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.
Joseph Kaminski
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 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.
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
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.
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
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
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 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
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
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
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.
Robert Szabad
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.
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.
Joseph Kaminski
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
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.
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.
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
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
"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
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
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
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
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
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'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.
Juan Castro
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Emily Bartel
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/
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
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.
Joe Kaminski
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
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.
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?
Carter Vance
