Eight school staff shot dead in northern Pakistan

There was an attack by an unknown gunman at a school in Pakistan's northern province that has left eight staff dead and two others injured. The attack took place at a local high school at around noon. An investigation is currently in progress, but district police officer, Muhammad Imran, says that he suspects a sectarian angle to the attack since all those attacked were members of the Shia branch of Islam.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/04/asia/school-shooting-pakistan-intl/index.html

By: Raegan Stinger

Australia to ban recreational vaping in major crackdown on e-cigarettes as teen use soars

 The Australian government will ban e-cigarettes to discourage vaping among teenagers. This is one of Australia's biggest smoking reforms in over a decade. According to the Australian Health Minister, Mark Butler, vaping has become one of the top behavioral problems within high schools and is currently rising at the elementary level. Non-prescription vapes will be banned from importation and will be required to have pharmaceutical packaging. The goal is to discourage younger users from wanting to purchase the product so brightly colored packaging and fun flavors will be restricted. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/02/australia/australia-vaping-ban-intl-hnk/index.html

By: Raegan Stinger 

Pranksters posing as Ukraine's president tricked the Fed chair into a phone call -- Sydney Park

The Federal Reserve Chairperson, Jerome Powell, was tricked into a long phone call with Russian pranksters pretending to be Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, and during this call, he discussed the economic impact of interest rate hikes. Videos of this call were posted on social media; in one video, Powell discusses how the Fed's fast rate hikes in the past year will slow the economy and potentially cause a recession; a Fed spokesperson says that the video appears to have been edited, and they cannot confirm that it is accurate. They also said that no sensitive or confidential information was discussed.

The call was reported to have been the works of two longtime Russian pranksters, Vladimir Kutznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov (Bloomberg News). They have tricked other world leaders into conversations under false pretenses. 

This phone call has been brought to light while the Fed is already under tremendous scrutiny because of its interest hikes, which are intended to cool the economy and slow inflation, but the Fed keeps rates too high for too long, which could result in a recession.

https://www.npr.org/2023/04/28/1172681491/pranksters-tricked-fed-chairman-phone-call

--Sydney Park

Hundreds of Evacuees Arrive in Saudi Arabia from Sudan

Due to the battles raging between military factions in Sudan, including in the capital city Khartoum, more than 1800 people have evacuated the country. A commercial ship carried 20 Saudi citizens with the rest of the evacuees being from various European, African, and Asian countries. Although the two military leaders in Sudan have reached several truces, none of them have been followed. Citizens that remained in Sudan face scarce resources and have resorted to looting. 

Link to Article

Joseph Kaminski

Pope Francis Gives Women A Vote

     Since he became pope over a decade ago, Francis has taken a stance that equality should be on the minds of the church. Francis believes that women should have a voice in the Catholic Church and should not only be alter girls and presidents of charities. Although, Francis still doesn't believe women should be deacons or priests. On Wednesday, Francis approved changes to allow women to vote at a meeting of bishops. The meetings will take place starting in October and cover a wide variety of topics ranging from the role of women in the church to LGBTQ+ rights. Still, the amount of women voting will be less than 10%. While the Pope is advancing the rights of women in the church, it's still not allowing women to fully have a voice.

pope-women-vote-bishops-meeting.html

Emily Bartel

Trump zeroes in on a key target of his 'retribution' agenda: Government workers- Hailey Morsovillo

 Trump released proposals to take down a secret cabal of government workers who wield enormous power and work against the republicans. In the proposal it concerns civil servants and excites conservative activists. Another thing they would lose their employment protections, and it would be much easier for a president to fire them.

Sudanese seek refuge from country's fighting as foreigners are being airlifted out -- Sydney Park

In Khartoum, Sudan, foreign governments are airlifting hundreds of their diplomats and citizens from Sudan. Additionally, Sudanese, on Monday, were trying to find almost any way to escape all of the chaos with fears of the country's rival generals battling for power; many citizens who couldn't make a flight work, risked a long and dangerous drive to the northern border in Egypt (traveling 15 hours on land, at their own risk), but there are still many students and citizens stuck in Sudan.

There was even fighting (in Omdurman) through a three-day Muslim holiday (Eid al-Fitr), even though there was tremendous hope for a cease-fire. Over 420 people, including 264 civilians, have been killed, and more than 3,700 have been wounded within nine days of fighting between Sudanese forces and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The RSF say the armed forces have released airstrikes on the neighborhood of Kafouri, and the army did not comment. The violence has affected the main international airport and has destroyed civilian planes and damaged at least one runway; other airports have been put out of operation.

Despite all of the affects on citizens, both sides eased fighting long enough for the international military aircraft to land in the Khartoum in helicopters to evacuate US Embassy personnel. France brought out about 400 people, including citizens from 28 countries, on four flights. Dutch air force flew out many nationalities, including some Dutch, early Monday morning. Germany has brought ore than 300 people out of Jordan. Italy, Spain, Jordan, and Greece have also brought out a total of several hundred people, including their own citizens of those of other countries.

https://www.npr.org/2023/04/24/1171584958/sudanese-seek-refuge-from-fighting-sudan

Sydney Park

Australia unveils biggest defense overhaul in decades wih wary eye on China

 Australia has put more into their defense spending and is beginning to shift their focus on to long-range strike capabilities and building other munitions at home. The president says his strategy is to make Australia more self-reliant and prepared. This is coming at a time where China is increasingly rising in power and their assertion of sovereignty over the South China sea has concerned several surrounding nations like Australia. 

Julia Benes

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/23/australia/australia-defense-strategic-review-intl-hnk/index.html

CURRENCIES Calls to move away from the U.S. dollar are growing — but the greenback is still king- Livi Walko

 https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/24/economic-and-political-factors-behind-acceleration-of-de-dollarization.html

Since 1999, the US dollar has dropped from over 70% foreign exchange reserves to its current status at 58.38% (still the largest percentage).  Countries around the world, specifically those in Asia are calling for further diversification of currency holdings in exchange reserves despite the fact that this might disrupt their foriegn policy in relation to the US, who would suffer at the further decrease of foreign exchange reserves in their currencies, and is currently performing harsh sanctions against Russia along with the freezing of 300 billion dollars of Russia's foreign currency reserves as the Yen overtook the dollar as the most traded currency in Russia.  This signals an ominous future as the exchange reserves are decreasing for in the US dollar's future and those countries that will be impacted by or driving this phenomenon.

U.S. intel agencies may change how they monitor social media, chatrooms after missing leaked U.S. documents for weeks -- Sydney Park

The Biden administration is searching for ways to broaden their scope on how it monitors social media and chat rooms; this is because of how they failed to spot classified Pentagon documents that were circulating online for weeks. This plan of change is only a small instrument of change in a wide variety of options.

The documents were leaked in early March on Discord, but Biden and the Defense Secretary were only briefed about it last week. Some documents may have been leaked as early as January, though. 

The Biden administration is thinking about broadening the scope of websites that intelligence agencies and law enforcement people track.  Because the leaked documents appeared on a website that typically is used for gaming, it is understandable that some intelligence authorities didn't spot the leak. Even though the government has this plan, the intelligence community is trying to figure out how it can scrub platforms like Discord to avoid similar leaks in the future. The government is also questioning whether it should lower the number of people who have access to sensitive, classified information, and the administration has already tightened access to classified information. 

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/13/us-intel-agencies-may-change-how-they-monitor-social-media-chatrooms-after-missing-leaked-us-documents-for-weeks.html

- Sydney Park

SpaceX's Starship rocket lifts off for inaugural test flight but explodes midair

 The SpaceX starship, which is the most powerful rocket ever built, took off from South Texas, but exploded midair before stage separation. The explosion occurred four minutes after lift off. Although it didn't end in success, it still met multipole objectives set by Starship. 

Julia Benes 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/20/world/spacex-starship-launch-thursday-scn/index.html

 

India to have more people than China by mid-2023

 According to the United Nations, the population of India is expected to reach 1.4286 billion which would be 2.9 million more than China which is predicted to have a population of  1.4257 billion. This would make the nation of India the most populated country in the world. This shows that the Chinese birth rate is decreasing at an almost alarming rate as it would be decreasing for the first time since the final years of the great leap forward. Although the numbers in India are merely an estimate as the census has not been counted in India since 2011 but the census is looking to return to India in 2024.

- Ryan Lawrence 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65320690

Air Force unit in document leaks case loses intel mission- Hailey Morsovillo

 I read about the Air Force investigating documents that have been leaked. People were wondering why all this amount of data was leaked so easily. Why did no one know about this? How was someone getting into this information so easily? I think all this data being leaked obviously is not good. Especially since these documents are supposed to be very safe and private. And easy someone was able to access this information is a big sign there needs to be security on this data. There needs to be a big change in the security.

FBI Warning About Public Charging

 FBI warns the public about not using public charging no matter where you are. They say hackers are using public charging to take people information from their phones. Just by plugging the charger into your phone, a bunch of data is transferred over without your knowledge. It’s highly recommended to carry your own charger with you.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/12/tech/fbi-public-charging-port-warning/index.html 

2 Chinese Lawmakers Jailed for Speaking Against Chinese Government

Nectar Gan from CNN covers the story of 2 lawmakers being jailed for advocating against anti-humanitarian Chinese laws and policies (subversion). Xu Zhiyong, a Chinese civil rights lawyer states: "A democratic China must be realized in our time...". This statement was shared by his court lawyer briefly after he himself was sentenced to 14 years. Gan also includes Ding Jiaxi, who is a Chinese human rights lawyer. He was been jailed for 12 non-consecutive years for publicly speaking against the Chinese government and leading an activist movement seeking reform. 

Gan highlights the importance of these men to the movement as they're renowned lawyers with knowledge of the Chinese Constitution and know how to lead large groups of people to fight for people's rights. The Chinese government attempted to suppress activists for decades to sustain current authoritarian practices that undermine the human rights of Chinese citizens.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/10/china/china-lawyers-xu-zhiyong-ding-jiaxi-sentences-intl-hnk/index.html

-Juan Castro

Iran and Nicaragua Discussed Military Cooperation, Leaked Report Says - Arayan Khare

 According to a leaked report, Iran and Nicaragua have discussed the possibility of military cooperation. The report, which was allegedly written by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Defense, outlines a meeting between Iranian and Nicaraguan officials in which they discussed military training and the exchange of military equipment.

The report suggests that Iran is interested in helping Nicaragua develop its military capabilities, and that the two countries have already exchanged military personnel for training purposes. It also suggests that Iran has provided Nicaragua with weapons and equipment in the past.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/13/world/middleeast/iran-nicaragua-military-cooperation.html

Europe's most powerful nuclear reactor kicks off in Finland

 The newest Power plant after 15 in Europe has finally been built. It was started in 2005 and was supposed to be finished within four years. However because of several technological problems and lawsuits they were unable to proceed.

The completion comes at an important time as power in Europe has been increasing in price due to the war and the sanctions on the Russian Federation.

Link

Robert Szabad

Discord admins describe 'hyperactive kid' who they say helped spread images of classified docs

 Images of documents related to national security  have been recently leaked on the online communication platform, Discord. Interviews from administrators of the Discord server that these documents were initially released on details an account of events in which a discord user different from the initial poster of the documents spread the documents to different Discord servers. From there, they spread to 4chan and Telegram, where the national security secrets were seen by a wider audience. As someone that has used discord servers related to YouTubers, it was very odd reading about the accounts of the dynamics of this discord server, which sounded similar to my own experience, almost suggested s homogenized experience on discord servers.

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/discord-admins-describe-hyperactive-kid-helped-spread-images/story?id=98571516

Rival Sudanese Armies Clashing in Khartoum

 War between two military groups in Sudan has erupted in Khartoum, Sudan's capital city. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of Sudan's military, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, are in a dispute over differing plans for military power and leadership in Sudan. The conflict has resulted in the death of at least 17 civilians and hundreds of injuries. Citizens of Sudan are wishing for peace and stability over a transition in the government, facing a risk for full-scale civil war. 

Link to Article

Joseph Kaminski

Why China's Leader Hasn't Called President of Ukraine - Carter Vance

 For the past thirty years, Ukraine and China have had strong diplomatic ties and enjoyed a beneficial trade relationship. China has been a significant trade partner in barley, corn and arms.  A year ago January, it was noted that they were still on friendly terms and actively engaged.  However, fast forward one year and the president's haven't spoken with the continuing war between Ukraine and Russia.  They do not hold the same value as trade partners as it well known that China and Russia are each others strongest allies.  It is worth noting that China and Ukraine were not just trade partners but good friends as China has a statue in a major park of a Ukrainian poet and have many students studying abroad.  Ukraine is trying to regain China's support knowing they are a key country that can potentially Russia. Article Link

Carter Vance

Iran, Saudi Arabia agree to resume ties, with China’s help- Olivia Walko

 https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/10/iran-saudi-arabia-resume-ties-00086575

Thru the facilitation of Chinese leader Xijinping, Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to reopen embassies in each state and begin diplomatic relations again! Critics in the US have claimed that this action is more for show and will not lead to any meaningful progress in their rivalry.

Jack Teixeira

 

21-year-old Jack Teixeira was brought to court today as he was charged with a federal crime of leaking classified documents relating to the United States’ involvement with the Ukraine war, along with Intel that the United States has been spying on nations such as Ukraine and South Korea. The 21-year-old is now facing imprisonment for two charges, the first being unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information and unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents. These together would put Jack Teixeira on trial for 15 years in prison if found guilty. He has hired a public defender and will be beginning his practice on April 19th.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65270966

- Ryan lawrence

What last night’s abortion pill twist means for access — even in blue states- Hailey Morsovillo

 

The federal appeals court for abortion pills. The abortion pills can now be only taken under strict conditions. One of the two drugs for abortion was 23 years ago by the FDA which is now being looked upon. IF the ruling stands of the abortion pills being banned then drug stores will need to take them out of their store and stop selling them.

Civilians killed in Myanmar airstrikes

 Citizens appear to have been targeted by Myanmar's government during a strike against their opposition movement. An airstrike was carried out against a gathering of people at the opening of one of the oppositional movement's offices. After the airstrike, a helicopter flew over and fired upon the site as well. As reporting is restricted by the country's government, information about the event is difficult to gather. The casualties were initially reported at being around 50, but later grew to around 100 with around 20-30 being children. The United Nations has spoken out against the attack, and both the UN and NGOs have gathered evidence surrounding the government's human rights abuses.

https://www.npr.org/2023/04/11/1169380908/military-airstrike-myanmar-village-100-dead

Abigail Black

Cyclone Ilsa threatens to hit Western Australia as strongest storm in decade

 A major cyclone is intensifying off the coast of Western Australia. It is predicted to be the most powerful storm to make landfall since more than a decade. It is expected to make landfall late Thursday night or early Friday morning, and expected to generate wind gusts up to 250 km per hour which is equivalent to a category 4/5 hurricane in the U.S.

Julia Benes

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/12/australia/cyclone-ilsa-western-australia-intl-hnk/index.html

Macron sparks outrage by suggesting Europe take independent stance from U.S. on Taiwan

"The worst thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and adapt to the American rhythm or a Chinese overreaction,” the French president said. 

French President stated that Europe has no interest in accelerating the conflict in Taiwan and that Europe should become a "Third Pole" that is independent of both Washington and Beijing. Political actors are criticizing the president's position on the conflict in Taiwan as being to the accommodation of China. 

China views Taiwan as its own territory and stated that it has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, but Taiwan officials object to these claims made by China. 

Norbert Roettgen, German MO for the Bundestags foreign committed stated that the French president was continuing to isolate himself from Europe with these claims and stated that President Macrons' trip to China was a "PR coup for XI, and a Foreign policy disaster for Europe". 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/macron-europe-china-taiwan-usa-outrage-rcna79090

-Jessie Anaya 

Human Rights Violations in Ukraine: Russian Soldier shown Beheading Ukrainian POW

 A video has surfaced of an Russian solider identified with the white arm band that Russian soldiers use foe identification beheading a Ukrainian soldier, identified with a yellow arm band and Ukrainian patches oh his uniform. In the war in Ukraine Russian soldiers have been known to commit war crimes like targeting civilians during combat and the torture of Ukrainian soldiers and citizens. Another war crime was shown with the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, beheading him with a knife. Russian president and the Kremlin claim to condemn the act, but claim that the video may be fake. Ukrainian President Zelensky says "Everyone must react. Every leader. Do now wait for this to be forgotten." Another video of the beheading has surfaced with two bodies without heads are laying on the ground. Zelensky says that he will find those responsible and thinks that the world needs to get involved in the situation. 

By: Michael Gill

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65251204  

War Tactics in Ukraine Escalate

 De-mining experts have become critical to the war in Ukraine. Russia has begun placing numerous traps to injure or kill Ukrainian soldiers. Weapons like mines, trip wires, and grenades are hidden in field and forests placed specifically to harm. As Ukraine moves to push Russia back from Ukraine, they have to make sure that there aren't any hidden traps in their paths. An area four times the size of Switzerland is set up with traps to injure or kill. Hundreds of civilians are being injured or killed by these traps. Clearing the mines is estimated to cost around $37 billion. De-miners probe the ground with fiberglass rods to find the traps. 

Emily Bartel

Russian Mines and Traps

Rescue workers race to save 400 migrants adrift on boat in Mediterranean Sea

 The Italian coastguard is working to save at least 400 migrants adrift in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Malta. This is a an immigration route that has been noted as particularly dangerous. The boat carrying the 400 migrants has been stranded for  at least 24 hours and is at risk of capsizing. Three rescue operations involving multiple vessels  have been working to assist the people on board the stranded boat. 

Julia Benes 

url: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/10/world/migrant-boat-stranded-mediterranean-sea-intl/index.html

Large Leak of Over 100 Classified or Top Secret Documents Regarding the Russian-Ukraine War

 Documents, some labelled top secret and or as recent as 6 weeks old, have been leaked from the Department of Defense. Currently the leaker is unknown, but these documents highlight all sorts of crucial security details regarding the war. Much of the detail is familiar to us, but much more elaborate and detailed than before. It details the training of new troops and the delivery of new weaponry to the country, and when these brigades are expected to be ready for war. It reveals more detail of a Spring Offensive by the Ukrainian government, which could be potentially damaging to the success of the attack. The bigger question is who leaked these documents and why?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65225985

Frankie Wozniak 

North Korea claims to have tested Haeil-2 underwater nuclear drone

On Saturday, North Korea claimed to have tested the Haeil-2 unmanned underwater nuclear attack boat on April 4th through April 7th. It cruised in waters off the coast of North Korea for 71 hours before it's test warhead was detonated. North Korea claims that the drone can carry a nuclear warhead, however many analysts are skeptical due to previously exaggerated claims. This is the second drone test in the past month by North Korea.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/07/asia/north-korea-underwater-drone-nuclear-warhead-test-intl-hnk/index.html

-Riley Johnson

"Tennessee Democratic lawmakers expelled over gun control protest hope to reclaim seats"

 Tennessee's Congress was in session to discuss the matter of the school shooting that occurred in late March of 2023. There was a protest happening at the state capitol with hundreds of gun control activists, many being students. Many protesters entered the capitol to an area where it's allowed to watch Congress be in session. They vocalized their protest and three Democratic Representatives supported their chant. Two of those Representatives were expelled from Congress by a Republican-majority vote for causing a disruption, but they hope to reclaim their seats in the upcoming special reelection for those districts.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/tennessee-democratic-lawmakers-expelled-over-gun-control-protest-hope-reclaim-2023-04-09/

Juan Castro

Israeli police clash with worshippers at Jerusalem holy site

    On Tuesday, Israeli police raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, and physically assaulted the Palestinian worshipers that were inside. Protests ensued, with the Militant group Hamas, who governs the Gaza Strip, calling for protests and confrontation. Additionally, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's spokesperson stating that for Israeli law enforcement to attack Palestinian worshippers in a Mosque “exceeds all red lines and will lead to a large explosion.” Israeli police claim that the worshippers in the Mosque were hiding fireworks, rocks, and sticks and that one officer was hit with a rock, and claimed it arrested "dozens of rioters". This comes at a time when violence has been taking place between Israeli's and Palestinians for months, and tensions are being exacerbated by the overlap of the Jewish and Islamic holidays of Passover and Ramadan. 

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/04/israeli-police-clash-with-worshippers-at-jerusalem-holy-site-00090522

Covid Battle Lines Moving from Emergency Room to Court Room- Hailey Morsovillo

 There was a growing practice of Covid-19 Lawsuits. There were 275 people who registered for the two-day event. There were many people like attorneys, doctors, activists, and like-minded specters that came from many places. This rally was fighting government officials and the medical establishment.

Chinese military rehearses encirclement of Taiwan

Chinese military troops were seen marching toward the Twain Strait median line hours after President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a trip to the United States. The Taiwanese Defence Ministry said 71 Chinese military planes and nine ships were seen crossing the Taiwan Strait median line. This line is seen as an unofficial dividing line between China and Taiwan. 

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, with its own constitution and leaders but China sees the island as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under Beijing's control and by force if necessary. The military rehearses were a show of power by the Chinese to the Taiwanese.

link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65219219

Asal Sharma Dhungana

Taiwan’s All-Out Defense Mobilization Act Bill Under Debate -- Sydney Park

China's president, Xi Jinping, has made comments about making their military a "Great Wall of Steel," which unsettles many policy makers and political agents involved in the China-Taiwan situation. This is creating a discussion of war-time legislation in China. This is all just raising concerns for state leaders. What also doesn't help these rising concerns is that Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put forth a draft of the "All Out Defense Mobilizations Readiness Act." It does have a lot of kick back from Taiwanese policy makers because of its lack of specification and lack of "crucial information." This plan featured updates that reflect the growing tensions between China and Taiwan, addressing misinformation tactics from fake-news dissemination, cognitive warfare, and enhancing the society's ability to protect itself. All of these things must be done, for Taiwan's defense, before anything further escalates with China. The main problem is that the plan didn't say how these objectives were going to be met. (https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2023/04/07/controversy-and-concerns-taiwans-all-out-defense-mobilization-act-bill-under-debate/) 

Elon Musk wants to pause "dangerous" AI development. Bill Gates disagrees. - Carter Vance

 Artificial Intelligence has become a hot topic across the world as new platforms like ChatGPT and OpenAI have gained popularity.  With AI growing in its capability and being able to create documentation, papers and content, there is a potential issue (per Musk) that it is growing unfact checked.  Musk suggests in this article that AI is the future but needs to have some level of controls in place to ensure misleading information isn't creating as fact.  Bill Gates doesn't disagree with this thought however, he doesn't think the answer is to pause.  He argues that pausing advancement isn't an answer and only delays the inevitable and instead he states that pausing would only cripple our nation as you wouldn't be able to enforce it worldwide.  The article shares the problem with Musk's request to pause as the "solution would be impossible to achieve" since we know many countries will not comply.  Article Link

Carter Vance

Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers meet in Beijing

 The foreign minsters from Saudi Arabia and Iran met in Beijing this past week, cementing a shift in approach for both nations. They reportedly each signed a joint agreement. This agreement was about the reopening of their countries to each other, with promises to reopen their embassies and consulates and allow access between their nations. China assisted in the negotiation of this agreement, boosting their role in the Middle East. This deal has repercussions in the Middle East, potentially calming some power disputes in the area. It also creates further discussions of China's relationship with the Middle East. With the United States attention drawn to other areas of the world, their immediate power in the area is waning slightly.

https://www.npr.org/2023/04/06/1168205005/saudi-and-iranian-envoys-meet-in-china

Abigail Black

European leaders head to Beijing with hope of driving peace in Ukraine, while balancing business ties

 Different European leaders are going to the Chinese capital of Beijing to discuss the war in Ukraine. The European leaders are going to discuss the meetings with Russia and China about the Ukrainian war to disrupt an alliance between Russia and China so that a world war would occur. If China gets involved with the Russian Ukrainian war, then Ukrainian allies will begin to defend Ukraine with their defense's. Hopefully China accepts what the European leaders will say and not participate in the Russian Ukrainian war.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/05/china/macron-von-der-leyen-china-beijing-xi-jinping-visit-intl-hnk/index.html

Jonathan Cotsiomitis

Indictment of Trump

 The former president of the USA has been charged with 34 felonies relating to the hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels who claims the two had an affair with each other. These criminal charges have led to Trump stating "The US is "going to hell" to an audience outside of his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Trump also went on to falsely claim that the case was "fake" and designed to harm his presidential run in the upcoming 2024 election. This case was about $130,000's in hush money payments before the 2016 election. A $30,000 payment to a doorman at trump tower, who allegedly claimed Trump had a love child, and a $150,000 payment to Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model claiming she had a sexual relationship with the former president. 

Ryan Lawrence

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65186244

Four Children Killed in Pre-School Attack in Brazil

 Not much is known about what has happened here quite yet, as the attack happened very recently. What we do know is that 4 pre-school aged children are no longer with us due to an attack. A 25 year old male has been arrested tied to the crime, but beyond this we have no further information. This male supposedly turned himself shortly following the brutal attack with a hatchet, and the crime has been condemned. Four children were killed, one is in critical condition, and 3 others are being treated for their wounds.

https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-preschool-attack-leaves-four-children-dead-one-critically-injured-579473

Frankie W

 

Two women arrested in Iran for not wearing Hijab after yogurt was thrown on them -Olivia Walko

 https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/02/middleeast/women-arrested-hijab-yogurt-iran-intl/index.html

In response to the murder of a young Iranian woman by the morality police, women all over Iran are ignoring the severity of the restrictions upon them and choosing to go out without covering their hair.  This week, two young women in a yogurt shop were arrested for doing so after the owner had assaulted them by throwing with yogurt in disgust at their symbolic actions.

Lawyers gain access to jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, say he’s in good health

 Russian authorities detained Wall Street journal reporter Evan Gershkovich last week and accused him of spying. This further shows increased tensions between Moscow and the United States, and emphasizes Moscow's campaign against foreign news media. Evan was able to meet with his lawyers who report back that he is in good health. It's important to note that Evan was doing his job as a journalist by asking questions and giving an eyewitness account. The editor in chief states that his detainment was unjustified, and their doing whatever they can to get him back home to his family. 

Julia Benes 

url: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/04/europe/russia-wall-street-journal-evan-gershkovich-lawyers-intl/index.html

US gains military access to Philippine bases close to Taiwan and South China Sea

 The Philippines identified locations of four new military bases that the united states will have gained access to in part of expanding the defense agreement aimed at combating China. Of the four bases, three are on the main island of Luzon and are closest to Taiwan; the other is in the Palawan Province in the South China Sea. 

This is a response of the US to step up its effort to expand Indo-Pacific security options because of the growing concerns over China's aggressiveness over territory throughout the region. The new bases would allow United States troops to rotate throughout the nine bases in the Philippines including those like the one on Balabac island closest to China in the South China Sea. 

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated during a briefing on Monday, "“These new locations will strengthen the interoperability of the United States and Philippine Armed Forces and allow us to respond more seamlessly together to address a range of shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including natural and humanitarian disasters,” these new bases are extremely strategic as they give the Philippines a form of protection as bases sit in Chinas Southern Sea. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/04/asia/us-philippines-military-base-access-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

-Jessie Anaya

Russia takes over presidency of UN Security Council

         Under the monthly procedural rotation, Russia has taken over as president of the UN security council. Ukraine's Foreign Minister has said that this just proves that "something is wrong with the way international security architecture is functioning". The Ukrainian President also commented and said that Russia continues to kill innocent people in Ukraine and therefore has no business being president of a council to protect peace. He called it a "bankruptcy of procedures in world institutions". The US ambassador expressed concern that this will allow Russia to promote their own agenda related to the invasion of Ukraine.

New York Times

CBS News

Emily Bartel

Finland to be NATO's Thirty First Member on April 4th

 On April third NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that NATO will become an official member of NATO. This membership is in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making Finland and Sweden make the decision to join NATO, a choice that they remained hesitant to make until the war started. This news came after Finland's election and Stoltenberg stated on social media "I look forward to raising Finland's flag at NATO headquarters in the coming days. Together we are stronger and safer". This has a large impact on NATO's relations with Russia because this has been a tense subject for the last few years, as Russia strongly opposed Finland joing NATO and having a NATO border within a couple hundred miles from one of Russia's biggest cities, St. Petersburg. Turkey is expected to hand over the documents ratifying Finland into NATO on Tuesday, and Stoltenberg stated that he expects Sweden's ratification to come in the coming weeks. 

By Michael Gill

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/04/03/ukraine-russia-war-live-updates/11591548002/ 

‘This is a social emergency’: Thousands protest in Portugal over housing crisis

On Saturday, thousands of protestors across Portugal gathered to protest against soaring housing prices.  Inflation is currently very high, and the increase to house prices is only making it more difficult for people to make ends meet. Protestors argue that this is a social emergency and something needs to be done as Portugal is one of Western Europe's poorest countries. This issue is especially hard on the younger population in Portugal. The low wages and high rent/housing rates make it too expensive for people to even rent a small apartment. Tourist accommodations can be associated with the rising inflation. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/02/europe/thousands-protest-housing-crisis-portugal-intl

By: Raegan Stinger 

Russian Pro-War Blogger Killed in Cafe Explosion

 Maksim Fomin, a popular Russian blogger who favored the invasion of Ukraine, was killed in an apparent attack in a St. Petersburg cafe. 16 others are said to be injured. Known as Vladlen Tatarsky online, Fomin had more than half a million followers on Telegram where he would voice his aggressive opinions of the war. A St. Petersburg woman has been detained as a suspected murderer carrying out the attack. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack.

Link to Article

Joe Kaminski

Milatovic Declares Victory over Long Time Incumbent President of Montenegro

 Former minister of economy has declared victory in Montenegro's presidental race. This marks a drastic change for the country as former president Milo has been in power for nearly 3 decades. It is difficult to foresee the direction of the country now, but Milatovic has the support of the majority of the government. This may enable him to pass legislation that could potentially completely altered the path of the country.

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-04-02/montenegros-ex-economy-minister-milatovic-leads-in-presidential-run-off-pollster

Frankie Wozniak

Former Arkansas Gov Asa Hutchinson announces 2024 presidential run- Hailey Morsovillo

 Hutchison is running for president against Donald Trump. He has been traveling around the country to hear people talk about leadership. He is a long-shot candidate, but still is running. He recently served 2 terms in Arkansas. He recently also visited Iowa and listened to their opinions. Hutchinson signed one of the strictest abortion bans in our country. Which can be a very big problem because abortion is one of the highly debated topics.

There's a new dividing line for world leaders: Would you arrest Putin? - Carter Vance

 

As tensions continue to rise between Russia and the Ukraine, the big question is will various countries abide by the Rome Statute established in 1998, that prohibits countries from producing war crimes against each other.  Ukraine has asked the international body to investigate the war crimes committed against their country that they believe were done by Russia.  Hungary and South Africa are willing to comply with the terms of the Rome Statute to arrest Putin if he steps on their soil.  They are questioning if there is sufficient evidence and if they have the right to do so.  South African leaders said they would welcome him this August at a Summit.  Putin is accused of kidnapping and deporting Ukraine children from their homes to Russia.  As of last month, a total of seventeen countries voted not to condemn Putin's actions.  Is his threat of a world war creating world leaders to hesitate on their legal obligation?

Article Link

Carter Vance

Russia arrests American Wall Street Journal reporter

Russia has arrested the U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich while he was on assignment at a city in the Ural Mountains. The reason Russia gave for the arrest was an accusation that Gershkovich was collecting state secrets. He has been formally charged with espionage, which carries a sentence of up to 30 years. The Wall Street Journal has denied these allegations. United States officials are concerned over the targeting of American citizens and the State Department has been in contact with the Russian government over this issue. Warnings for American citizens in Russia have been restated, with suggestions to leave reiterated.

https://www.npr.org/2023/03/30/1166984608/russia-detains-wall-street-journal-reporter-accuse-espionage

Abigail Black

Italy moves to ban lab-grown meat to protect food heritage

 In our ever-changing world climate, scientists have been fighting hard in order to provide an alternative food source for our future but Itailin right-wing parties seem to have different plans as the Italian government has just backed a bill that will laboratory-produce meat and other synthetic foods. The reasoning behind backing this bill seems to be related to the importance of the "Italian food tradition." This bill if passed would attract fines of up to €60,000 if the ban wanted to be broken making it much more difficult for the science community to encourage resourceful foods such as crickets and locusts in pizza or pasta, which have been shown as much more environmentally friendly sources of food.

Ryan Lawrence

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65110744

Colombian Soldiers Killed in Attack Blamed on ELN (National Liberation Army) Rebels

As of today, it is reported that about nine Colombian soldiers were killed in an attack allegedly by National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels. This attack followed peace talks between the ELN and the Colombian government, as the president plans to bring "total peace" to the country. It is, however, confirmed that seven of the nine victims were serving their compulsory military service, and there another eight were injured. Though there have been peace negotiations between the two sides, there has been no bilateral agreement on a ceasefire.  

Article Link

A Couple From Florida Kidnapped In Haiti While Traveling To Port-Au-Prince

 On March 18, a couple from Florida was kidnapped in Haiti while on vacation. The couple was on tour bus while traveling through Port-Au-Prince when a gang stop the tour bus and took the couple away. The gang contacted the family a day later asking for $6,000 for the couple to be released. When the couple did give the money to them though, they decided they would ask for more. The gang asked for $200,000 for each person then they would let them go. The family worried and stressed because they don’t have that type of money. Even with the family contacting the authorizes and the U.S. authorizes  contacting Haiti’s police. They still haven’t heard anything back. The family of the couple mentions that they told them not to go especially with how dangerous Haiti is right now even though not all of Haiti is bad as some places. All the family wants is for them to return home safe and sound. Hopefully the U.S. and Haiti can work together to bring this couple home. 

I wish Haiti get better sometime soon. Imagine not being able to go home to your country without getting kidnapped by gangs running the whole country because there’s no government to control its people and everyone is against each other. Only hope and luck can save them on day.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/25/americas/us-couple-missing-haiti-kidnapping/index.html 

Students Attacking Their Own Schools in Brazil

 Yesterday in Sao Paulo, Brazil there was a fatal stabbing done by one of its own students. A 13-year-old stabbed four teachers and two students. One of the teachers later died after being rushed to the hospital. The suspect reportedly had a few altercations with other students earlier that week and had a search history of how to purchase a gun. School attacks have become very frequent in Brazil. Around 23 incidents have been reported in the last two decades. Nine of those incidents have been reported in the past year. A month earlier a 17-year-old wearing a Nazi armband was arrested for throwing a bomb into their school. 

https://abcnews.go.com/International/4-teachers-2-students-stabbed-brazilian-school/story?id=98171047

Lauren Pesola

North Korea asserts first evidence of tactical nuclear weapons

North Korea revealed small nuclear warheads that are said can be fitted onto short-range missiles. 

North Korea has continued to claim its possession of tactical nuclear weapons that are capable of hitting targets within South Korea, but there is now photo evidence that was published in NK state newspaper that shows these nuclear warheads but it is impossible to guess if they are real or not so until they start nuclear testing the world is left guessing. 

North Korea says it is punishing both South Korea and the U.S. for the large military drills that are being shown in South Korea and are being viewed as a threat, but this is not a normal response from North Korea like we have seen in the past. 

Pyongyang has launched its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, which in theory can possibly reach anywhere on the US mainland. as well as firing from a submarine from an underground silo, and the new nuclear warheads are believed to be able to be fitted onto this weapons. 

This is raising the nuclear threat that North Korea poses.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65085542

-Jessie Anaya

How U.S. Gun Culture Stacks with the World

 The article talks about how America's relationship with gun ownership is extremely different from the rest of the world, and how the U.S. gun culture as a whole is an outlier. The article shares some significant and scary facts such as: The U.S. is the only country where guns outnumber people (120 guns/ 100 people). The article talks about how the exact number of civilian owned fire guns is hard to find due to the fact that there is a number of them that aren't registered and bought under illegal trade. The most accurate estimate researchers have found is that Americans own 46% of the worlds gun cache. What's very important to note is that the U.S. also has the highest firearm homicide rate in the world, and no other country has the amount of mass shootings at the same frequency of the U.S.

url: https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/26/world/us-gun-culture-world-comparison-intl-cmd

39 People Killed in Fire and Migration Center in Mexico

    A fire broke out at a government-run migration center in northern Mexico near the US border. This fire killed at least 39 people and injured 29 people. There were 68 men housed there from central and South America. The process to identify the people who died has started but is tricky as the government has to contact consular authorities from several different countries. A formal complaint has been lodged against the facility which will start an investigation. Several news outlets have reported that there had been tension recently between the workers from the migration center and the migrants. 

mexico-fire-ciudad-juarez.html

Emily Bartel

Ukraine war: Germany sends much-awaited Leopard tanks Published

Germany has sent 18 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine to aid them against the war they are facing with Russia. The specialty of the tank is that these tanks are fuel efficient and made to counter Russia's T-90 battle tank. German had also trained the Ukrainian tank crew on how to use the tank before sending it to them. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he was sure the tanks could "make a decisive contribution" on the frontlines of the war.

The United Kingdom also aided Ukraine earlier with their challenger tank 2 and are already in use for the war.

link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65095126

Asal Sharma Dhungana

Torture, forced abortions and insects for food: Life inside North Korean jails, says this NGO

 Life in North Korea is already hard enough with its totalitarian government, poor living conditions, and low wages. We got to see from a first hand source who has been inside of a North Korean prison to see how these prisons are ran and the results are shocking. The prisoners are malnourished which forces them to eat insects they find off the ground to get a source of protein in their bodies. many prisoners are getting raped inside of the prisons with the guards having no intention of stopping it. There is also unauthorized executions happing for prisoners who don't follow the rules of the guards. Should an outside entity confront North Korea on how its prisons are a crime against humanity?

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/23/asia/north-korea-torture-prison-report-intl-hnk-dst

Jonathan Cotsiomitis

Protests continue in Israel as the Prime Minister Passes Law to Prevent His Removal

 The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, passed legislation to protect himself from being removed from office in the wake of protesters calling for his resignation. Protests in Israel continue over the judicial reforms that Prime Minister Netanyahu passed that limited the judicial power in the country. The new legislation states that only the Prime Minister himself or his cabinet can declare the leader unfit. Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair stated that the new legislation is "disgraceful and corrupt". The new legislation will need to be passed in Parliament. Protesters continue to call for the reforms and legislation to be repealed. Protesters are blocking streets and the Israeli Defense Force has been called into some areas to shut down the streets to civilians, in an attempt to stop the protests. 

By Michael Gill

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/23/middleeast/israel-judicial-reforms-prime-minister-law-intl 

Honduras Establishes Diplomatic Ties With Beijing, Abandoning Taiwan

After ending their diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, Honduras has established diplomatic ties with Chain on Sunday. Foreign ministers from China and Honduras signed a joint communique in China's capital Being. After the diplomacy was signed between the two countries the Foreign Minister said it was the right choice to establish a relationship with Honduras. 

This diplomacy is seen as a huge victory in China as the tensions between China and the United States rise. China is trying to increase its influence in Latin America and this diplomatic relationship with Honduras is seen as a starting point.

link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/honduras-establishes-ties-with-china-after-ending-recognition-of-taiwan

Asal Sharma Dhungana

Ukraine Calls for U.N. Security Council Meeting Over Belarus Nuclear Threat - Arayan Khare

 https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-warns-against-russian-threat-to-put-nuclear-weapons-in-belarus-fd94ae39 

On March 22, 2023, Ukraine called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the threat of nuclear weapons in Belarus. This comes after reports emerged that Belarus was acquiring nuclear technology from North Korea and Iran, and that it may be in violation of international agreements on nuclear weapons. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, stated that the situation in Belarus poses a grave threat to regional and global security, and that the international community must take action to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The meeting is expected to take place in the coming days, and it is unclear what steps the Security Council may take in response to the situation.

China Aids Russia in Ukraine War

 China and Russia have held a partnership since before Russia's attack on Ukraine. Once the Ukraine War came into effect, China has been supportive but strategic in how it supports Russia. Recently, Russia's defense--the one used to continue pressing on Ukraine--has been depleting its resources. This is where China comes in, and news reporter Simone McCarthy talks about how there's evidence that China has been sending resources to a Russian-affiliated company that would theoretically transfer those resources to Russia's department of defense. China's aid to Russia can significantly change the trajectory of the war. As a result of their alliance, 10 Chinese companies have been restricted by the U.S. Despite restrictions on both nations, they remain defensive and denounce allegations for example, that the U.S. has been making about China's support to Russia. Senior lecturer Alexander Korolev from the University of New South Wales (Australia) states, "Neither China nor Russia wants Western Intelligence to be aware of the depth and breadth of their strategic alignment". This means that both nations will do whatever it takes to conceal their partnership to continue supporting each other during the war.

Link: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/09/china/china-russia-military-defense-ties-ukraine-war-intl-hnk

-Juan Castro

German Public Transport Unions Go On Strike

 Two of the largest labor unions in Germany walked out on their jobs to begin a 24-hour strike on Monday. The workers involved in the strike include staff at airports, buses, and railways, causing a significant disruption in the operations of German public transportation. The two large unions, Verdi and EVG, cite elevated costs of living in Germany as a reason to demand higher wages from their employers. A round of pay negotiations will occur on Monday.

Link to Article

Joe Kaminski

Putin: Russia to station nuclear weapons in Belarus

 Russia has mobilized its nuclear weapons to Belarus. Belarus is a long time supporter of the Kremlin regime and the war effort in Ukraine. Russia has still control of the arms but nuclear weapons have not been moved outside of the Russian federation since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Putin claims this is no different than the US stationing nuclear weapons in NATO allied countries. The United States claims there is no imminent threat of nuclear war and that they hope to deescalate the situation.

Link

Robert Szabad

Putin and Xi pose as peacemakers while Moscow’s war in Ukraine rages on- Olivia Walko

 Russian and Chinese executive leaders Putin and Xi met and negotiated an economic alliance in the midst of Russia's war with Ukraine in which  Chinese leader Xi stated would require a 'peaceful settlement' 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/21/europe/china-xi-russia-putin-visit-day-two-talks-intl-hnk

Why Chinese Apps Are the Favorites of Young Americans

 Chinese apps such as Tik Tok and Temu have been used often enough to become household names in the U.S Part of why is due these company's organization efficiency, which includes creating content recommendation algorithms that are based on gathering user data, and through rigorous testing and observing of user preferences on the domestic versions of these apps before introducing changes to the foreign versions. Other factors in these app's popularity, particularly in Temu's case, is that they are selling goods for lower prices at a time when a pandemic has affected the global economy enough, and an actual recession looms. U.S lawmakers and the Biden administration are concerned with the data gathering of apps owned by Chinese entities, citing national security concerns, and are exploring possible bans of these and other apps. 

Source Article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-chinese-apps-are-the-favorites-of-young-americans-a9a5064a?mod=hp_lead_pos1

Russia Plans to Station Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus, Putin Says Carter Vance

Putin has continue to taunt the Ukraine this weak in further comments that he has begun to move nuclear war heads and short range missile systems to Belarus, the neighboring country to north of Ukraine. Belarus is a well known ally to Russia and helped in the initial launch of the invasion into the Ukraine in February 2022.  Putin continues to escalate the war with Ukraine by making threats and increasing the tension with the potential use of nuclear weapons.  This weeks comments follow his December threats that Russia is training Belarusian pilots to fly jets carrying special warheads. Zelensky, Ukraine President, has called for an emergency UN meeting.  It is safe to say that tensions rising over the threat of a nuclear war that would suck in all countries.  The longer this continues the more likely a nuclear outcome will be.  This ties into our class discussion about leaders that make decisions based on power and self preservation.  Putin doesn't want to appear weak and be defeated by a "less" powerful country.  

Carter Vance 

Article Link  

Russia to Station Nuclear Weapons in Belarus, According to Putin

As of today, it is said that President Vladimir Putin will move Russia's nuclear weapons to Belarus, a country that borders both Russia and Ukraine. However, Putin states that this will not violate the nuclear non-proliferation agreement, as he compared it to the US stationing its weapons in Europe because Belarus would not be getting any control of Russia's arms. In response, the US said they would not adjust their nuclear weapons in Europe since they did not believe Russia was preparing to use its arms. It is important to note that Belarus supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is an ally of the country. 

Article Link

Protests in France heighten

Continuing to protest President Emmanuel Macron's bill to increase the retirement age in France, demonstrators have called for more strikes and gatherings as the British king plans to visit France. These marches have increasingly begun to include violence. The door Bordeaux City Hall were set on fire and destroyed on Thursday evening, and groups of black masked individuals have attacked fast food restaurants, a supermarket and a bank. Police have been met with Molotov cocktails, fireworks and other projectiles and they have tear gassed protestors in turn. Despite the intensifying violence in the protests of recent days, the vast majority of protesters, numbering tens of thousands, are peaceful. Instead, they block buses, trains and vehicles. 

https://www.npr.org/2023/03/24/1165759889/more-than-1-million-demonstrate-across-france-against-pension-reforms

Abigail Black

The US government is once again threatening to ban TikTok. What you should know- Hailey Morsovillo

 Tiktok being one of the most used apps right now is being threatened to be banned. Tik tok is being threatened to be banned by Biden because it is owned by Chinese owners. Many in the government believe that Tik tok is a way to spy on Americans. This ban on Tik Tok was talked about when Trump was in office. So now that it is being talked about is scaring Tik Tok users again.

Beijing's Population has Declined for the 1st time in 19 years

 The city's population fell from 21.88 million to 21.84 million which is a decline by 84,000. This represents a larger problem as China's national population also shrank last year for the first time since 1961. Their are multiple factors that could have caused this such as: the one-child policy. This has now been abandoned because it established gender inequality and led to challenges of raising children in expensive cities. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/23/china/beijing-population-drop-intl-hnk

TikTok Possibly Getting Banned

 Popular app TikTok due to get banned sometime this year due to national security of the app collecting data from users when they use it. The CEO (Shou Zi Chew) of the app even made an appearance on the app making 2 min video talking about everything going on and saying he’s doing everything he can to not let the app get banned. This is surprise to many people because even with the threats made over the years about the app being banned and nothing ever happening. Chew making a video and also showing his face to many viewers who haven’t seen him before makes this a serious situation. Other says that the parts of the United States is fighting to stop the app from getting banned because of the profit that’s coming from the app. Do you think the app will get banned? It’s very serious especially when Chew flew out to the United States to Washington to talk about the situation. This is also very scary because how about all the people who live off that app to make money or provide for their families? Yea, there are other popular apps like Instagram or Facebook but none of those ever topped TikTok. 

https://www.axios.com/2023/03/22/tiktok-popularity-us-ban-congress 

The Senate eyes a formal end to the Iraq War, and a reassertion of Congress' power -- Sydney Park

Twenty years after the first bombs were dropped on Baghdad, in a U.S. invasion, the Senate has voted 67-28 to officially started debate to repeal the congressional authorization that justified the war. This vote is really just symbolic because combat operations in the Iraq War ended over ten years ago, but Senate supporters emphasize it's important for Congress to use its constitutional power to start and end wars; this is basically because as long as Congress didn't say the war was over, any leader could have abused the state of war, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. However, the end of the Iraq War does not strip the president of his legal authority to conduct counterterrorist operations around the world, and there are still about 2,500 US active forces in Iraq, and those soldiers have taken part in nearly three 36 partnered raids with the Iraq counterterrorism forces against Isis in the last month.'

I think it's also interesting how Democratic are united in support of this legislation, but the Republicans do not have a unified front; this rift in the Republican Party is really a difference in ideologies between a more conservative foreign policy and an "American First" foreign policy, which is more non-interventionist, which NPR credits to former President Donald Trump.

https://www.npr.org/2023/03/21/1164744031/the-senate-eyes-a-formal-end-to-the-iraq-war-and-a-reassertion-of-congress-power

EU to Give 2bn Euros to Ukraine

 Following a recent plea for artillery shells, 17 EU countries (and Norway) agreed to supply Ukraine with at least one million shells over the course of the year. This totals to roughly 2 billion Euros of ammo handed over to Ukraine to fight against Russia's invading forces. The plan is for each country to dip into their own reserves (for a total of ~1 billion Euros) and then the other 1 billion Euros will be used to order brand new shells for Ukraine.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65018434

Frankie Wozniak

Innocent Ukrainian Civilian Shot by Russian Soldier

 A Ukrainian couple took a wrong turn on their drive and ended up on an active front line of Russian soldiers. The driver and husband was shot and pushed into a ditch by Russian soldiers. The incident was caught on camera by a drone being flown by the Ukrainian military. It was put into a documentary against Russia for war crimes. They flew the drone out with a sign that said "follow me" and directed the wife to safety. Ukrainian police are now launching an investigation into a Russian War Crime for the attempted murder of a civilian. They found their suspect, a 26-year-old Army officer by tracking Russian phone calls. He made one to his wife shortly after and said "I f-ing killed a man today." Although, he did not actually kill him. Miraculously, the man survived and woke up the next morning and began to limp to safety with the Ukrainian military. 

https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/03/21/izium-ukraine-war-crimes-investigation-russia-watson-ac360-vpx.cnn

Lauren Pesola

Discussion Between Xi and Putin

In the course of today and its current events Russian and Chinese leaders met for a discussion on the issues of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the USA's foreign policies. In Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping's discussion, the two leaders referred to each other as "dear friends" as the Chinese presidents spoke of a possible negotiation that could lead to a crease fire in the Ukraine war. This is a very important development in global politics as this development helps back the theory that China has been trying to replace the United States as the world's mediator in global conflict. Now it is uncertain if the Unkriane military would agree to this peace deal with the knowledge that the Chinese government has a slight bias as supporting their public ally would be more beneficial to the Chinese. We will have to wait and see.

Ryan Lawrence

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65018657

Xi makes ‘journey of friendship’ to Moscow days after Putin’s war crime warrant issued

 The leader of China, xi Jinping has made a visit to Moscow to have a meeting about "friendship" with the president of Russia Vladimir Putin. This meeting also had taken place just after an international crime organization had placed a warrant for Putin's arrest because of the war crimes he has committed with the Russian and Ukrainian War. The world is watching in horror as these two Politian's meet because people are afraid that the conflict will escalate to a global war if China decides to aid Russia with their invasion of Ukraine. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/20/china/china-xi-putin-russia-visit-analysis-intl-hnk-mic

Jonathan Cotsiomitis

Protests in France over Pension Bill passing Without Votes in Parliament

 French president, Emmanuel Macron, passed a bill that raises the pension age in France last week. This bill bypasses France parliament and was passed, causing, at this point, three days of protests in the country. Many of the protesters call for Macron's resignation due to the legislation passing without votes. The protests turned violent as riot police used tear gas and the use of physical force in an attempt to control the protests. Municipal authorities around Paris have banned protests in the area, leading to sixty one arrests for protests. Frances main unions have states that they are going to try to overturn the legislation. Railway strikes that have been in place since before the protests on the legislation. This has been compared to the Yellow Vest Protests of 2018 in France over higher fuel prices, which Macron partially overturned the tax, lowering fuel prices. There will be more developments in the coming days as the protests continue in France.

By Michael Gill

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/paris-police-protesters-clash-third-night-macrons-pension-reform-rcna75611

At least 13 dead after magnitude 6.8 earthquake shakes Ecuador

On Saturday, March 18th, an earthquake struck near the southern town of Baláo, Ecuador. According to government officials, at least 13 people have been confirmed dead. Later on it was discovered that 461 people have been injured in the quake and the death toll was updated to 16. The Ecuadorian  president states that the people who were injured were being treated at local hospitals but provided no further details. In one of Ecuador's largest cities, Cuenca, there was reported structural damage to several buildings. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/18/americas/ecuador-earthquake

By: Raegan Stinger 

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Putin over war crimes in Ukraine

President of Russia, Putin was issued an arrest warrant due to several war crimes conducted in the Russian and Ukraine wars. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant on Friday. The warrant for Putin's arrest was based on suspicion of unlawful deportation of children and unlawful transfer of people from the territory of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. After Sudan's Omar al-Bashir and Libya's Moammaris only the third serving president to have been issued an ICC arrest warrant Gadhafi, Putin .

link:https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/putin-war-crimes-arrest-warrant-icc-1.6782182

The Willow Project: Oil-Drilling Controversy in Alaska

The Willow Project is the expansion of oil drilling in Alaska to expand the United States' natural fossil resources. Many activists are challenging the project--which was approved by President Biden--in court for environmental reasons. His presidential campaign was centered around ending public land drilling and has since been a broken promise. 

Link: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/politics/willow-project-oil-alaska-explained-climate/index.html

-Juan Castro

First Republic Stock Plunges after Bank Rescue Plan Dividend Suspension- Carter Vance

First Republic Bank, a global bank, found itself in crisis when its deposit to loan ratio far exceeded the recommended ratio and it carried almost a third of uninsured deposits from highly wealthy clients.  This led to the bank needing a bail out from other banks like Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Bank of America (to name a few) totaling thirty billion dollars to avoid an international economic fall out and to try and boost confidence in First Republic's customers. As of Friday, the bank has not experienced the rebound they had hoped.  

Article Link

Carter Vance

At least 20 torture centers in Kherson were directly financed by the Kremlin -- Sydney Park

International lawyers are investigating recently liberated cities in Ukraine, and they discovered at least twenty torture centers, in Kherson. This evidence is coming about a year after the city was captured by Russia because it was the first major city to fall during Russia's invasion. This city was liberated in November by Ukrainian soldiers. There was a paper trail exposed that shows that the main torture chambers in Kherson and the people telling them to do so, and also giving them financial support from the Russian state. It was also discovered that these torture sites were directly managed by numerous Russian security agencies, including their Federal Security Services (FSB), which is the successor of the KGB. According to the lead of the Mobile Justice Team, Putin funded millions of rubles (the Russian currency) into these torture chambers, and they were designed for the sole purpose of killing those who threatened Russia's plans to extinguish Ukrainian nationality and culture. As a side note, Ukraine's prosecutor general has cataloged more than 70,000 Russian war crimes since the beginning of the conflict. In Kherson, more than one thousand Ukrainians gave their first-hand accounts of their experiences in the torture centers, and more than four-hundred people reportedly vanished from these torture sites, but it's not clear if they were killed or taken to Russian-held territory. These sites were used for detention, interrogation, reeducation, and physical beatings; according to survivors, electric shock and waterboarding were common tactics used by the Russians. In some cases, Ukrainians were forced to memorize pro-Russian sayings and songs.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/02/ukraine-russia-war-kherson-torture-centers-financed-by-kremlin.html?&qsearchterm=international%20politics 

5 alleged Mexican cartel members charged in kidnapping of 4 Americans- Olivia Walko

 https://abcnews.go.com/International/mexican-cartel-allegedly-takes-responsibility-kidnapping-4-americans/story?id=97749086

5 Mexican cartel members were found in connection to the kidnapping and homocide of four Americans he Gulf Cartel took responsibility for last year.  The note attached to the bound members in a truck close to the Mexican-American border stated that this delivered those directly involved and responsible for this crime.

China wants to avoid escalation with U.S. and favors stable relations, U.S. spy chief says-Hailey Morsovillo

 The rivalry between Beijing and the United States continues, but Beijing still wants to keep things civil between each other. Being able to do so will not cause any unnecessary tension. Well Beijing is not trying to cause unnecessary tensions, they are still trying to gain an upper hand in the technology field. They think that technology having an upper power technology will be an advantage.

Update on the Shipwreck on Italy's Coast: the Prime Minister's Response

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discusses plans that will hold people smugglers accountable for deaths and serious injuries; these smugglers will receive up to 30 years in prison. There was also discussion to improve legal routes for foreign workers arriving in Italy, meaning it would allow migrants to safely reach the country. All of this is following the recent migrant shipwreck in which 72 bodies have been recovered, 79 people survived, and around 30 people are still missing. 

Article Link 

Failed Million Dollar Heist Leaving Two Dead in Chile

 A plane that was flying from Miami, Florida to Chile was carrying $32.5 million and was supposed to be transported by a local security provider. At around 7:50am, 10 people broke into the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago with the intention of pulling off a million-dollar heist of the money in this shipment. The robbery ended with a shootout between the robbers and the DGAC aviation agency in Chile. This left two dead, one of the robbers and a DGAC Airport Security Official. The robbers were said to have entered with high-capacity firearms and 3-4 trucks with a very well-thought-out plan. Unfortunately, this isn't the first instance of organized crime in Chile. Numbers have spiked in recent years with similar heists and robberies. This robbery is still under investigation, but there is no word on the other robbers and what happened to them.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/09/americas/chile-airport-heist-scli-intl/index.html

Lauren Pesola

Russia launches missile and drone attacks

 On Thursday, Russia launched it's biggest aerial attack in weeks. It hit multiple areas of Ukraine with an array of weapons including its new hypersonic missiles. Russia says this is in retaliation because of the Pro Ukraine armed group that lead an incursion in Russia last week. The attacks by Russia killed at least 9 people and knocked out power while damaging three electrical plants. 81 missiles were fired overnight and into the morning and 47 hit their targets.

russia-ukraine-news

Emily Bartel

China Wants to avoid Escalation With U.S.

 China wants to loose up tension with the U.S. so the relationship will be more stable and benefits with Washington. Even with sharp criticism from China’s president of the U.S, Haines (director of national intelligence) still believes that Beijing has benefits of keeping its good relationship with the U.S. especially with China giving the U.S. challenges with economically, technologically, politically and militarily around the world remains not balanced. So the best way for parts of country to keep things going the same with U.S. is to keep the relationship good. 

It’s very weird to China trying to keep peace with the U.S. when they’re the ones who start the trouble in the first place as even the article states. I wonder what happen with the resources if the relationship with China ever took a downfall. I know that we get out resources from all parts of the world but I know China is one of the biggest parts. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/china-wants-avoid-escalation-us-spy-chief-says-rcna73990 

Ukraine's Angels of Salvation

A network of volunteers work, coordinated by a Ukrainian referred to in the article only as Vlad, assists in evacuating civilians. They provide support and resources for residents and help evacuate civilians from the embattled sections of the Donetsk region. The article writer joined Vlad in his ambulance as he carried out his days work. They picked up a group of civilians at a bus stop, some were heading further toward the contested east but some were fleeing before it was too late. After dropping off the civilians and running into some Slovak journalists, they journey into Bakhmut. Vlad continues further into the city to rescue civilians, while the writers meet with survivors in the area. After leaving with a group of civilians, they go to a warehouse where more volunteers are preparing food for a village near Bakhmut. Vlad does work such as this everyday.

https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2023/03/05/1147815146/photos-of-the-evacuation-of-bakhmut-ukraine

Abigail Black 

Interest Rates

The United States has been looking to increase interest rates. Still, many left-leaning political officials disagree with this action claiming that higher interest rates would do little to help the economy because these inflation rates have little to do with the US economy and more with global issues such as the war in Ukraine and price gouging by significant corporations.  As one senator of Massachusetts, Elizabeth Warren, said, "You are gambling with people's lives," referring to this decision possibly leading to a much higher risk of damage to employment and then benefits for the economy.

Ryan  Lawrence 

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64881469

Capture of Ukrainian City of Bakhmut May Lead to "Open Road" to East Ukraine, Says President Zelensky

 The city of Bakhmut has been the center of focus in the Ukraine- Russia war over the past few weeks as Russian soldiers surround the city. Russia plans to capture the city in what would be Russia's first major victory in the war in a few months. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky states that if the city falls to Russia, Russia will have an opening to take more in Ukraine's Eastern region. The victory would be important for Russia because of the loss of momentum the Russian military has experienced over the last few months of the war. Evacuation efforts are in place, but almost 4,000 citizens remain in the city hidden in basements and cannot be found by the military. Ukraine plans to continue to send supplies and arms to the city and plan on "inflicting heavy losses on Russian arms". This comes after a Ukrainian prisoner of war has been executed, adding to Zelensky's urgency on defending the Ukrainian city. Overall, this city is a important one for both Ukraine and Russia in keeping the momentum of the war and building morale and support.

By: Michael Gill

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/07/europe/ukraine-volodymyr-zelensky-cnn-interview-bakhmut-intl 

Conflict with China is inevitable unless U.S. changes course, Beijing's new foreign minister warns

The united states and china are heading toward inevitable conflict unless the U.S. changes its course, warned Beijing's new foreign minister on Tuesday. These comments were made by Gin Gan Beijings new foreign minister as the tensions between China and the U.S. deepen as the war in Ukraine worsens and issues arise like the surveillance balloon creating worsening tensions between the two leading world powers. Xi on Monday accused the U.S. of fencing in china, trying to contain the country and Qin stated that Washington's decision to shoot down the Chinese spy balloon 'violated the spirit of international and international practice...'.

 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/conflict-china-us-inevitable-new-foreign-minister-warns-rcna73705

Jessie Anaya

Antarctic Sea Ice Levels Reach Lowest Level Ever Recorded.

 Climate Change continues to make itself known to the world, but yet it continues to be denied by some people. Since such a large portion of the US denies its existence, little has been done by America to soothe the climate crisis at all. Sea ice in the Antarctic has reached a record low level which points to the slow and steady increase of Antarctic temps. Failure to do anything about this situation will only exacerbate current issues being created by climate change, which will lead to increasing conflict due to finite resources (such as water). 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/04/everyone-should-be-concerned-antarctic-sea-ice-reaches-lowest-levels-ever-recorded

Frankie Wozniak

Israel-Palestine Tensions Continue in Major West Bank Cities: Huwara and Jersusalem

Over half a century since its declaration of independence from Palestinian powers, Israel continues to face casualties and military attacks. Both Huwara and Jerusalem are claimed Palestinian territories. Evidence of violence toward citizens and threats to 'erase' Huwara off the map--claims made by far-right leader Bezalel Smotrich--are causing international pressure and nations like The United States to consider interventions. President Biden had spoken previously about the tensions an questioned the Palestinian authority.

Links:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/01/middleeast/west-bank-smotrich-ned-price-intl

https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/27/middleeast/netanyahu-power-challenges-mime-intl/index.html

-Juan Castro

POLITICS Biden and Germany's Scholz huddle on Ukraine war at White House

German Chancellor Scholz Huddle and Biden had a meeting in the white house and talked about the increasing tension and war between Ukraine and Russia. During the meeting, they have feared that China may enter the war and supply Russia with Weapons. China has been Germany's top trading partner and Germany has insisted China not to aid Russia in this brutal invasion of Ukraine.

 link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-olaf-scholz-ukraine-germany-white-house/

Wave of suspected poison attacks on schoolgirls sparks protests in Iran

  In Iran's capital of Tehran, concerned parents protested over a wave of suspected poison attacks on schoolgirls in dozens of schools. There have been hundreds of girls facing unexplained illnesses and Iranian officials believe that Tehran's enemies are to blame. In field studies, suspicious samples have been found and are thoroughly being investigated. This illness outbreak in Iran comes at a critical time for the country's clerical rulers, who are under fire after the death of an Iranian woman in their custody sparked months of anti-government protests.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/04/middleeast/protests-iran-schoolgirls-poisoning-intl-hnk

By: Raegan Stinger 

Ukraine war has made it easier for US to isolate China in the Pacific

With the ongoing war still happening in Ukraine, and with China meeting with Russia to discuss diplomatic issues, The United States has been conducting air drills along with Japan around North Korea in response to North Koreas ballistic missile tests. This will make it for the U.S. to gather information on what is happening around in south east Asia. If China aids Russia in its endeavors in the war, then the U.S. will have to intervene in south east Asia to stop China from helping Russia.

 https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/05/asia/ukraine-war-us-pacific-alliances-intl-hnk

Jonathan Cotsiomitis

‘Bregret’? Many Brits are suffering from Brexit regret

 Polls indicate a shift in the attitude of the U.K. People seemed to be regretting the referendum votes to leave the E.U. Most people note believe that Brexit was handled poorly by the government or the it had a negative economic impact on the public. Leaders are scheduled to meet to talk about the Northern Ireland Protocol that is still very controversial. Heading into an election the ruling conservative party is still ahead by 20 points compared to the Labour party but seem to be loosing momentum.

Link

Robert Szabad