Can Trump declare a national emergency and use the military to build the wall?

We have now entered the longest government shut down, president Trump is still asking congress to provide for at least $5 billion and congress is still not on board to fund the wall. In 1976 the National Emergency Act was created giving the president limited power to declare an emergency.

Trump would like to use the National Emergency Act to help build the wall by having the military built it. The author mentions how “using emergency power to mobilize the military to build a wall would be problematic”, I agree.

Perhaps there could be conflict between homeland security and federal agency if they have to be working together to build the wall. Also, no one seems to mention environmental consequences that will happen along the border, and all the people that will be losing land.

https://ahousedividedapd.com/2019/01/11/will-the-army-corps-of-engineers-build-a-wall-its-not-as-unprecedented-as-you-may-think/

Jessica Padilla

Cesare Battisti: An Italian Communist On The Run

Cesar Battisti is extradited to Italy from Bolivia after being on the run for 39 years. He was originally convicted because he belonged to the Armed Proletarians for Communism (PAC), a far-felt terrorist group in Italy. He was also convicted for the murdering of two officials and for planning another murder that left a 14-year-old in a wheelchair. Battisti had been running and lived in France, Mexico and Brazil, however, the former president of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula granted him refugee status in 2010. Battisti's story is one of the many stories of communist individuals that are on the run around the world. His story is another example of the constant battle from many countries against communism. Jair Bolsonaro, a Brazilian official communicated, "We will show the world our total repudiation and commitment to the fight against terrorism. Brazil deserves respect!"

By: Maria Clara Ospina

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-4685346

The Fourth Week of Protests Continues In Sudan - Sam Glodoski

Sudan has been experiencing a nation-wide protest over the past four weeks in response to drastic price increases and a failing economy. Additionally, protesters are also now calling for the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir, an autocrat who seized control of the Sudan government in 1989 by leading a military coup. However, al-Bashir has maintained that he will hold his position until he is defeated in an election. This is highly unlikely, as al-Bashir holds a great deal of control over the government and continues to campaign with false promises of unattainable economic goals.

Meanwhile, protesters have been leading demonstrations in Khartoum, Sudan's capital, as well as in a plethora of other cities. Security forces have resorted to firing into the air and the use of tear gas to disperse protesters, but have had minimal success. Protesters have also begun creating large clouds of smoke by burning tires as a means to escape the police until they are able to find refuge at nightfall. This has caused the police to resort to breaking into private homes and businesses to arrest these demonstrators. So far, the government has reported the number of casualties as a result of the protests to be at 24, which is still far below the estimated minimum of 40 released by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Unfortunately, until tangible economic progress is made, there does not appear to be a peaceful end to the protests in sight.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/13/protesters-police-clash-sudan-fourth-week-anti-government-demonstrations/

Trump threatens to 'devastate' Turkish economy over Syrian Kurds

The Turkish-Kurdistan conflict is an issue that is very underrated on all news outlets.
Kurdistan is a cultural region that lives within existing countries: Turkey, Northern Iraq, Syria, and Iran.
Geographically, Kurdistan is located in a politically heated area that is currently undergoing many historical changes.
Although not fully autonomous, Kurdistan was only able to gain its independence from Iraq in 1970 but its other regions in Iran, Syria, and Turkey have yet to be self-ruled.
Turkey specifically loathes for Kurdish independence, and this increases tensions between the Turkish government and their northern citizens that consider themselves Kurdish.
While fighting against the Islamic State in Syria, US forces fought along with the Kurds in northern Syria, which angered the current Turkish President, Erdogan.
He views the “Kurdish militia” as terrorists.
As US troops are pulling out from Syria, he threats to “devastate Turkey economically” if they attack the Kurds and condemns Kurdistan from any kind of provocation towards Turkey.
Trump also claims that Iran, Syria, and Russia “have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term US policy of destroying ISIS in Syria.
He believes that it is time to stop “Endless Wars.” Turkey’s response was communicated through their Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to Mike Pompeo through the phone, it was reported that it was optimistic with intentions of agreement and possible Turkish protection of Kurdish fighters.

Read more here: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46859164

Zohra Ouhabi

German Submarine from the First World War resurfaces near France

German WWI U-boat resurfaces off French coast

While not breaking news, this story from France is fascinating for history buffs as well as being a reminder of the Great War in the early twentieth century. A German U-boat from World War I has been spotted off the coast of France, but it comes in peace. Low tides and erosion have revealed the rusted metal frame of what once was a submarine. The sub got stuck in the sand on July 26, 1917 and was destroyed by its crew to prevent the Allies from capturing it. The vessel was called UC-61 and was responsible for sinking or destroying over 12 ships during the war. It is sort of hard to picture submarines being used during the first World War, even though they are what brought the United States into the war eventually. Thankfully, we have enjoyed a period of relative peace for a while.

-Devin Carrier

Cuba Censoring Texts Critical of New Constitution- Hope Flynn

The communist Cuban government is censoring the text messages of its people who are critical of the new proposed constitution. The new constitution would protect the communist party and make sure that there be no opposition as well as adding a prime minister position selected by the President. It also includes a provision allowing private property, however, private property will be controlled by a government regulator "on a case-by-case basis" (Dillon) and therefore the people of Cuba will not suddenly be able to obtain their own property.

The people of Cuba were only recently allowed to have cell phones in 2008 however it is only accessible by 66% of the country (Dillon). The monthly salary in Cuba is averaged at $30 and Wi-Fi packages distributed by the government  "ranging from $7 for 600 megabytes to $30 for 4 gigabytes of data" (Dillon) meaning most people do not have wifi or have incredibly low access to it. It's safe to assume that the government is also controlling what can be accessed on the internet given that they also have the power to control which text messages its people receive.

The past decade Cuba has been praised as becoming more civilized and respected on the world stage. The United States lifting the travel ban and insinuating that Cuba is a great place to travel to only reinforced those ideas. However, Cuba still remains a very communist and therefore repressive country to its people and definitely not worthy of any praise or support. Unfortunately, with the new "constitution" the horrible communist party and policies will continue in the country with no end as it will prohibit any glimer of hope in opposition.

https://www.dailywire.com/news/42054/communist-paradise-cuba-allegedly-censoring-text-kassy-dillon

Migrant's Despair Is Growing at U.S. Border. So Are Smugglers' Profits

Reynosa, Mexican border town is witnessing the struggle of desperate migrants not just from Mexico, but also other areas of  Latin America. Such is the case of Julian Escobar Moreno who immigrated from Honduras to Reynosa. He is intending to seek asylum in The United States because his life is in jeopardy as he refused to work for a gang called the 18th St back in his country. However, what he did not know was the Trump administration had shut down the federal government in a drastic move to collect funds for the building of a border wall to prevent more immigrants or criminals to cross the border illegally into the United States. Additionally, the U.S. has implemented a policy that admits only a few asylum seekers a day, making the wait extremely long.
As a result of the long delay, desperate immigrants turn to hire smugglers or "polleros" to help them cross illegally; they also raise their rates based on your nationality: the farther you are from the border, the more expensive the rate. Moreover, the number of apprehended people trying to cross is higher than ever. Despite all the danger and difficulties that immigrants encounter on their journey to the United States, they still want to cross. Migrants, such as Mr. Guillen from Guatemala, make statements such as: "Desperation makes you do crazy things. I don't think anything would stop me and certainly not a wall". 

By: Lupita Turriff
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/06/world/americas/mexico-migrants-smugglers.html
 

Congress Man Controversy -Corinthian

Corinthian Fields

Today i will be talking about, how in the world is Steve King still in Congress? Now i know you guys wondering what am i talking about. The Iowa republican said somethings that was very offensive to some but he himself think it wasn’t offensive at all he stated "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?" And he wondered when did white supremacy become a bad word, but we all know that white supremacy for the people who feel offended mean hate, oppression, murder, and maybe even racism. That’s why that was a bad choice of wording especially if you are one of the leaders of the US and making decisions it makes you think what type of people really running this country. It start to make you be against the matter of the things they are saying all the time based off one thing you said that’s messed up. He also said "There's nothing about my family or my history or my neighborhood that would suggest that these false allegations can be supported by any activity whatsoever. I reject that history. I reject that ideology. I defend American civilization which is an essential component of western civilization." Which i agree in personally but like i also said before you are someone people look up to so you know there is certain things you should and shouldn’t say so it’s all about how you carry yourself and what you say to get the peoples eyes and ears. Honestly the thing he should do to fix this is even if he feel he right just send out a sincere apology saying that was mistake and sorry to the people he offended. I want to know what do you guys think?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2019/01/11/politics/steve-king-iowa/index.html

Testimony begins during El Chapo's trial

As the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, one of the world's most violent gangs according to U.S. officials, Joaquín Guzmán "El Chapo" Loera has had a lot of experience dealing with U.S. border security and drug trafficking: two of the most debated and talked about issues in our political discourse. With the current government shutdown ensuing over issues of border security and how to improve it, it seems to make sense that politicians look at the methods and strategy of the infamous El Chapo and learn from there. Proponents of the president's proposed wall believe that illegal immigration/criminal activity is occurring due to the lack of physical barrier keeping people out. They believe that illegals are coming through the non-blocked portions of our border and that the wall should be built to prevent that mean of entry. But this narrative doesn't fit alongside the testimony of some of El Chapo's associates who stated that they never crossed over the non-fenced/non-walled areas. Instead, they focused  their time and efforts on smuggling drugs/contraband through America's ports of entry. The strategy was too attempt smuggling as much as they could so that even if they were caught, some would still make it through.



https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/12/us/drug-traffickers-el-chapo-trial-drugs-across-border/index.html



Robin Czajowski

Will This 27 Year Dispute Finally End?

In 1991, a Balkan country adopted the name Macedonia (United Nations call it Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), which borders next to Greece's northern region, Macedonia. This became a controversial row for it surrounds the topic of stolen identity and appropriation of Greek culture.
In June of 2018, the two countries came to a deal where it would be renamed Republic of North Macedonia. The change needed to be ratified by both governments. The Macedonian parliament ratified the deal on January 11, 2019; Greece is left to do the same. However, the Greek parliament is torn. Resulting in Defense Minister Panos Kammenos resigning ahead of the vote. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said that he will be calling a confidence vote in hopes to settle this dispute.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46855088

Venezuelan congress leader briefly detained amid standoff

As tensions in Venezuela are on the rise. The tension brought upon the leaders trying to invoke change has become even more severe. Juan Guaido was on his way to an anti-government town hall meeting and on his way there was stopped and detained by the police. Video evidence take by nearby drivers show the arrest happening however Guaido's face was not clearly identified. The main form of controversy however is that Communication's Minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said that he believes the arrest was orchestrated to create a political uproar. The main cause of the tension is that Guaido has been running the regime to take down the socialist government that is controlling Venezuela right now. Going against President Maduro, Guaido is gaining international allies and will most likely be successful in his attempt and taking down the corrupt Venezuelan government.


https://www.apnews.com/4ad70e610e4f4d85a33c9e0cdaa635af
Matthew Sheinfeld

China's ambassador to Canada believes that the Canadian government is being racist or leaning towards white supremacy. The ambassador Lu Shaye believes this because the Canadian government is demanding the release of two Canadians who were detained in Beijing. while this occurred the Chinese government is requesting the release of two Chinese people in Canada specifically Meng Wanzhou who was arrested in Canada by request of the United States. the Canadians believe that the two Canadians who were arrested were in retribution because Ms Wanzhou was not released and the Chinese believe that the Canadians do not respect the Chinese laws as they do western laws.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/world/asia/china-ambassador-canada-white-supremacy.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FInternational%20Relations&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=4&pgtype=collection Katie Engel

Amnesty Renews Call for International Investigation into Murder of Jamal Khashoggi

Amnesty Renews Call for International Investigation into Murder of Jamal Khashoggi 

By: Reagan Quynn

Amnesty International has again called for an international investigation into the brutal murder and likely dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The story sparked global outrage in early October when disturbing facts surfaced. Khashoggi was a devoted father, grandfather, and journalist for the Washington Post as well as a resident of the United States. As a vocal opponent of the Saudi government, he traveled to Turkey to obtain documents from the Saudi Consulate that he needed to get married, rather than going to Saudi Arabia over safety concerns. Video evidence confirmed him entering the consulate but never leaving. Saudi officials have confirmed Khashoggi’s murder and eleven people have been indicted with the death penalty on the table for five of them. Recently uncovered video footage shows several men carrying heavy looking duffle bags and suitcases into a residential looking building leading many to believe Khashoggi’s dismembered remains were inside those bags. Over one hundred days after this brutal murder, Khashoggi’s remains have yet to be recovered. Amnesty International, a global organization defending human rights violations, has repeated its call for an international investigation into the murder. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/amnesty-wants-international-probe-for-saudi-writer-slaying/2019/01/10/79a60c52-14c8-11e9-ab79-30cd4f7926f2_story.html?utm_term=.d3fc1f03b2ea

Venezuela: Mike Pompeo calls Nicolas Maduro government in Venezuela "illegitimate"

In "Venezuela: Mike Pompeo calls Nicolas Maduro government in Venezuela "illegitimate"" written by Claudia Dominguez for CNN News, Dominguez details how the current US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has scrutinized Venezuela's government. Specifically, the current president Nicolas Maduro who will be serving another six years in office. According to the article, Pompeo would like to use diplomatic efforts to try to implement democracy in Venezuela. Also mentioned is the number of refugees fleeing the country due to the economic turmoil the country is facing. The socialist Maduro is accused of the election being a fraud and his election to office is illegitimate. Indeed, many groups are denying the legitimacy of the election like The Organization of American States. Even other countries, with Paraguay closing their embassy in Venezuela.

Article Link: https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/12/americas/pompeo-venezuela/index.html

Alyssa Dahnke

How Dublin is Preparing for a Possible No-Deal Brexit

The United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the European Union on March 29^th. The Irish government is worried that the United Kingdom may leave without a settlement. The United Kingdom leaving will impact the economy of Ireland in many ways. Forecasts suggest that Ireland’s economic growth would take a 4% hit in the long run. For economic reasons, the Republic of Ireland wants a close relationship with the United Kingdom because of jobs and success after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. The Irish government believes that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided, but is planning for all possibilities.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46798191

By: Matthew Rivera

DR Congo election: Candidate Martin Fayulu appeals against result

Olivia Acanfora


After rival presidential candidate Felix Tshisekedi was declared the winner of the DR Congo election, Martin Fayulu demanded a manual recount and appealed to the constitutional court against the poll results. Fayulu not only claims that he won the vote, but also claims that Tshisekedi made some sort of deal with the outgoing president Joseph Kabila. While Tshisekedi and his supporters celebrate the win, Fayulu supporters have begun protesting. It has been said that violence has occurred in Kikwit and that at least two police officers and two civilians were killed. The UN secretary General has urged everyone to refrain from violence. BBC concludes that the court could confirm Tshisekedi as the winner, call for a recount, or call for new elections.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-46850690

Saudi Teen is Granted Asylum in Canada

Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, an 18 year old from Saudi Arabia, escaped from her abusive family on January 5th while on vacation in Kuwait. After booking a flight to Thailand, authorities found her and attempted to deport her back to her family. Fearing for her life, she resisted and asked for asylum. She barricaded herself in an airport hotel room for two days until she could speak to UN officials. This standoff went viral on social media and people banded together to show their support. Canada provided emergency resettlement and told reporters that "Canada has been unequivocal that we will always stand up for human rights and women's rights around the world."

Link to article: https://www.vox.com/2019/1/11/18178621/saudi-teen-canada-asylum-rahaf-mohammed-alqunun

Posted by Kaitlin Pritchard

American Isis Fighter

Joy Semafumu
Summary:

On January 10th 2019 a total of 8 Islamic State militants were captured near Hajin, Syria.
ISIS has been attacking the small city and civilians in last resort efforts to slow down the U.S. and it’s armies. One of the most surprising captives is Soulay Noah Su, an American teen found to be  apart of the Islamic State and it’s dealings. 
Soulay is not the only American captured by the YPG as 3 other Americans wait for their fate amongst hundreds of other Islamic fighters. Other people from a plethora of different nationalities were also found in the group including people from Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and two from Uzbekistan rounding out the other seven.

Article link: 
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/01/10/american-teen-accused-fighting-isis-terrorists-syria/2534945002/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/01/10/american-teen-accused-fighting-isis-terrorists-syria/2534945002/

Ethiopia is for the women

Ethiopia's newly elected Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has elected a Cabinet made up of 50% women. This gender-balanced initiative is historical for the women in Ethiopia. The board accepted all of Mr. Ahmed's nominees unanimously. Ahmed has said, "Our women ministers will disprove the old adage that women can't lead." Ahmed has made history and has slain the patriarchy.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/ethiopia-prime-minister-abiy-ahmed-cabinet-appointments-women-a8586876.html

posted by Milia Harris

Emily Knutson: Brazil's New President

Brazil’s newly elected president, Jair Bolsonaro, is strikingly similar to Donald J. Trump. He has expressed a strong opposition to women, gay people, and black people. On September sixth, while he was campaigning at a rally, Bolsonaro was stabbed by a passerby who did not agree with the politicians’ views. In a very twisted way the stabbing has been an advantage of Bolsonaro. He was constantly in the news getting free publicity and he was able to opt out of all debates; Which, if he is really like Trump, are probably not his strong suit. Bolsonaro won the Brazilian presidential election without answering any hard questions making this the cushiest campaign ever. Bolsonaro has been very vocal about his want for Brazil to go back to being a dictatorship which could be damaging to the still new democratic system of the country. Bolsonaro has also been accused of child sex abuse, to combat this accusation he exclaimed “Are you calling me a rapist?... She’s calling me a rapist!.... I would never rape you because you don’t deserve it.” Some of his other controversial (evil) opinions include a deadly hatred of gay people, that women do not deserve equal pay because they may get pregnant, and “Brazil would be a better country if the dictatorship had killed more people”. Brazil has obviously made a mistake electing a man like this. But, then again, America did elect Trump with very similar claims.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/Jair_Bolsonaro_Brazil

Friday, January 11, 2019

Trump visits border amid US shutdown wall row

President Trump, visited a border station in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and hinted that if Congress doesn't approve the funding for the wall, he would declare a national emergency in order to get the funding for the wall. 

The shutdown of goverment is still in place,making history this weekend, being the longest since 1995. Where workers will not get their salaries still.

I think that President Trump, will do anything that it is in his power to get the funds to built the wall, he wants to do it, and maybe there's a possibility that he can do it, the debate starts in whether he should it and where is he going to get the funds, funds that could be easily used in other important matters.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46827555

 By: Mirna Solis Perez

Taiwan's President asks for help

China, being a communist powerhouse and close to Taiwan's roots, has renewed threats that Taiwan is not an independent country and will not be. Xi, the Chinese president, has said he did not want "one country, two political systems", however the people of Taiwan do not want to associate with China which is causing Asian/International controversy. Also, Taiwan's President states "If the international community did not support a democratic country that was under threat, "we might have to ask which country might be next?", which is also fanning the flames of this democratic vs communist ideology.

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2019-01-04/taiwan-president-vows-to-defend-democracy-way-of-life

Shivam Rana

Venezuela: Maduro begins second term amid increasing isolation

Socialist Nicolas Maduro, after winning the controversial election late last year, officially began his second term as president of Venezuela today. Being that the country is in the middle of economic and social collapse, and emigration has reached unprecedented levels, his reelection is thought to be a illegitimate; since taking office in 2013, he has delegitimized political opposition and seized control of many political institutions. Going forward, Maduro will face pressure and opposition from the U.S. and its allies likely in the form of more sanctions and rhetoric.


https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/venezuela-maduro-begins-2nd-term-increasing-isolation-190110132906107.html

By: Ethan Mikolay

Michael R. White: Iran confirms arrest of ex-US sailor

Michael R. White: Iran confirms arrest of ex-US sailor

Michael R. White, formerly of the US Navy, is the first American to be held in Iran during Trump's presidency. According to his mother, he has been missing in Iran since July. His intention was to visit his girlfriend when he was arrested in the northeastern city of Mashhad. Supposedly the US was notified at the time of the arrest, but due to the fact that the US and Iran do not maintain diplomacy, all communications go through Switzerland. His arrest was posted on an Iranian blog on Monday.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46815574

By Megan Saar