It’s been awhile—reasons 
Some of your Fellow Readers…
World News
- Yellen, caught between markets and US Congress, tweaks messageJanet Yellen is the face of US govt on the issue and her public comments have sent markets on a roller-coaster ride.
- Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 394As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 394th day, we take a look at the main developments.
- China authorities raid US due diligence firm, detain staffRaid on the Mintz Group office in Beijing comes as China prepares to hold its annual economic forum.
- US says air strikes hit Syria targets after deadly drone attackPentagon said air strikes were carried out in retaliation for drone attack on US base that killed one and injured five.
- Zelenskyy calls on EU to give jets, missiles or expect a long warUkraine president's comments on need for weapons represents an unusually open display of frustration with EU leaders.
- Crypto founder Do Kwon indicted in US after Montenegro arrestCo-founder of Singapore-based Terraform Labs faces eight charges, including securities fraud and wire fraud.
- N Korea tests new underwater nuclear attack ‘drone’: State mediaDrone cruised underwater for 59 hours, then detonated in an exercise designed to deter S Korea and US forces: KCNA.
- US accuses top Paraguay politicians of corruption, spurring probeParaguay's ex-president and current vice president are under investigation for alleged corruption – charges they deny.
- Canada to roll back asylum access in reported agreement with USRefugee groups condemn anticipated decision to expand Canada's ability to reject asylum seekers at the US border.
- China’s huge quarantine camps standing months after ‘zero COVID’Satellite imagery shows facilities are still intact nearly four months after end of Beijing's draconian pandemic policy.
- Capitol riot: Woman accused of stealing Pelosi’s laptop sentencedUS prosecutors say Riley June Williams acted as an 'accelerant' who 'exacerbated the mayhem' on January 6, 2021.
Global Voices
- ‘Winnie the Pooh’ horror film pulled in Hong KongHK's censor approved the film, but it was later axed without explanation. Mainland Chinese censors regularly ban images of the cartoon bear as many compare it to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Argentine feminist movement continues to diversify its ranksIn 2023, feminist struggles in Argentina continue to diversify as the realities of all women are being taken into account both in their activities and in their identities.
- Global Voices seeks a Social Media Global Fellow for Sub-Saharan Francophone Africa Global Voices seeks a Social Media Global Fellow for Francophone Africa to engage with audiences and create attractive content.
- Global Voices seeks a Social Media Team Lead Global Voices is seeking a Social Media Team Lead who is responsible for managing all social media platforms for Global Voices and leading a team of colleagues.
- Central Asians fighting in Ukraine are both defending and attacking itThe authorities in Central Asia have issued stern warnings to their citizens not to fight in Ukraine, threatening lengthy prison sentences for participating in armed conflicts abroad as mercenaries.
- Weathering Russian xenophobia in everyday lifeIn recent months, there has been more talk about "Russophobia" — anti-Russian sentiment. What they face is nothing compared to what national minorities face in Russia.
- How young people around the world experience AI, in their own words“AI is more present in our daily lives than we think, and that policymakers should’ve acted to regulate the industry from very early on.”
- What is wrong with Azerbaijan’s mentality towards its womenRegardless of their age, profession, or status, a woman’s life is narrowed down to her body, its worth, and shape. Her dignity and privacy are disrespected and Azerbaijan’s patriarchal, macho mentality supports this.
- Yanomami children die of malnutrition and disease in tragedy for Brazil's Indigenous peopleIllegal mining and a lack of government action left the Yanomami people - who live in Brazil's largest Indigenous territory - in a humanitarian tragedy, facing hospitalizations and deaths from malnutrition and other diseases.
- Seven-year-old Coryn Anaya Clarke, a self-published author from Trinidad & Tobago, wants kids to know the joy of readingCan a seven-year-old encourage other children to read by writing and publishing her own stories? This young Trinidadian author is certainly trying.
- Coastal erosion redraws St. Vincent’s north-east coastOver the past several years, as climate change impacts like hurricanes, droughts, floods and rising sea levels have taken their toll, the tiny Caribbean nation has had to take action.
Bahá’í World News
- “A collaborative artistic effort”: Architect reflects on DRC temple project Architect Heinrich Wolff’s journey in designing the DRC temple emphasizes collaboration, unity, and inspiration from the Bahá’í principle of service to humanity.
- Bahai.org: New section on Bahá’í calendar added to siteNew Bahai.org section offers an overview of the Bahá’í calendar, significant dates, and a downloadable calendar with Bahá’í dates mapped on Gregorian ones.
- Maryland Bahá’í Chair: Marking 30 years of promoting dialogue and peaceThe 30th anniversary of the Bahá’í Chair at the University of Maryland provides an opportunity to reflect on long-standing efforts to foster a more harmonious world.
- Black History Month: House of Worship fosters onenessBahá’í temple in the United States hosts event during Black History Month promoting racial harmony and social cohesion.
- BIC New York: Women’s engagement in reimagining digital technologiesA new BIC statement explores the impact of digital technologies on women and the need for much greater inclusion of women in the processes of innovation.
- BIC Brussels: Policies alone not sufficient to address racial prejudiceThe Bahá’í International Community’s statement calls for a shift in how institutions view human capacity, suggesting grassroots participation in policymaking processes.
- Türkiye: Emergency desk created to coordinate relief effortsThe Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly’s emergency desk coordinates relief efforts through informal networks formed among participants of community-building initiatives.
- Kazakhstan: The arts can foster social harmonyThe Bahá’ís of Kazakhstan explore how the arts can awaken noble sentiments and play an in important part in contributing to social progress.
- Brazil: Transcending divisions through a shared identityA public hearing organized by the Bahá’ís of Brazil explores overcoming divisions of “us” and “them” through a recognition of humanity’s spiritual nature.
Notes from An Alien 