Amazonian fires threaten regional biodiversity and rainforest life

The Amazon rainforest, spanning eight countries and over 2 million square miles, experienced an 80 percent increase in fires this year. Fires are devastating local species and have international implications surrounding climate change and human consumption 

Prince Harry calls for ban of popular online game “Fortnite”

Prince Harry calls for ban of popular online game “Fortnite”

BY VICTORIA WANG ’20

Prince Harry called for a U.K. ban of the online survival game “Fortnite” on Thursday, April 4, claiming the game was “created to addict.” His remarks are the latest in an ongoing global debate on whether online gaming is detrimental to human health.

Home Away From MoHome: Northern Ireland’s political turmoil firsthand

BY LILY REAVIS ’21

Mount Holyoke’s study abroad program was one of the main factors contributing to my decision to attend the College. As a senior in high school, I dreamed about the semester I would spend abroad: walking along old European streets, visiting tourist sites like Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower and running daily errands in a glamorous city. Now, halfway through my experience, I wish that my prior viewpoint had made room for the less romantic aspects of living in a different country.

Yiqi Chen ’21’s Taste of Home: Beijing fire tripe

BY VICTORIA WANG ’20

Animal intestines, although unappetizing to many, are a delicacy to Yiqi Chen ’21, an international student from Beijing, China. Beef tripe in particular is one of Chen’s favorite foods from home. “Among the many Chinese ways of eating innards, Beijing’s ‘ re tripe’ is very special,” said Chen. “It is typical of Beijing-style street foods: simple and plain.”

Three female activists released from Saudi prison

BY SAMAN BHAT ’22

After 10 months of incarceration, three Saudi women’s rights activists — Iman al-Nafjan, a famous Saudi blogger, Aziza al-Youssef, a retired lecturer at King Saud University and Ruqaya al-Mohareb, an academic were temporarily released from prison. The women finally went home last Thursday, March 28 after being arrested along with over a dozen other activists in May of 2018.

New Zealand honors victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack

New Zealand honors victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack

BY LEEN RHAZI ’22

One week after the March 15 terrorist attack that killed 50 Muslims at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, 5,000 mourners gathered in a park across from Al Noor for a Muslim prayer service. At the service, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered a speech dressed in a black headscarf prior to broadcasting the Islamic call to prayer, or adhan, nationwide.

Second annual Irish Fest celebrates Irish music and dance

Second annual Irish Fest celebrates Irish music and dance

BY CASEY ROEPKE ’21

Mount Holyoke’s Folk Music and Dance Society (FMDS) hosted their second annual Irish Fest, celebrating Irish music, dance and heritage, on the night of Saturday, March 23. An Irish flag hung vertically against the window of the Abbey-Buckland multipurpose space as traditional Irish instrumental music played and students and community members ate soda bread, sipped ginger beer and took their seats.

US-North Korea nuclear summit ended without deal

US-North Korea nuclear summit ended without deal

BY VICTORIA WANG ’20

The world’s eyes were on the nuclear talks between North Korea and the United States on Thursday, Feb. 28, expecting a disarmament deal between the two countries. Despite expectations, the talks were inconclusive and ended before a deal was reached.

US attempts to share nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia

US attempts to share nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia

BY SAMAN BHAT ’22

The Democrat-controlled House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued an interim staff report raising concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to share U.S. nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia last Tuesday, Feb. 19. The contents of the report have opened up an of cial investigation into the administration’s actions.

Egyptian president’s term may be extended to last until 2034

Egyptian president’s term may be extended to last until 2034

BY LEEN RHAZI ’22

The appearance of Egyptian democracy changed on Feb. 14 when Egypt’s parliament overwhelmingly voted to approve constitutional changes that could possibly extend President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi’s time in office by another 12 years.

Recent bombings reignite Indo-Pakistani tensions

BY VICTORIA WANG ’20

Kashmir, a state in northern India, was hit by a bomb blast on Thursday, Feb. 14, in the province’s most dire attack in over 30 years. A car loaded with explosives struck a convoy carrying approximately 2,500 troops to Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir.

U.S. and Russia pull out of nuclear treaty

U.S. and Russia pull out of nuclear treaty

BY CASEY ROEPKE

In the two years since Donald Trump’s inauguration, his relationship with Russia has been questioned many times. From Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election to a dossier claiming Trump once paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed in Moscow, Trump and Russia have become inextricable in the American consciousness. However, this close relationship was strained when the U.S. government, under the instruction of President Trump, dropped out of a nuclear arms control treaty on Feb. 1. The move was matched by Russia, where President Putin also suspended the treaty.

Mount Holyoke’s China Night a success

Mount Holyoke’s China Night a success

BY VICTORIA WANG ’20

As 5 p.m. approached on Friday, Feb. 8, the line of students in front of Chapin Auditorium already reached Skinner Green. Chinese students at Mount Holyoke College were ready to deliver a grand showcase to celebrate their most prestigious traditional festival, the Chinese New Year, and the rest of the Mount Holyoke community was eager to participate.