Read about world events and their social impacts. Stay informed.
Hurricane Ian’s Impact on Florida
by Katharine Zavoda ’25
Hurricane Ian has left a devastating impact on Florida, destroying infrastructure and leaving communities in shambles.
27 Nov. 2022
NASA Spaceship DART Collides Into Asteroid Dimorphus
by Ryan Kang ’25
On September 26th, 2022, NASA’s DART spacecraft successfully crashed into the asteroid Dimorphus, marking scientists’ first ever attempt at planetary defense technology.
27 Nov. 2022
Animal Shelters are Refilling
by Ayushi Jani ’25
As the world begins to open up, animal shelters are facing increasing rates of animal surrenders.
27 Nov. 2022
The Death of the Queen
by Vrittee Sobti ’25
On September 8th, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. As Britain’s longest reigning monarch, her death has spurred discussions on imperialism, reparations, and the future of the Commonwealth.
27 Nov. 2022
Ukraine’s Counteroffensive
by Shabbir Ali ’24
Ukraine’s eastern counteroffensive successfully captures the city of Kharkiv, marking Ukraine’s largest tactical victory since defending Kyiv.
27 Nov. 2022
Controversial State Funeral for Assassinated Ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
by Emma Jia ’25
Controversial state funeral for assassinated prime minister Shinzo Abe sparks protests in Japan.
27 Nov. 2022
Danish Government Responds to Little Danes Experiment
by Manaal Asif ’25
The failed 1950s experiment, Little Danes, left 22 children separated from their families, culture, and identities. 70 years later, the Danish government is responding to the atrocity.
17 Apr. 2022
Russian Censorship and Blockage From the Global Internet
by Neena Kumar ’25
The Russian government censors information on the Internet from citizens in an effort to support the nation’s propaganda campaign.
17 Apr. 2022
Shackleton’s Lost Ship Found After 100 Years
by Katherine Zavoda ’25
On Ernest Shackleton’s most famous expedition on the ship Endurance, he planned to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole, but his ship caught in the ice, flooded, and sank. A century after it sank, a team of researchers found the ship in perfectly preserved conditions.
17 Apr. 2022
Elite Universities Taken to Court: The One Case Hoping to Right Years of Wrongs
by Lanie Hymowitz ‘22
Each year, thousands of eager students apply to top universities, hoping to be in the incredibly small percentage of admitted students. But what if the key ticket into these rigorous schools was to come from an extraordinarily wealthy family? Five college students believe that is precisely the case.
3 Mar. 2022
Afghanistan Humanitarian Assistance
by Madison Li ’22
The situation in Afghanistan is dire, with the United States sending another $308 million to alleviate the current humanitarian crisis.
3 Mar. 2022
Omicron: A Quick Surge and Drop?
by Vrittee Sobti ‘25
Omicron, the new strain of COVID-19, has taken the world by storm. As cases continue rising, what’s in store for the future?
3 Mar. 2022
AI Identifies Anonymous People Through Patterns
by Ryan Kang ’25
Recent experiments reveal artificial intelligence can identify people by analyzing online social tendencies and writing.
3 Mar. 2022
First Ever Pig-Human Heart Transplant
by Prisha Satish ‘24
A genetically modified pig’s heart was recently transplanted into a human, and the best part? It’s working.
3 Mar. 2022
Groundbreaking Italian Mafia Mega-Trial
by Madison Li ’22
In an early fast-track trial of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia group, 70 defendants were convicted. This is a significant milestone in vanquishing organized crime in Italy.
22 Dec. 2021
Asian Hate Violence on SEPTA Subway
by Sarah Li ’25
On the Philadelphia SEPTA subway, a group of teens harassed students returning home from Central High School. In an act of courage, a girl stepped in to stop the fight, only to become a victim of a brutal beating.
22 Dec. 2021
India Can’t Breathe
by Nina Soni ’25
The deadly pollution crisis in India worsens as air hazard numbers rise and more children and young adults are put in danger.
22 Dec. 2021
The Supply Chain Crisis: Why Americans Will Lose this Holiday Season
by Ashton Basak ’23
The coronavirus pandemic has created a disruptive supply chain crisis, resulting in millions of tons of cargo sitting immobilized in American ports.
22 Dec. 2021
Global Warming Trajectory at an Alarming 2.5ºC
by Madison Li ’22
At the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, experts predicted that the Earth would warm 2.5ºC in the next century, a daunting figure with serious implications for the world.
22 Dec. 2021
The Heartbeat of America: Texas’s Abortion Law
by Lanie Hymowitz ’22
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As Texas’s new “SB 8” law, notorious for banning essentially all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, faces continued Supreme Court review, it is important to understand what exactly this bill does and who it will impact.
2 Dec. 2021
UN Workers Detained in Ethiopia
by Sarah Li ’25
16 United Nations workers were recently detained for what is widely speculated to be ethnically motivated reasons. As the situation continues to develop, 6 staff members have been released while 5 remain in detention.
2 Dec. 2021
What About All the Missing Indigenous Women?
by Nina Soni ’25
There is a drastic disparity between what the media chooses to cover, and what they choose not to. By breaking the silence the media has over the indigenous women, many lives can be saved one article at a time.
20 Oct. 2021
Economic Strife Leads to Uprisings and Coup in Sudan
by Madison Li ’22
On September 21, 2021, Sudanese officials reported an attempted coup by military and civilians loyal to the nation’s former dictator, Omar Hassan al-Bashir. Bashir had been overthrown in 2019 after the nation faced economic trouble. The government has since been transitioning into democracy.
20 Oct. 2021
Uncovering the Taliban: How They Dispose of the Impoverished
by Margaret Wang ‘25
The crisis that Afghanistan is currently experiencing is not foreign in the slightest. News companies and the general media have been endlessly reporting about the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and the takeover of the Taliban, hoping to show the world the cruel tactics of the Taliban against Afghans.
16 Oct. 2021
Law Enforcement Banned From Using Chokeholds
by Katharine Zavoda ‘25
Police and law enforcement can no longer use chokeholds and similar carotid restrictions as restraint techniques, and are also unable to enter homes or private dwellings without announcing their presence. There will only be exceptions to these bans in serious cases.
16 Oct. 2021
What to Know About The COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
by Katherine Zhu ‘25
On September 22, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for a booster shot. The shot was initially approved a month earlier, on August 23, 2021.
16 Oct. 2021
Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Shakes Melbourne
by Flora Xia ’23
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the Australian city of Melbourne on Wednesday, September 22, shaking people and buildings throughout the region. Two aftershocks — smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock of the larger earthquake — were detected with magnitudes of 4.0 and 3.1.
20 Oct. 2021
The Taliban and the United Nations
by Eshaan Kapoor ‘23
On September 21st, 2021, the Taliban requested to represent the nation of Afghanistan in the United Nations General Assembly meeting later in the week, hoping to gain global recognition. However, with many of the leaders of the Taliban being on the UN’s watch list, the decision is sure to be uncomfortable.
16 Oct. 2021
The Haitian Migrant Crisis: What is Happening At the U.S.-Mexico Border?
by Ashton Basak ‘23
In mid-September, the U.S.-Mexican border situation escalated to new heights: over 10,000 migrants from Haiti were fleeing the devastating effects of the previous month’s earthquake, seeking asylum in the United States.
16 Oct. 2021
Plans to Remove Troops From Afghanistan, but at What Cost?
by Ashka Jani ’22
President Joe Biden plans to withdraw troops from Afghanistan from May 1 to September 11. However, the consequences may be devastating for Afghan citizens.
9 May 2021
Murder of Farah Akbar Sparks Humanitarian Movement
by Audrey Chang ’23
Kuwaiti woman Farah Akbar was abducted and murdered on April 20, leading to activism and protests for female protection.
9 May 2021
India’s COVID-19 Triple Variant
by Meghana Paturu ’22
Coronavirus cases in India have exponentially risen, while a new triple mutant variant raises more concerns for the country.
9 May 2021
NFT Boom Takes the Media and Market by Storm
by Chloe Sun ’24
Beeple’s record-breaking $69.3 million sale has brought NFTs to the global spotlight, impacting both art and crypto communities. So what exactly are they?
9 May 2021
Prince Philip’s Death: Remembering His Legacy
by Ashton Basak ’23
On April 9, Prince Philip passed away tranquilly in his home at Windsor Castle. His legacy of loyalty and service remains strong in hearts everywhere.
3 May 2021
J&J Vaccine Concerns
by Aaron Xi ’22
While the J&J vaccine is now back in circulation, it is hard for many to forget previous federal concerns over vaccine-caused blood clots. However, the vaccine has proven to be effective against COVID-19, meaning the benefits outweigh the risks for many.
3 May 2021
Israeli Oil Spill Results in Diplomatic Mess
by Audrey Chang ’23
Accusations made after 1,000 tons of tar spilled along Israeli coast and $14 million in damages.
19 Mar. 2021
COVID-19: A New Normal
by Michelle Sun ’24
It has been a while since COVID-19 was first detected, and we all wonder: when is it going to end? Read this article to find out what the status is on the possibilities of a return to the pre-COVID-19 era.
20 Mar. 2021
Cuttlefish Are More Intelligent Than We Think
by Elizabeth Yang ’22
Cuttlefish have recently passed a variation of the famous marshmallow test, a cognitive assessment designed to measure kids’ self-control. Having the capacity to pass a test conceptualized for human beings opens up a whole new world of possibilities of these intriguing creatures’ cognitive abilities.
20 Mar. 2021
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Jail
by Meghana Paturu ’22
On March 1, 2021, a Paris court found former French President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of corruption and influence peddling. After months of investigations, Sarkozy was sentenced to a full year in prison and a two-year suspended sentence.
19 Mar. 2021
2021: The Year of the Ox
by Neeharika Beru ’22
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Ox. In general, the Year of the Ox represents stability, honesty, strength, and determination. People worldwide are hoping this will come true, especially since 2020 was a brutal year for everyone.
15 Mar. 2021
Diriyah E-Prix Subjected to Attempted Missile Attack
by Tom Athron ’21
Saudi Arabia has faced international criticism for its treatment of the Houthis in Yemen. With a high number of bombings and civilian casualties, the United Nations has called the situation in Yemen the “largest humanitarian crisis on the planet.”
15 Mar. 2021
Asian Discrimination Amidst the Pandemic
by Richa Chaturvedi ’21
It is imperative to understand that racism is not the solution to stopping the virus. Asian Americans are struggling alongside other Americans regarding the pandemic; therefore, blaming those who happen to be Asian will only cause further violence and hatred, which is the last thing the country needs.
15 Mar. 2021
Texas Left Shivering
by Emma Mathew ’22 and Arshia Mathur ’22
The devastating winter storm left millions without power, heat, food, and water. The storm also had detrimental effects on COVID-19 relief efforts, disrupting food banks and vaccine shipments. Arguably the greatest disaster in Texas’s history, the storm left the Lone Star State shivering in the cold.
15 Mar. 2021
Dozens Dead After Indonesia’s Sulawesi Earthquake
by Audrey Chang ’23
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake is one in a string of ravaging disasters that have hit the island nation of Indonesia, showcasing the damage of a more extreme climate.
21 Feb. 2021
Why Did the College Board Scrap Subject Tests and Essays?
by Neeharika Beru ’22
On Jan. 19, in the middle of a pandemic, the College Board drastically altered college admissions.
21 Feb. 2021
Severe Reactions Put Moderna Vaccines on Hold
by Flora Xia ’23
A pause on lot 041L20A of the Moderna vaccine rollout in California this January heightened public distrust of vaccines, despite recent findings that the vaccines are safe.
21 Feb. 2021
The Global Reaction to Joe Biden’s Historic Election Victory
by Ashton Basak ’23
The amount of global support Biden and Harris have received since their historic election victory signifies a new era in American foreign relations.
23 Dec. 2020
Assassination of Iranian Nuclear Scientist Provokes New Conflict
by Flora Xia ’23
The assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a nuclear scientist, on November 27 has sparked tension between Iran, Israel, and America.
23 Dec. 2020
Thanksgiving and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Is it Better Safe or Sorry?
by Michelle Sun ’24
With the number of COVID-19 rising by the day, the preservation of Thanksgiving and other holiday traditions are at risk.
23 Dec. 2020
Explosive Crossfire Between Citizens and SARS Erupts Across Nigeria
by Skylar Grey ’23
The fight for justice and an end to the SARS force in Nigeria has sparked violence, protests, and a globally trending hashtag.
15 Nov. 2020
Large Wave of Protests against Thailand’s Monarchy
by Meghana Paturu ’22
Citizens in Thailand are currently fighting their government for their rights. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkite, the leader of the FFP, is proud to see his people rising.
15 Nov. 2020
The Beheading of Samuel Paty
by Elizabeth Yang ’22
Horror swept France when news went around of a French teacher being brutally decapitated this past October.
15 Nov. 2020
Worries Over UK COVID-19 Human Challenge Trial Plans
by Audrey Chang ’23
As researchers and experts continue seeking a safe and effective cure to this deadly virus, the ethicality of challenge trials have caused much debate as to whether these ventures are necessary.
15 Nov. 2020
Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
by Tom Athron ’21
Armenia and Azerbaijan’s conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has roots that extend back through history, was resolved on Nov. 11.
15 Nov. 2020
COVID-19 Threatens Human Rights Activists
by Jenna Park ’21
Although it’s risky to hold massive protests, it is possible to follow the CDC’s COVID-19 precautions while spreading awareness for human rights.
11 Oct. 2020
California’s Raging Wildfires
by Madhumita Kannan ’22
Only in 2020 would a baby gender reveal cause a whole state to catch on fire and impact the rest of the world. Other conditions, such as strong winds and high temperatures, have fanned the flames, but the fire was ignited by the gender reveal’s smoke-generating fireworks.
4 Oct. 2020
Making a Global Change: The French BLM
by Meghana Paturu ’22
Even though the tragedy of George Floyd touched the hearts of the American people, it also reignited calls for justice all over the world.
11 Oct. 2020
New Bill Allows California’s Ex-Inmates to Become Firefighters
by Elizabeth Yang ’22
On Friday, September 11th, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Bill AB 2147, extinguishing inmate firefighters’ records and paving the way for them to become firefighters when released.
4 Oct. 2020
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