Vaccine Verdict December

    Dr. Anthony Fauci recently stated that we will be able to find out if an effective COVID vaccine will be able to be made. He has also stated that distributing this vaccine widespread will most likely not occur until 2021. There will need to be a lot of vaccines made in order to have them distributed to everyone around the country. I will personally follow this story and hopefully post a future blog post about it. 

-Faith Brouwer

 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-britain-fauci-idUSKBN27A0B7

Protests in Georgia after Election

 

There have been protests occurring in Georgia after the current ruling party won the parliamentary election. The results showed that the Georgian Dream Party 48.1% of the votes and the opposition party announced that they will not accept the results because they claim the votes were manipulated. The Georgian Dream party announced that they now have enough seats in parliament to create a government. Supporters of the opposition government that believe the election was fraudulent protested outside of the parliament building in the capital of Tbilisi on Sunday calling for a recount. These protests have spread through almost all of the opposition groups in Georgia. The current leader of the Dream Party Bidzina Ivanishvili who has been in power for eight years is starting to lose popularity after Georgia's economy tanked because of COVID-19. 

-Faith Brouwer

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/georgias-ruling-party-wins-vote-opposition-urges-protests-73956631

Trump lashes out after FBI announces investigation of Biden bus incident

 Joe Biden's campaign had to cancel a rally last week as Trump supporters surrounded a Biden campaign bus. The caravan that surrounded the bus tried to run it off the road. The FBI has decided to investigate the situation, much to the president's dismay. The president has taken to media claiming that the "patriots" did nothing wrong. Again, Trump turned to ANTIFA and other terror organizations to be investigated, as the Democrats are the enemy in his eyes. Biden has come forward and said that the American people are "better than this," calling on people to be better.

By: Rachel Maida

Article Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/trump-lashes-out-after-fbi-announces-investigation-biden-bus-incident-n1245728

Powerful Typhoon Goni Slams The Philippines, Leaving At Least 10 Dead And 3 Missing

 Early Sunday morning, Super Typhoon Goni produced flooding, mudslides, and strong winds to the largest island of the Philippines.  Recovery efforts have already begun.

345,000 people are being housed in evacuation centers, and an additional 50,000 people are staying with relatives.

Stuart Elliot

https://www.npr.org/2020/11/01/930117656/powerful-typhoon-goni-slams-the-philippines-leaving-at-least-10-dead-and-3-missi

Boris Johnson accused of 'giving in to scientific advisers' as England heads for lockdown

 England is joining other European countries in reinstating lock downs. This is after England's number of cases has surpassed 1 million and it's death toll has reached over 46,000. Like the rest of the world, England has seen a spike in cases. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people in England have covid while at the start of October it was 1 in 200. Boris Johnson had been under pressure for weeks by experts to start another lock down. Some experts believe that a lock down should have came a while ago to prevent the spike that we see today. Others say that Johnson gave into the experts suggestions, and that their suggestions are nothing but that, not mandates. The lock down will come Thursday after a vote by parliament on Wednesday. It will be in effect till November 2nd, or longer if the rate of cases don't come down. All pubs and restaurants will be closed along with non essential businesses like salons and gyms. Schools will remain open and residents will be allowed to leave home only for work, going to school, medical issues, and buying food and other essentials.         

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/uk/uk-lockdown-coronavirus-reaction-gbr-intl/index.html

Jimmy Oropeza

Argentina's Debt Crisis

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has recently asked the IMF to defer repayments on a $44 billion loan for the next three years. This type of request has been asked around 20 times in the past so it is not surprising that it would come up again, especially since COVID has had it negative reach all around the world. The root of their problem is the lack of competitive nature surrounding their currency which is the peso. The peso isn't exactly the currency that people are necessarily chasing in Argentina especially since a US dollar is worth more. Argentina started negotiating with private creditors in March of 2020 but stopped in late August. Trump actually helped with an IMF program that provided frontload financial support in exchange for promises of reforms. With 40% of the population under the poverty line, Argentina is now is an economic crisis that may cross-over into political territories and they must secure a new solution sooner rather than later since the US presidency may have an effect as well.

Written by: Cristian Madrigal

SOURCE: Foreign Policy Article

National Mourning for Mexican Doctors during Day of the Dead

With the Day of the Dead celebrations underway in Mexico, they will undoubtedly look different this year. The Day of the Dead is an important celebration that originated with the Aztecs and usually lasts several days in which families honor their deceased loved ones with offerings and other traditions. However, this year, the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic has made celebrating increasingly difficult and even more emotional. Over 140,000 deaths have been confirmed or listed as “probable” due to the coronavirus, with 1,700 of them being Mexican health workers. Mexico has lost more medical professionals than any other country due to the coronavirus, and the Day of the Dead celebrations this year seek to honor those lives taken too soon. As marigolds and paper cutouts decorate the altars dedicated to family members, the signature skeleton used during the celebrations are being dressed up as doctors and other medical professionals and are shown doing consultations or surgeries. With cemeteries closed, families are unable to visit their loved ones but can continue the celebrations from home. And as Mexico approaches 1 million confirmed coronavirus infections, the overcrowded hospitals and medical centers will continue to be staffed by medical workers and other officials as they try to control the spread and await a vaccine. While honoring them all is not feasible, this year’s Day of the Dead celebrations seek to remember those who were selfless and put themselves in harm's way in order to provide for the health and safety of their communities. 

Trevor Mohrmann

Link: https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-mexico-health-day-of-the-dead-mexico-city-18abbb0c4a75c3809cbaa5d62110bbef

Could Israeli-Arab Peace Deals Spark an Arms Race?

 After three states have signed diplomatic agreements with Israel, some have started to worry about a potential arms race developing. The United Arab Emirates, for example, is attempting to acquire a fighter jet from the United States. Already the strongest military power in the region, Israel would be sure to follow suit in the possible trend of weapons acquisition in the Middle East.

The United States is viewing this potential arms race as positive, as it would give more power to U.S. allies in the Middle East, and less to Iran--which is viewed by the U.S. as a global threat. 

This is causing some unrest in Israel however, as when other states may begin to up their military power, Israel will no longer be the only state in the region with a powerful military.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-54737029

Mason Semmler

A Frazzled World Holds Its Breath While the U.S. Chooses Its Leader

Americans are not the only ones with an acute interest in Tuesday's election. After four years of Trump shaking up the way America deals with foreign policy, to the benefit of some and detriment of others, the international community will be watching to see where US policy goes next. Israel and Netanyahu are perhaps Trump's biggest international supporters. Elsewhere there is concern about a Trump victory. Germany is fascinated by the contest, it has covered headlines and resulted in a string of documentaries, one titled "Crazy Trump and the American Catastrophe." Ukrainians are worried that in a close election, Trump may press President Zelensky for a congratulatory message to give legitimacy to a premature claim to victory. But perhaps most invested is China, feeling angst towards both outcomes. Trump has caused anger there over his protectionism but Biden also has ruffled feathers with his stance of "getting tough on China." Both Biden and Trump offer very different paths forward for the way America interacts with the world, and everyone will be watching to see where the nation goes next.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/31/world/middleeast/world-us-election-response.html

Anthony Grammich

Austria tries out new study to eliminate unemployment

Austria will be trying out a new study in which they guarantee paid, part time jobs for those who are unemployed in an attempt to eliminate long term unemployment. The jobs will be ranging from fields such as childcare, gardening, and home renovations for example. Leaders from around the world say this could be the solution to recovering the economy from Covid-19. The purpose is to see how a guaranteed job could improve the well-being of a community and the individuals within it, and to try to prevent the financial and psychological hardships on individuals and families affected by losing jobs. The participants of the study will be those who have been on unemployment for a year or longer. They will have to take a two month training course and then will be able to choose a subsidized job based off of their skill set or community needs. Participants will also be offered counseling and medical support if they need it. The project will be funded by the Public Employment Service of Lower Austria and is expected to cost around 7.4 Million Euros.

Julia Babinec

Angered at French call to ‘reform’ Islam, tens of thousands gather in protests across majority-Muslim countries

Emmanuel Macron publicly defended cartoons of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) that were published by  a satirical newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, in France- is it forbidden in Islam to draw pictures of any Prophets. Anti-France protests have erupted across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia and many countries have removed French products form their shelves. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, about 20,000 protesters gathered on Friday and carried signs saying "Stop Religious Defamation" and "Freedom of Speech is not Freedom to Abuse". In Lebanon, one protestor told reporters "Freedom of expression does not mean we should insult Prophets and Messengers". The protests come after the French government projected the cartoons on government buildings, shut down Mosques and closed a Muslim humanitarian NGO, BarakaCity.  

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/france-muslims-protests-cartoons-attack/2020/10/30/53a158ac-1a9a-11eb-8bda-814ca56e138b_story.html 

Serena Merhebi

Australia records zero local coronavirus cases for first time since June

 For the first time since June 9th, Australia has registered n new local cases of Covid-19. This comes months after Australia declared a state of disaster in response to an outbreak that saw up to 725 people testing positive for Covid-19. The city of Melbourne marked its 2nd day without any local cases. Since ending it's lockdown, the city has only seen seven new local cases. In early August, the region of Victoria was recording hundreds of cases a day. This prompted authorities to enact strict anti-epidemic measures that other nations have been hesitant to employ. Since then, cases have been declining leading to some of the restrictions being lifted. Authorities stated that more restrictions will be lifted if this trend continues.

Michael Sorensen

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/asia/australia-zero-local-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html

Azerbaijan Vows to Fight to the End

 The war over the Nagorno-Karabahk war has continued even after many peace talks, even some including the United States. President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, says he and his country are prepared to exhaust means necessary to take back this region from the Armenians. Some fascinating things about this situation include the fact that Azerbaijan is friendly with, and influenced by Turkey. Additionally, Russia has an alliance with Armenia. Russia has said they will offer all necessary assistance to Armenia if the President of Azerbaijan stays true to his word. This could be an event that continues to escalate more and more as times goes on. It is something to look out for in terms of international conflict.

BY: COOPER HOFFMANN

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/1/azeri-leader-vows-fight-to-the-end-as-karabakh-war-drags-on

“Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Politicians Arrested”

7 people associated with the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong were arrested. Police have charge them with “contempt and interfering with members of the council”. Beijing created a new national security law in June that provoked the conflict between the that group and the pro-Beijing politicians, none of whom have been arrested. The politicians arrest could face up to a year or so in prison for trying to interrupt the chairperson of the Legislative Council. Another person, a teen has been charged with violating the new security law that makes punishing protestors easier. It is argued that it could be used to condemn more people to longer sentences on unjust causes and is a violation of human rights and freedoms. Like I said in the week before, in a time of unrest we are seeing a lot of political instability everywhere because people are realizing the system isn’t working. It will be interesting to see how China continues to respond to incidents like this and pro-democratic protests in Hong Kong. The world is also watching which makes it good in some ways so the Chinese government is limited about what punishments they can dole out without criticism from the rest of the world. I think eventually the protestors will win out and there will be a change in the system. It is important for governments to change with the times and what people want because the government should be for the people. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-54768209 Jena Livesay

Jim Crow 2.0

This election season is one of the most highly analyzed and scrutinized in the wake of the COVID pandemic, protests, and the general unrest America has faced these past few months. One of the objects of worry this election is the issue of voter suppression, especially when it comes to Black Americans. Many modern suppression tactics are being compared to the ones of the Jim Crowe era, which so blatantly prevented so many Black people from voting. One such example some social justice advocates cite is the fact that ex-felons cannot vote. Statistically, Black Americans make up a disproportionate amount of those incarcerated, silencing millions of potential voters. In 2018, Florida approved Amendment 4, which would allow “convicted felons who complete all terms of their sentence” to vote. However, a law was passed shortly afterward requiring them to pay “all financial obligations” as well before voting, causing some to compare this restriction to another Jim Crowe era barrier. Back then, southern states once instituted “pay to play” poll taxes in order to vote, namely because Black people couldn’t afford the fee. There have also been occasions where voters were removed from the voting rolls if they hadn’t voted in previous elections. These purges also included some accidental removals that disenfranchised thousands more eligible voters. From limited places to drop off ballots, to Gerrymandering practices, voter suppression is definitely going to be discussed heavily with regards to this election, and many to come.  

 

By Rola Goke-Pariola

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/us/voter-suppression-jim-crow-blake/index.html

Pentagon Draw-Down at U.S. Embassies Prompts Concern About Ceding Field to Global Rivals

The Pentagon has begun to shift its resources at U.S. embassies in several countries including the U.K., Saudis Arabia, and several key embassies in West Africa. The embassies in West Africa are important because they are facing resistance from islamist insurgencies that are linked to the Islamic State and Al Qaeda. The embassies are affect U.S.' ability face these threats because the officials in the embassies are in charge of training foreign militaries, gathering intelligence, arranging arm sales, and coordinating American military assets during emergencies. The Pentagon is doing this in order to add more resources to counter act China and Russia. This makes it clear that however dangerous islamic terrorism is, the Pentagon sees China and Russia has a greater threat to the United States' national security. 

Logan Schaefer

https://www.wsj.com/articles/pentagon-draw-down-at-u-s-embassies-prompts-concern-about-ceding-field-to-global-rivals-11604248527

Violent Criminal Groups Claiming More Territory in Mexico

Increasingly, criminal groups in Mexico have been taking more and more control as they become part of communities, police forces, and even the government itself. Mexico's former defense minister was arrested in the United States this month, charged with helping drug cartels. However, this is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a trend of the Mexican government losing control. According to a 2018 CIA study, over 20% of Mexican territory is effectively controlled by criminal groups. Additionally, the Mexican homicide rate is more than 4 times that of the US, and over 77,000 people have disappeared this year alone. This has grown out of the US-Mexican strategy to combat crime. By removing the kingpins and heads of the major crime groups, we have caused them to splinter into potentially 231 different cartels, gangs, and regional bands all within Mexico. Since these smaller groups do not have the same kind of organization as the bigger groups, they are not able to export drugs as easily, so they have now turned to terrorizing the Mexican population itself. Unfortunately, police forces all across Mexico are outgunned and have no real way to fight back against the crime groups, so the problem is only getting worse.

By Claire Mikulcik

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/mexico-losing-control/mexico-violence-drug-cartels-zacatecas/

Hong Kong Activist Arrested Near U.S. Consulate

 Activist Tony Chung was Tuesday in Hong Kong in a cafe across the street from the American Embassy while attempting to seek asylum. He was the former leader of the organization Studentlocalism which had called for outright the succession of HongKong from mainland China. Chung had disbanded his group hours before a new Chinese security law aimed  aimed at quashing dissent took effect. This could further increase tensions between the US and China because of recent clashes over their handling of protests in HongKong, the new security law and Trump's statements that HongKong protester would he given political asylum.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-activist-arrested-near-u-s-consulate-11603825538?mod=world_major_1_pos1

Taiwan Doesn't Know Who To Side With Anymore

 Jake Mersch

The "One China" policy has been a hotly contested issue in the past few decades. Is Taiwan part of China rightfully its own country? The United States does not recognize Taiwan as its own sovereign country, however, they do recognize Taiwan's membership in various international groups. The American military has protected Taiwan from attacks by China and Taiwan has responded in kind by siding with the US over Chine on international affairs. Recent;y, Taiwanese officials have become conflicted on the status of their own alliance to the US. They remain partial to American protection but aren't sure if they should attempt a brokered deal with China. As of now, Taiwan will accept protections from and side with the United States on policy issues related to China, but are now considering the advantages siding with China would have in the long run. Overall, many, including Taiwanese leadership, believes that America will continue to win over the island's international relations heart.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/china/tiny-taiwan-caught-middle-u-s-china-battle-supremacy-n1244521 

United Kingdom Labour Party has Anti-Semitism in Ranks According to Watchdog

The United Kingdoms Labour Party has anti-Semitism in its ranks according to the U.K. equalities watchdog. The party is known to have committed "unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination" toward Jewish people. The Equality and Human Rights Commission sound significant evidence of lack of leadership in how the party handled members who expressed anti-Semitism. The Labour party is currently Britain's opposition party and had been led by Jeremy Corbyn, who has been a part of the party since 1983, but Corbyn stepped down after the worst general election showing since 1935 by the party. Corbyn was the one who allowed this behaviour within the party and has since been suspended by the party. Keir Starmer, the new the Labour leader, said the findings are "a day of shame" for the party and he promised "a culture change" in the party. Corbyn has been the centre of attention of these findings and his suspension has been praised by Jewish and anti-racism groups. Starmer has taken a hard stance on this issue stating that anyone who doesn't see a problem with anti-Semitism or doesn't believe in the findings "should be nowhere near the Labour Party." 

Lucas Burris

https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-discrimination-jeremy-corbyn-anti-semitism-europe-6afeed8298a6f2b4e831e53382e632f4

France on highest security alert after terror attack

Three people are dead after a series of stabbing in a by now confirmed terror attack that occurred at the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Nice, France. The suspect, who yelled "allahu akbar" several times during the attack, is in custody. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said the country had been attacked "by Islamic terrorists". 

France's anti-terror prosecutor's office is now taking on the case and opening an investigation on counts of assassination in relation to a terrorist enterprise, attempted assassination in relation to a terrorist enterprise and terrorist association of criminals. 

The attack comes while France is still reeling from the beheading earlier this month of French middle school teacher Samuel Paty. The attacker who killed Paty had said he wanted to punish him for showing pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a civics lesson. It also comes amid mass protests in many Islamic countries against Macron after he spoke up in defense of the cartoons. Additionally, there have been other notable terror attacks in Nice over the past several years. 

President Trump and former Vice-President Biden tweeted that their "hearts are with the people of France". Vladimir Putin, in the meantime, confirmed the readiness of the Russian party to the closest cooperation with French and other international partners in all directions of counter-terrorist activities. 

Article: https://abcnews.go.com/International/people-dead-stabbings-suspected-terror-attack-nice/story?id=73897179

Jan Mueller

Missile Strike Kills Civilians

In Barda, Azerbaijan 21 civilisants were killed by a missile strike. Many more citizens were reported as wounded in this attack. Azerbaijan has claimed that the Armenian military is responsible for this attack and that it is linked to the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia flipped blame onto Azerbaijan by denying any involvement in the attack and claiming that Azerbaijan attacked a maternity ward in Karabakh. One witness said there were three explosions when the bombs were dropped. Two days ago on 10/26/2020 the US got officials on both sides to agree to a ceasefire, but this was not adhered to as of today, 10/28/2020. Azerbaijani officials believe Mr. Harutyunyan is responsive for the attack, as he is accused of several war crimes already. 

Caitlin Hamilton

 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54722120

French doctor warns his country has ‘lost control’ of virus

 As we are entering the later months of this year, Covid rates in Europe have been steadily increasing. Italy, France, Germany, and Spain are on their way or are already at the point where they have instituted another nationwide lockdown and curfew. With 20,000 cases a day or more, these nations are scrambling to do what they can to slow down the rate of Covid transmission to take the strain off their rapidly filling hospitals. 

https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-epidemics-health-paris-europe-07081c1203628dad5eb514cdd0819d16

Senate confirms Trump's Supreme Court nominee a week ahead of Election Day

 Amy Coney Barrett was approved by the Supreme Court on Monday, with a vote of 52-48. This has a huge impact on the Supreme Court for generations to come, as now it is 6 Republican and 3 Democrat sitting in for life. Two Republicans agreed this was too close to the election so they voted the other way, although agreeing after election they would vote yes. Democrats are worried that with her being on now, there are health care acts that are in jeopardy with the Supreme Court being set up the way it is right now. Barrett has been answering questions during confirmation hearings but also avoiding many, saying she will be her own Justice while following somewhat like old Justice Scalia. 

By: Tanya Czosek

Link: https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/26/politics/senate-confirmation-vote-supreme-court-amy-coney-barrett/index.html

Spain's State of Emergency Faces Backlash

Today, October 26, the Spanish government is facing fierce backlash for its plan to impose a state of emergency for six months. Both the conservative People's Party (PP) and the center-right Ciudadanos agree that a state of emergency is necessary but not for six months. Pablo Casado, the leader of the PP, said that they would agree to the emergency order but only for eight weeks. Not only is there opposition based on party lines, but also opposition from epidemiologists who suggest that this measure is too little too late. Opposition among citizens is strong because of a fear that the Spanish government will take advantage of their power and abuse the order. With that said, the total number of cases in Spain increased by 50,000 over the weekend bringing the total to 1,098,320 with 35,031 deaths. 

 https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-10-26/spain-enters-covid-state-of-emergency-to-much-dismay

Luke Joiner 

Spain Orders Nationwide Curfew Due To COVID

    Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the curfew will go into effect Sunday night. The curfew will restrict free movement in the country from 11PM to 6AM but will exempt medical needs, work, and care. The curfew will likely remain in place for the next six months as the country will try to get through the winter months with COVID. Spain does not want a repeat of the collapse of the country's hospitals that happened during the first wave of COVID. The curfew can be changed by the leaders of Spain's regions but has to stay within the time from of 10PM to 12AM and 5AM to 7AM. Spain is following the lead of neighbor France, who implemented a 9PM to 6AM curfew early this week. Health officials believe nightlife and parties are to blame for the newest infections in the country. Spain became the first European country to surpass 1 million official COVID-19 cases this week. 

https://apnews.com/article/spain-coronavirus-emergency-europe-2a851229071576fa4fff11162798e3de

Lucas Burris

US election 2020: How Trump has changed the world

This is an interesting BBC article that looks at global opinions of President Trump. Throughout the article, the author lays out all of the major issues that Trump has not had popular policy on, whether it be climate change, immigration, or the media. People around the world see this as incompetence in a leader when there are constant attacks on things that most Americans care about or believe in. There are many subsections through the piece that lay out the ways people see President Trump as an enemy or, at the very least, someone that people should not have confidence in. This piece is very comprehensive and I think it helps people understand how the rest of the world views America, as well as giving perspective on the different issues that Americans have strong opinions about and want to have a say in.

By: Rachel Maida

Article Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2020-54541907

Police Cheif in Nigeria Deploys All Police Resources

 The protests in Nigeriato end police violence have become more and more violent on both sides leading to riots and looting. The most recent riot led to a warehouse with food/supplies meant to be distributed to helpduring the COVID lockdowns. President Buhari has recognized that there has been too many deaths on both sides and stated that "enough is enough". The police have been ordered to use all legitimate means and resources be to put an end to any unlawful activities.

BBC- Nigeria protests: Police chief deploys 'all resources' amid street violence

Posted by Cristian Madrigal

Constitutional Referendum in Chile sees Record Voter Turnout

A record amount of Chilean voters came out to the polls to vote on whether or not the country’s current constitution should be rewritten by citizens. The constitution is from the era of Augusto Pinochet, who was the dictator of Chile from 1973 to 1990 and has been the center of protests dating back to last year. Government officials and analysts say that, despite the pandemic, 49% of eligible voters came to the polls which is the highest mark since voting was made voluntary in 2012. Protests over the constitution began over a year ago with societal inequity and poor public services at the forefront of protestors’ grievances. However, the constitution has been changed since Pinochet’s rule to reduce military and executive power. The constitutional referendum has divided much of the population, with one side in favor of keeping the current constitution for its economic growth policies while those in favor of drafting a new constitution feel that the new generation’s voices should be heard and Pinochet’s legacy should be left in the past. The vote is expected to be close, with some opinion polls giving the vote for a new constitution an edge over the existing one. Over 5,000 Chilean votes have already been casted and counted from citizens overseas with 87% of those voters in favor of a new constitution. The winning side needs just a simple majority in order to keep their constitution intact or to write a new chapter in their country’s history. 

Trevor Mohrmann

Belarus protests: Nationwide strike to go ahead, says opposition leader

 In response to police firing stun grenades at protestors, Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya called for a nationwide strike. Tikhanovskaya threatened the strike if Alexander Lukashenko does not resign. Protests havebeen taking place in Belarus in response to the election of Lukashenko that many believe was rigged. Protests in Minsk marched towards Lukashenko's residence at the Independence Palace and were broken up by Belarusian police using stun grenades, rubber bullets, and water cannons. Opposition leader Tikhanovskaya delivered her three demands from a location in Lithuania, where she has been in exile since August.

Michael Sorensen

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54684753

Covid: Spain imposes national night-time curfew to curb infections

Europe has recently seen a spike in their covid infection numbers starting in late September. Many of these countries have seen record number of cases over this weekend in October. This has caused many countries to start implementing restrictions once again. Countries like Italy and Spain that were hit hard at the start of the pandemic are bringing back restrictions although they are not as tough. Gyms, bars, restaurants, and theaters are being shut down and some have to close sooner. It seems to be that leaders are wary of bringing back tougher lock downs because of the economic impact and not mention that they are very unpopular. Some countries like Czech Republic and the Netherlands imposed restrictions at the start of the month yet they had record numbers of cases this weekend, another reason for the wariness. The new lock downs hope to prevent a tougher "second wave" this fall and winter.    

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54682222

Jimmy Oropeza

What Biden Means for Russia

Analysts are saying that if former VP Joe Biden wins the upcoming election it could mean increased tensions and raised sanctions in Russia. U.S and European relations would likely improve but due to mutual distrust and issues with Russia there would only be downsides should trump lose the election. Some of this distrust goes back to when Joe Biden was vp and pushed for sanctions against Russia in response to the 2014 Ukrainian crisis. A statement from both sides did however, say that there could possibly be progress in relations because of a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.

Julia Babinec

Nigeria Protests: What’s Happening and Why Are People Demonstrating Against SARS?

Large-scale protests have broken out against SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) Taskforce in Nigeria and Nigerian diaspora communities globally. The Taskforce has long been accused of violent harassment, police brutality, extortion and other forms of corruption all while acting with impunity. These protests were met with police crackdowns and ant-riot tactics including Nigerian soldiers firing lives rounds at peaceful protesters in an Upscale Community named Lekki Toll Gate last Tuesday, resulting in the death of several protesters. These actions of Nigeria's government are very problematic for The United States, as the country is our largest ally in Sub-Saharan Africa and an avid customer of our arms industry. The United States has condemned the actions of the actions of the Regime, as did the African Union and most of the World's prominent democratic nations.

Brock Montford

https://www.wsj.com/articles/nigeria-protests-whats-happening-and-why-are-people-demonstrating-11603277989

Bangkok Is Engulfed by Protests. What’s Driving Them?

 Thailand is still seeing record numbers of protests throughout the country and specifically in Bangkok. The revolt was started by students who disagreed with the military's influence in the classroom and soon became a nation wide rebellion. There have been more and more protesters in the Country's capital and they have 3 demands that they chant, "Resign, Rewrite, Reform". The country experiences great economic and social disparities, and the citizens have finally taken a stand and demanded change. This is important for the citizens, Democracy is a great step in the way of equal rights. The prime minister has yet to listen to the protesters, and have been trying to break up the protests in a multitude away. However, they government has not had much luck, as the protests have only been growing. 

-Joey Droll

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/24/world/asia/thailand-protests-explainer.html

Europe Imposes New Covid-19 Restrictions as Second Wave Accelerates

 With cases rising in the thousands in European countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, new restrictions are being put in place. Italy has put the toughest restrictions since the end of lockdown, which includes a forceful closure of bars a restaurants at 6pm. Spain has declared a state of emergency, just as they did in March. This state of emergency gives the Spanish government. more power to enforce social-distancing rules and health-care policies. However, on the bright side is the fact that the death toll in this second wave is not nearly as bad as it was in the first wave from March to April. 

Logan Schaefer

https://www.wsj.com/articles/european-countries-announce-new-covid-19-restrictions-record-infections-11603638712

Fighting Over Nagorno-Karabakh Continues,

Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to fight over the long-disputed region of land, Nagorno-Karabakh. This region has been at the center for conflict for decades. Recently, the United States hosted diplomats from both nations to try to workout the issues. Just a few hours after the diplomatic meetings, missiles and artillery continued to strike residential zones of the region, causing a lot of commotion. Azerbaijan continues to use their Soviet-designed weapons to attack. Many residential areas are now rushing to put out fires that are ravaging the area. It will be interesting to see if any other nations intervene.

BY: Cooper Hoffmann

ARTICLE LINK: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/fighting-nagorno-karabakh-us-mediation-73801875

Two Muslim women stabbed and attacked by the Eiffel Tour

Kenza and Amel were in the park with seven of their relatives, including four children, and were frightened by unleashed pitbulls nearby. They asked the two women to control their dogs and to keep them away from the children. Kenza and Amel were called "dirty Arabs" and told to "go back to your country". They were attacked and one woman had her hijab ripped off her head and both women were stabbed. Kenza was stabbed six times and ended up in a local hospital with a punctured lung and Amel needed surgery for the stab wounds on her hands. 

The Muslim community in France has noticed a dramatic rise in Islamophobia and credit it to the the French governments clampdown on Mosques and Muslim organization. 

Serena Merhebi

https://nypost.com/2020/10/21/muslim-women-stabbed-called-dirty-arabs-in-eiffel-tower-attack/

How Bolivia Overcame a Crisis and Held a Clean Election

Earlier this week, Bolivia held its presidential election. As the vote neared, many voiced concerns about how the election would be run and how people would respond to the result. Candidates worried over the possibility of fraud in the vote and citizens were anxious that there may be violence in response. Yet, the election ran very smoothly. Luis Arce, ally of former leftist president Evo Morales, won a landslide victory that was widely accepted. Concern came after Morales ran for a controversial fourth term last year and was promptly ousted following accusations of vote rigging. Yet the Organization of American States, which heavily criticized the 2019 election, reported on this race as fair and without fraud. The smooth response may also have to do with who won. Arce had argued, and his supporters agreed, that the result could not be trusted if he did not emerge the winner.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/23/world/americas/boliva-election-result.html

Anthony Grammich

“Nigeria Protests: Police Chief Deploys ‘all resources’ amid street violence.”

Looting is happening amidst the protesting of end-SARS in Nigeria. Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is police force developed to quell civil unrest but has been found violating the law through tactics such as violence and harassment. Protesting began in early October and has not only extended to the end of SARS but also reform within the Nigerian system of government in general. During some of the protests several people were shot and around 12 died in Lagos and 69 in “street violence”. Looter have hijacked the movement and have begun to raid supplies for Covid relief. Many different activist groups are encouraging members and people to follow the procedures set forth by the Nigerian government. It is always interesting to see what is happening around the world in a time of crisis, such as a pandemic. As people are unable to get their needs met, I believe they are becoming more aware of the corrupt system that they live in. It is kind of like the McDonalidaztion theory, instead of war we can go get McDonalds or go to the Gap, but now that we can no longer do those things and be distracted by them are discontentment for the system if growing. I am guessing that in the near future and far after the pandemic is over, we will see major social shifts in the world. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54678345 Jena Livesay

 In 2014, the Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, the largest rebel group in the country. The government agreed to provide education, health care, and safety for the areas that had been beaten down by the longstanding civil war. However, instead of the government showing up to these areas, criminal groups moved in. 

People from these areas are now protesting after numerous mass killings. One of the protesters has said that if this doesn't stop, "we will be exterminated." These indigenous groups have now called for a meeting with the Columbian president Ivan Duque to discuss the violence and call for action from the government. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/24/world/americas/colombia-violence-indigenous-protest.html

Mason Semmler