News Brief: Oct. 24-28

Overview:

Putin Watches First Russian Nuclear Drill Since Invasion of Ukraine

Iran Protests: Clashes with Crowds Continue at Cemetery

National Geographic Top Destinations for 2023

Gov. Stitt Appoints New District Attorney for Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties

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International

Putin Watches First Russian Nuclear Drill Since Invasion of Ukraine

On Thursday, Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from the Arctic to Kura, a remote testing site in Russia’s far east.

This was part of Russia’s annual exercises for strategic nuclear forces, but comes not long after they made, as of yet, unsubstantiated claims, saying Ukraine intends to use a “dirty bomb,” that is, an explosive mixed with radioactive material.

According to the BBC, Russia has a large array of nuclear-capable weaponry: 1,185 intercontinental ballistic missiles, 800 submarine-launched ballistic missiles and 580 air-launched ballistic missiles from nuclear bombers. That’s 2,565 in total.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov does not think Putin will resort to nukes, but Putin’s veiled threat after being backed into a corner is “very bad,” according to Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief.

Read more on this story here.

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Iran Protests: Clashes with Crowds Continue at Cemetery

29 children are among 234 total protestors reported as killed by crackdowns on “riots,” according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based organization.

The protests began shortly after Mahsa Amini, 22, died in custody on Sept. 16 after being arrested for wearing her hijab “improperly.” Allegedly, officers physically abused Amini but deny mistreatment, claiming she died of a heart attack.

The latest crackdowns came on Wednesday, the 40^th day after Amini’s death, a culturally significant occasion for Iranians, according to the BBC. These protests saw thousands journey to Amini’s grave as mourners, shouting chants of “Woman, life, freedom,” “Death to the dictator,” and more.

According to an anonymous eyewitness cited by Reuters, “Riot police shot mourners who gathered at the cemetery… Dozens have been arrested.”

For more on this story, click here.

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National

National Geographic Top Destinations for 2023

Each year, National Geographic releases a list of places to travel for the following year, divided into a handful of sections.

Amy Alipio, senior editor for National Geographic Travel, says 2023 will be a return to wonder as much as traveling in itself.

“When you are awed by something, you treat it with respect. And that spirit is something we want to encourage with this list,” Alipio said.

Their list is below. For more information on why these places were selected, click here.

National Geographic’s Best of the World 2023 list:

• CULTURE
  • Appian Way, Italy
  • Busan, South Korea
  • Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China
  • Egypt
  • Charleston, South Carolina
• NATURE
  • Scottish Highlands
  • Botswana
  • Slovenia
  • Big Bend National Park, Texas
  • Azores
• ADVENTURE
  • New Zealand
  • Choquequirao, Peru
  • Utah
  • Austrian Alps
  • Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico
• COMMUNITY
  • Dodecanese Islands, Greece
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Alberta, Canada
  • Laos
  • Ghana
• FAMILY
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • San Francisco Crosstown Trail, California
  • Colombia
  • Manchester, United Kingdom
  • Switzerland 

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Local

Gov. Stitt Appoints New District Attorney for Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties

Per Gov. Kevin Stitt’s appointment, Adam Panter is the new District Attorney for Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties following Allan Grubb’s resignation earlier this year.

“Adam is a well versed and experienced attorney who has dedicated the majority of his professional career serving the communities of Pottawatomie and Lincoln county,” Stitt said. “I am glad to have him continue to serve these counties and know he will do great work in this new role.”

Panter responded with gratitude and mission.

“I am excited and prepared to restore citizen’s faith in the Office of District Attorney for Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties,” Panter said. “I am especially grateful for the opportunity bestowed on me by Governor J. Kevin Stitt, granting me the ability to continue to seek our shared passion for justice, tempered with mercy.”

Click here to read more.