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Youth in action. world in focus.

News

Read about global politics, technology, and culture from our staff and guest writers

Text

Youth in action. world in focus.

November 2024

Breaking news - asia

Putin visted Mongolia: Why is this an issue?

Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin just paid a controversial visit to Mongolia as he is currently under an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. He came to discuss a power plant upgrade for the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. The governments also plan to conduct environmental research and build railroads between the nations. This visit was important for Mongolia as they have become economically dependent on Russia. Currently, much of Mongolia’s fuel and electricity are supplied by the giant nation.
However, the warm welcome Mongolia gave Putin received much criticism. Since 2023, Putin has been under an ICC warrant for war crimes after invading Ukraine. He has been accused of the unlawful transportation and deportation of Ukrainian children. Therefore, as required by the ICC, all member states must arrest Putin if he enters their territory.
Putin defied this arrest warrant and still traveled to Mongolia, which is an ICC member. Mongolia did not arrest Putin, which was frowned upon by the international community. Ukraine condemned the nation’s failure to detain the Russian president. Amnesty International, a human rights organization, also disapproves of Mongolia’s actions. In Mongolia, protests sparked as people demanded to, “Get war criminal Putin out of here”.
Some parties saw the complexity of this issue as Russia mocking the ICC while others viewed it as Mongolia having a lack of respect for international law. This situation was explained by US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, who said, “We understand that position that Mongolia is in, you know, sandwiched between two much larger neighbors, but we do think it’s important that they continue to support the rule of law around the world.”

Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/mongolia-russia-putin-international-criminal-court-warrant-4c79850ecf409287924e3d96218abc78
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/03/putins-mongolia-trip-defies-icc-arrest-warrant-what-could-happen-next.html
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/09/mongolia-putin-must-be-arrested-and-surrendered-to-the-international-criminal-court/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/03/ukraine-condemns-mongolia-over-failure-to-arrest-putin-on-visit
https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-ukraine-icc-judges-issue-arrest-warrants-against-vladimir-vladimirovich-putin-and
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2024/09/03/putin-challenges-international-warrant-for-his-arrest-with-visit-to-mongolia/
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/3/putin-shrugs-off-war-crimes-warrant-on-visit-to-mongolia

Youth in action. World in focus.

Our Team

Executive Officers

Executive Director

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Reel Creators

Juan Rufino M.

Juan Rufino Moraleja is a highschooler from Seattle excited to start this global initiative! Please contact him if you have any questions regarding the marketing department of Foreign Focus.

Chloe T.

In a world where common knowledge is, quite frankly, not common at all, Chloe understands the difficulties in learning about today's current affairs around the world, picking apart seemingly complex political and social issues as reported in the media. As a recently established foreign relations enthusiast herself, Chloe hopes to explore said topics and communicate their importance to the Foreign Focus community, in simple, objective terms, particularly in relation to topics of ethics and their impact on individuals. When she's not writing for Foreign Focus or getting through coursework and revision, she can be found reading, doing creative writing, and dabbling in foreign languages.

Anvesha P.

Nidhi J.

Nidhi is a 16-year-old student passionate about helping others, creating meaningful change, and a mild coffee addiction. Dedicated to raising awareness and fighting for change, she uses her voice to highlight underrepresented issues. In her downtime, she enjoys winding down with a book—to read or write in—or the next 2000s TV show ready to be binge-watched.

Safa E.

Safa is currently a student, but also an editor and writer with a deep passion for poetry, plays, and music; anything that evokes emotion and inspires her. Always curious, she loves researching and exploring ideas across time, delving into the past, present, and future to uncover new perspectives, ideas and thoughts. When she isn’t writing or editing, she is immersing herself in stories, melodies, and the endless pursuit of knowledge.

Jaelyn N.

Jae has a huge Percy Jackson hyper fixation and loves pasta but can’t cook for the life of her. She thrives off of Spotify and will not be able to write without it.

Elizabeth J.

Elizabeth is a previous staff writer at Foreign Focus. She enjoys spending time working on her personal blogs, writing songs, and reading. She is also an advocate for human rights and hopes to continue her advocacy in a future career down the road.

Kristina W.

Kristina is a high school junior from Houston, Texas, with a passion for public policy and foreign affairs. An aspiring lawyer, she hopes to inform readers about underreported issues around the world and inspire action through awareness. When she’s not buried in a good book, she enjoys running, baking, and spending time with friends and family!

Hani A.

Hani Aileen is a high school student based in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. She is passionate about international relations and is currently focused on a passion project built around women empowerment. She enjoys writing essays and poems in her free time.

Farah M.

Farah is a 17 year old student from Egypt with a passion for literature, photography, and cinema. She is dedicated to providing accurate information on contemporary issues and willing to explore ideas related to these topics in her writings.

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Erena is a creative and driven high school student who’s always looking for ways to make a difference. During her free time, she loves to read fantasy novels and write poetry. Whether she’s volunteering, leading projects, or connecting with friends, she brings energy, heart, and thoughtfulness into everything she does.

Fatema Z.

Fatema Z. is an AI major at university with a passion for problem-solving and technology. She’s particularly interested in motorsports, where innovation and strategy go hand in hand. Fatema is committed to advocating for Palestinian freedom and ensuring true justice is served, using her growing skills to contribute to a better future. In her downtime, Fatema enjoys video editing, crafting, and diving into a good book. She’s known for getting attached to TV shows that end too soon, defending Max Verstappen like she’s on his payroll (she’s not… yet), and having an unwavering love for chocolate.

Rose S.

Rose Soltani Shirazi is an Iranian student. She is the founder of the Iranian Afghan Student Union, NHS-CSF member, and MUNer of her high school, a Red Cross volunteer and soon-to-be youth officer, and more! Her dream is to get into the medical field and become an Emergency room doctor. Her goal in Foreign Focus is to spread health and medical research writings, to raise awareness towards different health topics happening globally.

Alyssa C.

Alyssa was a previous Foreign Focus staff writer. She enjoys making jewelry and learning new things in her free time. If you would like to see more pieces from Alyssa, please email Foreign Focus.

Sel F.

Text

Sel is in her senior year of high school, pursuing accountancy and business management. She often expressed herself through writing. She is a cook in their home and loves talking about literature, philosophy, and politics. In her spare time, she used to do crochet while sipping on her favorite coffee.

Ysabella D.

Text

Ysabella Doo is a current sophomore student in California. Ysabella is an aspiring architecture and engineering manager, with a focus on management and coordination. She especially loves writing about the economic and interpersonal side of global politics, looking at impactful individual stories from around the world. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and trying out new pasta recipes.

Alexis V.

Alexis is a high school student from California who is interested in pursuing law or possibly astrophysics in the future. She enjoys sketching, drinking matcha lattes, and discovering new music. As a staff writer, she's thrilled to inform others about global news and cultures worldwide!

Katie Ong

Katie Ong is a high schooler from California, who spends her days researching for Model UN competitions and scrolling through Pinterest for graphic design inspiration. In her free time, Katie enjoys baking, photography, traveling, and (of course) writing. Aspiring to work in the UN, Katie founded Foreign Focus to bring international relations to teenagers.

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Opinion - Americas

PRÓSPERA: a billionaire's illegal paradise?

the future of cities with tech development

6/3/2025

Próspera is the name given to a "startup city,” part of ZEDEs (zones for employment and economic development), that takes up over 1000 acres of the island of Roatán in Honduras. Such cities were allowed decades ago but today, President Xiomara Castro has called for them to be abolished, claiming that they threaten the country’s sovereignty. However, Jorge Colinders, Próspera’s technical secretary, claims on AJ+ interview with Dena Takruri that Próspera is meant to bring economic growth and innovation to Hondurans. Obviously, such opposed viewpoints have caused controversy in Honduras but, can’t this also reveal a bigger-scale division in the conception of future cities with tech development? To answer this question we need to go over the characteristics of this so-called “startup” city.Próspera’s main idea is to be a “land of innovation” where many startups are grouped. Such as “Vitalia,” a biotech startup that experiments with genetics to "make death optional,” said the co-founder Nelson Milla. This city is distinguished by its “choose your own regulations” system as well as its own labor laws, private police, governing body as well as extremely low taxes.
In fact, these seemingly limited regulations are utopian for startups and therefore attract a large amount of foreign investors, coming particularly from the USA. This is exactly why the majority of Hondurans are opposed to this project–this same pattern draws back to Honduras' dark history marked by exploitation from USA large banana companies, taking over big land with the same promise of economic growth. Yet, Hondurans who got the opportunity to work in Próspera were mainly involved in construction and services with low wages and unpleasant conditions. Besides, many Honduran citizens expressed their feelings of concern over Próspera’s land-grabbing and how it seems like a city close in distance yet very far away, since it’s reserved to the rich.At surface level, the sole purpose of this project seems to be “innovation,” but if we analyze it well, this same pattern has been repeated throughout history–a false dream, an illusion of future prosperity to the poorest.While Próspera still has an undetermined future, it seems like this idea is spreading silently across different countries.
It is time to raise awareness about this issue that not only gets little to no attention from the media, but also reveals how the future of cities might be…

Examination

Germany's Far-Right:
A Threat to Democracy

2/22/2025

Nonfiction - Politics

Translating Politics, and the Politics of Translation

5/4/2025

As the name suggests, foreign relations deal with the communications and diplomacy between powers, whether that be on a microscale, or on the international stage. Yet, a major contributor to these interactions and relationships is languages - or, rather, translators, depending on your perspective.Translations allow individuals - regardless of their cultural or linguistic background - to access and indulge in ideas and communication. Whether this be through a layperson reading news on international politics, or diplomats interacting with each other, translation takes a huge part in maintaining smooth diplomacy; and, sometimes, causes international uproar and conflict.Consider general reading, whether that be in your native language or a foreign tongue. Either way, writers - authors, journalists, scriptwriters - manipulate words with carefully-selected connotations, perhaps with the intention of provoking emotion or eluding an air of professionalism and persuasion. In the context of everyday life - for instance, reading novels, instructions of a recipe, or the rules of basketball - this is rather insignificant, the most serious consequence likely being an unappealing casserole, or a penalty in a match.In politics, however, the stakes are much, much higher. For instance, the bombing of Hiroshima was partially caused by a mistranslation; on behalf of both powers, official translators’ interpretations proved to have vastly different implications in comparison to their original messages. By utilising words with connotations of a threat, danger, and control, this was potentially one of the factors that led up to the atomic bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.Moreover, translation itself comes with a multitude of ethical questions. Depending on the intentions of the translator or original creator, language can be morphed, fuelled by or feeding biases or malicious motivations. Ultimately, whilst language serves as a tool for communication, an olive branch between people of different heritages, backgrounds, and cultures, they also play a deciding role in the stage of politics, with the power to contort international relations - and, consequently, the fates of our world.

Sources:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/pope-francis-funeral
https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/final-act-mercy-pope-francis-donates-entire-private-bank-account-prisoners
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98zxx13d3go
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-03/pontifical-yearbook-2025-priests-religious-statistics.html#:~:text=The%20global%20Catholic%20population%20increased,that%20of%20the%20previous%20biennium.
https://apnews.com/article/vatican-sistine-chapel-conclave-27a32119a225f7aff20cfe3619124b75
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-will-be-the-next-pope-list-of-possible-candidate

Breaking news - Culture

The Passing of the Pope: The Conclave, the Future of the Catholic Church, and Possible Candidates

5/4/2025

As the head of the Holy See, global leader of the Catholic church, and advocate for the less fortunate, Pope Francis was a highly respected spiritual leader and changemaker. His passing on April 21, 2025, Easter Monday, left the Vatican and his followers in mourning yet opened the door to new possibilities for the future representative of the Catholic Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis set many “firsts” throughout his tenure, being the first pope to come from the Americas—specifically Argentina—as well as being the first Jesuit to assume the papacy. He left a lasting impact—not just on the church, but on the world as a whole, dedicating his life to spreading his faith and especially helping the poor and marginalized communities. Even in his last few days, he made generous gestures to help overlooked members of society, donating 200,000 euros from his personal bank account to incarcerated individuals. He passed away in his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, and his remains were transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica the Wednesday after his passing to allow others to pray before his body. His funeral was held in St. Peter’s square on the 26th, 6 days after his final public appearance for Easter, and was attended by over 100 delegations including global leaders and monarchs. The Vatican entered a 9-day period of mourning after his death, and are now turning their attention to the proceeding steps—preparing for a new pope.
The election of a new pope, known as a conclave, is one of the most secretive and sacred traditions in the Catholic Church. Following the death of a pope, the Camerlengo, who is currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, officially confirms the pope’s passing and oversees the period known as Sede Vacante (vacant seat). Catholic cardinals set the date May 7th as the start date for the conclave; once the conclave begins, all cardinals under the age of 80 will convene in the Sistine Chapel, completely blocked off from the outside world and forbidden from any external communication. From then on, the cardinals debate and vote to select the new global leader, with two-thirds majority required to elect the new pope. After each vote, the ballots will be burned—black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision has been made, while white smoke (fumata bianca) signals a successful election.
While eligibility for being pope technically extends to any baptized Roman Catholic male, cardinals have been chosen to fulfill this role for over 600 years. The current candidates for the future pope are a mix between more progressive cardinals who will follow in Pope Francis’s footsteps of church reform and social justice and more conservative cardinals who seek to return to the more traditional practices of the church. As of now, some of the leading contenders for the papacy are:1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)As the current Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin is known for his experience in diplomacy and governance. He is seen as a stabilizing figure whose policies could appeal to both traditionalists and reformers.2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)As a progressive and charismatic voice from Asia, Tagle is popular among younger Catholics and seen as a global bridge-builder. His more liberal approaches to the church, such as putting emphasis on caring for the poor and welcoming LGBTQ and divorced Catholics, would help act as a continuation of Francis’s pontificate. His appointment would reflect the Church’s growing presence in the Global South and would be the first Pope to reign from the East.3. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)Known for his pastoral approach and social activism, Zuppi is the president of the Italian bishops conference and has been a leading voice on migration and peacebuilding. He’s also seen as aligned with the pastoral style of Pope Francis.4. Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea)A conservative favorite, Sarah advocates a return to more traditional Church teachings and liturgy. His election would represent a marked shift from Francis' progressive tone.5. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg)
As the Relator General of the Synod on Synodality, Hollerich is at the heart of ongoing Church reform. His theological openness and European stature make him a compelling moderate choice.
Ultimately, the passing of Pope Francis signals a state of mourning for the Church and the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. However, it also acts as a turning point for the Church—the election of a new pope can mean continuing Pope Francis’s progressive approach, or help the Church return to their more traditional practices. Either way, the world watches the Vatican’s chimney, waiting for the white smoke that will signal not just a new leader, but a new chapter in Catholic history.

Sources:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/pope-francis-funeral
https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/final-act-mercy-pope-francis-donates-entire-private-bank-account-prisoners
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98zxx13d3go
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-03/pontifical-yearbook-2025-priests-religious-statistics.html#:~:text=The%20global%20Catholic%20population%20increased,that%20of%20the%20previous%20biennium.
https://apnews.com/article/vatican-sistine-chapel-conclave-27a32119a225f7aff20cfe3619124b75
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-will-be-the-next-pope-list-of-possible-candidate

Poetry - Middle East

the rubble of unfinished dreams

5/29/2025

among the rubble i saw
the homework i was about to do
the unfinished bottle of shampoo
the mitts grandma was about to sewamong the rubble i found
my brother’s brand new shoe
my favourite scrunchie , lime blue
my dad’s hammer , pliers and screwsi see fragments of dreams
made out of bricks and stones
i see our future plans
brought down to dust and ashesmom’s apron covered in blood
and dad is nowhere to be found…
and my baby sister's teddy bear lost its eye!i stand up lifeless
like a wilted flower
titled
like a falling tower
yet i stand up , fearless
as strong as a willow tree
growing longer and stronger roots
because , what else is there to lose?among the rubble i feel
the sun rays caress my skin
like a divine message from above
telling me i was the chosen one
to pick up the rubble
and the gun…

Breaking news - current events

Katy Perry and her All-Female Crew Make History in Space. But Not Without Controversy.

5/4/2025

On April 14, 2025, Katy Perry and her female passenger team went aboard the historic Blue Origin spaceflight. Alongside Perry was Gayle King, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sanchez, who is a aviation pilot.Together, this team accomplished a major milestone, being the first all-woman space mission since 1963. Their goal was to inspire future generations of women in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, showing that space exploration is not patriarchal. The crew completed an 11-minute flight, reaching space before safely returning to Earth. The group’s success was celebrated by many as a landmark moment for women worldwide.However, critics publicly thought of the trip as out of touch, questioning the importance and environmental impact of celebrity space travel during global crises like climate change. Environmental activists also criticized the flight’s carbon footprint. It is estimated that the mission produced about 15 tons of carbon dioxide per passenger, roughly equal to eight years of an average person’s emissions. Many users on X and Instagram accused Perry and her team of engaging in "elitist joyrides" rather than focusing on Earth’s problems.This backlash led to Katy Perry even publicly speaking out, performing in a silver bodysuit, and questioning if anyone has ever called them out for pursuing their dreams. Her message was clear, saying how she stood by her decision and encouraged others to chase their dreams no matter what judgment could come forth. Perry described the flight as a wonderful experience, second only to motherhood. She explained that the mission was never just about personal achievement, but it was about representation, inspiration, and being bold for one's dreams. While the controversy continues to stir online debates, the impact of the all-female crew’s historic mission will likely be felt for years to come.

Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/13/science/blue-origin-karman-line-space-mission/index.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/katy-perry-blue-origin-space-mission-criticism-career-marketin
g-2025-4
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14614411/Katy-Perry-video-resurfaces-claims-Bl
ue-Origin-climate-change.html
https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/katy-perry-hits-back-at-haters-after-girl-squad-space-fli
ght-im-not-crazy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Poetry - Current Events

Lettered Pages

5/1/2025

Lettered pages, tales of the old,
the warnings, the ghastly cries.
Lettered pages, preached against,
prayed away, unforgivable stakes.
Lettered pages, flicker and flare,
falter and fuse into fresh ink.
Lettered pages, rewritten, but
never truly reread.
Lettered pages, cursed to
repeat themselves.

Note from author:
Across the globe, human rights are being stripped away, genocides are unfolding and corruption is dismantling entire countries before our very eyes. History, which we have vowed against, is indeed, repeating again. This raised the question, will we ever truly achieve world peace, and once and for all, learn from our history?

Opinion - technology

Artificial intelligence : a Threat to Art?

4/24/2025

"Why would I care? I don't consume the method, I consume the product," said a Canadian streamer better known as "xQc" on AI-generated art, after a trend of Studio Ghibli-like AI-generated photos sparked the outrage of Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese animator himself. A statement like this leaves us with many questions: Can one consider AI-generated images to be a work of art? Is art a product to be simply “consumed”? How does consumerism impact our perception of art?For the artist, art could be the result of many things: a fusion of the memories, experiences, and emotions that pushed them to create, to emancipate. It could be an escape or a celebration of these memories. If we eliminate this process, will the art even exist? It is necessary to address that ignoring this process of art creation makes it lose a big part of its essence, since art is the result of a process that cannot be ignored.That being said, how could one call AI-generated images “art” while they completely disregard the whole core of it? It is not a product of a human, artistic process, but a product of already existing images on the internet, generated by a trained algorithm.Physical objects that are meant to be consumed, by nature, differ from art. While an object is precisely defined, art is left to interpretation. While a product, meant to be consumed, disappears, art prevails. It is an immortal creation, supposed to leave a mark on you or let you ponder on certain ideas.
Therefore, seeing it as something to be just consumed contradicts its own nature.However, consumerism, which is the growing tendency to consume more and more, leaves many people today unable to view beyond what the eyes can see. It pushes people to focus more on a final product, like a work of art, without particularly caring about the essence of it or the deeper meanings it could carry.In fact, with the implementation of AI in various creative sectors, this example is a perfect illustration of a bigger problem observed in today’s society: rather than thinking profoundly, people see a product, seize it, without caring to examine the creative process behind it.
Consequently, consumerism could be one of the reasons why curiosity is in decline among many young people nowadays.

Note from Executive Director Katie Ong:
Thank you for taking your time to read this article, as you can see in the image above, we did use ChatGPT to generate it. However, this was used in a symbolic manner to showcase ChatGPT's ability to emulate traditional art styles rather than condone or accept the use of AI in our writing and art. We hold a high level of integrity with all our submissions and staff writers and AI is never allowed in heavily aiding or fully creating any creative work.

Nonfiction - culture

Splash, Share, Support: The Ice Bucket Water Challenge

4/21/2025

The viral fundraising campaign that raised millions for ALS research in 2014 has been revived by a group of students from the University of South Carolina. These students recreated the challenge with a different aim this time, ‘Speak Your MIND Ice Bucket Challenge’, wanting to tackle a new issue and spark conversations of— mental health awareness. Videos of this challenge have been widely spreading all around social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram starting from around the end of March by using the hashtag ‘#speakyourmind’.It was originally an activity where an individual would pour a bucket of iced water over their head to promote the awareness of the disease ‘amyotrophic lateral sclerosis’ known as ALS. It is an irreversible deadly motor neuron disease where its fast progression can lead to muscle weakness until completely paralysed. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “there is no cure and proven treatment for ALS” but medicines given may “improve short-term survival or slow physical decline in people with ALS.” It is said to raise around $115 million in six weeks, with 67% of the fund going to research programs, innovative studies, etc.Now, back on the topic of the latest Speak Your MIND Ice Bucket Challenge, the Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club’s campaign launched on Instagram, reusing the challenge’s similar concept to raise funds for a nonprofit working with youth and young adults to address mental health issues, Active Minds. Participants follow the same procedure by recording them pouring ice water over their heads before posting the video and nominating others to join.The club founder, Wade Jefferson who is a USC junior said the campaign aims to normalise conversations around mental health and make them more accessible after losing two of his friends to suicide. After seeing this simplistic ice bucket water trend take off with thousands of views and the campaign surpassing over $100,000 in donations last Friday, Jefferson continues to express his gratitude by saying, “We wanted to bring that same energy to mental health. Watching it take off – seeing people we admire, like Peyton Manning, join in – has been surreal. We're proud, grateful, and just excited to see how far it's gone and continue to go,”Active Minds also continues to encourage youth and young adults to keep the momentum going, Alison Malmon, founder and executive director of Active Minds, stated this campaign is what Active Minds represents. “To see youth and young adults take an iconic viral moment and breathe new life into it for mental health advocacy is incredibly powerful. It's proof that when young people rally together with passion and purpose, they don't just raise awareness—they ignite a movement.”This ice bucket challenge is truly beyond more than just a social media trend that will pass, it is a beginning. The start of a new chapter of mental health and the change of conversations about it.

Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/viral/ice-bucket-challenge-mental-health-rcna201978
https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/students-revive-ice-bucket-challenge-for-mental-health-awareness-328673
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als
https://alsnc.org/ice-bucket-challenge-purpose-impact-and-legacy-in-als-awareness/#:~:text=The%20Ice%20Bucket%20Challenge%20achieved,of%20funds%20to%20research%20initiatives

Opinion - Current Events

The Red Pill: The Beginning or End of a Generation?

4/21/2025

The famous television series on Netflix, Adolescence, showcases the extent of the misogyny of a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller. Although the effects of this have clearly and obviously been displayed to have an influence, recent reactions towards this series have been shockingly dismaying. People nowadays defend the actions of Jamie, who has murdered his classmate, Katie Leonard, for a combination of factors. One of them being the influence of corners of the internet that convinced him he was too "ugly" to receive attraction from a woman.Youngsters nowadays have a wide variety of content to consume on the internet, and sometimes it is shoved right in front of their faces to explore. Instagram reels, TikTok videos, and YouTube shorts are some of the main platforms young boys use, and are currently a place that is highly filled with podcasts from grown men who refer to themselves as "alpha males". This action is to convince boys that they are the superior sex, to man up, and bring back old traditions. Back in 2016, men ran to platforms such as Reddit to expose their vulnerability and howl nonsense about women. They have this complexity that tends to lead them to search for validation and a little ego booster, which causes the cycle of the most disturbing pandemic of misogyny: The Red Pill.According to Stephen Marche, the name derives from a scene in the 1999 film The Matrix, in which Laurence Fishburne offers Keanu Reeves a choice: “You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.” The rabbit hole, in this case, is the delusion that women prefer dominant, handsome, rich, and cold men rather than the showcase of vulnerability. Thus, this leads to the misunderstanding that every woman is like this in general and deserves the same treatment. Any post a woman makes online, even if it hints towards a little controversy, is responded to with threats of violence and harm towards the woman.Boys are taught to approach women in impolite manners, which makes them uncomfortable, but they believe that it is the right thing to do because of male advice. The normalisation of this is incompatible with what women really value: love and care. Furthermore, boys believe that vulnerability should never be their trait, and they go so far as to degrade other boys who are sensitive. Nowadays, even teenagers are starting their own podcasts, complaining and misleading others to believe their mindset. Therefore, with the influence that The Red Pill has, this generation is considered to be either the beginning of a dysfunctional system for the future or the end of what little humanity we have left.

Breaking news - United States

Trump vs. Harvard: A Battle Over Autonomy and Billions in Federal Funding

4/21/2025

A major showdown is unfolding between U.S. President Donald Trump and Harvard University, centering on federal power, university autonomy, and billions of dollars in research funding. What began as a request from the Trump administration has escalated into a full-blown political and legal conflict, with high stakes for both Harvard and the entire landscape of American higher education.The situation began in early April, when Trump’s antisemitism task force sent Harvard a letter outlining a list of demands. These included banning face coverings at protests, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and increasing cooperation with immigration authorities (The Harvard Crimson, 2024). While Harvard initially sought clarification, a second letter sent on April 11 delivered a far more aggressive set of instructions. This time, the administration called for the derecognition of pro-Palestine student organizations, mandatory federal audits for the next three years, and the reporting of international students who violated university conduct policies.Harvard President Alan Garber responded firmly, calling the demands an attack on institutional independence and constitutional freedoms. “The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” he wrote in a message to the Harvard community (Harvard Gazette, 2024).The Trump administration later claimed the second letter was sent in error, calling it “unauthorized,” despite its signatures from high-level government officials. But by then, the fallout had already begun. The White House froze $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in federal contracts. More alarmingly, Trump also reportedly instructed the IRS to investigate Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a move that critics argue could be both politically motivated and legally questionable (The Guardian, 2024).This conflict isn’t just about Harvard. The university receives more than $9 billion in research support from the federal government, which funds scientific and medical advancements at institutions like Mass General Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Experts warn that cutting off this funding could seriously damage the U.S. research environment and innovation pipeline, especially in areas like biotechnology, medicine, and artificial intelligence.While Trump’s team argues that Harvard has failed to protect Jewish students amid campus protests, university officials contend that they have taken meaningful steps to combat antisemitism, all while respecting constitutional boundaries. Harvard says that the government trying to control what people think and believe on campus goes against the core values of free speech and independent learning.Some universities, like Columbia, have reportedly complied with similar demands to restore funding. But Harvard’s refusal to back down could set an important precedent. If one of the world’s most well-resourced and prestigious institutions can be pressured into submission, what might that mean for other, less powerful schools?What happens next in the Trump-Harvard conflict could reshape the future of higher education and redefine the limits of academic freedom in America.

Sources:
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/4/19/nyt-reports-trump-letter-error/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/18/trump-harvard-irs-tax-status
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/04/harvard-wont-comply-with-demands-from-trump-
administration/

Nonfiction - Medical

Antibiotics at Risk: The World’s Next Big Health Crisis

4/20/2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is known to be one of the most critical threats facing global public health, economies, and food securities today. This occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, adapt to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs that include antibiotics, antifungal, antivirals, and anti-parasitics. This renders treatments ineffective and signals that increases their risks of severe illnesses, death, and the spread of resistant pathogens.
There are many different global issues today that different countries are facing with AMR. It is a public health threat because AMR compromises the effectiveness of medical treatment, including surgeries, chemotherapy, and organ transplants that rely on antibiotics to prevent infections. The inability to treat infections effectively could result in a return to a pre-antibiotic era where minor injuries and infections could become life-threatening. It is also a global rising mortality rate by day. AMR is already responsible for 1.27 million direct deaths annually, with the projection that suggests that these numbers could rise extremely without urgent care.
There is also an economic burden that is happening due to this disease. This is because resistant infection requires prolonged hospital stays, expensive treatment, and intensive care, driving up healthcare costs globally. By the year of 2050, AMR can reduce the global gross domestic product, also known as GDP, by up to $100 trillion, affecting countries of all economic levels.
It can also impact food security. AMR in agriculture plays a larger role. This is because caused by the overuse of antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture, it threatens food security and sustainable production. Resistant bacteria can contaminate different food supplies and endanger both human health and agricultural economies.
The development of new drugs is being highly a problem because of the different initiatives that are being taken by this disease. Despite the growing urgency, the development pipeline for new antibiotics has stalled due to the economic and scientific challenges being faced due to this disease. This lack of innovation leaves humanity vulnerable without any treatment of this infection.
There are also global disparities in the low and middle-class income countries that are particularly at risk, as limited healthcare infrastructure and few resources are being contributed to the rapid spread and the resilience of this infection. Poverty and inequality are being faced throughout this way.
There are different pathways that we can combat AMR today which require global initiatives. With innovative researchers that are happening, it can accelerate the development of new antibiotics and alternative therapies and diagnoses through investments and collaborations.
Regulatory policies that implement strict regulations on the uses of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture are needed to be able to curb misuse and overuse. Public awareness to educate the population of dangers in improper antibiotic use and promote vaccination programs to prevent infections are being stable.
Global surveillance is a big part to be able to make sure that the low and middle-class countries are being supported as well, with the build of a robust monitoring system to track AMR trends and identify hotspots and respond quickly to the emerging threats that are happening.
Lastly, equitable access and ensuring that the low and middle-income countries have access to quality antibiotics, healthcare, and sanitation to reduce these inequalities in the AMR burden.

Nonfiction -technology

Jurassic Park in Person: The Dire Wolves Revived?

4/20/2025

The Dire Wolves have one thing in common with Hollywood: they’re in the spotlight. This past April, a private biotechnology company called Colossal Biosciences revealed a stunning project and huge advancement in science by “reviving” a previously extinct population called the Dire Wolves. This story has caused quite a stir, both in the media and in the science sector, specifically pertaining to the genuinity of these wolves and what it means for the future of genome editing.
Colossal Biosciences has had a history with trying to revive extinct animals in a process called “de-extinction”. Colossal has tried to revive other species before the Dire Wolf, but with birds such as the Dodo, creating a hard-shelled egg makes the process of revival much more difficult. Thus, the company’s team turned to the Dire Wolf, famed for its introduction in Hollywood through the book-turned-movie series “The Game of Thrones”. It starts with gene editing, “rebuilding the DNA” of lost species, according to Colossal’s own website. Using fossils of the Dire Wolf’s skull and teeth bones found throughout the US, Colossal retrieved DNA to introduce to gray wolf genes, following a framework previously used around a decade ago to clone and implant dog embryos. This framework allowed these 15 or so genes to become mutations in the embryo, eventually using large surrogate dogs to develop and eventually birth four of dozens of pups. Although one pup unfortunately didn’t make it, the other three, named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, are living healthily in Colossal grounds in North America.
However, some scientists are hesitant to call these Dire Wolves actual de-extinction successes. While Colossal does label these animals as de-extinct Dire Wolves in a preliminary print paper posted on April 11th 2025, geneticist from Cornell University Adam Boyko tells New York Times that Romulus, Remus and Khalessi don’t live in a Dire Wolf pack, or even in an environment similar to their ancient ancestors. This means they are unable to learn Dire Wolf behavior and have profound differences in diet and thus interstitial microbes. Similarly, the Dire Wolves Colossal created only have around 20 edited genomes, but what sets Dire Wolves apart from regular grey wolves could be any number of genomes. Other questions are raised about what the reintroduction of the Dire Wolf would do to other wolf populations. Dire Wolves were known to hunt larger prey. Without an ecosystem to support this diet, Dire Wolves could turn to hunting the prey of grey wolves, putting the two against each other. This could cause a massive imbalance in the food chain Dire Wolves are reintroduced to.
The three young Dire Wolves are huge advancements, pushing the boundaries to what biotechnology can do. It is important to recognize the ethical drawbacks and scientific benefits processes of “de-extinction” could bring. Nevertheless, the world has a new challenge to face, either in support of recreation or accepting that “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”.

Sources:
https://colossal.com/
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/07/science/colossal-dire-wolf-deextinction.html
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/dire-wolf-deextinction-colossal-paleontology

Opinion - Americas

Smiskis, Sonny Angels, and Small Luxuries: Simple Pleasures as Indicators of a Recession

4/13/2025

The rise in popularity of blind boxes—Labubus, Smiskis, Hironos, Sonny Angels, and more— have aided consumers in reviving their inner children and experiencing the thrill of uncovering a new surprise figure. While these collectibles may look cute placed in display cases or as a decoration for purses, they may be an indication of a deeper problem: economic recession.With global tariffs underway, the stock market decline, decreases in consumer confidence, and other indicators of economic turbulence, economists are looking towards a possible recession underway. However, the virality of these blind boxes can be attributed to a theory called the lipstick index— buying small luxuries like lipstick in exchange for luxury cars or houses in times of financial hardship— showing that Labubus being sold out nearly nationwide may not be the only upcoming crisis plaguing our generation.The term “Lipstick Index” was coined by Leonard Lauder, chairman of beauty brand Estée Lauder, in 2001 to describe the phenomenon of increases in purchases of lipstick and other cosmetic products during periods of economic instability. It seems almost counterintuitive that individuals would spend more unnecessary money when budgets are already tight. However, experts theorize that in times such as the current day when housing prices are skyrocketing and inflation is inevitable, consumers seek the quick gratification that comes from splurging on everyday goods like cosmetics.However, this theory isn’t only applicable to lipstick; other indulgences like purchases of fancy chocolates, artisan coffee, fragrances, and more simple luxuries have shown to increase during tough economic times. Thus, another simple luxury that can be seen as a temporary form of escapism is blind boxes. Other than trying to stay on top of trends, blind boxes are used as a tool by many of their buyers who seek a quick dopamine rush and want to feel a sense of excitement. The fact that the reselling of blind boxes has also been a rising trend can be an indication of people trying to make quick money during these periods of economic instability. The recent surge in these low-cost luxuries can be a sign that a recession may be in our midst; blind boxes not only act as adorable accessories on desks and bags, but as side hustles and temporary ways to boost consumers’ moods during difficult times.

Sources:
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/consumer-behavior-trends-state-of-the-consumer-tracker/splurge-spending-inflation-lipstick-index.html
https://theweek.com/business/economy/the-lipstick-index-a-sign-of-the-economic-times

Breaking news - technology

Digitally Violated: The Weaponization of Deepfake

4/12/2025

Deepfake, a technology that uses AI-generated or manipulated media (images, videos, or audio) to convincingly mimic a real person. It mostly uses artificial intelligence algorithms which creates a persuasive simulation of individuals, audio manipulation, a technique called face swapping which is swapping one’s face overlapping onto another photo or video, and synthetic media where they can generate completely new and different content.Recent rise of news about this technology has been used in Johor, Malaysia by a 16 year old student to create sexually explicit content of his schoolmates which were then sold and uploaded on social media, occurred around the 8th of April. The high school has confirmed that they had received several complaints and reports about this matter on their Facebook.
The school effectively has started an internal investigation whilst cooperating with the police. It is also highlighted by them that such behaviour will not be tolerated and serious actions will be taken in accordance with the school’s policies.Teo Nie Ching who is the Deputy Minister of Communications for Malaysia, later explains that this Johor student misusing AI for personal gain should be seen as a stark reminder for the urgent need of stricter digital safety protocols in all educational institutions and should not be taken lightly . As reported by Teo, she says that the victim had informed the school prior but the situation was not treated with seriousness. Followed by their acknowledgment and apology for the delay in handling this incident, the school’s board has decided to expel the suspect from the school entirely. They have also reached out to victims and their families, providing them with full support which included counselling services from the school and other external support.The police have taken these reports against the teenager for using AI to create and sell these sexual content by using victims’ social media posts and has been arrested since. This case is investigated under the Penal Code for the sale, distribution, or circulation of obscene material and Communications and Multimedia Act for sharing offensive and inappropriate content.
According to The Star, the suspect has been detained for 4 days since the 9th of April for the investigation. They were also able to find a phone which they believe was used to edit and upload the sexual images and videos to sell for around RM2 each. It was said that there were 30 to 40 of the teenager’s schoolmates and his school’s alums who have been victims of this artificial crime where the majority of the victims’ age ranged around 13 to 24. The police continue to urge other victims to voice out and lodge a report to local authorities near them.

Sources:
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/deepfake
https://www.malaymail.com/amp/news/malaysia/2025/04/09/johor-student-accused-of-creating-explicit-ai-generated-deepfakes-of-classmates-cops-investigating/172412
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/12/deepfake-porn-incident-involving-johor-students-highlights-need-for-digital-safety-protocols-in-malaysian-schools-says-teo-nie-ching/172853#google_vignette
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/10/kulai-school-says-expelled-student-in-deepfake-porn-scandal-admits-slow-action/172624
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/johor-teenager-nabbed-for-allegedly-creating-selling-lewd-ai-pics-of-schoolmates
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/09/johor-teenager-nabbed-for-allegedly-creating-selling-lewd-ai-pics-of-schoolmates
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/12/johor-student-ai-porn-case-shows-urgent-need-for-stricter-digital-safety-protocols-in-school-says-teo

Nonfiction -scientific

Global Warming
or Global Warning?

4/12/2025

As we step deeper into 2025, global warming is no longer a distant threat. It is something we face daily. The weather seems to become unpredictable– one day we’re dying from the heat, and the next, we’re seeing heavy rain and cloudy days. This year is already on track to break temperature records set in 2023 and 2024, with rising heat waves, wildfires, and sea level surges happening worldwide. The global average temperature has climbed dangerously close to the 1.5 C threshold set by the Paris Agreement in 2015.Global temperature catastrophes date back to the industrial times. Many industrialized countries mass produced manufactured goods to feed into consumer culture. Many factories use fossil fuels (non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas) which release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. These Greenhouse gases trap into our atmosphere which causes global warming.Many daily products we use, such as cars, and operating factories, all increase greenhouse gas emissions. We have found a new solution to this problem through renewable energy, such as solar and wind, which reduces the amount of greenhouse gases we use. The main problem is that the major powerhouse countries, like the United States, continue to ignore the issues of our climate and produce carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. The United States is known for being the main contributor to climate change, and with the United States already stepping out of the Paris Agreement during President Donald Trump’s term, we can start seeing irreversible damage pretty quickly. Compared to five years ago, we’re seeing stronger storms, more intense droughts, and faster polar ice melt.These climate issues are not only happening in the United States, but around the entire globe. In places like Southern Europe, South Asia, and parts of the U.S., 2025 has brought longer heatwaves, harming crops and straining power grids. Australia also saw its hottest day recorded in March 2025, which marked the end of the hottest 12 month period in the continent's history. Even in the Arctic, the warm temperatures are causing warming four times faster than the rest of the world.We all need to do our part in protecting our climate. Earth will be inhabitable in the next few decades if humans continue with mass producing carbon dioxide. Many critics of greenhouse gas emissions commonly argue that it is not natural, not caused by humans, and even if it was caused by humans there is nothing we can do. There are many ways individuals can help stop climate change, including using renewable energy, reducing emissions, adopting sustainable practices, and saving energy at home. But how long would it take before our world has come to the realization that it will soon be unlivable?

Sources:
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101#warming
https://earth.org/march-2025-was-europes-hottest-on-record-second-hottest-globally-says-eu-mon/
https://berkeleyearth.org/february-2025-temperature-update/#::text=Global%20averages%20temperatures%20cooled%20sharply,8%25%20from%20last%20month).
https://www.clientearth.org/latest/news/fossil-fuels-and-climate-change-the-facts/#::text=When%20fossil%20fuels%20are%20burned,our%20atmosphere%2C%20causing%20global%20warming.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/global-warming/

Breaking news - politics

The International Community’s Crossroad Decision: USAID

2/9/2025

US government agencies that have been implemented for years are now coming to a halt. Due to the new administration in office, many US agencies have been ordered to end their services abruptly, leaving severe repercussions for those who rely on them. Organizations, governments, and the public have heated discussions on what to do moving forward, especially as times are changing.
One of the most prominently affected is the USAID program, or United States Agency for International Development. Millions of people across the world rely on USAID for financial, medical, and employment resources. It focuses on providing humanitarian relief for people in underdeveloped countries. The UN itself relies on much American financed missions and USAID supply distribution to help with its peacekeeping operations. Countries and governments in Africa in particular have been some of the main focuses of USAID services over the last decade.
The US President Donald Trump’s executive decision to cut the USAID department as a whole has caused mass panic - not just in the areas where help is received in Africa, but for the numerous people employed in these programs. Trump states the decision was ultimately made because there was evidence of corruption, however evidence has not been found or cited exactly.
According to the New York Times, African countries receive around $8 billion USD in aid annually. Politically, governments in Africa worry about filling the gaps in the funding that is left by USAID’s absence and the connection that will be lost. Financially, USAID has been a key part in combating the HIV crisis in African nations, while education efforts from the agency have been a pillar in creating opportunities for African students that eventually feed back into the economic development in those areas.
To some extent, it's not about the lack of resources from USAID that is the problem - it's the people. All USAID workers, many of which are deployed in foreign countries, have been asked to leave or outright fired. Those deployed have been given 30 days to leave the countries where they provide critical services. Without these medical professionals, educators, and scientists, African governments are left without the workforce to treat their people. 40,000 medical workers in Kenya are estimated to lose their jobs, not because of a lack of actual resources, but because there is no more USAID money to supply their wages. A common issue is that there are resources to help people, just not enough professionals to administer those resources.
Activists say that it is about time for African governments to start taking care of problems within their country, especially since they have become too reliant on other countries to be independent. However, while the decision has faced much opposition from the US administration's democratic leaning representatives, critics from both sides of the political spectrum agree: pulling out of the USAID services is too abrupt to be beneficial.
It is clear that the world is at a crossroads; actions from the past have finally caught up with the present. Nevertheless, these events have both positive and negative indications. USAID’s crumbling may cause economic and political chaos right now, but it will push for more independent rebuilding. In the future, missions attempting to provide humanitarian aid must focus on development instead of fostering dependency. In the present, the international community must work together to solve global problems that have sprung up.

Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/world/africa/usaid-africa-trump-musk.html
https://www.semafor.com/article/02/07/2025/usaids-dismantling-threatens-african-development
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/us/politics/usaid-workers-trump.html
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/09/nx-s1-5290139/how-the-usaid-debacle-is-affecting-rhode-island

Nonfiction - europe

Oil in the Black Sea

2/9/2025

On December 15th, two 50 year old Russian tankers spilled 2400 metric tons of oil after taking much damage from the storm in the Kerch Strait. The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separating the Crimean Peninsula and Russia. The oil spill was labeled as contained; that was until tarred birds and floating oil on the surface of bodies of water began to show up on beaches bordering the Black Sea. That month, Russian scientists only just began to understand the implications this oil spill will have on life near the Back Sea and its surrounding area.
Now, it's late January, and the impacts of the oil spill are just now beginning to be revealed. The oil spilled was heavy fuel oil that will not stay on the water’s surface for long. The fuel oil solidifies at 25 degrees celsius, meaning it will take years for the microorganisms to biodegrade the material. An overload of oil on the sea floor can and already has had massive impacts on the health of animals that live in these waters. Russian officials report that around 6000 birds have been covered in oil. Stavropol, one of the rehabilitation centers the birds are being delivered to, reported that only 17 percent of the over 1000 birds they have received have survived. Additionally, reports from dolphin rehabilitation centers say that they have found almost 70 dead dolphins near shores affected by the oil spill.
The affected areas of the oil spill will not end there. As weather patterns change and the currents flow direct oil to other bodies of water, more and more wildlife will be affected. Oil has already reached Odesa beaches near the Danube Biosphere reserve, 441 kilometers from the center of the Black sea.
Russian authorities are unable to disclose the costs of the oil spill and its impacts, however, Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the spill and one of the most devastating environmental accidents to date. After sending around 1.5 billion rubles to aiding in the cleanup process, the Russian government has also dispatched scientists and a deputy prime minister to figure out potential solutions from previous data.
Hundreds of volunteers have shown up to help clean the beaches affected by these oil spills, and many of the accounts say that the amount of oil on the beaches is almost incomprehensible. Considering that those floating masses are only a fraction of the amount of oil spilled total, and only a fraction of the oil still in the sunken carriers, the Russian government turns its focus on removing the ships from the ocean floor.

Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/europe/russia-oil-spill-black-sea.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23ngk5vgmpo
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/24/oil-found-along-ukraines-southern-coast-after-russian-tanker-spill-a87734

Breaking News - Middle East

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: First Step Towards Peace After 15 Months of Conflict

1/20/25

After 469 days of devastating war, Israel and Hamas have finally compromised on a ceasefire in Gaza. This long-awaited deal, approved by the Israeli Cabinet on January 15, is set to take place on Sunday, the 19th, at 8:30 a.m. local time. The agreement entails that 33 of Hamas’s hostages will be released in exchange for 1,890 Palestinian prisoners over the course of the next few weeks. Israel will also begin to withdraw its forces from Gaza, essentially putting a pause to the war while the ceasefire’s terms are being carried out. Ultimately, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the ceasefire will “halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed-humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity."
Despite this peaceful compromise, at least 120 people in Gaza have been killed since the ceasefire was announced just 3 days ago. Palestinian officials claim that Israel is aggravating its airstrikes ahead of the deal’s implementation. In addition, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that this agreement is not permanent. He added that Israel reserves the right to resume fire and defend itself if needed.
Though many of the details of this agreement seem unclear, it is a major breakthrough in mitigating the Israel-Hamas conflict that has resulted in a death toll of over 46,000 people in less than 1 and ½ years. It has sparked hope for many and can potentially put an end to arguably the most violent conflict between Israel and Palestine in history.A Deeper Dive into the Ceasefire AgreementAccording to Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, the ceasefire coming into effect on Sunday will consist of three phases:The First Phase
The ceasefire’s first phase will last 6 weeks, and it will include the release of 33 of Hamas’s hostages in exchange for the release of a portion of the Palestinian prisoners held captive by Israel. Three hostages will be released on the first day, with the rest slowly being released over the next 6 weeks. Hamas police will aid displaced individuals in moving from southern to northern Gaza, and there will be an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. Trucks will be allowed in to provide these deliveries, and the rehabilitation of buildings such as hospitals, clinics, and bakeries will soon take place according to Sheikh Mohammed.The Second Phase
While detailed negotiations for the second and third stages will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire, President Biden stated this phase will be a “permanent end to the war.” The remainder of Hamas’s hostages will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli troops are expected to make a complete withdrawal from Gaza. President Biden added that “as long as the negotiations continue,” the ceasefire will as well.The Third Phase
The third and final stage of the deal promises the reconstruction of Gaza with international supervision in exchange for the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies. Though this phase can take years to execute, it is an essential step to rebuilding the lives of those harmed in the Israel-Hamas conflicts.While the ceasefire acts as a beacon of hope for millions of Palestinians, many also fear for its future or feel that it has taken far too long. Farida, who is initially from the North of Gaza but was displaced to Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, said to BBC, “We currently experience a state of anticipation, fear and anxiety.” She added that "we are also going through feelings of eagerness… We are trying to breathe freedom which we have been denied.” She finished her statement with, "No matter how much I talk, I will not be able to describe the mixed feelings overwhelming me and the happiness I feel now for returning to the north."Ultimately, the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas leaves lingering questions and feelings of uncertainty, but for the most part, presents itself as a beacon of hope and progress. It is one of the biggest steps that has been taken towards ending the Israel-Palestine conflict, and can help rehabilitate the lives of millions. It is a sign of progress, peace, and presents change that individuals across the globe have been hoping and praying for.

Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8qyq24qljo
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/israel-hamas-ceasefire-live-updates-rcna188245
https://nypost.com/2025/01/15/world-news/israel-hamas-cease-fire-timeline-revealed-for-all-3-phases/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5klgv5zv0o
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/15/what-do-we-know-about-the-israel-gaza-ceasefire-deal
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/01/15/israel-hamas-ceasefire-explainer/
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-many-palestinians-has-israels-gaza-offensive-killed-2025-01-15/

Opinion - technology

Rise of Red Note: The Dangers of Chinese Social Media

1/17/25

On Sunday, the United States government will officially ban TikTok, the popular social media platform, as it potentially poses national security risks. Originating in China, fears of data privacy and security have been raised for the app’s parent company, ByteDance. As ByteDance does not want to sell TikTok, the US government has decided to remove the app. As TikTok prepares to go offline, its 120 million U.S. users are scrambling to find alternative platforms for short-form video content. While some migrate to popular apps like Instagram, others are exploring other options.
Red Note (known as 小红书 in Chinese), has been rapidly gaining popularity. Within the past week, it became the No. 1 downloaded app on both iOS and Android. The hashtag #TikTokRefugees has already gained over 24 million posts on Red Note, making it a trending topic. The app has become a space where Chinese students share English assignments for Americans to help with, and Americans translate their comments into Mandarin. Red Note has fostered a warm and welcoming cross-cultural community.
However, this growing popularity comes with concerns. Many Americans flocking to Red Note are unaware of the controversies surrounding the platform and the potential risks it might pose. The potential harms this app brings could even lead to more serious impacts than keeping TikTok open.
First, many Americans are not informed of the meaning behind Red Note’s Chinese name 小红书 (xiaohongshu), which literally translates to “little red book”. This name is a clear reference to Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong, which is a compilation of speeches and writings by the founder of the Chinese Communist Party, Mao Zedong. Distributed during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, the compilation’s more endearing nickname was “Little Red Book”. The name of this Chinese social media app could be hinting at more controversy and risk. Furthermore, the clear connection between the app’s name and CCP history could potentially reference a stronger government control over Red Note compared to TikTok.
Second, Red Note is no better when it comes to data collection and use of confidential information. According to its privacy policy, the app collects large amounts of sensitive data including IP addresses, geographic information, browsing history, and more. American users fail to understand the app’s privacy and data collection policies as many choose to skip reading the Terms and Conditions or struggle to translate the policies into English.
Third, content censorship is a serious concern for Red Note users. When Americans asked about LGBTQ topics on the app, Chinese users warned that this was considered a sensitive topic, and could potentially lead to censorship. Moreover, it has been revealed that Red Note’s content moderation policies align with Chinese government standards. This could limit free speech and result in biased information spread throughout the platform.
Even though Red Note may seem to be a fun app to join and connect with Chinese users, it is important to note the risks that come along with it. Just like TikTok, Red Note poses many dangers to American users. Furthermore, with many other United States based social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, which offer short-form content, the need for a new Chinese app is not necessary. Therefore, people should refrain from downloading Red Note and choose other social media platforms. Cybersecurity expert at NordVPN Adrianus Warmenhoven concludes, “The same privacy, transparency and national security concerns that led to the TikTok debate are likely to apply here.”

Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-refugee-xiaohongshu-rednote-855692624aa52825b30afc5474af881d
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2025/01/15/is-rednote-safe-heres-what-millions-of-tiktok-users-need-to-know/
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/tiktok-ban-supreme-court/index.html
https://time.com/7206781/red-note-tiktok-migration/

Nonfiction - Europe

The Thistle: Steps in a Worldwide Movement

1/14/25

The first drug consumption room (DCRs) in the UK is to open in Glasgow, Scotland on January 13th, 2025. Out of the over 100 drug consumption rooms world wide, this new addition to Glasgow marks the end of a decade long legal, ethical, and health related debate. DCRs are designed to be safe and clean facilities open for drug users to inject narcotics - many of which are illegal. But what sparked this long debate? And what is the logic behind the decision to implement DCRs, not only in Glasgow, but in 17 other countries to date?
The first drug consumption room was created in Berne, Switzerland in June 1986. Soon, the Netherlands, Germany, and other countries throughout Europe followed suit, eventually spreading worldwide. DCRs are monitored by trained medical professionals, providing access to clean needles, swabs, and syringes. Personnel in these facilities are prohibited from administering injected narcotics and are there to strictly oversee practices to reduce the risk of overdose. Their abilities include offering health advice, counselling, and potential emergency intervention. DCRs also provide prevention materials, food, clothing, and showers for drug users that are qualified for these services; DCRs are strict to the region, often putting age requirements into effect. These establishments provide specialized care for narcotics users but there are an increasing number of DCRs that are beginning to provide assistance to drug inhalers and smokers as well.
The DCR instated in Glasgow has had a difficult history with implementation, specifically sparking debate around the legal issues surrounding the allowance of illegal drug use in these facilities. Firstly, the budget for “The Thistle” in Glasgow was 7 million UK pounds, equivalent to around 8.56 million US dollars, over the course of 3 years. Critics suggest a wide range of complaints, ranging from suggestions that the budget was too small to complaints that it was an overinvestment. Additionally, locals in the area fear an increase in drug activity, showcasing very polarized views regarding the impacts the Thistle will have on public safety.
Legally, there were many difficulties as well, as such facilities are prohibited under the UK’s Misuse of Drugs act. Tensions rose, as the British Parliament and the Scottish Courts disagreed about the Thistle’s initiation, specifically about the allowance of illicit drugs on site of the DCR. The British Parliament initiates these laws, the courts act independently to enforce them, requiring much deliberation around the legal niches of the situation. However, after years of debate, local councils voted to instate a DCR in South Scotland, an area with the highest rates of overdose deaths.
The Thistle is still scheduled to continue its service, with the UK government providing an additional 2-2.5 million pounds per year to fund the project. Equipped with clothes banks and recovery rooms, the high-tech DCR in Glasgow aims to provide aid to the city with the largest number of public drug users, as estimated 400-500 users in the area injected publicly. Users will need to register to enter and both users and employees at the Thistle will need to adhere to a specific set of guidelines. No users will face prosecution for any drugs used, illegal or not. Despite different views, the numbers project a significant decrease in drug related overdoses for the area, along with a decrease in the spread of HIV, infections, and viruses related to the unsafe narcotics injections.
The Thistle is only one of many facilities combating the worldwide drug abuse crisis. As nations take steps to address issues of drug abuse domestically, all contribute to reducing its effects globally as well. Every step from every nation, state, and city must be valued as an integral part of world collaboration to aid struggling individuals.

Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/10/world/europe/drug-consumption-room-glasgow-uk.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8604650/
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-68420263
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cgq1qxlev4vo
https://www.euda.europa.eu/system/files/publications/2734/POD_Drug%20consumption%20rooms.pdf

Nonfiction - Middle east

Gaza is Facing a Devastating Humanitarian Crisis

Did you know 1 in 4 Palestinians are in desperate need of a permanent home? Ever since 1948, the displacement of Palestinians has been ongoing. This event, known as the “Nakba”, was the tragic event of the Arab-Israeli war. It began with the Zionist movement which encouraged Jewish people to migrate to Palestine. The Jews openly stated they were planning on establishing a state in Palestine; a place where Arabs had already settled. Their desires to organize a state were heard and in “November 1947, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution partitioning Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab, with Jerusalem under a UN administration.”However, as more Jews started to populate Palestine, the Arabs became more wary of them. This led them to reject the resolution, as they claimed it was extremely unfair to share their territory and it violated the UN Charter.The Jews were not content with this conclusion. They did not take no for an answer and sent Jewish militias to attack Palestinian villages, forcing Palestinians to flee from their homes. After thousands of Palestinians were displaced from their homes, the Jews used the now-empty land and established the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. This war resulted in over half the Palestinian population becoming refugees; losing their homes, land, and livelihoods.The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues today. Over a million Palestinians are still in need of shelter, and many continue to fight against the confiscation of their homes and other ways in which Israel has wronged them. On October 7th, 2023, Hamas (The Islamic Resistance Movement) invaded Israel and killed 1,139 people. After this attack, Israel declared war against Palestine. Israel brutally fought back, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed and more families losing their homes, since the Hamas attack on October 7.A stable home is crucial for any community to thrive, and Palestinians lack that stability. Because of this, Palestinians face challenges in access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Many wealthy Palestinians are now struggling to survive. Many also did not have banking accounts, so their money was saved at home. When attacked, they had no time to take their cash with them, for they could risk their lives taking the time to grab it.Now, with no money, Palestinians are trying their best to set up tents in previously attacked locations. These places are where they feel the safest, knowing Israel most likely won't attack again. All people deserve the right to stay in their homeland, and should not be driven out of their private property. We understand that the Israeli-Palestinian war can be a deeply conflicting issue. Our intention is not for you to stand on one side, but instead to stand up for humanity during a challenging time. We can all play a part in helping the Palestinians find a home.UNICEF calls upon, “Respect and protection for civilian infrastructure such as shelters and schools, and health, electric, water, sanitation, and telecommunications facilities, to prevent loss of civilian and children’s lives, outbreaks of diseases, and to provide care to the sick and wounded. All parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law.” We encourage you to start an awareness campaign for UNICEF's message and international humanitarian law, informing others of this injustice. Many organizations accept donations for their mission including, “Rebuilding Alliances,” which dedicates themselves to constructing villages for Palestinian refugees. At Foreign Focus, we believe no one should struggle to find a place to sleep at night.

Sources:
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/19/1225250933/gaza-rafah-tents-shortage#:~:text=Nearly%201%20in%204%20Gaza,a%20home%20to%20return%20to&text=Oregon%20State%20University.-,The%20U.N.,a%20home%20to%20return%20to.&text=Before%20the%20war%2C%20nearly%20six,according%20to%20the%20World%20Bank.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/demolish-apartheid-not-palestinian-homes-petition/
https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/children-gaza-need-lifesaving-support
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/details-humanitarian-crisis-gaza-2024-05-01/
https://www.un.org/unispal/about-the-nakba/
https://www.rebuildingalliance.org/rebuild-to-remain
https://www.npr.org/2024/08/12/nx-s1-5055635/hamas-leader-tells-npr-about-oct-7-attack-and-the-war-with-israel
https://fortune.com/2023/10/11/israel-palestine-war-communication-memo-business-leaders-companies-employees/

Breaking News - Medical

OO OO AHHH AHHHH:
Should You Be Afraid of Monkeypox?

Monkeypox (also referred to as Mpox) has caused a global panic, especially in the United States, but is really as big of an issue as people make it out to be? Since May 2022, Mpox has spread throughout the world, spreading beyond its origin of Africa. The Covid-19 virus has kept everyone on their toes when it comes to newly discovered illnesses, after all, no one wants a “two week” quarantine again. But should you really be that afraid of Monkeypox?What is Monkeypox?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by a virus that usually occurs in animals, such as, you guessed it, monkeys. The disease causes rashes that resemble blisters that spread throughout the body. The rashes are painful and last about four weeks. Accompanied with the rash may come fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.There are several clades of Mppx: Clade I (Ia, Ib) and Clade II
(IIa, IIb). You may have seen videos depicting Mpox just a couple years ago, and may see it resurfacing now. This is because in 2022 clade IIb began to spread across the world, whereas in 2024 clade Ib. Clade I is known to be the more dangerous clade of the virus, alarming some who live in areas infected.Will Moneypox become the next Covid?
The short answer is no, Mpox is not going to be the next covid, so don't turn on your Zoom just yet. Unlike Covid-19, which was an airborne virus, Mpox is spread through close contact with someone who has the virus. It is transmitted through skin to skin contact. Additionally, there are vaccines to combat Mpox. Mpox has a considerably more amount of research on it than what Covid had when it was first spreading. In other words, there are several precautions in place that assure that Mpox will not become the next Covid-19.The Verdict
Unless you know someone who has contracted the disease, you shouldn’t have much to worry about. However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t practice hygiene routines to prevent contracting the disease. Continue to wash your hands, avoid contact with wild animals, and get vaccinated. If you feel that you have contracted the disease, contact your doctor and quarantine yourself until cleared or better. Stay safe!

*Note that this article is not a source that should be taken as medical advice, if you have genuine concerns regarding your health or feel unwell contact your healthcare provider. The authors of this article are not liable for any events that may occur due to the influence of the article

Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mpox
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/index.html
https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-latest-mpox-outbreak/2024/09

Opinion - Middle east

Antisemitism vs. Criticism of Israel: Why Today’s Outrage is About Policy, Not Prejudice

German provocateur Wilhelm Marr stoked the antisemitism movement in central Europe during the 1800s. This prompted the Nazis to intensify their campaign of systematic racial murder which led to the extermination of over six million Jews during the Holocaust which took place before World War II officially began in 1933. But the Holocaust was neither the start nor the end of antisemitism. Hatred or prejudice towards Jews as a religious community or race is known as “antisemitism. ” However, today's criticism of Israel is a defense of human rights and is not antisemitism.Let’s define antisemitism first.
Anger bias or treatment of Jews unfairly because of their race or religion is known as antisemitism. Throughout history it has taken on diverse forms ranging from violent pogroms to social exclusion in medieval Europe and culminating in the Holocaust. Jews have historically been persecuted because of their unique religious convictions and reluctance to follow prevailing social norms. Jews were forced into specialized trades like money lending as a result of the gradual exclusion of Jews from more and more societal roles and professions. This ultimately led to increased hostility. Religious prejudice gave way to racial discrimination as antisemitism developed and individuals such as Wilhelm Marr were instrumental in transforming it into the kind of racially motivated hatred that peaked during the Holocaust. The Holocaust in which Jews were killed not only for being different but also because they were thought to be fundamentally inferior is the most horrifying example of antisemitism. A horrifying warning of the perils of racial hatred over six million Jews perished during this time. Antisemitism however has much older roots in European history and did not finish with the Holocaust. Jews were segregated in society, prohibited from owning land and prohibited from entering many professions even in the Middle Ages. More negative stereotypes were created because they were frequently forced into roles like moneylending. While acknowledging this history of exclusion is important it is not the same as what is occurring now with regard to the criticism of Israel's policies. It is crucial to understand the context of criticism of Israel's policies is fundamentally different.Identifying the Conflict of Today
In light of recent events, global criticism has been directed at both Israel and Palestine, particularly after the October 2023 attacks. Following terror attacks in southern Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian groups Israeli forces advanced into Gaza causing a great deal of casualties and displacement. Over 18700 Palestinians were killed between October and December including 7800 children and more than half of Gaza's population was forced to flee their homes. Israel is charged with depriving the Palestinian people of their fundamental human rights by obstructing aid shutting off utilities like electricity and water and imprisoning close to 2873 Palestinians without charge or trial. This persecution and repression which is a component of a larger policy of dominance over Palestinians have been likened apartheid.Are Israeli Moves Mirroring Past Events?
This current state of affairs of Israel is painfully ironic. Following centuries of persecution expulsion and genocide Israel is currently accused of perpetrating comparable atrocities against the Palestinian people. Palestine's current treatment seems to be a reflection of history. There are similarities even though the circumstances are not the same. But the anger of today is not directed at Jewish identity but rather at these particular policies. Criticizing these acts however is a human rights defense and is not antisemitic. Not singling out a whole racial group but rather holding a government responsible.Are We Fueling Antisemitism by Standing for Palestine?The straightforward response to the frequently asked question is no: renouncing Israeli actions in Palestine does not equate to inciting antisemitism. Criticism of Israel's policies such as its limitations on aid, its mass dislocation and other measures stems from disapproval of its government rather than animosity for Jews in general. Antisemitism is not condoned by those who advocate for Palestinian rights or who reject Israeli policies. Prejudice directed towards Jews constitute antisemitism whereas human rights and international law concerns are the basis of modern opposition to Israel. It is important to distinguish between antisemitism and criticism of Israel's policies.Today's outrage is directed towards government actions rather than a person's race or religion. Antisemitism is still a widespread problem that needs to be addressed but it should not be mistaken for a valid criticism of a country's policies. Although they are not the same, Antisemitism and human rights abuses are important issues. By definition antisemitism targets
Jews because of their race or. religion. The actions and policies of Israel's government particularly with regard to Palestine are the main targets of criticism. It's critical to comprehend this difference. Criticizing state policies is not the same as being racist. While acknowledging Antisemitism is still a hateful ideology that needs to be combated. Abuses of human rights is a valid criticism.

Sources:
https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/middle-east/israel-and-the-
occupied-palestinian-territory/report-israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/
https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2024/04/anti-semitism-britain-wary-simple-media-narratives

Nonfiction - Africa

Raw material, Raw deal: the price of global demand

The people of republic of congo are facing the worst “modern slavery” in a quest for a material that contributes significantly to the global production of petroleum and chemicals industries. According to the world bank organization. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranks among the world’s largest producing countries of minerals needed for the energy transition. This provides an overview of the global cobalt market, and the opportunities and risks for DRC in supplying the mineral. accounting for over 70 percent of global cobalt mine production in 2023. And expected to double the amount into 225,000 metric tons in 2024.
The problem lies within the production itself.
Cobalt, a silver, gray hard and lustrous material. Is one of the main reasons for the employment of almost 12.5 million Congolese. This includes children aged fifteen and over. The cobalt production makes a way for the Congolese mining industry called “artisanal” or hand dug. Which means the labor not only includes the raw process of hand mining but also hazardous and extremely dangerous labor for the equivalent of just a few dollars a day. Despite the fact under the law, there should not be artisanal mining taking place in any industrial mine. And yet, in most of the industrial mines in Congo, there are more than artisanal mining operations. However the root of this problem goes back to 2009, when the previous president of Congo, Joseph Kabila signed the mutual agreement of implementation of Cobalt mining along with China. Today, China infiltrates the global cobalt market. Seizing 80 percent of the DRC’s Cobalt.
Children, women are not even spared from working without the proper necessary protection. And the extensive absence of appropriate risk management measures to minimize the release of hazardous substances. They risked their lives digging tunnels as deep as 100 meters, excavating cobalt without protection. Leading to their suffering, treacherous exploitation and human rights abuses. Only to be paid poverty wages by agents and buyers who source small amounts from each miner at so-called “buying houses.” This does not make a difference to the slavery from the past. Whereas workers are being treated unfairly depriving them of their basic human rights.
This monstrosity exerted influence on the deterioration of each worker's health condition. Inhalation of Cobalt particles can cause respiratory sensitization, decreased pulmonary function and lower airway symptoms. In addition to this, Study from Lancet discovered, people who are living near Cobalt mining, particularly women who wash the raw ore after it has been extracted, have the highest levels of heavy metals in their blood. Due to the raw exposure of their body to the material. The same study demonstrated a five-fold increase in risk of birth defects in babies born to fathers working in cobalt mines. Identical to the increase of levels of cobalt in their urine and blood, and oxidative damage to DNA in children related to cobalt toxicity.
In spite of this, The global demand for cobalt is still on rise. And the exploitation of this worker would only be continued over and over again for more upcoming years. The child labour would still remain, intact. With corruption exploiting the system. Without capitalism being held accountable.

Sources:
https://www.dw.com/en/drc-struggles-to-make-cobalt-mining-more-transparent/a-68610784
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/02/01/1152893248/red-cobalt-congo-drc-mining-siddharth-kara
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/02/01/1152893248/red-cobalt-congo-drc-mining-siddharth-kara

Nonfiction - Medical

How can suicide affect our current lives?

In the past 20 years, suicide rates have been rising rapidly by 30%. Estimates have shown that suicide is the second leading cause of death among youths between the ages of 12-19. 77% of suicide commuters of all suicides happen in middle (17% of the global population) or lower-class (51% of the global population) families. The COVID-19 pandemic (2020) had a great impact on suicidal rates and attempts. Even though that COVID-19 has passed on, there are still signs of shown throughout the health systems. There had been unexpected behavior changes that happened during the COVID-19 lockdown, this had led to increasing the rate of suicidal rates increasing. Though some countries may see this as a critical issue, some may not be bothered by it. The World Health Organization had implemented its new global strategies called “LIVE LIFE” which created resources and access to suicide prevention centers globally. Though this may be accessible in some Western countries, the matter of suicide and mental health is known to be taboo in certain regions. This makes it difficult for citizens to seek help.Not only that, by the law in some countries, committing suicide is also seen as “illegal” and being treated as punishment. In many different judicial systems in the world, it is seen to be illegal to assist others into suicidal attempts. This can either be directly or indirectly. In some cases also, a physician assisted suicides are seen as illegal, which are under the medication of euthanasia. This medication is mostly prescribed to patients who are going through unbearable or painful diseases. Studies had been shown that the people that are most likely to be in danger of suicidal attempts are people who had delt with mental and physical health problems in the past (which were mostly alcohol addicts and people with depression disorders). The world health organization sees suicide as a serous public health problem, with an increasing number.

Sources:
https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
https://medicine.missouri.edu/centers-institutes-labs/health-ethics/faq/euthanasia
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/grief/coping-with-a-loved-ones-suicide

Breaking News - Medical

Ozempic: “The Easy Way Out”

Ozempic, a product initially created for individuals with type 2 diabetes, is more commonly known for helping individuals lose weight in impressively short times. It has attained immense popularity among both celebrities and thousands of others seeking its benefits. Many Ozempic users have gained confidence and happiness through the use of this product. These results have led to rising demand and price increases for Ozempic, igniting debates about access to this “weight-loss” medicine. Recently, Senator Bernie Sanders engaged in a dispute with the chief executive of Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that created Ozempic. He raised his concerns about the rising prices, claiming that 40,000 more people could die each year if the company doesn’t make these medicines more affordable.However, individuals are ignoring the dangerous risks associated with Ozempic. When taking even the smallest doses of it, they expose themselves to risks such as diarrhea, nausea, constipation, increased gas, heartburn, etc. There are also more severe health risks, such as Type 1 diabetes, kidney disease, and pancreatitis. Note that this product is primarily designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes and may not even be suitable for those solely seeking weight loss. Therefore, its potential benefits for weight loss may not justify its use. It's a hazardous risk for an individual to take.There are other ways to lose weight without these risks, such as maintaining control over diet practices. Though it may be hard at first, try to limit sugar and fat consumption. Remember to always eat these two things in moderation. Regular exercise is another good way to lose weight in a healthy manner. There are many misconceptions about exercise, with people believing that it has to be a hardcore 60 minutes of intense activity. In reality, taking a 15-minute walk outside daily can drastically improve health. There are other ways to obtain a healthy lifestyle without the use of Ozempic.Though a decision to take Ozempic is ultimately the individual's choice, we encourage everyone to lose weight naturally, without taking the chance of developing serious health concerns.

Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/24/health/ozempic-novo-nordisk-sanders-hearing/index.html
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ozempic-for-weight-loss
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/oprah-calls-ozempic-easy-way-161059924.html
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/eat-right/limit-fat-sugar.htm#:~:text=It%20is%20important%20to%20limit,fruits%20or%20lactose%20in%20milk.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/25/well/ozempic-pill-weight-loss.html

Breaking news - Europe

France’s Legislative Elections: Deadlock Could Turn to Dead Deal

During the summer 2024, the French government ran legislative elections. The French people elected 577 representatives, known as deputies. Currently, France has 577 legislative districts, 11 representing territories abroad, meaning 577 seats in the National Assembly.
The French election process works in two rounds. On June 30th, the people of France vote on one candidate from each of the French political parties. If any one of the representatives gets more than 50 percent of the votes (majority vote), they have a seat in the National Assembly and there is no second round for that district. If no representatives get the majority, the voting moves to the second round, which takes place on July 7th. The candidates that have at least 12.5 percent of the votes qualify for the second round. Whichever candidate has the most votes in the second round then will win the election and is named the deputy of their legislative district.
However, during the first round of voting, there was a surprise in store for the French public. There are four main French political parties: New Popular Front (NPF), Ensemble (Ens.), National Rally (RN), and The Republicans (LR). During the first round, the Republicans had 7 percent of the vote. Then, the Ensemble with 21 percent, the NPF at 28 percent, and the RN with a staggering 38 percent in first. However, only a few legislative districts actually chose their deputy during the first round. RN secured 38 seats, NPF secured 32 seats, Ensemble with 2, and LR had 1 seat. This still left 501 (87%) seats in the National Assembly left to be filled.
During the second round, NPF won 178 seats, Ensemble had 150, LR had 39, and the RN had 142. Other political parties took 68 seats. Every political party failed to meet the 289 seats needed for the majority, meaning France’s parliament was in a deadlock.Current
After the deadlocks in June and July, Macron appointed Michael Barnier of the Republican party as prime minister, and the responsibility of putting together the rest of the National Assembly fell on his shoulders. On September 21, after two months of discussion, Macron announced the results of the election at the presidential palace. The cabinet had mostly ministers from NPF, and LR. Jean-noel Barrot is the new foreign minister, followed by Antoine Armand as the new Finance Minister, and Sebastien Lecornu, still defense minister. This new National Assembly puts NPF, a historically left wing political party, with the most seats.What does this mean?
France is one of the leading countries in the European Union (E.U.). Whichever party has the most seats in the National Assembly, will have the most influence on decisions made for the country’s Parliament and the E.U.. This will influence the decisions made by France in the United Nations and its Security Council, where France has veto power.
On the domestic level, NPF will need to combine forces with another French political party to make a minority government. Additionally, Michael and Emmanuel Macron form cohabitation, where the Prime Minister and French President are from different political parties. Critics say cohabitation often generates tensions between political parties, making it hard to make decisions. Many speculate that NPF could combine forces with Ensemble, potentially easing tensions between the two. This could help avoid disagreements that could slow solutions to France’s debt problem, which, if not solved quickly, could lead to a 110 billion Euro price tag for France if they miss their target to lower its deficits this year.
High stakes for France right now; all eyes are on the country as the world awaits its next move.

Sources:
https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220511-explainer-how-do-france-s-legislative-elections-work
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/07/world/france-election-2024
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/three-way-run-offs-horse-trading-what-happens-next-french-elections-2024-06-30/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHjlzAYtKZE
https://www.npr.org/2024/09/21/nx-s1-5121958/france-center-right-government
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rd52zl018o
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/france-announces-new-center-right-government-two-months-after-divisive-elections
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/business/france-debt-deficit-prime-minister-macron.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWe%20have%20too%20much%20debt,Europe%20after%20Greece's%20and%20Italy's.

Breaking news - Americas

Haiti Gang Violence: U.N. Lacks Funds for Proper Support

On October third 2024, 70 civilians were killed in Pont Sondé by the Gran Grif gang in Haiti. As gang members set houses on fire in agricultural regions, they began shooting those who ran out of homes. Their aim was to kill those involved with the “Jean Denis Coalition”, a self-defense group advocating for U.N. response to Haiti’s gang violence issues. Now homeless, thousands of people at Haiti’s capital, Point-au-Prince, face internal displacement and a hunger crisis. Haiti’s precarious situation’s origins lie in an increased level of gang violence unseen for the time.
In July of 2021, Haiti’s former president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home. A lack of a solidified political leader caused a rise in gang violence throughout the nation. Ariel Henry, the recently selected prime minister at that time, stepped up to govern the country, promising to hold elections for a new president soon. One of Henry’s biggest critics and opposers is Jimmy Chérizier, a gang leader after he was fired from his position in the Haitian police force. Chérizier used Moïse’s assassination to rally support from the public to engage in violence, which he labeled as “legitimate violence”. This act inspired many gangs to rise up and vie for reforms and changes in elected officials, initiating what would be one of the most devastating and violent massacres in decades.
Now, the country is facing humanitarian issues, including high food insecurity rates and a national displacement crisis.
Haiti’s government and military force are not strong enough to combat the threats posed by the various gangs in the nation, so gangs are beginning to use violence to control various parts of Haiti. In addition to threatening to take over government positions, gangs have also taken control of major roadways and civilian commutes. They have imposed taxes and tariffs going through these areas, causing mass poverty. Most of the population flee or are prevented from returning to their gang-controlled cities, causing mass displacement throughout Haiti. Those who do stay are subject to constant fear of starvation and murder.
Not only is mass poverty increasing across the country, food insecurity in these regions are up 78 percent from 2021, concluding in about 80 percent of Haiti’s population struggling to provide food for themselves. The taxes imposed by gangs on food truck drivers have caused the price of goods to rise. A majority of Haiti’s farmers have been forced to leave their jobs, so Haiti’s agricultural resources are depleting as well. Many NGOs report that around 70 percent of displaced or impoverished Haitian households’ income is spent trying to keep up with heightening food prices and rates of inflation.
At the end of September 2024, the United Nations (U.N.) reinitiated the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission for another 12 months. Led by Kenya, the MSS aims to prevent further gang violence, lessen the crisis enough to ensure the safe delivery of resources to the Haitian people. The MSS also focuses on creating an environment for free and fair elections to close the power vacuum in the government, hopefully providing the political stability Haiti desperately needs to control gang violence.
However, there are various setbacks. Not only does the MSS have a limited amount of funding for the mission, it only has 410 police officers on Haitian soil, although that number is projected to grow to 2,500. The financial needs of the mission are preventing the U.N. from employing the amount of officers needed to efficiently regulate gangs in Haiti, and those who are there are hopelessly overwhelmed. The MSS also needs to find ways to transport resources through gang controlled areas, which could require negotiation with hostile groups.
The U.N. must make decisions that could make or break Haiti’s humanitarian crisis. Too much pressure to regulate gangs could cause Haitian civilians to be on the receiving end of various gang’s frustrations, threatening the loss of more innocent lives. However, failure to act could lead to an extremist controlled government system in Haiti, which could lead to further human rights violations for the country.

Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/04/us/haiti-gang-attack.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68466563
https://tennesseeregister.com/citing-gang-violence-religious-coalition-seeks-u-n-help-for-haiti/
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/oct/02/gang-violence-leaves-haiti-facing-worst-hunger-emergency-in-the-western-hemisphere
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/more-than-6000-people-in-haiti-forced-to-flee-their-homes-after-deadly-gang-attack
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdq2wzyg2xo
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/09/1155151
https://international.la-croix.com/world/haitis-catholic-church-workers-struggle-amid-gang-violence-worsening-hunger-crisis

Nonfiction - Culture

Saying Bye to Bilingualism: Today's Youth Losing their Native Languages

This is America, speak English!— while the U.S. and other similar countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. are known to be multilingual and multicultural, the need to assimilate into a country’s customs and speak their language is ingrained in many immigrants’ minds. Whether it’s from firsthand experience or tales heard from others, many have experienced the fear of not fitting into the area or country they live in.
This fear has manifested into a greater problem: today’s generation’s inability to speak their native languages. Immigrant parents avoid speaking their mother tongues at home in an attempt to help their children learn English or other languages they are surrounded by, which, in theory, sounds like it would help their child excel in that language. However, growing up without the ability to speak their mother tongue brings up many disadvantages for the kids.
First of all, kids who are unable to speak their native language reportedly feel more disconnected from their culture. Being unable to communicate with relatives or even peers from the same culture brings up feelings of isolation and shame. This shame from not being able to
speak their mother tongue can potentially discourage them from learning it later in life. Depriving youth of their native tongues denies them so many opportunities: the ability to communicate with relatives, speak with a wider range of people in their future careers, and reconnect with their heritage.
Additionally, bilingualism isn’t just essential for communication; it has been proven to provide many cognitive benefits, such as enhanced problem-solving abilities, delayed cognitive decline, and improved memory and multitasking. Proficiency in their native language has also been shown to improve children’s overall language skills and ultimately help them excel in English.
Neglecting to pass on our languages to the next generation also brings up the long-term risk of permanently losing them. According to UNESCO, of the 7,000 languages that exist in the world, 3,000 are expected to disappear before the end of the century. The rate at which we lose these languages will only decrease if we continue failing to pass them on. Ultimately, passing on native languages is extremely important, not only to help with current and future generations’ communication, cognitive development, and future, but also to help preserve our languages and help decrease the rate at which they are disappearing. To help with this issue, we urge parents to communicate with their children in their native tongues. Different techniques such as one parent one language (OPOL) or only speaking the native language(s) at home have grown in popularity. Regardless of what technique is used, the most important factor is that we continue to pass down our languages to future generations and prioritize bilingualism.

Sources:
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/10/26/498291619/the-return-of-bilingual-education-in-california
https://www.staugustine.edu/2024/05/30/cognitive-benefits-of-bilingualism/
https://www.kqed.org/news/10746111/for-some-filipino-americans-language-barriers-lea
ve-culture-lost-in-translation
https://childandfamilyblog.com/bilingual-children/
https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/en/2022/02/21/a-decade-to-prevent-the-disappearance-of-3
000-languages/
https://www.ef.edu/blog/language/how-to-raise-bilingual-children/

Nonfiction - Medical

Uterus vs Law

One of the most popular and trending women's rights topics that are being talked about in Western countries is the matter of abortion and abortion. While some see abortion as a woman’s right and a woman’s choice to abort their child, some also have the perspective that abortion is a murderous crime and shall not be provided. In the countries where women have access to medical procedures regarding abortion, there are many challenges, and advocates against this matter, fighting to end this matter. In countries where abortion is illegal and unprotected, women have to face challenging and life-threatening circumstances to access safe abortion methods.Though some countries have the right to abort their child, the others don't. Not having access to legal and safe abortions may cause some to condemn illegal abortion centers. They are endangering women's health and even life. However, this may not only be the reason why women pursue unsafe abortions. Some other reasons may be a lack of understanding or clarity about what the law allows, poor access to health services, abortion discrimination of any sort, humanitarian crises or conflicts, or economic consequences.There are many immediate and long-term health risks of having unsafe abortions for women. This is not only physical health, but also mental and social health that can lead to their lives.
There are two different types of abortion, the abortion pill and in-clinic abortion. Medication abortion (mostly known as abortion pill) consists of using two different kinds of medications called mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifeprex or mifepristone contains a high dosage of steroids, which is for a pregnancy duration that is less than 70 days. This medication stops the hormones that maintain the interior of the uterus. Though to be known, that the uterus cannot be able to support the pregnancy and the contents inside of the uterus are expelled, Mifepristone is also used for other circumstances, such as hyperglycemia, hypercortisolism, and patients with type 2 diabetes which are not able to have surgeries. This medication is only available by a doctor prescription, and only restricted disruption program called the Mifepristone REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. Before taking this medication, there would be a need for counseling by a doctor, and some of the following should be considered, such as allergies, geriatric, and/or if breastfeeding. The usage of this medication is also not recommended for women younger than 18, even for abortion.
Misoprostol is a medication that includes drugs such as synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog. There are different uses of this medication, such as treatment after postpartum. It is also used to prevent stomach ulcers while using NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen). Abortion with these medications is like having a really heavy period.
Abortion pills are also a way of getting an abortion, Though due to many laws in different countries finding them and even their distribution may be illegal.One thing that we need to know and understand is that abortion is a reproductive right.

Sources:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6111/misoprostol-oral/details
https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/sexual-and-reproductive-rights/abortion-facts/
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1997/05/abortion-in-american-history/376851/

Nonfiction - middle east

Yemen is experiencing largest humanitarian crisis in the history

Children in Yemen are experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis and in need of humanitarian aid. Shrinking more than 80 percent of the economy, since war broke out in late March 2015. 21.6 million are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection services. 9.2 million of these are children.
In Latest statistics, 14 percent of the population remain internally displaced. While millions of children lack access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services. This contributes greatly to the outbreak crisis of severe acute malnutrition, cholera and any other life-threatening diseases. The country’s healthcare is slowly on the bridge of collapsing leaving 46 percent of health facilities out of service. The widespread destruction of war and violence had also worsened the state of human rights in the country, with a high risk of violence abuse against women, and children. This ongoing crisis exacerbated the exploitation of child labour, killing and maiming. And the recruitment and use of Children as combatant to the war conflict. Only 50 percent of schools are functioning, and the number of children including women who do not attend school are high.
After nine years of war, above 80 percent of the population are suffering from poverty, over 17 million can't afford enough food to eat everyday. The United Nations stated Yemen as the most heavily mine affected country and one of the largest humanitarian crises as of today.
UNICEF organizations are initiating funding requirements for Yemen in 2024. Requiring 170.75 million US dollars to respond to the humanitarian crisis. Along with the programme targeting different sectors such as education, nutrition, child protection, social protection, cross-sectorial, health, and field operation coordination as well as emergency response and preparedness. The UNICEF Yemen humanitarian strategy is guided by international human rights law and the convention on the Right of the child. UNICEF's program focuses on addressing immediate needs affected by the ongoing conflict. It aims to stabilize the country's primary health and nutrition facility to ensure equitable access to essential services. Partnering with different organizations including the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation. The EU had successfully contributed almost €1.5 billion to the crisis in Yemen. The second largest donor to the Yemen humanitarian response plan.Yemen is calling for your help, donate now and help save lives in Yemen.There are various ways to help and give aid for the people of Yemen. Including donating with different organizations such as Yemen Humanitarian fund, Islamic Relief Yemen, World Food Programme and more. This organization is the foundation of the world's response to the Yemen crisis. Whether that is through charities, fundraising and famine relief organizations. Check
different organizations for more information.“But not everyone has enough financial capacity to help, can we still give aid to the crisis?” Yes, you can! by sharing information about the humanitarian crisis of Yemen online. It helps reach the intended audience that has the ability to provide assistance to the people of Yemen. You might want to share these articles to any of your social media accounts. Join us to end the
suffering of millions of Yemeni people.

Sources:
https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/yemen-crisis
https://www.dw.com/en/saudi-led-air-raids-continue-over-yemen/a-18344559

Breaking news - Global

The Cruel Catfisher

The issue of catfishing, especially with predatory behavior online is something we should all be extremely cautious of. Catfishing can bring individuals a sense of confidence, by using others' photos to create an improved persona for oneself. Despite these feelings of confidence, catfishing quickly became a dangerous practice, having younger individuals especially falling victim to it. In the case of Alexander Mccarthy, not only did he manipulate the trust of young girls, but he caused 2 people to take their lives. By portraying himself on social media platforms as a young girl, he preyed on their insecurities, encouraging them to send him indecent photographs and videos. His deceptions led these young girls into harmful situations including blackmail.Mccarthy poses as a young girl targeting those who are conscious of their body. When he convinced these young girls to send him obscene photos, he would immediately show his true colors and respond to them with a carefully crafted message blackmailing them with their own photographs and videos, “You are gonna do as I say for tonight and then I’ll leave after. But if you don’t then I’m uploading everything online for everyone to see. Understand?” He promised to leave his victims alone after one night, so they would be compelled to follow through with his requests. His false promises only led these children into deeper trouble as he continued blackmailing them, leaving victims helpless and trapped in this endless cycle.The most unfortunate victim was a girl named Cinamarron Thomas who was only 12 years old. Four days after he obtained her photos, she received his pre-made threat. Reluctantly, she complied with his commands believing his promise, thinking everything would be over soon enough. However, his demands slowly got worse. One day he asked Cinamarron for photos of her 9 year old younger sister, which shattered her. Desperate and sobbing, she begged Mccarthy, “Please, not her.” She continually refused to do it, but Mccarthy felt no remorse, starting a 30 second countdown for her to get him photos or he'd post everything online, sending them straight to her father first, paralyzed with fear, she quickly responded saying “No, I will obey.” But instead of complying, Cinamarron’s line went silent. Three minutes later, her little sister discovered her lifeless body in her parents bedroom. Her father, overwhelmed with sadness and immense confusion, took his life 18 months later, never understanding what led to Cinamarrons decision. He passed, without knowing Cinamarrons death was never his fault.Her grandparents leave a lasting statement, “We know that nothing that we do or say will bring her back. But if we can help another family to not have to go through what we did, something good could come out of her death. Parents, please keep the doors of communication open concerning the evil of some people online.”As a society, we need to try our best to combat these issues. Education and community support plays an important role in reducing the chances of children being caught victim to catfishing again. Education of the dangers of online media can help children spot potential dangers online. In addition, we as a community can also make a change by reporting suspicious activity online.While we can’t erase the past, we can strive to change the course of the future. Lets create an environment together where children can create connections and have their rights respected, protected, and not taken advantage of.

Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/child-and-youth-safety-online
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crejr8grr01o
https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/03/us/catfish-how-to-keep-kids-safe-cec/index.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/10/25/alexander-mccartney-catfish-sentenced-life-in-prison/

Science - Global

The Spread of Superbugs: A Global Crisis Caused by Antimicrobial Resistance

1/3/2025

As we approach a new decade, a rising issue similarly approaches: superbugs caused by antimicrobial resistance.
Antibiotics, medicine meant to fight bacterial infections in humans, plants, and animals, have long been a critical tool against sickness-causing bacteria. For decades, antibiotics have helped us by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria. However, the antibiotics we’ve been using have become less and less effective as bacteria evolve to resist them. These antibiotic-resistant microbes are known as superbugs, and the issue is more broadly referred to as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) when including viruses, fungi, parasites, and other germs.
What are superbugs?
Superbugs, also known as multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms, are strains of bacteria that have evolved to become resistant to several types of antibiotics. These organisms make infections harder to treat by requiring individuals to seek alternate treatment. In the time it takes for people to find other cures, infections can spread and make the individual’s sickness even worse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), superbugs infect more than 2 million people in the U.S. alone and kill over 23,000. While the development of superbugs can be slowed, they cannot be stopped, which is a major reason why they pose such a great risk.
How do superbugs develop?
The development of superbugs stems from a multitude of reasons: the misuse of antibiotics (overprescription or prescription when unnecessary), little to no access to clean water and sanitation, mass movement of people, and the triple planetary crisis (climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss). The combination of these issues has enabled bacteria to become resistant to treatment and increased the spread of superbugs worldwide, not only in humans but animals as well.
What issue do superbugs pose for the future?
As superbugs continue to develop, they impose a major threat to the future. The World Health Organization (WHO) declares superbugs to be among the top 10 global threats to health. Additionally, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), up to 10 million people could die annually due to superbugs by 2050. Antimicrobial resistance has the potential to pose almost as great a threat as cancer; the predicted number of deaths by 2050 equals the number of deaths caused globally by cancer in 2020. Life-saving drugs will no longer work if they continue to emerge and spread globally.
Antimicrobial resistance not only affects people’s health worldwide— there is evident damage to the economy as well. UNEP expects global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to be reduced by at least 3.4 trillion USD annually. By the next decade, over 24 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty.
How can we mitigate these risks?
To tackle superbugs on a global scale, the UN declared the need for a multisectoral response that recognizes the interdependence of people, plants, animals, and the environment. Many of the issues worsening AMR are the same drivers for environmental degradation, and by tackling those, superbugs can be indirectly dealt with. The UN’s recommendations include “creating robust governance, planning, regulatory and legal frameworks at the national level, and increasing global efforts to improve integrated water management”. Other suggestions for fighting superbugs on a global scale include creating international standards for what constitutes a good microbiological indicator of AMR from environmental samples and exploring options to redirect investments, including guaranteeing sustainable funding. Apart from the UN, other organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have taken measures to fight antimicrobial resistance. The FDA has encouraged the development of new antibiotics, approved other new antibiotics that can treat certain resistant bacteria, created labeling regulations addressing the proper use of antibiotics, and partnered with the CDC to promote public awareness about antibiotics.
To help prevent antibiotic resistance in your own life, we recommend taking antibiotics properly and only when needed. Don’t rely on antibiotics as your only solution unless stated otherwise by a health care professional, and when prescribed antibiotics, only take them according to the directions given by your health care provider; no skipping or doubling on doses. Other ways to help combat antibiotic resistance include maintaining good hygiene and preventing infections by practicing healthy habits when interacting with animals, maintaining safe sex practices with partners, and adhering to food safety rules.

Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/antibiotics.html#::text=Antibiotics%20are%20medicines%20that%20fi ght,pills%2C%20capsules%2C%20or%20liquids.
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/02/stop-spread-superbugs#::text=Superbugs%20are%20strai ns%20of%20bacteria,Control%20and%20Prevention%20(CDC).
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/superbug
https://news.un.org/en/audio/2024/09/1153896
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/02/1133227
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance#:~:text=The%20misu se%20and%20overuse%20of,and%20at%20all%20income%20levels.
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/what-fuelling-worlds-antimicrobial-resistance-crisi s
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/combating-antibiotic-resistance https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance/prevention/index.html
about:blank

Health - Africa

A Historic Triumph: How Egypt Made History with Malaria Eradication

1/2/2025

After nearly one hundred years of battling, the World Health Organization officially declared Egypt as a malaria-free nation in October 2024. The first commonwealth to be given an WHO certification since 2010.In 2024, Egypt was the third country to be certified in the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region, following their victories against an endemic disease that had plagued the land from the time of the pharaoh's beginning. The world statistics reported 249 million malaria disease worldwide in 2022, 94% of it came mostly in the African Region. Malaria—a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that is spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes and is aboriginal to tropical countries, has now been defeated by the country.The WHO's organization applauded the Egyptian government and authority for their efforts to eradicate the problem tracing as far back as 4000 B.C.E in Egypt. While coaxing to be alert for the possible upsurge of Malaria in the region. The battle began in the 1920s when the country's place an embargo on development of rice and crops in nearby individual households. Egypt officially designated malaria as a notifiable disease in 1930 due to its high prevalence of up to 40% and the majority of its population living along the Nile River. Then, later on opened a malaria control station meant to provide diagnosis, treatment and surveillance. However the repercussions of World War Two in 1942, spiked the nation's cases to more than 3 million. Medical supplies and services were displaced, along with the construction of the Aswan Dam, completed in 1969, that opposed a long standing threat of malaria risk in the country.In 2001, the ministry of health and population took over the re-establishment of local malaria transmission. Starting an initiative to prevent the outbreaks through early case identification, prompt treatment, vector control and public education. Egypt was able to manage the malaria epidemic by setting up 16 treatment units and hiring over 4000 healthcare professionals. Through the years, Egypt aids its countrymen regardless of legal status, particularly to pregnant women, young children and other groups in vulnerable situations. a free malaria diagnosis and treatment. Health professionals across the country are equipped to identify and screen for malaria cases, even in neighboring regions. Globally, 44 countries and one territory have now been certified as malaria free. The WHO grants certification to a country after it demonstrates that the local transmission of malaria by Anopheles mosquitoes has been stopped nationwide for a minimum of three years in a row.

Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/19/americas/cuba-second-nationwide-blackout-intl/index.html
https://www.npr.org/2024/10/19/nx-s1-5158380/cuba-power-outage-electricity-embargo
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/18/world/americas/cuba-power-plant-blackout.html
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/amid-blackouts-scarce-food-cuba-protests-rattle-cradle-revolution-2024-03-27/

Nonfiction - Global

The Alcohol in the System

1/6/25

One glass , two glass, three glass, four, how many more do you want to go? This is a liquid that has different purposes for different people. Some see it as a way to party. Some people drink it to just "look cool". Some drink it for religious purposes, and some use it to just wash away the pain that they are in.If you haven't guessed this liquid till now, it is alcohol. Alcohol is known to be a chemical substance shared in many popular drink categories such as beers, wines and more. Alcohol is created of a structure called Ethanol, which is known to be highly addictive. Ethanol can also be found in drug substances which are also highly addictive such as diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Oxycodone, Phenytoin, Nystatin, and other substances out in the market. The short-term issues carried out by alcohol misuse can include slowed speech and slower conversation; in high amounts, it can include blackouts, and alcohol poisoning. The long-term consequences include liver disease (cirrhosis), cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, and certain types of cancers. There are some mental issues that can also carry on due to these causes, including depression and anxiety, and increase on domestic violence in households and also includes increase in gambling and loss of income. There are also some legal issues which include DUI’s (driving under the influence) and illegal behaviors both in public and privet properties. Another major problem that was happening recently in lower income communities is fake alcohol. Fake alcohol or illicit alcohol is being illegally sold by untrusted dealers which leads to serious toxicities, including blindness, organ damage and death.
Alcohol problems mostly occur in the following communities:
Ages 12-25 (15-25%)
Family history of addiction (40-60%)
Mental Health disorder problems (20-30%)
Veterans ( 10-15%)
LGBTQ+ communities (20-23%)
Women (10-15%)

Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
https://www.who.int/health-topics/alcohol
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243

Breaking news - americas

Cuban Nation Wide Power Outage: Results of Polarization?

A nationwide power outage occurred in Cuba on October 18th, only hours after the government urged citizens of the crucial need to paralyze the economy. The outage left millions of Cuban citizens without sufficient electricity for daily necessities, which could lead to the wasting of food that has already become sparse in the country. However, this is not news for its citizens, as shortages in electricity and food have been prevalent for years. The crisis in Cuba stems from unresolved infrastructure and economic issues in the country, which started during the pandemic.
The Cuban government has struggled to keep up with imports of fuel and other resources, blaming the U.S. for creating trade embargoes and sanctions on the purchasing power of the country. Additionally, Cuba’s long-term trade partner and main source of fuel imports, Venezuela, has cut fuel trade to preserve its own struggling economy. Cuba turned to Mexico and Russia for aid, but the lines were eventually cut there too. These economic hardships have caused the economy's crash, as Cuba has few financial resources to maintain and supply its power grids.
The authoritarian government has had to strategically delegate its limited resources, allowing for longer periods of electricity availability in areas prone to uprisings. This strategy was implemented to try to help prevent issues similar to what happened in March when Cuban citizens protested due to shortages in food and electricity. The Cuban government has also limited its rations of bread to only pregnant women and children. It has become increasingly clear that the Cuban government does not have the resources, connections, or money to sustain bearable standards of life for its population of 11 million people.
Desperation prevails and the usually more secretive Cuban government has begun to be more vocal and open about situations within the country. A New York Times Article by Frances Robles suggests that this transparency reveals the severity of the economic crisis in Cuba. As resources dwindle, Cuban citizens flee the country, attempting to migrate to the States to escape. Now, the question is whether or not the U.S. can support this growing number of immigrants, as polarization in the U.S.’s political systems prevents decisions and policies from being made. Additionally, it is a question of what the U.S. should do about its trade sanctions for Cuba and how legislation could be changed to prevent further economic decline, despite Cuba’s government’s standing as a part of the communist party. As individuals, it is difficult to put aside one’s own opinions to get along. Can governments put aside their political differences to save the lives of thousands? The world awaits

Sources:
https://aje.io/ouyvm3
https://sites.uab.edu/humanrights/2024/11/04/the-eradication-of-malaria-in-egypt-a-triumph-for-public-health-and-human-rights/

Literary Magazines

Every season, we publish a literary magazine issue focused on a different theme. Read some of our works here.

Halfway to 30 is our first literary magazine issue. It is focused on our globe as we enter 2025, which is halfway through the 2020 - 2030 decade. It examines our world through the lense of global issues, culture, and more.

Ethnography is our second literary magazine issue. It discusses culture, dialects, and history. It is about how culture shapes society and how society changes culture.

Nonfiction - Technology

AI’s Environmental Toll: A Growing Concern

6/3/2025

During recent years, AI has started to rise and has benefited many individuals. As generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and DALLE become a part of many of our daily lives, more people are starting to worry about their impact on our environment. A recent MIT study shows the resource demands of these advanced models, raising alarms about their sustainability in the long run.
Training large AI models to do simple tasks, such as keeping storage, takes a lot of energy. For instance, training OpenAI’s GPT-3 consumed 1,287 megawatt-hours of electricity, emitting around 552 tons of carbon dioxide. This compares to the emissions of 120 average U.S. homes. Each interaction with these models consumes about five times more electricity than a simple Google search. Data centers
AI models use water resources for cooling purposes. An example would be training GPT-3, which uses about 700,000 liters of water. On a smaller scale, sending 10 to 50 responses with ChatGPT can consume half a liter of water. This demand places issues on water supplies, especially in regions that already are facing scarcity.
Due to the advancement of AI technologies, this also means that there needs to be frequent hardware upgrades. In 2023, generative AI applications contributed to 2,600 tonnes of waste, projected to escalate to 2.5 million tonnes by 2030 if the trend continues. Many tech companies are starting to notice these environmental challenges and have agreed to power their data centers to renewable energy.
As AI continues to evolve, balancing technological advancements with environmental issues will become a concern in the near future. As society progresses into using AI more often, we should consider its environmental impact and prioritize sustainable development. While AI has helped us in the past with medicine, education, and advice, it also consumes excessive amounts of energy, which can be dangerous for our environment.

Sources:
https://people.com/open-ai-ceo-claims-saying-please-thank-you-to-chatgpt-costs-millions-of-doll ars-in-electricity-bills-11721523?utmsource=chatgpt.com
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/14/chatbots-chatgpt-ai-carbon-climate?utmsource=chatgpt.co m
https://www.theverge.com/climate-change/676528/ai-data-center-energy-forecast-bitcoin-mining ?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-c an-do-about
https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-climate-change-dilemma#:~:text=Tech%20giants%20li ke%20Google%20and,in%20Canada%20instead%20of%20Arizona.
Photo Credit:
https://justice-everywhere.org/general/why-conscious-ai-would-be-bad-for-the-environment/

Nonfiction - Americas - Politics

Chile’s Abortion Laws and Impacts Across Country Lines

6/6/2025

Chile’s president Gabriel Boric has pushed for progression in expanding current abortion law in Chile. A new bill currently being reviewed by the Chilean Congress looks to decriminalize abortion for pregnancies up to 14 weeks - this time, allowing termination under any circumstances. As new proposals come into play for Chile’s politics, many analysts suggest that if these additions go through, it could potentially influence many other countries in the region.
Latin America has had quite the history with abortion laws. While Cuba was the first country in Latin America to decriminalize abortion, the movement only began taking off in future decades. Even then, Cuba only decriminalized abortion under certain circumstances; this includes cases of rape, incest, or cases when the pregnancy poses a potential threat to the woman’s current of future health and life. Across the region today, these cases are known as “tres causales”, as noted in an article by the Straits Times, or the three reasons. These three primary cases where Cuba allowed abortion in 1965 continued to be guiding frameworks for future countries looking to decriminalize abortion, especially for parties looking to introduce the concept little by little to reduce mass societal push back.
Over time, as sentiment for pro-abortion movements came to fruition, other countries adopted laws decriminalizing abortion with the tres causales framework. Eventually, countries in the region also began to include more cases of pregnancies alongside tres causales, including abortion for women who experience mental health struggles and economic constraints. For example, Guyana legalized abortion in 1995 for pregnancies up to 8 weeks, allowing a few additional cases to the tres causales.
While countries like Guyana have enhanced social movements to expand abortion movements historically, many countries in Latin America including Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela, still have abortion laws aligning with tres causales. Countries in Central America especially have stricter and more limited allowances.
Chile is a country that follows stricter abortion laws. Like its neighbors, Chile’s laws regarding abortion are relatively conservative. A large section of Boric’s presidential campaign focused on expanding abortion law in Chile. This recent revamption of discussion and new actions such as the bill currently being reviewed in congress are ways Boric and his administration are trying to fulfill promises made during his running. However, it is clear that the tide of public social attitude towards abortion has changed a lot, according to Reuters in an article published on June 5th. The article notes that only an estimated 25 percent of voters support passing the proposed bill, with 55 percent aiming to stick with current legislation. There is also evidence that there is a large group of voters (19 percent) who are looking to vote in favor of banning abortion, which showcases much push back from conservative voter populations.
President Boric’s new bill has the potential to influence many stricter neighboring Latin and Central American countries if it passes, especially in the presence of the digital age. Reuters analysts also outline that political swing in the Latin and Central American region have been inconsistent, which indicates that with a strong move from Chile, the public sentiment could lead to more support towards pro-abortion groups. These groups have been able to spread ideas across borders easily through the use of social media and communication technology, which could influence voting sentiment in neighboring countries.
It is clear that actions in Chile today could shape all other countries in Latin America in the coming years. While Chile’s congress has tough decisions to make, especially with public voting populations looking for a conservative decision, the outcome will impact movements spanning across country borders through the rise of globalization and communication technology.

Sources:
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/chile-abortion-rights-bill-could-shape-boric-legacy-latin-american-neighbors-2025-06-05/
https://www.liveaction.org/news/chile-abortion-attempt-expand-abortion-opposition/
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/latin-americas-abortion-rights-in-spotlight-as-chile-debates-legalization

Nonfiction

The Global Matcha Shortage: a Thirst for Matcha that Brewed up a Culinary Crisis

6/6/2025

A once–niche ceremonial beverage turned global craze: what is this beverage, you may ask? Well, it’s none other than matcha! Matcha, a powder made from young, shaded green tea leaves processed in a specific manner, was brought to Japan by Chinese Buddhist monks. Since then, it has been an important part of Japan’s culinary history, traditionally prepared with bamboo tools for tea ceremonies but now being an ingredient in anything from lattes and desserts to beer and pasta. It is known for its unique flavor profiles, often being described as sweet, astringent, nutty, grassy, or even umami. It is also used as a nutritious replacement for other caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks or coffee, providing around 50-150 milligrams of caffeine per cup and acting as a more sustainable alternative to coffee by preventing “crashes” (i.e., sudden symptoms of fatigue and drops in energy, focus, and/or mood). Its abundance in antioxidants, combined with its caffeine content and flavor, has cemented its status as a global sensation—especially among the younger generations thanks to social media platforms like Instagram and Tiktok. However, the rapid increase in popularity has made its demand outpace supply, leading to significant economic and cultural ramifications.
The global demand for matcha powder has put a significant, unprecedented strain on the Japanese tea industry, with well-known tea brands such as Ippodo or Marukyu Koyamaen having to place limits on customer purchases. Other stores have even sold out completely of the coveted powder, with local customers and tourists alike finding difficulty securing the powdered tea.
Why not just produce more matcha? Well, the reason for its scarcity can be attributed to the unique cultivation process: young green tea—also known as Camellia sinensis—leaves are shaded 30 days prior to harvesting to reduce the rate of photosynthesis, which, in turn, increases the levels of L-theanine. They are then delicately hand–picked and gently steamed before being dried and ground by stone mills. This process only happens once a year, with harvest season beginning around early May. The rigorous processes of growing the tea leaves and grinding them into matcha powder means that production cannot be easily or quickly scaled up. While there is not necessarily a shortage of space to grow more tea, the shrubs used to grow the leaves can take up to five years to mature. This means that even if farmers start expanding their fields now, solving the shortage will surely be a lengthy process. Additionally, even electric stone mills can grind only about 40 grams of matcha per hour per machine—barely enough for 10 to 12 matcha lattes. Other factors such as the specific desire for first-harvest leaves, the production of stone mills, and the shortage of farmers only contribute to the scarcity of matcha. However, to prevent shortages going forward, the Japanese government is offering new subsidies to help tea farmers focus on producing more matcha.
The virality of the beverage has also had a direct impact on the shortage: influencers purchasing grams upon grams, showcasing $200 purchases or pushing for only “ceremonial-grade” consumption are part of the influx in demand. Matcha originally reserved for tea ceremonies are now being used in everyday lattes, mixed with different flavored syrups or cream tops.
Matcha is not just a trendy beverage or niche outfit accessory—it’s a piece of culture and culinary history. While social media may tempt you to try new viral cafes or splurge on ceremonial–grade tins, sustainable consumption practices can help reduce the current strain on production. Purchasing only what you can consume and not limiting yourself to only “ceremonial grade” tins can help reduce the overall impact and allow others to enjoy the well-loved tea as well.

Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/select/amp/rcna199368
https://msu-prod.dotcmscloud.com/news/whatismatchapowder
https://www.britannica.com/topic/tea-ceremony
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/02/23/food-drink/matcha-shortage-global-solutions/
https://www.matchaeologist.com/blogs/explore/how-is-matcha-grown-and-produced?srsltid=AfmBOoryzoP8YGnMEcTy60IV1GfY29LcLkFJw6JWqNbxlbtAtfelqg_