Politics and News

North Korea's Missile Activity Incites Responses aimed at Denuclearization

Misguided Leader Kim Jong Un vows to develop nuclear arms at "highest possible speed"

By Lily Coish

For the first time in five years, North Korea fired a ballistic missile without warning over Japan. This event took place on Tuesday, October 4, 2022; marking the significant escalation in North Korea’s weapons testing program. This recent launch is North Korea’s 23rd missile launch this year.

According to experts, this missile was likely a Hwasong-12 which is an intermediate-range ballistic missile, also known as an IRBM. According to Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program, “This is a missile that North Korea started testing in 2017 … So it’s not really a new missile.” While it is not relatively new, the launch is significant because the missile can travel longer distances than most. This distance was demonstrated as the recent missile flew about 2,858 miles, with an altitude of 621 miles. To put this into perspective, the US island territory of Guam is only 2,100 miles from North Korea. North Korea is signifying that they have the nuclear capabilities to fire over longer distances and potentially reach the United States.

When North Korea undergoes missile testing, the missiles are usually fired into waters off the coast of the Korean Peninsula. However, the country decided to launch an unannounced missile over Japan, for practical and symbolic reasons. This launch not only endangered aircrafts and ships in the nearby waters of Japan, but it posed risks to the citizens. If the test had failed and the missile fell short, it could have landed on heavily populated areas. The missile flew over Japan’s Tohoku region, which is home to more than eight million people.

There are many theories as to what motivated North Korea to fire this missile. Robert Ward, senior fellow for Japanese Security Studies at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, believes, “North Korea may be trying to exploit the unstable international situation, which it will see as a tailwind.” The “unstable international situation” Ward is referring to is Japan’s security. Japan is facing multiple security threats as they are neighboring an aggressive Russia and China. However, Lewis disagreed, saying that, “...although North Korea sometimes responds or retaliates to specific actions by Western players or groups, for the large part ‘they have their own schedule…and I don’t think that we have a lot of impact on the timing.’” Joseph Dempsey, research associate for defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, added that, “...Tuesday’s flight path could just make for a better test.” The missile fired on Tuesday is designed for long-range targets, thus, a target, like Japan, could help North Korea gauge its accuracy over a longer distance.

For North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, this launch is a symbol for what is to come in the future. Earlier this year, Kim Jong Un, vowed to develop North Korea’s nuclear arms at the “highest possible” speed. Satellite imagery reveals activity at North Korea’s underground nuclear test site, indicating preparation for a possible nuclear test. Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of International Studies at Ewha Woman's University in Seoul, stated, “The Kim regime is developing weapons such as tactical nuclear warheads and submarine-launched ballistic missiles as part of a long-term strategy to outrun South Korea in an arms race and drive wedges among U.S. allies.”

In response to North Korea’s provocative missile launch, the United States and South Korea launched four missiles off the east coast of the Korean Peninsul, as well as a precision bombing exercise. The allies typically respond to missile tests by North Korea to demonstrate their own capabilities. However, North Korea makes no indication to compromise or pursue denuclearization.

At press time on November 4th, North Korea intensified their aggression by firing the highest number of short-ranged missiles in a day, according to South Korea. They fired 23 missiles of different types to the east and west of the Korean Peninsula. Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, also confirmed with journalists that North Korea is firing missiles at an "unprecedently high frequency" in the wake of escalating tensions in the region.

Flood Crisis in Pakistan Impacts 33 Million with over 1,300 deaths

Environmentalists focus on yet another impact of global warming as melting glaciers wreak havoc

By Muhammed Omar

This year's floods have occurred mainly because of torrential monsoon rains in Sindh and Balochistan, in the south of Pakistan. The deluge, almost four times the long-term average, began in mid-June and is still continuing to grow. According to the United States Institute of Peace, “Pakistan's flooding is a combination of mismanagement, and climate change. Pakistan is currently experiencing one of the worst environmental disasters in the world. One-third of the country is under water. Over 1,325 people have died and 33 million have been impacted.” Of the 32 million people displaced by the floods, it is estimated that some 650,000 are pregnant, and more than 70,000 are expected to deliver their babies this month.

This flood has impacted each and every Pakistani. It has brought a national crisis for an already economically struggling country like Pakistan. To date, the flood has affected everything from deficiency of food, unemployment, and the loss of businesses and homes. Opposition Leader and Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has organized a telethon in which he had collected the pledges of five billion Pakistani rupees (20.8 million U.S. dollars).

Athar Hussain, a climate scientist at COMSATS University Islamabad explains the cause of the flood. He says, “The intense heat melted glaciers in the northern mountainous regions, increasing the amount of water flowing into tributaries that eventually made their way into the Indus river.” This heat comes from carbon dioxide released in the air. The two neighboring countries China and Russia are the root cause of these floods in Pakistan, due to their emission of CO2. It is important to reduce these floods by limiting emissions and spreading awareness. Another way to help flood victims is by donating. Imran Khan’s own flood relief fund is the most credible and reliable way to send donations.

California Introduces Plan to Ban Gas-Powered Cars

Transition process will be complicated and costly but could provide crucial solution to pollution crisis

By Maddy Marquis

Following the invention of the automobile in 1892, the United States has used gasoline-fueled cars for almost 130 years. Over time, the use of gas-powered cars has negatively impacted air pollution, motivating the U.S. to work towards using all-electric vehicles. Doing so reduces climate change and further destruction. One way the California Governor, Gavin Newsom, is taking control is by banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. In spite of the current economic crisis in the United States, state officials have agreed to ban the sale of gas-powered cars. The used car market will still be legal, but the production of new gas-powered cars will be illegal.

Some well-known automobile manufacturers, such as Honda and Ford, are thrilled about supporting California’s lead to control climate change. Other companies, however, have reacted negatively to the plan, claiming that producing only electric cars is not realistic considering the current economic state of the country. The state has made exceptions to car types, allowing manufacturers to sell up to 20 percent plug-in hybrid models with a gas engine. Although this does not eliminate gasoline pollution completely, it reduces it significantly. Energy-efficient vehicles across will not be an easy process, nor a quick one. The installation of charging stations in the state has to quickly increase with the expectation of going completely green. California is not far away from completing its goal. In 2022, more than 16 percent of new cars sold in California were battery-powered.

The new rule has been approved and is now being taken into action. Production of gas-powered cars must be reduced significantly by 2026 to speed up the production of battery-powered vehicles. By 2030, all automobile companies are expected to be selling 68 percent of their cars with zero emissions. By 2035, the mandate will not penalize consumers for not purchasing electric vehicles, but will fine manufacturers for not producing only battery-powered cars. The historical step California took to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is just the beginning of a nationwide change. Other states have been following California's lead of changing the regulations of gas-powered cars, and are in full support of this effort towards a cleaner country.

Sandy Hook Lawsuit Sends Costly Message to a Defiant Alex Jones

Families get justice after 10 years of torment and "hate speech" by Jones and followers

By Ava Ferriouolo

In 2012, one of the worst tragedies imaginable occurred. A gunman opened fire on an elementary school killing twenty children and six educators. These children, killed for the sole crime of trying to receive an education in America were sworn by the public to never be forgotten… that was until a man by the name of Alex Jones created an elaborate hoax declaring that this entire tragedy was made up by the press. To make matters worse, Alex Jones was collecting revenue from foot traffic on his web pages and profiting from his accusations. He also claimed that the parents of the murdered children were “crisis actors” and played along with an “elaborate lie.” Jones also advertised that the entire shooting was made up in an attempt to sway bias with gun control efforts.

For years gun control has been a very controversial topic in the American government. Cases upon cases of people bringing firearms into public places such as schools, grocery stores, concerts, etc. has become more frequent. The Alex Jones case, as terrible as it seems, helps to shed some light on the mindset of pro-gun Americans. Jones has spent the week in Connecticut preparing for his appearance and has even held conferences with the press. Jones continues to stand by the claim that all his statements are protected under the first amendment: “freedom of speech.” According to an article from PBS.org, he does not claim full ownership of creating the web pages and refuses to share the ensuing profits from those pages. “Jones also was asked about a page on his Infowars site that called the trial a "kangaroo court" and advertisements on that page. He said the page was created by his staff. He also was asked about daily profit reports, but Jones said he could not answer.”

Many articles predict for Alex Jones to face financial ruin and will be forced to pay families for the disrespect and harm he caused. PBS.org revealed, “Jones also has been found liable by default in two similar lawsuits over the hoax lies in his hometown of Austin, Texas, where a jury in one of the trials ordered Jones last month to pay nearly $50 million in damages to the parents of one of the children killed. The third trial in Texas is expected to begin near the end of the year.”

The revisiting of this tragedy raises awareness of the difference between “freedom of speech” and “hate speech,” in regards to the gun violence epidemic. Stay tuned....

Does Russia-Ukraine War Pose Threat of Nuclear Contamination?

Ongoing crisis could have substantial and long-term environmental impacts

By Andrea August

During the entirety of the war between Ukraine and Russia, Russia has focused on Ukraine's electricity generation and transmission equipment. This is extremely dangerous for Europe's largest power station, Zaporizhzhia, located in Southeastern Ukraine. Russian shelling has disconnected its transmission channels and required Ukraine to shut it down. Russia has continued shelling near the industrial zone and poses a huge danger to all of Europe. The power plant has already sustained significant physical damage. According to Putin, the president of Russia, “If the situation develops this way, Ukraine’s progress towards Russia’s border, our response will be more serious.” He claims his forces have acted with restraint, threatening far worse attacks in the ongoing future. Based on Russia's the clear pattern of strikes, International security directors claim that these recent attacks stipulate Russian military planners intentions: to knock Ukrainian nuclear power plants offline.

Power is needed to spread water through the atomic power plant, which prevents overheating and nuclear fuel meltdowns. Shelling can trigger a radiation leak which will have severe repercussions on not just Ukrainian citizens, but Europeans as a whole. In such a case, Ukraine will be forced to evacuate, in order to escape an invisible radioactive cloud. Experts believe even acute exposure will cause radiation poisoning or the development of some types of cancers. In view of the plant’s geographical location, a radiation leak could spread to any part of Europe. Industrial disasters threatened by this ongoing war have, according to Renee Hickman from Scientific American, “substantial environmental impacts, especially on air pollution.” The well being of the earth's atmosphere is being extremely damaged with the progression of nuclear weapons. Overall, the impact these leaks can have is immeasurable, but we do know that they will have long term influences on mankind.

The Pandemic Continues to Have a Lasting Effect on Education

Education struggles to get back on track from effects of virus

By Zayna Saidi

Although life has started to seem normal since the pandemic, the most recent assessment results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress raise concerns from parents, teachers, and administration on the effects quarantine has had on education.

The National Assessment of Education Progress is an organization that has been tracking the progress in education since the 1970s. They hold standardized tests across the country which do not hold schools accountable for the results, making it a reliable source to view the progression of education in the United States. Through the results from the assessment, which tests nine-year-olds of many races and income levels, they witnessed an increase in educational progress. However, the most recent study revealed a massive drop in math and English, one that has never been seen before

The results show that top-performing students have dropped by three points in math whereas lower-performing students dropped four times as much. Quarantine, in addition to the remote learning that followed is assumed to be the key factor in this drastic change. Lower-income schools, along with black and Hispanic students were more likely to spend an increased amount of time remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their assessments showed that they lost 13 points compared to white students who had only lost five.

To put into perspective how dire this situation is, Andrew Ho, a professor of education at Harvard explains that losing one point on the exam is equivalent to the loss of three weeks of learning. Top-performing students who only lost three points would need about nine weeks to catch up, whereas lower-performing students who lost around 12 points would need at least 26 weeks to get back on track. '“It erased the progress, and it exacerbated the inequality. Now we have our work cut out for us.”' Dr. Ho warns.

Lower-performing students may begin to disengage from their studies, making them less likely to attend college or even graduate from high school. As schools begin to open, students are beginning to learn at the normal pace once again. However, due to this major decline in education, experts worry that schools may need to begin teaching at a faster pace in an attempt to fill in the gaps that were caused by the pandemic.

To fix this crisis, Martin West, a professor at Harvard and a member of the National Assessment Governing Board suggests that lower-performing students spend more time learning, whether it be through tutoring or summer school. The federal government has already budgeted $122 billion dollars to help solve this predicament and believes that at least 20% must be put towards catching up academically. However, the problem does not simply involve budget, but a lack of educators as well.

There has been a major shortage of teachers throughout the country, so finding teachers, much less tutors, has also contributed to the decline of education. Some also worry that using only 20% of the provided funds will not be enough to restore the damages the pandemic has left on education.

Blumenthal Takes Action Against Pharmaceutical Companies

Senator Blumenthal is combating overpriced pharmaceuticals and lowering costs for consumers

By Anna Hansard

Throughout the course of history, Connecticut has had many progressive senators and representatives who have worked hard to protect the rights of the people. One of these individuals is Richard Blumenthal. Blumenthal has been a Connecticut senator since 2010, and he has tirelessly fought to support and sustain the community. He has demanded the accountability of big oil companies, his efforts resulting in the substantial decrease in gas prices after he and a group of other senators convinced President Biden to release oil from the Strategic Oil Reserve. He is also an advocate of women’s rights, one being their right to make healthcare decisions. Blumenthal pioneered the Women’s Health Protection Act in anticipation of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, one of many ways in which he has supported the state of Connecticut.

Some of his most notable attributes are his dedication and courage, which lead his colleagues to introduce legislation that eliminates unfair prices preventing public access to medication. This bill resulted in a cost reduction of prescription drugs for senior citizens. It also compelled drug companies to negotiate fairer prices with other healthcare providers such as Medicare, and discount programs like the 340B Drug Pricing Program. His involvement is the chief cause of the much more reasonable cost of healthcare for consumers across Connecticut. In addition, his support of the CURE Act (Combatting Unreasonable Rises and Excessively High Drug Prices), enabled the U.S Department of Health and Human Services to control drug prices more efficiently and reimburse overpaying individuals.

Blumenthal has repeatedly shown his dedication to the protection of those in need by investigating policy breaches, inhumane practices, and defending civilian rights. His actions have won him the respect of many, including Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, and Amy Klobuchar, all of whom joined Blumenthal in promoting this new legislation for more affordable pharmaceutical products.

The implementation of his demands has not only stopped pharmaceutical manufacturers from withholding necessary medication from low-income families, but also has inspired others to take action. The senators working with Blumenthal exposed the company's practices of requiring financial aid programs to submit excessive data reports to request lower prices. In response to Blumenthal’s intervention, the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) acknowledged the risks of limiting patient access to healthcare and took steps towards a fairer system of healthcare distribution. With the support of many significant politicians across the country, Senator Blumenthal has continuously fought for a more prosperous, successful, and fair Connecticut for all of its citizens. His commitment to service is evident in his actions, and this will certainly not be the last of his efforts toward an improved Connecticut.

Connecticut Nurse Finds Success in Creating "Comfort" Dolls

Pandemic inspires a dream come true and flourishing business in "Laladollies"

By Alison Palmieri

To Lynn Rivera, dolls are so much more than stuffed fabric with faces. She believes in the comforting power of these stuffed dolls, and their ability to provide security and support to those in need. That’s why she created her family business: LalaDollies.

Before the pandemic hit, Lynn worked as an at-home nurse for years. Like many nurses, she experienced the stress and added pressures the pandemic produced. She turned to doll making as an escape. She first started only out of necessity for her son, hoping that a stuffed animal would help him sleep more. She remembered how it had helped her as a child, saying, “'I remember when I was a little girl, my grandmother made me a pillow. I had drawn such an attachment to that and found some deep comfort in it. I figured maybe I can make something for my son to help him stay in his bed.”' She wanted to provide a sense of security and comfort for him during his bedtime routine. It worked, and not only did it change her son's sleeping habits, it changed her entire life. Her husband, Omar, says “'It saved her. It saved us all.”'

News of Lynn’s creations spread through word of mouth, and quickly gained popularity on social media. Using these online connections, Lynn was able to develop a diverse following, and now ships her dolls worldwide to places like Canada and Singapore. LalaDollies has now grown to an extremely successful business. Lynn takes great care in the creation of every single doll. Every doll is one-of-a-kind, and has its own distinctions that separate it from other dolls. '"Everything is hand cut, the faces are embroidered. I use my sewing machine for some of the major stitches,"' Lynn said. '"I stuff them up and send them off with a little note."' Lynn works busily cutting, stitching, and sewing to provide for the increasing demand. Her husband, Omar, handles the packing and shipping, and the online purchasing. Lynn still nurses when she can, but has found great success in her business.

Her growing business is a group effort, with extended family and friends sometimes coming to help when orders get overwhelming. The Rivera family is extremely satisfied with the accomplishments that have been made from Lynn’s effort. "I couldn't be more proud of her. She's built it from the ground up and we get to share that story and our kids get to live it and see what it's like to put the work in, to show up," Omar says. Lynn says that she has learned a lot throughout this experience. Without her hard work and dedication to her craft, she wouldn’t be as successful as she is now. LalaDollies is about so much more than dolls. It’s about love. Lynn says "Why not say yes to yourself and take a risk? As long as it's something that you're passionate about. You've got to go out and just give it your all."

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