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

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

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

Aaliyah McCormick

World Leaders Pledge $1 Billion in Immediate Aid for Ukraine

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

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

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

Zack Weiss

Amnesty rights group slams Spain, Morocco on migrant deaths

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

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

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

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

Zack Weiss

Greek foreign minister slams Turkish leader’s missile threat

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

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

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

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

Zack Weiss

Second known protest-related execution carried out in Iran

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

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

Ellie Berns

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

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

READ MORE BELOW!

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

Attack on Chinese in Afghanistan shows Taliban allies coming under fire

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

READ MORE BELOW! 

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

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

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

READ MORE BELOW!

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

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

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

READ MORE BELOW!

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

Grant Wahl soccer journalist dead

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

Connor Davis

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

Kosovo's need for NATO

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

Connor Davis

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

Ukrainian strike

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

Connor Davis

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

27 dead 1 alive

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

Connor Davis 

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

Execution in Iran

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

Connor Davis 

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

Pan Am flight 103

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

Connor Davis

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

Prisoner swap

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

Connor Davis 

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

China Drops Travel Tracing Requirement

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

Crista Salceda 

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

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

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

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

Ellie Berns

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

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

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

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

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

China abandons key parts of zero-Covid strategy after protests

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

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

Reyes Venegas

emicide happening in Ecuador.

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

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

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

 

jessicah finglass 

USA and British Pound

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

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

Monsoon and Climate changes coming impact

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

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

Biden and his policy to Federalize

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

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

Liz Truss resigning

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

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

North Korea failing?

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

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

Russia forcing Ukrainians to become Russian

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

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

Law schools and International relations

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

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

Construction to begin on world's biggest telescope

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

Ana De La Torre 

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

Here are the results in Georgia's Senate runoff election

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

Ana De La Torre

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

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

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

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

Aaliyah McCormick

ISIS has a new leader

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

Connor Davis 

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

  

Mount Semeru Eruption

Aleesa Andresen

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

Chinese astronauts return to Earth after six-month mission

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

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

Kenny Siwicki

Thousands of troops surround Soyapango to combat gang violence

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

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

Bradyn Almasy

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

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

Andres Perez Delgadillo

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

700 endangered seals found dead on Russia’s Caspian shore

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

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

Ellie Berns

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

 Seoul, South Korea

CNN — 

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

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

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

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

Jason Connor

Could the British Royal Family Have Saved the Romanovs?

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

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

El Salvador: Thousands of troops surround city in gang crackdown

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

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

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

Zack Weiss

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

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

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

María de los Ángeles Negrillo Pérez

Yale University sued over discriminating against students with mental health disabilities

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

By: Sarah Hein

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

Is attacking Ukraine's power grid a war crime?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zack Weiss

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

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

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

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

Zack Weiss