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Articles by Marena Riggan
PSU’s new Cuba club advocates for solidarity
As one entered the Smith Memorial Student Union second-floor lounge at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 5, they would find a curious sight. Tucked in the right-side corner of the room, abutting the Littman Gallery and the panoramic row of windows overlooking the South Park Blocks, sat a huddled group of twelve students facing a large paper sign affixed to the wall, which read “PSU Cuba Solidarity,” flanked on either side by two speakers, Stella Burlingame and Michael Chamberlain.
This Week Around the World
March 22 Geneva, Switzerland: A survey of 6,475 cities on Tuesday displayed that not a single country managed to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality standard in 2021, according to Reuters. Smog was shown to have rebounded in some areas following a dip due to COVID-19. The recommendations from WHO stated that the average annual reading for small and hazardous airborne particles—known as PM2.5—should not be any higher than five micrograms per cubic meter.
Snob-free coffee?
Step into Deadstock Coffee, located on 403 NW Couch Street, and your view of coffee shops might be changed. With its snazzy personality and atmosphere of creativity, Deadstock sets itself apart from other, more traditional shops in the coffee mecca that is Portland, Oregon. Deadstock showcases rare footwear and popping art in a venue that feels like a creative workspace.
Back-and-forth sanctions accuse China of human rights violations
China placed sanctions on several British politicians on March 26, following the move of the United Kingdom to join the European Union and other countries in sanctioning Chinese officials for alleged human rights violations, according to AP News. The Chinese government is accused of detaining Muslim Uighur people in mass detention centers in the Xinjiang region.
International Women’s Day around the world
International Women’s Day, celebrated every March 8, is typically seen as a day to celebrate the achievements of women and the progress made in terms of gender equity.
Dutch government resigns due to welfare fraud scandal
Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands resigned along with his entire cabinet on Jan. 15. This came in the wake of an ongoing scandal where thousands of families were falsely accused of defrauding the government, according to BBC. In 2005, the Dutch government passed the Childcare Act, which provided low-income families with money to pay for daycare and babysitting for their children.
This Week Around The World
November 23, Warsaw, Poland: Police clashed with protesters outside of the Education Ministry during a women-led protest focusing on reproductive rights and education reform. A large poster was unveiled outside of the ministry building reading: “Free Abortion, Free Education” as reported by Reuters. Protests began in Poland in October when a court decision almost created a near total ban on abortions. Several people were detained—including a photojournalist—for assault of a police officer. On Nov.
This week around the world
October 13 Cyprus: The Cyprus government announced the end of an investment visa program known as “golden passports” in a tweet. The program—which allowed foreigners to obtain Cyprus Citizenship by investing over $2 million in the country—had raised approximately $7 billion dollars since its inception in 2008. However, it was also criticized as a gateway to corruption.
Five reasons why voting matters
With the Nov. 3 election coming up, political campaigns, advocacy groups, universities and even social media platforms are engaging in extensive efforts to increase voter registration and remind people to fill out their ballots. Clearly, there is concern that too many Americans will once again stay away from the polls, considering voter turnout has hovered around a measly 55% of the voting age population during the last few presidential elections.
- Vanguard
Young Voters: Register Today and Make a Voting PlanEvery day, young people like yourselves take action to better communities all across Oregon. Since becoming your Governor, I’ve worked with students who demand action on climate change by coming to the capitol and testifying in record numbers, making phone calls, and holding walk-outs on their campuses. I’ve held the hands of grieving students and their families in the wake of the Umpqua Community College shooting.
Have You Heard? - Vanguard
Hey, how have you been? Hopefully, your brief break wasn’t too rough, and if you’re taking the summer off then hopefully your transition into a less academic and more chill mode—if that’s possible nowadays—has been smooth! Alrighty, anyway… Have you heard about the next round of CARES Act funding coming available soon?
Election blunder triggers protests in Dominican Republic
Protesters gather outside the Electorate in Dominican Republic on Feb. 20, 2020. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Protests erupted in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo last month after a Feb. 16 municipal election was suddenly cancelled due to technical difficulties. The election was suspended by officials four hours after voting began due to alleged issues with electronic voting technology.
This Week Around the World – June 16–23: - Vanguard
UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard concluded this week there was credible evidence linking the Saudi royal family including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the murder of self-exiled journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons June 16 Argentina; Uruguay; Paraguay: All of Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Paraguay experienced a massive power outage, leaving some 50 million people without power.
This Week Around the World – May 26–June 2: - Vanguard
May 26–27 Brazil: Prison riots across four different jails in Brazil left almost 60 people dead in two days. According to The Independent, the first riot broke out around noon on May 26 at the Anisio Jobim Prison Complex when inmates began fighting during visiting hours. Before security forces were able to regain control, 15 people were killed by strangulation or stabbed using sharpened toothbrushes as visitors looked on.
This Week Around the World – May 19–26: - Vanguard
Saudi Arabia planning to execute Muslim scholar and cleric Salman al-Odah. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons May 21 Central African Republic: Dozens of people are dead after the armed militia known as Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation (3R) attacked several villages in the northwest region of Pahoua near the border with Chad, The Washington Post reports.
This Week Around the World – May 12-19: - Vanguard
Pride parade in Taiwan, 2018. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons May 13–17 United States; China: President Donald Trump followed through with his decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports last week. Reuters reported China officially announced its decision to increase tariffs on $60 billion of U.S.–supplied goods on May 13. This prompted three major U.S. stock market indexes—NASDAQ Composite, S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Advantage—to drop by the largest margins since the beginning of 2019.
‘Stranger in a Strange Land’
The Dallah is a traditional Arabic coffee pot. Bo Koering/PSU Vanguard Hung on the walls of the Portland State Native American Student and Community Center for the Annual Palestinian Cultural Night were two of local Palestinian-American artist Kanaan Kanaan’s tapestries. One of the art installations pictured a dove flying into the sunset with its tail made up of names of Palestinians who died during the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
This Week Around the World – May 5–10: - Vanguard
President Trump and Vice Premier Liu He, along with other U.S. Representatives meet to discuss trade. April 4, 2019. Courtesy of Creative Commons May 5 Khimki, Russia: At least 41 people, including two children, were killed while another six were hospitalized after a passenger jet caught fire while making a crash landing.
This Week Around the World – April 28–May 5: - Vanguard
Japanese Emperor Akihito has stepped down from the throne after thirty years, ending the Heisei era. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. April 28 Burkina Faso: Six people were killed in an attack on a Christian church following Sunday service in northern Burkina Faso. Al Jazeera reported armed attackers riding on motorbikes fired at the congregation as they were exiting the church in the small town of Silgadhi, killing five worshipers and a pastor. Two others have been reported missing.
This Week Around the World – April 21-27: - Vanguard
Two journalist arrested for possessing classified documents could be remain in prison. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons April 21–25 South Africa: The nation’s eastern provinces experienced massive flooding and mudslides throughout the week after torrential rains began on April 21. Al Jazeera reported 23 people either drowned or were crushed while 32 were hospitalized by April 23. By April 25 Reuters reported the death toll had risen to over 70.
This Week Around the World – April 14–21: - Vanguard
New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas made a strong statement against a vigilante group along the U.S.-Mexico border. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons April 15–16 Paris: The Notre Dame Cathedral became engulfed in flames when a fire broke out on the morning of April 15 and continued until the next day. The 12th-century structure became the center of international media attention due to the extent of the blaze.
Prime Minister Netanyahu re-elected
Ballots for the Israel Legislative election, 2019. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Despite a close race in Israel’s April 9 snap elections, Benjamin Netanyahu won his fifth consecutive term, making him the longest serving prime minister in Israeli history. Various exit polls, reported through Haaretz’ live coverage, originally showed Netanyahu either tied or slightly behind Benny Gantz of the Kahol Lavan party.
This Week Around the World – April 7-14: - Vanguard
Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño speaking with Julian Assange in London, 2013. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons April 7–13 Libya: Clashes between the two governments in Libya continued for the second week as the UN prepared a counteroffensive dubbed “Volcano of Anger” on April 7 in response to the opposition forces of General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army.
This Week Around the World – March 31–April 7: - Vanguard
Demonstration by Chicago Area Peace Action, each backpack represents a child killed in a bombing by Saudi Arabia, with a bomb manufactured by Lockheed-Martin. April 2 Venezuela: Legislators have stripped opposition leader Juan Guaidó of parliamentary immunity which would allow for his arrest and prosecution, The Telegraph reported. Guaidó declared himself president on Jan.
Trump gives Israeli prime minister Syrian territory
During the Arab-Israeli war, an Isreali tank moves through Golan Heights, October 1973. Courtesy of Creative Commons. President Donald Trump announced via Twitter his move to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. He made the decision official at a signing ceremony on March 26 during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit.
This Week Around the World–March 24–31: - Vanguard
Sana’a is the capital of Yemen and an UESCO World Heritage Site. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons March 26 Yemen: Thousands of Yemenis came to the capital city of Sanaa in support of the Houthi rebel movement amid the ongoing conflict, Deutsche Welle reported. It’s been four years since the Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates coalition began its intervention backing the Yemeni government against the Iranian-backed Houthis.
This Week Around the World – March 17-24: - Vanguard
Satellite image of Cyclone Idai near the Sofala province of Mozambique, March 14. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons March 18 Costa Rica: Prominent indigenous rights activist Sergio Rojas was found dead in his home on March 18 after being shot by unknown assailants, Democracy Now! reported. Rojas had worked to ensure the rights of the indigenous Bribrí people and had survived at least one previous assassination attempt.
Israel opens elections early due to alleged corruption
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was honored by Hudson Institute with the Herman Kahn Award, 2016. Courtesy of Hudson Institute. Due in large part to criminal allegations of corruption against current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israelis will go to the polls on April 9 to elect a new Knesset, the national legislature of Israel.
This Week Around the World March 3–10: - Vanguard
After Ethiopian Airline crash, China has decided to ground all 96 of their Boeing 737 Max 8 airplanes. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons March 3 Venezuela: The German Ambassador to Venezuela Daniel Kriener was declared persona non grata and told on March 3 to leave the country within 48 hours.
This Week Around the World – Feb. 24–March 3: - Vanguard
A $1 Million reward has been put out for Hazma Bin Laden, a key leader of Al-Qaeda, and son of former leader Osama Bin Laden. Courtesy of Rewardsforjustice.net Feb. 26–March 2 Hanoi, Vietnam: U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un arrived in the capital of Vietnam on Feb. 26 ahead of the 2019 North Korea–U.S. Hanoi Summit, which began on Feb. 27. According to Al Jazeera, the summit ended on Feb.
This Week Around the World – Feb. 17–24: - Vanguard
Conference Chief Wolfgang Ischinger speaks during the 55th Munich Security Conference. Courtesy Kuhlmann/Munich Security Conference Feb. 17 Munich, Germany: The 55th Munich Security Conference ended on Feb. 17 after three days of events, deliberation and debates designed to build policy surrounding international security while tackling impediments to global security.
This Week Around the World – Feb. 17–24: - Vanguard
Conference Chief Wolfgang Ischinger speaks during the 55th Munich Security Conference. Courtesy Kuhlmann/Munich Security Conference Feb. 17 Munich, Germany: The 55th Munich Security Conference ended on Feb. 17 after three days of events, deliberation and debates designed to build policy surrounding international security while tackling impediments to global security.
This Week Around the World - Feb. 10–17: - Vanguard
Ainu couple with bowl and beard lifter. Courtesy Creative Commons Feb. 11–13 Iran: Iran celebrated the 40th anniversary of the 1979 revolution on Feb. 11, which is recognized officially as the day when revolutionary forces overwhelmed Iran’s military and ousted the U.S.-backed monarch Mohammad Reza Shah from power. As reported by Al Jazeera, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addressed the tens of thousands of people who had gathered in Tehran’s Azadi Square to celebrate amid heightened security.
This Week Around the World – Feb. 3–10: - Vanguard
Feb. 3 El Salvador: With 90 percent of ballots counted, Nayib Bukele of the Great National Alliance was declared the winner of El Salvador’s presidential election, breaking the country’s overwhelmingly two-party system. As reported by Reuters, Bukele has largely been seen as an outsider due to his third-party affiliation in a country dominated by the parties of the National Republican Alliance (ARENA) and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FLMN).
This Week Around the World – Jan. 27– Feb. 3: - Vanguard
Jan. 28 Venezuela: After recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as rightful president of Venezuela in what many have called a United States-backed coup, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced Jan. 28 the implementation of sanctions against Venezuelan oil by the Trump administration.
This Week Around the World – Jan. 20–27: - Vanguard
Jan. 20–21 Syria; Israel: Conflict between Iran and Israel intensified after strikes were exchanged between the two forces. Haaretz reports an attack on an airport near Damascus—which killed four and was believed to be the work of Israel—prompted a missile attack from within Syria, which was intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and identified as Iranian-made.
This Week Around the World – Jan. 14–20: - Vanguard
Jan. 14–18 Zimbabwe: In response to a hike in fuel prices, protests began throughout Zimbabwe on Jan. 14 in what has been dubbed the “stay-at-home” protests, according to The Guardian. The country’s inflation reached 31 percent in November while experiencing shortages in basic supplies including medicine, Reuters reports. Additionally, fuel prices increased from $1.32 a liter to $3.31 overnight. Between Jan. 14 and Jan.
This Week Around the World - Jan. 6-13:
Jan. 6 Saudi Arabia: In an effort to protect women’s rights, a new law effective as of Jan. 6 will allow women to be informed by Saudi courts of their divorce through text message, as reported by The Telegraph. Previous to the new law, men could file for divorce without informing their wives, a practice known as secret divorce.
Redefining ‘Refugee’
People leaving Sindh, Pakistan, into Balochistan, Pakistan. Courtesy of United Nations Development Programme While climate change continues to damage parts of the world, those displaced as a consequence do not meet the legal requirements to qualify for refugee status. In response to a growing number of displaced peoples as a result, 164 countries formally adopted the UN Global Compact for Migration on Dec. 10 and 11, 2018 in Marrakesh, which seeks to expand the definition of refugees.
This Week Around the World: Dec. 30-Jan. 6
Chinese Rover, Yutu-2 (The Jade Rabbit 2), located on the far side of the moon. Courtesy of China National Space Administration/Xinhua News Agency Dec. 30–Jan. 4 Bangladesh: Almost 100 million Bangladeshis voted in the country’s parliamentary elections despite widespread voter suppression conducted during the campaign.
This Week Around the World: Dec. 16-23:
Dec. 15–17 Somalia: After conducting a total of six air strikes between Dec. 15 and 16, the United States military confirmed Dec. 17 its Africa Command—or Africom—alongside Somali Armed Forces killed a total of 62 al-Shabab militant fighters, as reported by Deutsche Welle. The air strikes were conducted in an area along the coast south of the capital city Mogadishu. According to military officials, no civilians were injured or killed in the operation. Dec.
This Week Around the World: Dec. 9-16
Dec. 9–14 West Bank, Palestinian Territories: A manhunt ensued in the West Bank following a drive-by shooting which left seven wounded including a young pregnant woman, who was evacuated to a hospital in Jerusalem where she delivered the baby prematurely. The shooting occurred near the settlement of Ofra from a vehicle with Palestinian license plates, and the driver fled the scene following fire from the Israeli Defense Force.
Does captivity kill?
Does captivity kill? Elephants deserve more from us A one day old Asian elephant calf in the elephant maternity ward with her mother Rose-Tu at the Oregon Zoo. Courtesy Michael Durham/Oregon Zoo The logic used to justify elephant captivity and breeding in zoos is no longer appropriate. It’s time to rethink what living in captivity actually means, starting with Portland’s Oregon Zoo. The zoo’s 5-year-old elephant, Lily, died on Nov.
This Week Around the World: Dec. 2-9
Dec. 3 Qatar: The Gulf country announced Dec. 3 their decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries consisting of 15 member countries spanning the Middle East, Africa and South America. The decision was announced by Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, who emphasized Qatari efforts to develop and increase natural gas production. However, there is speculation the Saudi-led diplomatic blockade is another factor. Withdrawal from the organization will take effect Jan.
Jewish perspectives on Hanukkah as a Hallmark holiday
All 8 candles of a menorah remain lighted on the final night of Hanukkah. Courtesy Creative Commons Today marks the last day of Hanukkah, which begins annually on the 25th day of Kislev and spans eight days. According to NPR, the holiday commemorates a successful campaign led by Judas Maccabeus against the Seleucid Empire of the second century BCE, whose king enforced the worshipping of Greek gods. Associate Professor of Judaic Studies Loren Spielman commented on the history.
This Week Around the World - Nov. 25-Dec. 2
Nov. 25 Black Sea: In the latest confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian coast guard fired on three Ukrainian naval vessels, claiming they had traveled into Russian waters without authorization despite warnings. However, according to The Independent, Ukrainian authorities reported giving Russia “advance notice” to their presence in the Kerch Strait where the altercation erupted.
This Week Around the World - Nov. 18-25:
Nov. 20 Kabul, Afghanistan: At least 55 people were killed and 94 wounded in a suicide bombing, which targeted a gathering of top Sunni religious leaders celebrating the birth of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad, as reported by The Washington Post. Hundreds of Muslim scholars and clerics packed inside a large wedding hall in Afghanistan’s capital were reciting Quranic verses when the suicide bomber detonated his explosives.
Global table | Vanguard
Christmas Borscht Czerwony Barszcz, is a traditional Polish soup dating back to the 1500s, but variations of the dish exist in other parts of Eastern Europe. The soup is one of a 12-dish vegetarian Christmas Eve dinner called the Wigilia meal, a notable Polish tradition according to Dr. William Comer, director of the Russian Flagship Program at Portland State.
This Week Around the World: Nov. 11-18
Nov. 11–14 Israel; Gaza, Palestinian Territory: In the largest escalation of fighting since the 2014 Gaza War, the Gaza Strip and southern Israel exchanged fire for some 25 hours between Nov. 12–13, killing at least seven Palestinians and one Israeli. The escalation occurred after a botched undercover operation into the Strip on Nov. 11, conducted by Israeli special forces, which killed seven Palestinians including a top Hamas commander, named by Al Jazeera as Nour Baraka of the al-Qassam Brigades.
Winter in the Holy Land
Winter in the Holy Land Students to embark on trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories Portland State students visit the Path to Peace mosaic near Netiv Ha Asara, a moshav in Israel near the Gaza border. The wall features the words “Path to Peace” in English, Hebrew and Arabic.
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