extra if they decide to not use oil wells on the land they lease from the government. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60936468

 

Written by Abbey Scuito

After Russia Invaded Ukraine, a U.S. Nonprofit Shifted Its Mission

 Jim Hake started working in the Ukraine in 2015 after Russia took the Crimean peninsula. He created a non profit called Spirit of America in order to supply the Ukraine military with medical kits and to assist U.S programs. After the recent invasion in Ukraine, they decided to supply basic, nonlethal military supplies and to do so quickly. Many other organizations also jumped in to help like veteran organizations, Mercy corps, and Save the Children. Spirit of America has supplied $7.2 million worth of medical equipment, Kevlar vests, drones, and communication gear. Things like supplying toys and clothes can sometimes do more harm then good, so Spirt of America has been working directly with Ukrainians in order to find their specific needs and to get those needs to them as soon as possible. Hake decided that when creating this organization, they weren't going to be neutral. They will openly choose a side and would also back American foreign policy goals. Spirit of America has just scheduled a 3rd cargo flight and hopes to be able to raise enough money to send supplies every 10 days. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/us/politics/ukraine-spirit-of-america-aid.html

Kayla McSweeney

Taiwan Taking Notes From Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused Taiwan to take a closer look at how it will defend itself in case of a Chinese attack on the country. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Russian-Ukraine war has created a new discussion over weapons, military tactics, and possible military conscription. Currently, the Ministry of Defense is debating whether or not to extend the four-month military service up to one year. 

Watching Ukraine, Taiwanese lawmakers and political talk shows have been debating what types of guerrilla tactics and weapons are most effective for smaller militaries facing oversized threats. Politicians and defense experts have suggested stockpiling attack drones, as these weapons were able to slow Russia's advance on the Ukraine capital. The importance of stockpiling enough weapons was also highlighted during the Russian-Ukraine war which would be harder for Taiwan as an island.

 The defense committee has approved more anti-aircraft training with Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles in case of an attack from China. The National Chung-Shang Institute of Science and Technology has also stated that it plans to more than double annual missile production along with Taiwanese-made drones that self-destruct when they strike military targets. While a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is not imminent, Beijing has vowed to bring the country under its control by force if necessary. 

While looking to the Russian-Ukraine war as a smart move to build up a military defense in supplies tactics needed, the situations remain drastically different. Firstly, Taiwan is much smaller than Ukraine, in both land and population. I also believe that the Chinese military would be a bigger threat to deal with as China has more active members with a heavier focus on the navy versus land forces. 

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4490841 

By: Genevieve Weiss

"After Will Smith-Chris Rock incidient, Academy sets board of governors meeting: What is it and what can happen?" Madison Vermeland

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/will-smith-oscars-governors-board-meeting-chris-rock-slap 

 At the oscars on Sunday, Will Smith walked on stage and slapped Chris Rock after he made a joke about Smith's wife and her balding head. The next day the Academy said that there will be a review of the incident. 

There will be a meeting of the governor's board which will happen on Wednesday. Usually after every ceremony there is an after meeting but it doesn't happen this soon. To define board of Governors, it directs the Academy's strategic vision, preserves the organization's financial health and assures the fulfillment of its mission. The people are apart of this board attend 6-8 meetings throughout the year. They also have to show up at a few of the academy events throughout the year as well. 

Throughout the board there are 17 different branches, the actors, casting, cinematographers, costume design, directors, documentary, executives, film editors, makeup artists, hairstyles, marketing and relationship, music, producers, production design, short films and feature, sound, visual effects and finally the writers branch. And then each branch is made up of 3 governors. 

It has been said that Will Smith face some consequences but the Oscar will not be taken from him. The extent of the consequences have not been stated, he could be suspended or expelled from the academy.  

Madison Vermeland

Donald Trump's January 6th Call Logs Show 7 Hour Gap

 There has been a 7 hour gap in the phone call logs of former President Donald Trump on January 6th during the height of the insurrection. The logs show eight phone calls early in the morning, including calls to Steve Banon and Rudy Giuliani, both of whom were trying to get the 2020 Election overturned. Then later on during the night, there were phone calls to 11 people. However, this contradicts multiple claims of republicans congressmen who claimed they had spoken to the President Trump throughout the day during the insurrection. 

These facts indicate that Trump may have been communicating using burner phones, claims which he has denied, saying he has never heard of the term before. Many claims about January 6th with not much clearness. The day is still elusive about what actually went down. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60799663  

Ukrainian and Russian officials begin face-to-face peace talks in Turkey

 Russia and Ukraine have began to have face to face peace talks in Turkey. The United Nations are asking for a Cease-Fire. The president of Turkey says a Cease-Fire would be best because of everything that has happened between Russia and Ukraine, it would make everyone feel a bit safer. This talk was started after Ukrainian troops re-claimed the city of Irpin from the Russian troops. 

Honduras' Supreme Court approves extradition of former president to the US

The Supreme Court of Honduras has unanimously agreed to extradite its former president, Juan Orlando Hernández to the US for the charges of drug trafficking.  He is also charged with firearms possession. He would allegedly have committed these crimes in exchange for big bribes. 

Orlando's brother is currently serving a life sentence in the US for the same crimes and the ex-president is thought to be part of the same organization. There are witnesses of some of the transactions that would be vital for the case. All of this would have happened while running for president in 2013

Link: index.html

By Javier Isasi Serrano

Amid a wave of gang-related killings, El Salvador declares state of emergency

After nearly 62 people died, with 14 people dead in one day this past Friday, El Salvador is in a state of emergency. The killings are traced back to some of the countries biggest gangs, that run multiple towns and cities across the country. The countries leader, President Buckle has used a lockdown strategy for prisons in order to send a message to the gang members. The members that are in jail will remain in their cells and not allowed time outside until the violence stops. El Salvador is now under curfew and an adjustment to loosen arrests. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/wave-gang-related-killings-el-salvador-declares-state-emergency-rcna21835

Skyy Hills

The Respectful Supreme Court Hearing That Wasn’t

The hearing of supreme court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson has sparked controversy, as many has described the republican dialect and questions as 'manhandling' the potentially first ever black women to hold a spot on the Supreme Court. The article reads that there was "toxic partisanship, bitter attacks and nasty questioning full of innuendo about the supposed character failings of a nominee". Judge Jackson was asked about the definition of the word woman, if she thought that babies could be born racist, and if she could fairly judge catholics. This hearing was one of a kind, and it will be interesting to see how it influences votes towards her nomination. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/us/politics/hostile-supreme-court-hearing-jackson.html 

Skyy Hills

Indigenous Tell Pope of Abuses at Canada Residential Schools

This Monday, indigenous leaders from Canada met with Pope Francis to inform him off the abuses they were subject to at the hands of Catholic priests and school workers. Pope Francis allowed over an hour to speak to every Metis and Inuit person individually, as well as giving a formal address to the group as a whole. The Canadian Government itself admitted to the sexual abuse, and physical abuse that the children at indigenous catholic schools went through. From the 19th century up to the 1950s, indigenous children were forced into Catholic schools where they were forced to assimilate to Catholic life. The indigenous people consisted of those who went to the Catholic schools, and lived to tell Pope Francis the truth. They went in hopes for an apology from the church, and reparations to their communities. The result was just that, as the church added $30 million to its already $50 million in reparations. 

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-03-28/canadian-indigenous-meet-with-pope-in-hopes-of-apology

Skyy Hills

Workers strike across India for labor rights, better pay - Skyy Hills

India is experiencing a strike that has gone on for two days now. The strike across India is estimated to have nearly 200 million union workers strike, as multiple unions have organized the strike together. These unions are opposing the government, demanding social security for workers, minimum wage increase, and to stop the privatization of public-sector banks. While that is the focus of the unions, the workers joining the strike are also fighting for improved rights for workers, employees, and farmers. The massive strike has yet to impact the country's capital, but has effectively started to negatively impact small towns and interrupt traffic. It will be interesting to see the government of India respond to this strike and the needs demanded by their people. 

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/workers-strike-india-labor-rights-pay-83714830

Skyy Hills

Zelensky says Ukraine prepared to discuss neutrality in peace talks

BBC, posted an article about how Ukraine Presdient Zelensky is ready to conduct a peace deal with Russia. The negoations will be conducted in Turkey later this week. BBC went on to say ,"Security guarantees and neutrality, non-nuclear status of our state. We are ready to go for it. This is the most important point," Mr Zelensky said"(BBC). Zelensky also went on to say these meetings will have to be conducted face-to-face in order both states are on the same page to conducting this matter. Putin said he will guarantee a neutral Ukraine and they cannot join NATO or EU. Ukraiane offical also went on to say no terriorty will be dicussed in the negotiations of the deal, althought Putin is hinting otherwise. Lastly in the article also mentioned, "disintegration of historical Russia". He has claimed Russians and Ukrainians are one people and denied Ukraine its long history" (BBC). These events will continue to unfold in the coming days and weeks. 

Written By: Erik Batkiewicz

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60901024 

Will Smith Vs. Chris Rock

 

The fallout from actor Will Smith's smack continues to reverberate throughout the world and on the internet. 

The incident occurred during the 94th Academy Awards telecast on Sunday, when comedian Chris Rock, 57, made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith while presenting the prize for Documentary Feature (won by Summer of Soul).

The joke was about Will Smith's wife's hair. She has a condition where hair loss is prevalent, so she shaved her head, and Chris Rock brought that to light by referring her to G.I. Jane 2, who was bald. 

Smith, 53, stepped onto the stage from his front-row position and smacked Rock across the face with an open fist. Smith took a step back and yelled at Rock to leave Pinkett Smith alone. Smith yelled back at Rock a second time, claiming that he was only making a G.I. Jane joke.

Several other actors, including Denzel Washington and Bradley Cooper, consoled Smith during the commercial break. Rock's whereabouts following the incident are unknown. He has not made any public statements as of this writing.

https://globalnews.ca/news/8715228/will-smith-chris-rock-slap-oscars-academy-lapd/

Jake Moore

Labor Strikes takeover India

Across India there has been an uproar of strikes against the governments treatment of workers in their economic policies.  Private and Public sector workers are asking for general reevaluation of the governments policies that they believe harm much of Indias work force. They are also calling to light a more recent law that benefits employers and could be detrimental to employees. The strikes were organized as shutdowns, walkouts, and public protests. The government is quickly working to put forward a privatization plan that will hopefully fix some of the issues. 

Written by: Jennifer Schroeder

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/28/world/asia/india-modi-general-strike.html

Prince William says he respects any country's decision to become a republic

Britain's Prince William and his wife toured Belize, Jamaica, and The Bahamas to understand the issues that matter most to them. William stated that the future of the countries "is for the people to decide on". The two do not want to tell people what to do, instead they want to support them with the platform they have. Jamaica's prime minister told William and Kate that the country wants to be independent and that it is "moving on". 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/27/americas/prince-william-caribbean-tour-gbr-intl/index.html

 -Sarah Tanny

"Ukraine willing to be neutral, says Russia wants to split nation" - Joey Jens

 

"Ukraine willing to be neutral, says Russia wants to split nation" 

To reach a peace agreement, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed that Ukraine is ready to become neutral and to make a concession on the future status of the eastern Donbass area. At the same time, another top Ukrainian official accused Russia of trying to split the nation in two. In a video call that the Kremlin had urged Russian media not to disclose, Zelenskiy openly addressed Russian journalists, stressing that any deal must be backed by other parties and submitted to a vote before it can be implemented. 

Article: 

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/rockets-strike-ukraines-lviv-biden-says-putin-cannot-remain-power-2022-03-27/ 

By: Joey Jens 

“ Takeaways from Biden’s trip to Europe: Unity, reassurance and a memorable gaffe”

 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/takeaways-bidens-trip-europe-rcna21718

President Biden’s trip to Europe amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine had several highlight moments. Firstly, he called for further unity among the nations of Europe against Russia and further sanctions against Russia. Secondly, he gave reassurances to Poland stating that the U.S would provide aid to deal with the influx of Ukrainian refugees as well as doubling down that the U.S would honor its NATO obligations to provide military support should Russia push into Poland next. Lastly, An off the cuff comment stating Putin cannot be allowed to remain in power has raised criticism from his political opponents as well as Putin himself claiming that the remark suggested the U.S was seeking to foment a regime change in Russia. 

Posted by: Jacob Seeley

"Meet the Russians who are fleeing - not war, but their own government"

 As a result of Russia's war with Ukraine, not only are Ukrainians fleeing their country for safety, Russians are leaving their own country in search of safety also. As the few stories in this article illustrate, there are multiple reasons why Russians are leaving home including fears of government persecution for speaking out, potentially being drafted to fight in a war they disagree with, and job instability. Georgia is the main country where a lot of Russians are fleeing to, as Georgia shares a large land border with Russia, there is no extradition from Georgia, and Russian passport holders can stay for up to a year without a visa. One story is of a man who is a political journalist who worked for some opposition publications. He was in Armenia when his father told him that the Moscow police were looking for him, and since President Vladimir Putin introduced a new law that means he could face 15 years in prison for calling the war a war, he decided to move to Georgia for now because there was no extradition there. 

By: Madelyn Milowski

https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2022/03/25/1087865980/meet-the-russians-who-are-fleeing-not-the-war-but-their-own-government

Female students and teachers demonstrate for reopening of education in Afghanistan

Taliban postponed the reopening of secondary education for girls and women. They demonstrated in the capital city of Kabul to demand the reopening. In Afghanistan, girls are not allowed to attend secondary school, because the Taliban has interpreted that it is against Islamic teachings for boys and girls to study in the same place. The Taliban had planned to resume girls' secondary education on the 23rd of this month, but postponed it on the same day. In the midst of this situation, on March 26, about 150 female students and teachers demonstrated in the center of Kabul demanding the reopening of the school, holding banners that read "Education is our fundamental right" and other messages. A woman who participated in the event said, "women should be allowed to educate themselves because half of the people who make up society are women. The Taliban cannot oppress Afghan women. The Taliban has explained the postponement as a procedural issue, but so far has not indicated when it will resume. In response to the postponement of the resumption of girls' secondary education, the U.S. government canceled an economic meeting with the Taliban. 

Lana Matsuda

3/27/2022

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/26/open-the-schools-afghanistan-girls-protest-taliban-kabul-for-right-to-education

Japan Approved Funding for 5 more years for the U.S. military presences

 On March 25th, 2022 at 10:57 a.m. NBC news recorded Japan has approved 5 more years of American military presence in Japan. Japan will spend about 616 million dollar over the course of the next 5 years on the American military. In the past American's presence in Japan was seen as a sympathetic move in order to stop China from invading Japan. However in the during era, Japan has become a close ally to America. The looming threat of North Korea and the unsaid aggression in China has made several Japanese citizens concerned about what could happen to Japan if the U.S. did not have a military presence. Today in Japan about are 55,000 soldiers covering 75% of the country. For more information please read this link. Retrieve from 3/25/22: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-us-military-host-nation-budget-china-north-korea-russia-threats/

By Jenny Smith

Ketanji Brown Jackson Faces More Questions in Supreme Court Hearings

  

Blog Post 3/24/22

 

Ketanji Brown Jackson Faces More Questions in Supreme Court Hearings 

 

            Like any new Supreme Court nominee, Ketanji Brown Jackson is being questioned by a panel of government officials. These hearings usually last a couple days and are usually tense, as officials fire questions at the nominee and require clear and accurate answers on the spot. This hearing was no exception as GOP senators grilled Jackson for sentences on convicted criminals. Although with this nominee, the GOP was notably tough and borderline rude. Many of the questions from the GOP were aimed at Brown’s sentencing on a child-porn case. Brown was able to explain her reasons clearly, but for some GOP senators it was not enough. Many senators interrupting her, demanding a better answer. This was the case for most of her time while being questioned by the GOP.  A complete unfair and rude treatment to a Supreme Court nominee and for someone to likely be confirmed in the near future. This raises a lot of eyebrows for many reasons. Will future hearings be this chaotic? This intense? I think we owe it to one of the most qualified nominees too owe her better. It is upsetting to know that those in charge are allowed to act like this. No matter your position, your political affiliation, this should anger you. I hope she gets confirmed, with the Democrats controlling the simple majority, this seems likely. Those in power need to be checked and those who worked so hard all their life for their country should be treated better. 

 

By: Luke Schmidt 

 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/judge-jackson-to-face-more-questions-in-supreme-court-hearings-11648035000

Human Remains Found Amid Wreckage

 Just this past Monday there was a plan crash in southern China. This plane held 132 people and there are now human remains being found at the crash site. This tragic occurrence has yet to have an explanation. The plane suddenly dropped nearly vertical out of the sky.  There is hope that the cockpit recorder is preserved and will shed some light on what actually happened and caused this crash. However, heavy rains have flooded the crash site area and may cause some difficulties in investigating the crash site. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-60856854

Sam Fretto

One month of war has displaced more than half of Ukrainian children

 The article "One month of war has displaced more than half of Ukrainian children" discusses how the war between Russia and Ukraine has displaced 4.3 million Ukrainian children in the past month. Around 2.5 million children are displaced in Ukraine and 1.8 have gone to bordering countries as refuges. This is such a sad thing because these children could have lost their families forever and there is nothing they can do about it. Another consequence of the war is damaged houses and limited access to health care, education, and other essential places. 

Elise Kamp

https://www.npr.org/2022/03/24/1088560767/ukraine-children-displaced-war 

China plane crash: human remains, engine debris found

 Megan Campion

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-plane-crash-human-remains-engine-debris-found-101648123319147.html

The article I chose for this weeks blog post is titled “China plane crash: Human remains, engine debris found” by Sutirtho Patranobis. This article was published by the Hindustan Times. There was a Chinese plane that crashed on Monday in the Guangxi region. After the plane crash, responders were looking for the plane and possible survivors. They were unaware if anyone survived. They found the cockpit voice recorder on Wednesday, yesterday. It is said to be China’s worst plane incident in twelve years. I found this article because nowadays it’s becoming less and less common hearing about plane crashes, but when they do occur, it is always questioning what happened. I know this plane that crashed was a young plane. About 5 years old, so authorities are looking into finding the reason why this plane crash since it was a plan that shouldn't have. 

Nicaraguan ambassador turns on own government

 My blogs have all been about Russia and Ukraine so I decided to go a different route with this blog. This article is about a Nicaraguan official, Arturo McFields, standing up to the President, Daniel Ortega, for running his country like a dictator. McFields wants to stand up to the President despite him possible bringing danger to himself and his family. I had no idea that Nicaragua was being run like a dictatorship in which people are being persecuted and fleeing their homes to get away from the persecution. I think what McFields did was very courageous, he stood up for his people despite the consequences. A quote from McFields that stuck out to me was "Denouncing my country's dictatorship isn't easy, but remaining silent and defending the indefensible is impossible," 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/23/americas/nicaragua-ambassador-ortega-comments-intl-latam/index.html 

Abby Cox 

Ukraine’s military forces Russian troops east of Kyiv back 55 km from city center

Ukraine's military has pushed back Russian forces east of Kyiv to 55 Kilometers from the city center. For weeks, the Russian forces have been kept at bay only 20-30 Kilometers from the center of the capital city. With Ukraine's troops pushing back Russia almost twice as far as they have been for weeks is a good sign. This is a sign of them possibly attempting (or succeeding) at taking back land that Russia stole from them. The U.S. assesses that Russian troops that have been put 12-15 Kilometers north of the city are putting themselves in defensive positions, so no more land can be taken.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ukraines-military-forces-russian-troops-east-kyiv-back/story?id=83631494

Jamaican Protestors Demand Slavery Reparations from British Royals Ahead of Caribbean Trip

 Ahead of the Duke and Duchess's trip throughout the Caribbean and Central America, protestors in Jamaica demand an apology and financial compensation for Britain's slaveholding past. Protestors have gathered in the streets with signs and shirts shortly after major Jamaican leaders drafted a letter asking for such actions. This is not a new movement, as many have noted, and one that is sure to not happen if Jamaica decides one day to not pledge the islands allegiance to the crown and Great Britain. It is noted that Jamaica does not celebrate British specific events such as the Queen's Jubilee, but the two nations do have very strong trade partnerships. 

Protesters in Jamaica spurn British royals ahead of official visit : NPR

- Ethan Garard

China says military development of islands within its rights

 As we have seen during the curse, there is a major competence over the sovereignty of the South China Sea, where China has built some islands that are now being filled with military equipment and infrastructure. 

China, as considers these islands parts of the country, they justify its actions as their right within their sovereignty over the islands. 

Of course, all of this has put into alert the neighboring countries as well as the US.  This is internationally seen as an escalation of militarization and threat of expansion. Furthermore, these actions break the promises of China's president, who said that would not transform the artificial islands in contested waters into military bases.

China refuses to acknowledge claims from five other governments to some or all of the waterway and dismissed the findings of a U.N.-backed arbitration tribunal that invalidated China’s sweeping historical claims under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

china-military-development-islands-rights-83593784

By Javier Isasi Serrano

Poland Becomes a Strategic Player

The Russia-Ukraine crisis turns Poland into a strategic player in becoming vital to the West's efforts to project power in Eastern Europe. As a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine becomes more likely every day, Polish leaders are more aware of how this could affect Poland. Towns across the country have been setting up accommodations for up to 1 million refugees who could arrive if Russian forces continue. Poland has been providing Kyiv with vital support to fight the Russians, supplying them with tens of thousands of artillery shells, anti-aircraft weapons, and mortars, among other arms to the country.

The West has focused on Poland during this time because Poland is currently the top defense spender in Eastern Europe and its critical location in the region, making it a crucial part of NATO's. Poland is also Ukraine's second-largest trading partner behind China, and as more Ukrainian immigrants come into Poland, the residents and laborers have become an integral part of the Polish economy. The Russia Ukrain conflict has also created opportunities for Poland. With its new alliance with Ukraine and the U.K., Warsaw looks like it wants to expand its role as a regional node of security cooperation between Western Europe and Ukraine. 

The government has pledged to double the size of troops and expand Poland's military budget, which would allow Poland to become more self-sufficient in its security in years ahead. With the Russian invasion, Poland knows it must prepare for a future in which it will have to play a leading role in keeping Putin's Russia at arm's length.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/23/poland-ukraine-russia-crisis-nato-strategic-role-military-diplomacy-war/ 

By: Genevieve Weiss

EU Slams 'War Crimes' in Ukraine, Mulls Fresh Sanctions

An article written by the Associated Press on usnews.com talks about how the European Union just released statements about it is indefinite that Russia is commiting war crimes against Ukraine which led to the EU reasling new sanctions agaisnt Russia involving energy cores for Russia. Irish forgein minister has recentgly been the spotlight disucssing about what these war crimes by stating, "is driving a fury across the European Union within the public as to why can’t we stop this.” He said Europeans “want people held to account for the decisions taken and the brutality that we have seen". Noting that many states within the EU are very upset with Russia and the brutality they are causing in Ukriane. The European Union is meeting later this week ti discuss more new snactions and plans to deal with Russia and help Ukriane along with surrounding countries. 

Written By: Erik Batkiewicz 

Link: https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2022-03-21/eu-slams-war-crimes-in-ukraine-but-new-sanctions-unlikely 

Honk Kong study says reopening international travel to have little impact on covid transmission

In the article it talks about fully opening international travel in Hong Kong and how the spread of covid will have little impact because of the reopening. The article states "as long as arrivals are fully vaccinated and test negative upon boarding a flight... they would have a negligible impact". This could go one of both ways, either good or bad. There are just so many uncertainties that no one really has the right answer to the situation. Hong Kong along with mainland China have been very strict on the dynamic zero policy as soon as they see covid cases going up. Even then you can see how even though they are strict, there are still outbreaks within. Hong Kong is expected to start relaxing measures in April and then continue relaxing measures until June. This study suggests that since more than half of Hong Kong's population has been exposed to covid, that it is only a matter of time before the others get exposed to it. As the article states this could develop "hybrid immunity through a combination of natural infection and vaccinations". The whole point of the article is to get herd immunity and I think this is how Hong Kong is going to approach the situation when relaxing measures. 

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-03-22/hong-kong-study-says-reopening-of-international-travel-to-have-little-impact-on-future-covid-transmissions

Written by: Jose Morales 

Ukrainian Girl Sings Ukraine's National Anthem in Poland

 7-year-old Amellia Anisovych sings the Ukrainian national anthem during a benefit concert called "Together With Ukraine" where Polish and Ukrainian artists came together to perform and fundraise for an aid organization called Polish Humanitarian Action. The girl's singing had gone viral only earlier this month when someone taking refuge in a bomb shelter in Kyiv asked her to sing for those in the shelter, to which she sang "Let It Go" from Frozen. 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/21/world/girl-ukraine-national-anthem-concert-let-it-go-cec/index.html

Abbey Scuito

"Bombs falling every 10 minutes," says Ukrainian officer in Mariupol. Madison Vermeland

 https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-21-22/h_aa76393e1b16e6be6d04b0acb9fb96d4 

Mariupol came under bombardment in the evening hours of last night. There is also Russian navy warships that are shelling. The soldiers defused four tanks and armored vehicles and troops. The Captain of the national guard in Mariupol told CNN that they are still in need of ammunition, anti-tank weapons and air defense. The captain had also stated that they would not surrender in Mariupol. 

A little background information to the captain saying they will not surrender. The Russians issued a deadline for the authorities in Mariupol to surrender but the city did not. 

Mariupol was home to around 450,000 people before the war started and has been under attack from Russian forces since early March, they have caused significant destruction to residential areas. Russia has been accused of focusing on civilians in the area and trapping them. Mariupol residents are being taken against their will and taken to remote locations in Russia.

It has caused the area to low access to gas, electricity and water. Bodies are even being left on the street because there is no one to collect them or it is too dangerous to try. People in the area are sacred to leave their underground shelters to get the essential things they need. 

Russia wants to control Mariupol because of the cities access to a port that lies on a stretch of coast connecting the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas with the Crimean peninsula. 

Indonesia's Favorite Noodles Run Out of Stock

Shops in Indonesia have not received any shipments of Indomie brand noodles in weeks. Ukraine is one of Indonesia's biggest suppliers of wheat. So far, we have not been able to extrapolate the effect the war in Ukraine will have on Indonesia's wheat supply. Earlier in March, Indonesian President Joko Widodo warned that global food prices have risen as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, putting pressure on the local food markets in Indonesia. Though, one local shop owner has reported that "We are not scared yet.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/21/as-ukraine-war-sends-wheat-pas-indonesians-asking-wheres-indomie

By: Noah Hittie

White House considered gas cards to ease pain at the pump

Gas prices grew to record highs after Russia invaded Ukraine. High gas prices threaten to worsen inflation and slow down the economic recovery. The White House apparently considered sending out gas cards to soften the blow, however they have decided that it is not reasonable. They are worried that it will not work because of fraud concerns as well as the fact that, in the past, things have been stolen from mailboxes. The President wants to do everything possible to mitigate the impact. He has already announced the release of oil from emergency stockpiles. 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/21/energy/gas-cards-biden/index.html

-Sarah Tanny

China Flight Crashed: 132 people on Board

According to authorities, a China Eastern Boeing 737-800 carrying 132 people crashed in the southern province of Guangxi on Monday, igniting a forest fire visible from space. This is the country's biggest air accident in over a decade. 

In a statement, China's Civil Aviation Administration reported the disaster that happened near Wuzhou in Teng county. According to the report, the airplane was flying from Kunming in Yunnan's western region to Guangzhou, China's industrial capital on the east coast.

President Xi Jinping of China has called for a "all-out effort" in the mission, as well as the handling of post-crash procedures and the investigation of any safety threats to ensure comprehensive civil aviation flight safety.

Jake Moore

https://globalnews.ca/news/8697367/china-eastern-flight-132-onboard-south/

"Zelensky: 'I'm ready for negotiations' with Putin, but if they fail, it could mean 'a third World War" - Joey Jens

 Zelensky: 'I'm ready for negotiations' with Putin, but if they fail, it could mean 'a third World War 

In a Sunday statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is "ready for negotiations" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but cautioned that if those negotiations fail, "this would mean that we are entering a third World War."More conversations are needed as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth week. The Russian president warned that if discussions aren't started "immediately," Russia could suffer "massive" losses in a video message aired on Saturday. It was  Zelensky's way of saying, "We have always insisted on negotiations, we have always provided dialogue, we have always given peace alternatives." For those in Moscow in particular: "It's time to meet. It's time to discuss; it is time to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine." 

Article 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/20/politics/zelensky-putin-ukraine-negotiations-war-cnntv/index.html 

by: Joey Jens 

Airplane crush killed 4 U.S. service members

 A U.S. military plane carrying four people crashed in northern Norway on March 18 during a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) training exercise. Because of this accident, the fuselage was found severely damaged. According to the Norwegian military, the aircraft was in the middle of a training exercise in Nordland County in the northern part of the country.

Lana Matsuda

3/20/2021

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/03/19/norway-plane-crash-nato-american-soldiers/

Madagascans struggle through long drought

 Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is suffering a severe drought that has turned its once green landscape hot and red. It has been nearly 4 hard years of drought, worsened by deforestation for resources and developments. Climate change is changing weather patterns which has severely damaged harvesting and farming patterns. Many people have turned to reducing kinds of cactus, as it is the only thing left to eat in such a dry environment. Malnourishment and starvation for children is at an all time high, as the World Food Program is feeding nearly one million people and counting. This is an issue that has not received much coverage or attention, but is intensifying.

Skyy Hills

https://abcnews.go.com/International/green-island-turns-red-madagascans-struggle-long-drought/story?id=83502381

Ukraine accuses Russia of bombing shelter, deporting citizens

 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-bombing-shelter-deporting-citizens/ar-AAVhEOH

Ukraine and Russia have continued into another week of a stalemated war. Ukraine has claimed that Russia is bombing shelters in Ukraine that contain civilians and also deporting Mariupol residents to remote cities in Russia. According to the U.N. over 6.5 million civilians have been displaced so far but that there may be many more due to most of the country being inaccessible. With the Ukraine and Russia war having no end date in sight, it is expected the civilian casualties will only increase due to the constant bombings. 

Biden's strategy with Putin is decades in the making

Biden has been said to be aware of Putin's plan to build an empire for years. He has also tried to depoliticize Russia's invasion, not making it a left vs. right issue, but instead vilifying Putin as a whole. Biden was the Vice President during Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014 and saw the impact of sanctions and the importance of having a strong response to conflict. 

The article goes into the behavior and relationship between Putin and Biden, displaying that they have always had issues with each other, going as far as recollecting their first meeting where Biden told Putin he didn't think he had a soul.

It now falls on Biden to restore unity in a country that has been so divided. Although there is still conflict and blame due to rising gas prices, the rising threatening enemy of the U.S is clear. 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/19/politics/joe-biden-vladimir-putin-personal-history/index.html

Hunter Scherer

IPCC Warns of 'Irreversible' Impacts of Global Warming

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says that humans and nature are being pushed beyond their abilities to adapt, with reports indicating that places, where people live and work, may cease to exist. The authors of the most recent report state that "this is a really key moment. Our reports point out very clearly, this is the decade of action if we are going to turn things around." 

This report is the second of three reviews from the foremost body of climate researchers, looking at the causes, impacts, and solutions to climate change. The report shows that extreme weather events linked to climate change are hitting humans and other species much harder than previous assessments indicated. 

Like what we learned in class, some are being hit much harder than others, with parts of Africa, South Asia, and Central and South America being the more vulnerable regions than in other parts of the world. Under all emissions scenarios, the IPCC expects a million more people to be at risk from coastal-specific climate hazards within the next few decades. If temperatures rise between 1.7 and 1.8 C from the 1850s level, then half the human population could be exposed to life-threatening climatic conditions arising from heat and humidity. Diseases will likely spread more quickly as we see the physical health impacts for the first time including stress and trauma related to extreme weather events and the loss of livelihoods and culture. 

By: Genevieve Weiss

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60525591 

Waves of Ukrainian Child Refugees at Risk of Human Trafficking

 The group UNICEF has warned that the roughly 1.5 million child refugees of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are facing a higher risk of human trafficking. They state that the rise in displacement leads to an increased likelihood of children being separated from the rest of their families, be that by accident of by those in the business of trafficking and kidnapping. UNICEF is calling for surrounding European nations bringing in refugees to enforce and implement protections for families and children. This especially comes after 500 unaccompanied children were identified entering Romania from Ukraine between February 24 and March 17. UNICEF is also asking for every child to be screened under appropriate circumstances and evaluated to determine if they are accompanied or not, and if further help and protection is necessary. 

The 1.5 million children who fled Ukraine are at risk of human trafficking : NPR

- Ethan Garard

Airline giant Delta warns oil increases mean higher ticket prices

In this article it talks about how the increase in oil prices can lead to a 10% increase in air fares. There already have been other airlines that have started charging "surcharges on their tickets to cover the higher cost of fuel". For Delta they are planning on raising both domestic and international flight charges. With international surcharges being higher than domestic flights. In some instances, many airlines "try to protect themselves from these changes by buying fuel in advance". I think that this was a smart idea if they bought the fuel before the sudden increase in oil prices because they bought it at a lower price than it is currently. With so much unpredictability going on, Delta has decided not to buy its fuel in advance. I think Delta also is right because you never know what can happen. One thing is for sure, and that is that airfare prices will see an increase this year across all airlines.  

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60781625

Published by: Jose Morales 

"Rescuers Search Theater Rubble as Russian Attacks Continue”

 https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-03-17/russian-attacks-batter-ukraine-as-putin-warns-of-traitors 

Megan Campion

The article I chose to write about for this weeks blog post is titled “Rescuers Search Theater Rubble as Russian Attacks Continue” by Andrea Rosa. The article is from the U.S. News. It was published on March 17th, 2022. The article is about a theater that was ruined by a Russian airstrike in the city of Mariupol. The theater was hit by a Russian airstrike and caught on fire. Hundreds of people were in the theater when it was hit seeking shelter. There was a shelter underneath the theater, so authorities are hoping people were able to take cover before they were hurt. Unfortunately, they now are going threw the rubble looking for people who either died or survived. The shelter underneath the theater hopefully was able to protect people from the fire in the theater. The war is causing so many families to be ripped apart and many civilians lives to be lost. It’s so heartbreaking to see this happening. 

"Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall Safely out of Ukraine after suffering serious injuries" Madison Vermeland

https://www.foxnews.com/media/benjamin-hall-safely-ukraine-injuries 

While Benjamin Hall was covering the Russian invasion the vehicle he was in traveling in came under attack. Unfortunately this attack took the lives of the cameraman, Pierre Zackrzewski and journalist, Oleksandra "Sasha" Kuvshynova. 

Kuvshynova was 24 years old and working as a consultant, helping crews around the area, also speaking to sources and gaining more information. A message from one of the representatives: 

"She was incredibly talented and spent weeks working directly with our entire team there, operating around the clock to make sure the world knew what was happening in her country," Scott said as part of a lengthy statement. 

Pierre was known very well around fox news, he was 55 years old. He covered almost all of the international stories. Playing an important role in getting Afghan freelance associates and families out of the country after the U.S. withdrawal. He was awarded the Unsung Hero award during an awards ceremony that fox had. 

Madison Vermeland

Russia Advance Stalling Sam Fretto

 Since Russia decided to invade Ukraine that night of February 24th they have certainly made progress in the country, taking over places such as Chernobyl. However, Russia has had some issues making advancements and the capital of Ukraine Kyiv has not fallen. President Zelensky is in Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces are fighting to defend their homeland. 

It is being reported that peace talks are possible as Russia continues their attack to not much success. This on top of the heavy sanctions places on Russia crippling their economy and country is certainly enough of a reason for Russia to stop the war but will they? Why would Putin stop now? If he does decide to pull out and end this war, will the rest of the world accept that and continue business in Russia? Personally I can't see that happening. Putin is now an outcast to the rest of the world and will not be respected and should not be respected by others.  

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60746557

US, China aides to meet as tensions mount over Russia

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-china-officials-to-meet-as-tensions-mount-over-russia/ar-AAV0DNV 

U.S. President Joe Biden has sent his advisor to meet with China to discuss the Russian and Ukraine War. The United States has made it clear there will be consequences if China tries to help Russia in any way. Also, The United States has accused China of spreading disinformation to aid Russia's cause. There is a growing concern that China is subtly aligning themselves with Russia which may have global implications.

Jake Leggero

Hong Kong 'doubles down' on 'Zero COVID' Policy

Most of the world is beginning to learn to live with COVID, and at least for Americans, the news are beginning to die down on the coverage. Hong Kong is going through the opposite. The first two years of the pandemic, the city only suffered 213 reported deaths. Since the beginning of this year alone, the omicron variant broke loose in the once-protected city and caused the death of nearly 3,2000 people to date. Hong Kong's elderly population makes up most of the deaths, as there is a low rate of vaccination. China has sent in medical professionals and assists with the building of isolation facilities. Both locations are dealing with a serious wave, while the rest of the world is beginning to recover from their own.

Skyy Hills

https://abcnews.go.com/International/hong-kong-doubles-covid-policy-death-rate-soars/story?id=83365141

Congress meets with Native leaders to discuss co-management of federal lands. Madison Vermeland

 "Congress meets with Native leaders to discuss co-management of federal lands" 

https://www.hcn.org/articles/indigenous-affairs-national-park-service-congress-meets-with-native-leaders-to-discuss-co-management-of-federal-lands 

March 9, 2022

There was a meeting held to see about co managing federal lands with Indigenous tribes. It started off in a good way. Arizona's democratic representative, Raul M. Grijalva  started the meeting with stating the importance of tribal sovereignty and talking about the reckoning with the injustices of the United States'. He also said that the lands that are now known as the United States land were once the homes of millions of Indigenous people who were killed, removed or relocated. There was also questions brought from native leaders to be asked. 

During the three and half hour meeting their was a bunch of loaded questions, representatives from both sides and how each of them felt about this topic. Representatives also asked Native leaders about land management, reduction of wildfire fuels, and most republicans focused their questions on oil and gas extraction. 

While nothing was concluded at the end of the meeting it was a great step to continuing this conversation. 

Madison Vermeland

Russia accused of bombing a children's hospital

     Despite agreeing to a 12-hour pause in hostilities in an effort to secure the safety of refugees evacuating cities and towns, Russia is being accused of bombing a maternity and children's hospital located in Southern Ukraine. The accusation was made after officials in the Mariupol city council posted a video of a demolished hospital within the city. At least 17 people were reported to be injured, which included mothers and staff. Such developments have further pushed Ukrainian President Zelensky to pressure NATO military alliance to declare a no-fly zone over Ukraine, and calls them out for "losing their humanity" as NATO continues to do be solely supportive in their involvement. 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/09/europe/russia-invasion-ukraine-evacuations-03-09-intl/index.html

Written by Abbey Scuito

China's Xi Calls for 'Maximum Restraint' in Ukraine

 https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-03-08/chinas-xi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-in-ukraine

Megan Campion

This article I chose to talk about this week is from U.S. News. The title of the article is “China’s Xi Calls for ‘Maximum Restraint’ in Ukraine” by Reuters. It was published on March 8th, 2022. This article talks about the President of China, which is Xi Jinping, and his call for maximum restraint in Ukraine. The President of China said he is “pained to see the flames of war reignite in Europe.” The President spoke with the French President about potential peace talks with Ukraine and Russia. China has refused to allow Russia’s actions to be okay even though they have had a lasting freindship. This article was very interesting because it discusses the conflict China is involved in right now with its ally invading Ukraine and China trying to find a way to remain Russia’s ally, but at the same time make it known they are not in support of Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine. 

Xi says China is willing to play role in mediating Ukraine crisis, in call with European leaders.

 On Tuesday, Xi Jinping (China's President), said that China is willing to mediate the war going on in Ukraine. They did not disclose any details as to how they plan on doing this; and they reiterated about Jinping's opposition to Western Sanctions against Russia. During the call, Jinping said the situation going on in Ukraine right now is "Worrisome, and that China was deeply grieved by the outbreak of war again on the European continent." China is going to be in communication with France, Germany and the EU. China has not condemned nor rushed to help Russia with this invasion of Ukraine. Jinping was also promoting peace talks with the two different countries, and talked about how they are ready to send aid to Ukraine.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/08/asia/china-russia-invasion-xi-macron-scholz-intl/index.html

As South Koreans go to the polls, a backlash against feminism has become political

 In this article it talks about the upcoming presidential election this Wednesday March 9th that is going to occur in South Korea. South Koreans in their 20's and 30's make out roughly one third of the voters in the election. It states that young women tend to vote for the Democratic party and young men vote for the People Power party. The politicians in South Korea are seen as "exploiting gender divisions". I think it is important to know because if the people are divided by gender there is most likely going to be a winner depending on the population from each gender. If there are more males than females, the People Power Party wins and vice versa. It is interesting to see that other countries are also divided among who they are going to vote for. I thought there was only a big political divide here in the United States. This is an important election because it will determine the future of the gender gap between men and women in South Korea and how that will affect future years to come. 

https://www.npr.org/2022/03/08/1085111819/as-south-koreans-go-to-the-polls-a-backlash-against-feminism-has-become-politica

Written by: Jose Morales

The United States Congress passes the first-ever bill making lynching a federal hate crime.

 The United States Congress gave final approval Monday to legislation that would make lynching a federal hate crime in the United States for the first time, sending the bill to President Joe Biden for signature. 

The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, which has been in the works for years, is one of more than 200 pieces of legislation introduced in the United States during the last century to prohibit lynching. 

It's named after a Black teenager whose gruesome murder in Mississippi in 1955 — and his mother's demand for an open coffin to show the world what had happened to her child — became a watershed moment in the Civil Rights movement.

The House overwhelmingly adopted a revamped edition last week, and the Senate unanimously ratified the bill late Monday. The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act "sends a clear and emphatic message that our nation will no longer ignore this shameful chapter of our history and that the full force of the United States federal government will always be brought to bear against those who commit this heinous act," according to the Congressman Mr. Rush.

https://globalnews.ca/news/8665686/us-anti-lynching-bill/

Jake Moore

Ukraine conflict: Petrol at fresh record as oil and gas prices soar

 The article titled "Ukraine conflict: Petrol at fresh record as oil and gas prices soar" discusses how the war between Russia and Ukraine is affecting oil and gas prices. Russia is the second  top producer of crude oil behind Saudi Arabia. With Russia attacking Ukraine, many countries do not want to buy oil from Russia, but do not really have a choice. Gas prices are drastically increasing like we have seen happening here in the United States. These oil and gas prices are also greatly affecting European countries economic markets as well as the U.S market. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60642786

Elise Kamp

"Squid Game Election" in South Korea

 The upcoming South Korea presidential election has taken an ugly turn south. Hideous insults, lawsuits, and lawsuits have turned this election into a dangerous game. South Korea is already being ravaged by stark political divide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how to recover financially as they try to balance their relationships with leading ally, the United States, and its top trade partner, China. Numerous opinion surveys show that both candidates, Lee Jae-myung (liberal) and Yoon Suk Yeol (conservative) have more critics than supporters, with some calling the race a choice for "the lesser of two evils" due to the growing disdain and ugliness of the campaigns. Both candidates have partaken in claims of corruption, shamanism, and even attacking and critiquing each other's wives. This has led to multiple libel and false news lawsuits

'Squid Game Election': South Korean campaign gets ugly | AP News

- Ethan Garard

Here are the companies pulling back from Russia

A growing number of international companies are pulling away from operations in Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. These include Apple, Disney, and Ford. Boeing also said that it has suspended major operations in Moscow. A company spokesman confirmed that the company will be pausing parts, maintenance and technical support services for Russian airlines. Russia has been trying to stop this with new capital controls. 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/02/business/companies-pulling-back-russia-ukraine-war-intl-hnk/index.html

-Sarah Tanny

Asia On Their Own Side: Mixed Reactions to Ukraine War

 
While the U.S., along with many other European nations, have sided with Ukraine in providing them with aid to fight and sanctions against Russia. Across the Asia-Pacific countries that are American allies such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Australia are the only ones to have placed sanctions against Russia. However, generals in Myanmar have said that Russian actions are "the right thing to do" while India has abstained from a United Nations Security Council to condemn the attack. Vietnam has referred to Vladimir V. Putin as "Uncle Putin." Russia's influence in Asia is minimal compared to the United States. However, Russia has made a significant effort to grow its presence in recent years, especially with military supplies. 84% of Vietnam's weapons imports come from Russia, buying billions of dollars worth of Russian artillery, aircraft, and submarines. Russia has also been a reliable military power for India, accounting for half of its military supplies. Like India, Indonesia has significantly increased its economic and defense ties with Russia over the years, with trade between the countries rising to $2.74 billion in 2021. 

The United States has been quick to criticize Russia for its policies, Putin's brand of authoritarian politics has appealed to many countries across Asia where strongmen rule is often. Authoritarian governments and those with weaker ties to the West have been more reluctant to act or speak out against Russia either due to common ideals or economic relations.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/asia/asia-russia-ukraine-war.html 

By: Genevieve Weiss

Nuclear negotiation between Iran and IAEA

The Iranian government discussed the allegations surrounding its nuclear program that had been pointed out by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). They agreed to reply in writing in the near future and to finalize their conclusions by June. It is the key that Iran shows its cooperation toward the nuclear agreement. Iran and the U.S. are continuing indirect talks via the European Union on how to proceed with restrictions on Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions.

3/6/2022 

Lana Matsuda

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/5/iran-iaea-hold-talks-as-nuclear-negotiations-near-finish-line

Suicide Bombing in Pakistan Mosque Kills 56

 https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-03-04/suicide-bombing-kills-56-at-shiite-mosque-in-pakistan

The article I chose for this week’s blog post is titled “Suicide Bombing Kills 56 at Shiite Mosque in Pakistan” by Kathy Gannon and Riaz Khan. It was posted March 4th, 2022. This article explains what happened as well as shows pictures. A suicide bomber struck inside a Mosque in Pakistan and killed 56 people so far and injuring 194 people. The bomber attached explosives to his body and was covered by a large black shawl. This was an interesting article to read about and shared details of the bombing. I hope no more people pass. 56 people shouldn’t have lost their lives to begin with. 

Megan Campion

Bipartisan lawmakers call on Biden Administration to end Russian oil imports

'Ban It': Bipartisan lawmakers call on Biden Administration to end Russian oil imports

As president Validmir Putin continues to escalate Russian attacks in Ukraine, bipartisan lawmakers are putting the pressure on President Biden to put economic stress on Russia and punish them for their actions. Russia relies heavily on its energy sector for income, and taking away US oil exports would be the an influential way for the US to stand against the war. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi emphatically supports the idea, and urges the ban on Russian oil imports. There is domestic concern of already-rising gas prices that would drastically increase due to this decision. What is now left is to decide the next steps that would come after a ban. Many politicians see this as an opportunity to begin to build America into an "energy-independent" future once and for all, although it will come with a costly transition. The next step in this decision is to decided if the ban will happen for all Russian imports, and how it influences a relationship with Europe in its entirety. 

Skyy Hills

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/03/politics/congress-russian-oil-imports-ban/index.html

Defiance and disobedience are flourishing in Russian-held Ukraine

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, protestors have taken a stance as the Russian military begins to occupy cities. One of these locations is in southern Ukraine in Kherson, where they are protesting the occupation of the Black Sea port, despite gunfire and imminent danger. Protests here and in other surrounding regions come after Ukrainian President Zelensky posted on social media telling people to stand their ground and fight for their country. 

Protestors can be seen from all generations outside singing their national anthem. Videos are spreading of even small groups trying to make a difference, showing that you don't need a large crowd to stand up to oppression, which in turn encourages more to do the same. 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/06/europe/civil-disobedience-ukraine-russian-occupation-cmd-intl/index.html

Hunter Scherer

Russian attacks intensify in Ukraine; Zelensky again pleads for no-fly zone

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-attacks-intensify-in-ukraine-zelensky-again-pleads-for-no-fly-zone/ar-AAUGSRj

With Russia continuing to rain destruction on Ukraine President Zelensky has issued for the western powers to declare a no fly zone. Ukraine has tried to evacuate its citizens from this terrible war. But has been stymied by Russian troops every time. With the Ukrainian cities being consistently shelled, they plead for aerial protection or at least aerial supplies to defend themselves. Because all of their surrounding airports are being destroyed. 

Jake Leggero

"Russia's War on Ukraine Threatens Global Food Supply" - Joey Jens

 

Russia’s war on Ukraine threatens global food supply 

Russian tanks and missiles are also jeopardizing the food supply and lives of people in Europe, Africa, and Asia who depend on the huge, lush farmlands of the Black Sea area, known as the "breadbasket of the world." Because of the influx of refugees, fighters, and people trying to survive in Ukraine, farmers have been forced to neglect their fields. Ports that ship wheat and other agricultural essentials throughout the globe to be processed into products such as bread, noodles, and animal feed have been closed. Furthermore, there are concerns that Western sanctions on Russia, another agricultural giant, might cause its grain shipments to be disrupted. 

By: Joey Jens 

Article - 

https://globalnews.ca/news/8662158/russia-ukraine-war-global-food-supply/ 

"Shell defends 'difficult' decision to buy Russian crude oil" BBC

 This article describes the events that took place between the company Shell and Russia. Ukraine found out earlier this week about how Shell secretly bought crude oil from Russia and Ukraine's forigein minster said "Doesn't Russia's oil smell like Ukraine Blood to you?". Signaling that Ukriane is very upset an American based company bought oil from Russia. Shell claimed they were forced to buy oil from Russia in order to maintian timely supplies of fuel to Europe. For further context, Russia is second most in crude oil production and holds about 8% of Shell's oil production. Shell went on to say the descion was not taken lightly in wake of the situation in Ukraine. Shell was well aware of the backlash they would be facing but it was to keep the global economy afloat. As of now Shell is moving most of its production to their other plants such as Glazpom, which is located in Germany. They are following similar percautions of fellow rival BP. At the end of this article the author said, this situation is unknown and cannot be predicted at this time. 

Written By: Erik Batkiewicz 

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60638255 

NATO nations can send jets to Ukraine

 NATO countries can now send military aid in the form of fighter jets to Ukraine after Russia continued to strike in more cities in Ukraine. The US stated that they would help replenish countries if they sent arms to Ukraine. However, Ukraine's President called for a "no fly zone" over Ukraine because Russia said that any aircraft seen would be considered "participation in the armed conflict." Ukraine's President, Voldymyr Zelenskyy is not getting much support on this decision. The US and other allies of Ukraine are currently working on banning Russian imports of oil. Russia has already damaged many Ukraine towns by striking a major gas pipeline through an airstrike which has left Ukrainian citizens without heat and gas. Russian forces have also taken control of the "Zaporizhzhya Power plant" so any changes at the power plant must be approved by the Russian commander at the site. 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/06/russia-ukraine-invasion-updates/9401259002/ 

Abby Cox

"People around the world are booking Airbnbs in Ukraine. They don't plan to check in"

A social media campaign has led people around the world to book Airbnb's in Ukraine without planning to check in, to help get money to Ukrainians as Russia continues its attacks and many services are stopped as a result. Because Airbnb typically pays 24 hours after guests check in, organizers of the campaign suggested booking as close to the check-in date as possible so hosts receive fees quickly as well as urging people to check that rentals are operated by individuals instead of companies. Airbnb has also offered temporary housing in neighboring countries to up to 100,000 Ukrainians who are fleeing due to the Russian invasion. People have also encouraged others to purchase from Ukrainian merchants on Etsy but to ask sellers not to send any goods, and Etsy has canceled current balances and fees from all sellers in Ukraine. Overall, Ukrainians have said how important both the messages of support and money are, and others have said that supporting Ukrainians directly through Airbnb has felt like it is having a more immediate impact than donating to larger organizations. 

By: Madelyn Milowski

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/ukraine-airbnb-donations-cec/index.html 

Ukraine's Call to Arms

 Ukraine is needing all the protection and support it can get. Foreign firefighters are being sent in, Western states are having out hundreds of millions of dollars on crates of guns, and sending "weapons to anyone" in Ukraine. After WW2 groups like the United Nations and European war have tried to promote peace, but now they're forced to send in lethal military weapons to people in order to fight against a global super power. About 20 countries are sending in weapons to help including NATO and the European Union, NATO is also sending in 22,000 more troops to the border of Russia in attempts to stop further aggression but this can also cause retaliation from Putin. It's said that it is too soon to say how the global balance of power could be reshaped and people are hoping that this won't show threat, but instead show the strength of these countries. 

Kayla McSweeney

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/04/podcasts/arms-ukraine-russia.html

EU Unanimously Agrees To Grant Temporary Residence To Refugees

Due to the influx of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, the EU voted unanimously to grant them residency in neighboring countries for as long as three years. This includes rights to Ukrainians and their families to have occupations during their stay, education, and welfare while they wait out the war in a foreign country. Those who hold a long-term residence or refugee record in Ukraine would be covered as well, while those who are temporary residents as students or workers would be aided in their journey home. 

By: Abbey Scuito

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60582327

Are Americans ready to ditch Covid restrictions? It's complicated. Madison Vermeland

 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/are-americans-ready-ditch-covid-restrictions-complicated-rcna17978 

Madison Vermeland

Many Americans are ready to give up masks but clearly have some worries. In the article it says "But 65 percent said they worried that continued mask use and restriction's on group gatherings would have a harmful impact on the mental health of children and teenagers. And 63 percent were concerned about the impact of mitigation measures on businesses". So the debate is on for whether to continue wearing masks. I personally think the masks need to stop so the immune systems can gain their immunities mask so they can get sick less. It is clear that other places around the world are doing just fine without the masks and so we should just give it a shot. 

White Hypocrisy: Western Coverage of Ukraine War Criticized

With the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, Arab news channel AL Jazeera took a fascinating look at how news media has portrayed this crisis compared to others. There has been outpouring support for Ukrainians on social media and neighboring countries accepting refugees, donations to Ukraine in the forms of money and supplies, and rallies and gatherings across the world to support Ukraine or protest Russia. While the support is enormous, media publicists, journalists, and political figures have been accused of double standards to commend Ukraine's armed resistance but also to underlying a horror at how such conflict could happen to such a "civilized" nation.

The first example comes from a CBS News senior with the comment "This isn’t a place, with all due respect, like Iraq or Afghanistan that has seen conflict raging for decades. This is a relatively civilised, relatively European." Many have pointed out how this statements contribute to the further dehumanisation of non-white, non-European people suffering under a conflict. 

Another example is a BBC host David Sakvarelidze tweeted "It’s very emotional for me because I see European people with blonde hair and blue eyes being killed every day with Putin’s missiles and his helicopters and his rockets." While many Middle East and African nations have been experiencing this for years. 

An English presenter Peter Dobbie describes Ukrainians fleeing the war as, “prosperous, middle class people” who “are not obviously refugees trying to get away from areas in the Middle East that are still in a big state of war; these are not people trying to get away from areas in North Africa, they look like any European family that you would live next door to.” This along with many other statements or comments go to show how double standard the international law is when it comes to white people versus everyone else.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/27/western-media-coverage-ukraine-russia-invasion-criticism 

By: Genevieve Weiss

Ukraine's tech community rises to challenges of war

On 3/1/22 Jane Wakefield reported how Ukraine was suppose to host a technology award ceremony about a week ago. These technology companies nominated attend the award ceremony in April have changed their mission towards the war effort. These companies have decided to volunteer to help Ukraine defend and attack on the cyber war front. Over 200 companies including Lviv IT Cluster have banned together with 200 cyber-security experts to help people find shelter. Russia has been creating fake account online pretending to be the Ukrainian government and leaking fake information to evacuating citizens. Russia has leaked fake information including fake messages about Ukraine security services and fake evacuation plans as well as fake information about invasions. However,  Ukraine has fought back using face-swapping app called reface which has change its content to now have notifications about invasions, providing safe evacuation plans to citizens, and live video feeds. Ukraine's technology companies last year was estimated to equal  about 10 billion dollars. Right now these companies have devoted their resources to raise funds for the Ukrainian army.  For more information read the article form BBC, retrieved 3/1/22 from :

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60559014

Written by, Jenny Smith

Ukraine Invasion: Russians feel the pain of International Sanctions

 In this article it talks about the Russian people starting to feel the effects of the sanctions made on Russia by the United States and the Western countries. I think if Putin continues this war against Ukraine that the sanctions will make Russia go into an economic recession. A sanction mentioned in the article talks about Russians being being cut off from Visa, Mastercard, Google Play, and Apple pay. All these sanctions are making feel Russia like they are on their own and it makes them look like if they continue they might be like North Korea. Isolated from the rest of the world. The Rouble is basically almost worthless now and "Russia more than doubled its interest rate to 20%". I doubt Russia is able to combat the sanctions being put on the country and hopefully this will change Putin's mind and retreat from invading Ukraine. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60558731

Written by: Jose Morales 

Ukraine conflict: Dread in Kyiv as huge Russian convoy advances

 The article "Ukraine conflict: Dread in Kyiv as huge Russian convoy advances" discusses how people are living and surviving on the sixth day of this war. Most people are trying to stay in basements or bomb shelters to stay safe while the sirens there continue to wail. People are trying to stay connected through their phones and only see what is going on above them through the news or reports on their phones. The article brings up the poor living conditions that they people living in the underground shelters are in. The attacks are getting closer to Kyiv now because there was the first strike there on the last night of February.

Elise Kamp

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60571884 

Switzerland Sanctions Russia, Breaks Neutral Status

 Switzerland broke it's neutral status for the first time in 1815. On Monday, Switzerland's federal council said that they would take measures against Russia. These measures are similar to the European Union's measures. This includes freezing Putin's assets, targets a bunch of Russian companies and closing all airspace to Russia. They also want to send relief things to Poland, so they can help survivors of the Ukrainian attack.

https://www.businessinsider.com/switzerland-sanctions-russia-breaks-neutral-status-ukraine-invasion-2022-2