Wednesday, July 27th top stories
Hello there! I will be subbing for Alex for today’s top news. Today is Wednesday, July 27th. Here are the top stories.
China threats of consequences for USA if Pelosi visits Taiwan
China threatens the U.S. with “serious consequences” if they allow the US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan. There is no confirmed plans yet about Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, but there were plans back in April and she had to cancel due to her being tested positive for COVID-19.
Taiwan is a self-ruling country, but that is not how China sees it. China sees Taiwan as part of their territory. U.S.has an informal relationship with Taiwan. The Chinese government and military oppose foreign visits and expressions of support towards Taiwan.
Pelosi has been openly critical about the Chinese government. Last week, the U.S. military told Biden that they do not think it is a good idea for Pelosi to visit, but the White House thinks the threats from China are unnecessary.
Michael Green, a Center for Strategic and International Studies in D.C. representative said it is a tough call for the administration to decide. The reason is that if the U.S. gives in to China’s threats, this will invite more threats and pressure in the future if another crisis comes along. If they send Pelosi to visit Taiwan, this will escalate tensions in the relationship between Taiwan and China.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said they will strongly respond if Pelosi comes and “do what they say.” A retired editor of the Global Times news in China mentioned on his Twitter: “If the US can’t restrain her, let China restrain her and punish her. [The Chinese] Air Force will surely make her visit a disgrace to herself and the U.S.”
The U.S. security mentioned if Pelosi decides to visit Taiwan, extra military protection might be necessary. Some analysts think it is possible China’s threats are “empty”. In other words, nothing will really happen.
Tomorrow, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi are set to have a phone call tomorrow to discuss different topics, but Pelosi’s visit is not one of them. If Pelosi goes, she will be the highest ranking person (after the Vice President) to visit Taiwan since 1997.
Russia to leave space station after 2024
Russia has decided to pull out of the International Space Station (ISS) after 2024 and focus on building their own space station.
NASA and other international partners were hoping to keep that space station running until 2030, but Russia was not in full agreement, hence their decision to pull out after 2024. The USA and Russia have been working with that space station for almost 30 years.
USA Today mentioned that part of the reason for Russia’s decision is the dissolving relationship between USA and Russia.
Science historian Jordan Brimm mentioned that it is possible to run that station without Russia, but it also depends on if Russia will give the USA and other countries a hard time.
That space station is joined by the USA, Canada, Japan, Europe, and Russia. That station typically has a crew of 7 people inside at a time. Currently, 3 Russians, 2 Americans, and 1 Italian are inside the station. The station has two complexes- one is run by Russia and the other is run by USA and other countries. News articles mention that it is not clear what will happen to the other complex when Russia leaves.
NASA has been working with other US companies to have their own private space stations and replace the ISS.
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Update on WNBA star Brittney Griner detained in Russia
This is an update on the WNBA star Brittney Griner and her trial in Russia. Today, she testified in the Russian courtroom as part of her ongoing trial on drug charges. She mentioned that when she was stopped at the airport, she had to sign some documents that she did not fully understand what the document said. She was using Google translate to help but barely could understand. When she was taken, there was no attorney present and her rights were not explained to her. According to the Russian law, when someone is taken, there has to be an attorney and their rights has to be explained, but that did not happen with Brittney. Brittney’s attorney said the search and arrest were improper.
CNN mentioned that the Biden administration offered Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms trafficker serving a 25 years prison sentence in exchange for Brittney and another American, Paul Whelan, who is also detained in Russia.
Brittney’s trial is expected to end early next month.
Soccer player dies after fight
Misael Sanchez (29) was injured after a brawl happened at an adult soccer game on July 10th, and then this recent Monday, he died. This adult soccer game was taken at the field of Oxnard High School in California. Sanchez was one of the soccer players. Apparently, both teams and some fans got into a big fight over a referee’s decision. This happened at around 11 am.
When the police arrived on the scene, they found Sanchez lying on the field, unresponsive and not breathing. One witness mentioned that Sanchez was assaulted by several people. He was taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition then 15 days later, he died.
One man has been arrested for battery, but the investigation is still ongoing. The police is asking for more witnesses or videos of the fight that day and asked people to report it to the Oxnard Police.
13 years old girl headed to medical school
Alena Wicker (13) is the youngest Black medical student in U.S. history. Wicker got accepted into three programs, and she plans to become a doctor by 18. After three universities offered her a spot, Wicker decided to pick the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Heersink School of Medicine.
Wicker graduated from high school last year. She is currently a student at Arizona State University and Oakwood University, earning two separate undergraduate degrees. Wicker told the Washington Post that she has good time management skills and is a disciplined person so that’s why she is able to do all of these.
She has a passion for STEM, NASA, and Legos. She posts about her journey on Instagram with the username @thebrownstemgirl.
That’s all for now! See you tomorrow. Stay with the light.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-62310576
Russia: https://www.npr.org/2022/07/26/1113683450/space-station-iss-russia-leaving-2024
Brittney: https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/27/europe/brittney-griner-testifies-russia-hearing/index.html
Soccer: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/soccer-player-dies-after-being-injured-in-on-field-brawl-during-game/
Wicker’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfcaGXljwE1/
https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/26/us/13-year-old-medical-school-alena-analeigh-wicker-reaj/index.html