Mount Holyoke screens Baba Hillman’s film, ‘Kitâb al-Isfâr: Book of the Journey

Mount Holyoke screens Baba Hillman’s film, ‘Kitâb al-Isfâr: Book of the Journey

It was movie night in Gamble Auditorium on Sept. 12, where the Religion, French, Art Studio and Film Media Theater departments held a joint screening of Baba Hillman’s film “Kitâb al-Isfâr: Book of the Journey.” Hillman, who is a Five College professor emerita of film and video at Hampshire College, was present for the screening and later had a discussion with Elliot Montague, assistant professor of film production in the FMT department, who is also her former student. The film recounts Hillman’s experience after surviving a car crash in the Andalusian mountains just outside of Malaga, and how her experiences in the immediate aftermath segued into her travels and learning experiences. Professor Montague said on bringing the film to Mt. Holyoke “As a former Five College Professor who taught film production in the consortium for over 20 years, she had taught at every college except Mount Holyoke. She has however taught several Mt. Holyoke students in the past through her Paris filmmaking course, as well as at Hampshire. We thought this would be a great opportunity for her to show her recent work here and connect with our students.”

Lower house of the Mexican legislature passes judicial reform plan

Lower house of the Mexican legislature passes judicial reform plan

In Mexico, judges may soon be chosen by ballot. On Sept. 4, the lower house of Mexico’s Congress passed a proposal that would redesign the entire judiciary of Mexico, according to the New York Times. The plan would allow almost all of the country’s judges — more than 7,000 — to be elected by voters, be they at the federal, state or local level. Currently, the Mexican president appoints judges by virtue of their qualifications and training.

The I word: how immigration policy is impacting elections in 2024

The I word: how immigration policy is impacting elections in 2024

The stars have aligned in 2024: around half of the global population is living in a country going through an election cycle, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Immigration and migration policy have been key issues throughout several campaigns across the globe. In this article, Mount Holyoke News will explore how individual countries and their leaders are navigating the topic of immigration politically during their election cycles.

What to know about Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s new reformist president

What to know about Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s new reformist president

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian defeated ultraconservative Saeed Jalili in a runoff on July 5, 2024, winning Iran’s presidential election, according to AP News. The win comes at a time when Iran has received significant international attention due to its strict religious domestic policy and anti-Israel foreign policy. This election’s result may signify a shift in politics for Iran.

“The forgotten tragedy:” Sudan’s civil war leads to humanitarian crisis, affecting millions

“The forgotten tragedy:” Sudan’s civil war leads to humanitarian crisis, affecting millions

For over a year, the civil war in Sudan has terrorized civilians and led to an expanding humanitarian crisis affecting the entire nation.

On April 15, 2023, fighting escalated between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces.This has caused more than 8.6 million people in Sudan to be displaced internally and externally as refugees, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency. Essential services are also under attack, leaving communities without healthcare options.

World leaders come together for 2024 G7 Summit in Italy

World leaders come together for 2024 G7 Summit in Italy

It was a game of who’s who at Borgo Egnazia resort, where the 2024 G7 Summit was held in the town of Fasano, Apulia in southern Italy. The event was a gathering of various world leaders and important figures on the world stage.

From June 13 to 15, the G7 Summit brought together all seven member states, including the U.S., France, Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy and the U.K. This year, that leader was Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, according to the summit’s website.

Global incumbents face losses as voters across the world demand change

Global incumbents face losses as voters across the world demand change

2024 has been, and continues to be, a big year for elections. At least 64 countries will have participated in national elections by the end of December, with roughly half of the world’s population as constituents.

Just in the last month, numerous crucial elections took place, overwhelmingly resulting in incumbents losing their positions across the globe. 

Vietnamese billionaire sentenced to death in the country’s biggest fraud case

Vietnamese billionaire sentenced to death in the country’s biggest fraud case

In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through Vietnam’s legal and financial sectors, Trương Mỹ Lan, a prominent billionaire and former chairperson of a major conglomerate, has been sentenced to death for her involvement in the largest fraud case in the country’s history, the Associated Press reported. 

Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro visits Mount Holyoke College, discusses Afro-Puerto Rican feminism

Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro visits Mount Holyoke College, discusses Afro-Puerto Rican feminism

Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro, an Afro-Puerto Rican activist and writer, graced Mount Holyoke College and the surrounding community with facilitated discussions around Puerto Rico and the importance of her movement: the Ancestras — Spanish for ancestors. 

Taiwan hit by largest earthquake in quarter of a century

 Taiwan hit by largest earthquake in quarter of a century

Taiwan was rocked by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that killed nine people and injured over 1,000. The earthquake struck Hualien County on April 3, BBC News reported. The earthquake was the largest to hit Taiwan in 25 years and caused tsunami alerts in Japan and the Philippines. In September 1999, the island was struck by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that killed 2,400 people.  

Thailand could become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage

Thailand could become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage

In a landmark decision, Thailand is poised to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage and the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, TIME magazine reported. This move marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand.

Doctors' strike grips South Korea: Patients struggle as negotiations stall

Doctors' strike grips South Korea: Patients struggle as negotiations stall

South Korea’s healthcare system faces a significant upheaval as doctors continue their strike, demanding better pay and working conditions. The ongoing protest has raised concerns about the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for millions of citizens.

The strike started in early February in response to a government proposal to increase the admissions quota for medical schools, The New York Times reported. The government had aimed to address the shortage of doctors in key professions; however, doctors have fiercely criticized the move, saying that it does not address the long-standing structural problems of the medical field, according to Euronews Health.

Kate Middleton announces cancer diagnosis, quieting disinformation on her whereabouts

Kate Middleton announces cancer diagnosis, quieting disinformation on her whereabouts

After weeks of international speculation about her whereabouts and well-being, Catherine, Princess of Wales, also known affectionately by the public as Princess Kate, announced her cancer diagnosis, The New York Times reported. 

In a video recorded by BBC Studios, the princess explained that after undergoing surgery in January, doctors discovered cancer growths. Since then, she has begun preventative chemotherapy. She did not specify the type of cancer she was diagnosed with and asked for privacy for her and her family to navigate these circumstances. 

Mexico poised to elect its first woman president in June 2024, polls show

Mexico poised to elect its first woman president in June 2024, polls show

On June 2, 2024, millions of Mexicans will vote for their new government leaders.

With departing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ineligible for reelection, the stage is set for a showdown between his protégée, Claudia Sheinbaum — who most recently served as mayor of Mexico City — and the representative of the conservative coalition, Xóchitl Gálvez.

Former prime minister Alexander Stub emerges victorious in Finland's 2024 Election

Former prime minister Alexander Stub emerges victorious in Finland's 2024 Election

Alexander Stubb, the former prime minister of Finland, has seized a victory in the presidential election, marking a significant turning point in Finnish politics. His win comes amidst heightened tensions in the Baltic region and a growing concern over Finland’s security alliance.