Uncovering Information During the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Since the Israel-Palestine conflict resurged again on Oct. 7, students, professors and residents in Michigan have been pressured to choose one of two sides. The Palestine supporters in Greater Lansing include those originally from Palestine, who have family currently or formally there or for other reasons. 

Since the attacks, MSU’s Students United for Palestinian Rights (SUPR) have held multiple protests, rallies and discussions to gain support for people who are pro-Palestine, or those who want to have a better understanding of the conflict. Initially, they held a “Justice for Palestine” protest at the Michigan Capitol, where over 400 people gathered to support Palestine in its ongoing conflict with Israel. SUPR’s message was to “stop the genocide” and to “tell Biden and all elected officials to a ceasefire.”

Many attendees were wearing or waving the Palestine flag, throwing a fist in the air or holding signs.

Michigan jail inmate sues royal family

BUCKINGHAM: It may be the first lawsuit filed in the United States against members of the British Royal Family and Buckingham Palace since Charles III became king. An Isabella County Jail inmate claims to be the victim of their use of “spy technology” or “satellite monitoring” to invade his privacy and manipulate him through death threats. The handwritten federal court suit seeks $75,000 from the palace, Princes William and Harry, Princess Kate and President Biden. A University of DetroitMercy law professor says the case is unlikely to get anywhere. By Eric Freedman. FOR ALL POINTS.

Michigan’s connection to Queen Elizabeth II: Lamprey pie 

ROYALTY AND LAMPREY – The death of Queen Elizabeth II has one Great Lakes official recalling the time his agency provided the British monarch with invasive sea lamprey for several pies celebrating her reign. The practice featuring the Great Lakes invasive parasite is likely to continue with the crowning of King Charles III. By Douglas Tamru. FOR ALL POINTS.

Top 10 wheat-producing counties.

Michigan wheat farmers can’t make up for crops lost in Ukraine

WHEAT: The Ukraine-Russia war has disrupted the source of one-third of the world’s wheat crop, but Michigan farmers can’t plant more wheat to make up for Ukrainian and Russian production lost to the ongoing war. Top producers include Lenawee, Clinton, Monroe and Ionia counties. The Farm Bureau and an MSU agricultural economist discuss.For news and business sections. By Hope O’Dell. FOR GREENVILLE, IONIA, MONROE, BLISSFIELD, ADRIAN, MICHIGAN FARM NEWS, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, CORP! and ALL POINTS.

Ukraine turmoil impacts Michigan economy

While the Russia-Ukraine war is taking place across the Atlantic Ocean, the economical effects of it are being felt in the United States. 

Russia is one of the world’s largest exporters of oil and natural gas, particularly to

Europe, and the Russian invasion on Ukraine puts a major hold on many supply chains and imports. 

One of the courses that Pozo teaches is called “Hotspots in global affairs”, which was recently assigned  from a World Affairs Council lecture by Fiona Hill, a former intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia. Tommy Jelsomeno, a student at Western Michigan University studying global and international relations, said, “Especially with a lot of gas coming from both Russia and Ukraine, I think we’ll definitely see some domestic changes.”

Chart showing national average gas prices from one year ago and today. Information collected from GasBuddy Credit: Sarah Marilyn

“That possibility has pushed up the national average price of gasoline considerably in the last week, and the situation could worsen at any time, keeping gas prices elevated for the foreseeable future,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “In addition to the unstable situation with the Russian invasion, we’re also entering the time of year that seasonality pushes gasoline prices up by anywhere from 25 to 75 cents by Memorial Day. It’s simply looking like a perfect storm for motorists at the pump, with little to no relief anytime soon.”

According to GasBuddy the best days to fuel up are Friday and Monday.

Supporters of Ukraine color Detroit blue and yellow

Detroit’s Hart Plaza was filled with Ukrainian  blue and yellow Sunday as more than 1,000 people took to the streets to protest Russia’s invasion. Jack Moreland

Jack Moreland

Jack Moreland

Jack Moreland

Jack Moreland

Jack Moreland

Jack Moreland

Jack Moreland

Jack Moreland

Since the invasion began Feb. 24, there have been widespread calls for peace and an outcry against the Russian aggressors. In Detroit, people raised their voices, filled the sidewalks and marched from Hart Plaza through Campus Martius and back. 

The crowd often broke into song and exchanged cheers of “slava Ukraini” (glory to Ukraine) and its common response, “heroiam slava” (glory to the heroes). People in the crowd carried flags, balloons and signs.

College student outdoors with Ukrainian flag

“Slava Ukraini!” rally at MSU statue aids Ukrainians, seeks donations

“Slava Ukraini! Heroyam slava.” A chant for the Ukrainian people that stems back to the Ukraine war of Independence over a century ago has become synonymous with Ukraine’s pride. It means “Glory to Ukraine – Glory to the heroes.”

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continued to stagger the world, East Lansing residents supported Ukrainians Monday.

Russian President “Vladimir Putin ignited a war against democracy. It was war against people who decide to settle their differences in a room as opposed to in a tank – with representatives as opposed to with bombs,” said law student Andrew Haftkowycz.

El DIF is located on Adolfo López Mateos street, in San Ignacio Cerro Gordo.

Community center el DIF makes a difference in Mexican town

SAN IGNACIO CERRO GORDO, JALISCO MÉXICO – Luz Maria Gonzalez Jimenez, a stay-at-home mom, receives physical therapy at the rehabilitation center at el DIF. The National System for Integral Family Development, or DIF, is a Mexican public institution of social assistance that focuses on strengthening and developing the welfare of the Mexican families. It is in charge of providing food to the people in need, along with other resources. 

“I had surgery in my spine, and they have given me therapies that have really helped me,” Gonzalez said. 

She comes Monday-Friday for about one hour daily. Gonzalez found out about the services through her neighbor who would also come and has now recovered. Gonzalez is not from San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, but is from La Capilla De Guadalupe, about a 15-minute drive from the town. 

“Doctor Rodrigo has been the one helping me, and the therapists are very professional and kindhearted people.

Jose Nieves Arámbula Gutiérrez, the town’s announcer is from SICG.

In Mexican town, a local resident announces the news – from his car

SAN IGNACIO CERRO GORDO, JALISCO, MEXICO – In the mountain region of Jalisco, resources are very limited. While many other towns and municipalities get their local news from TV stations or radio, here in this community it is very different. Jose Nieves Arámbula Gutiérrez, best known as “Nieves,” drives a red Ford Fusion with speakers, cruising through town to announce what is happening from sports to publicity.