By Matthew Manosh

Scroll down to links to videos from vigils

March 1, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- Local Ukrainian-Americans gathered in demonstrations these past few days in solidarity with their nation, which is under attack from Russian forces. Thursday night,  a prayer vigil was held in Santee on a vacant lot, where there are plans to build a Ukrainian Catholic Church. Father Yurii Sas of St. John the Baptizer Catholic Church in San Diego led his congregation in prayer and song, asking for God to protect his people in the Ukraine:

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: First night of bombing in Kyiv,via Kristine Alessio from a friend in Ukraine

February 27, 2022 (San Diego) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia’s nuclear deterrent missile system to be on high alert, in response to what he calls “dangerous rhetoric” from the West and growing resistance to Russian forces that have invaded the Ukraine, Reuters reports.

Also today, for the first time in history, the 27-nation member European Union today announced it will send weapons to a nation at war, the Ukraine. Europe and Canada have banned all Russian aircraft from their airspaces, including planes belonging to Russian Oligarchs. In addition, the EU also banned airing of broadcasts by RT (Russian Times), Russia’s state media outlet.

NATO has activated forces to defend NATO nations in the event Russia’s military aggression advances to other nations that are NATO members, which the Ukraine is not. Under the North American Treaty Organization alliance, an attack on one nation is considered an attack on all.

The Pentagon has responded to its NATO commitment by sending B-52 bombers to patrol the skies over Eastern European allied territory, Newsweek reports today.

While world leaders denounce Russia for violating international law,  on eve of invasion Trump praised Putin for recognizing separatist regions as independent, predicted Russian president intended to "keep the peace."

By Miriam Raftery

Updated 2:06 p.m. with additional comments from Sara Jacobs.

February 24, 2022 (San Diego) – In defiance of international law, according to the United Nations, Russia last night launched a full-scale attack on the Ukraine including missile attacks on the capital, Kyiv, military targets and other cities far beyond separatist regions in dispute. Russian troops and tanks are also moving in on three sides of the Ukraine in the largest military threat Europe has faced since World War II.

Ukraine’s leaders have fled the capitol.  Chillingly, today exiled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted, ““Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the Chernobyl [Nuclear Power Plant]. Our defenders are sacrificing their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated," rerferring to the core meltdown at the nuclear reactor site

He added, “This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe.” 

President Joe Biden condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for choosing ”a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” adding,”The world will hold Russia accountable.” In addition to sanctions already imposed, Biden announced he will convene a meeting of G7 leaders today and coordinate with NATO allies to ensure “a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of the Ukraine.”

February 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Biden said he'd put a Black woman on the Supreme Court. Here's who he may pick to replace Breyer (CNN)
• ‘That raise meant nothing’: Inflation is wiping out pay increases for most Americans (Washington Post)
• National School Boards Association stumbles into politics and is blasted apart (Washington Post)
• Former Trump campaign adviser acknowledges being part of 2020 fake electors plot (CNN)
• Read the never-issued Trump order that would have seized voting machines (Politico)

WORLD

• Biden orders nearly 3,000 U.S. troops to Eastern Europe to counter Russia (Reuters)
• Freedom convoy: Truckers cause chaos in Ottawa after second day of protests (BBC)
• Tonga volcano eruption may dwarf biggest nuclear tests, monitoring network says  (NPR)
• Calls for US to Stop Arming Saudis Following Deadly Airstrikes Against Yemen (Newsweek)
• Beijing's Olympic 'bubble' will be the most ambitious Covid quarantine ever attempted. Will it work?
• Russia toughens its posture amid Ukraine tensions (ABC News)

For excerpts and links to full story, click “read more” and scroll down.

January 20, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Supreme Court blocks Biden’s workplace vaccine rules, allows requirement for health-care workers (Washington Post)
• The Supreme Court Just Denied Trump’s Request Regarding Jan. 6 Records (Mother Jones)
• Manchin, Sinema join with GOP in rejecting attempt to change filibuster rules, effectively killing Democratic voting bill (Washington Post)
• Oath Keepers leader and 10 others charged with 'seditious conspiracy' related to US Capitol attack
• New FEMA program would place homeless disaster survivors in apartments instead of trailer parks (Washington Post)
• Atlanta D.A. Requests Special Grand Jury in Trump Election Inquiry (New York Times)
• RNC moves to require presidential candidates to skip traditional commission debates (The Hill)
• Supreme Court’s Gorsuch refused to wear mask despite request over Sotomayor’s Covid concerns, report says (CNBC)

WORLD

• Prince Andrew loses military titles and use of HRH (BBC)
• Analysis: Russian troop build-up sparks unintended NATO renewal (Reuters)
• Quebec will impose a tax on the unvaccinated  (NPR)
• Canada: Unvaccinated father loses right to see his child (BBC)

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December 23, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Why Christmas Gifts Are Arriving on Time This Year (New York Times)
• Deadly tornadoes leave path of destruction across six states: ‘It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen’ (Washington Post)
• Biden backs exception to filibuster for voting rights bill (The Hill)
• Deadly Collapse at Amazon Warehouse Puts Spotlight on Phone Ban (Bloomberg)
• Operation Whistle Pig: Inside the secret CBP unit with no rules that investigates Americans  (Yahoo News)
• Unruly behavior on flights could result in revoked TSA Pre-check, the FAA says  (NPR)
• Biden says ground troops ‘not on the table’ but Putin would face ‘severe’ sanctions for Ukraine invasion (Washington Post)
• Biden resists shutdowns as Omicron threat rises (The Hill)
• Derek Chauvin pleads guilty to violating George Floyd's rights (Reuters)

WORLD

• Biden signs bill punishing China for Uyghur abuses  (The Hill)
• Mexican cartels turning to meth and fentanyl production  (NPR)
• Putin says Russia has 'nowhere to retreat' over Ukraine (Reuters)
• Taliban chief bans forced marriage of women in Afghanistan (10 News)
• Pro-Beijing candidates sweep Hong Kong elections  (NPR)
• 'Biblical' flooding in South Sudan displaces hundreds of thousands (CNN)
• Kidnapped missionaries escaped their captors in Haiti, aid group says  (NPR)
• One of suspected killers of Saudi journalist Khashoggi arrested in France - RTL (Reuters)

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November 24, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Biden releasing oil from strategic petroleum reserve to help lower gas prices (CBS)
• Biden hopes fines on lingering cargo containers ease congestion at major U.S. ports (CNBC)
• January 6 committee flexes its power as Bannon indictment serves as a warning to other reluctant witnesses (CNN)
• US announces big hike in Medicare premiums (CNN)
• Jury finds all 3 defendants guilty of murder in Ahmaud Arbery's death  (USA Today)
• Rittenhouse acquittal magnifies divisions in a polarized America (Washington Post)
• This Colorado 'solar garden' is literally a farm under solar panels(NPR)

WORLD

• Indigenous voices stir debates at COP26 climate meeting (Indian Country Today
• French couple who said windfarm affected health win legal fight (The Guardian)
• Austria brings back COVID-19 lockdown, this time for the unvaccinated (Reuters)
• Singapore’s Unvaccinated Will Have to Foot $18,000 Covid Bills Now (Bloomberg)

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October 27, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Democrats at odds over 'billionaires tax' to fund sweeping Biden agenda (Reuters)
• A 19th-Century Law Dismantled The KKK. Now It Could Bring Down A New Generation Of Extremists (Huffington Post0
• Jan. 6 committee chair: 'No question' Capitol riot was a premeditated attack (The Hill)
• House January 6 committee unanimously votes to hold Steve Bannon in criminal contempt (CBS)
• Supreme Court won’t block Texas abortion law but grants expedited review for Nov. 1 (Washington Post)
• Colin Powell was vaccinated against Covid, but suffered from a cancer that makes the shots less effective (CNN)
• Ethics Group: 7 House Members Are Violating The STOCK Act (NPR)
• Dwindling Alaska salmon leave Yukon River tribes in crisis (AP)
• Even Colorado's Largest Wildfire Was No Match For Beavers (KUNC)

WORLD

• Haiti faces disasters and chaos. Its people are most likely to be denied U.S. asylum (NPR)
• Biden vows to stand with Asia on freedom, hits at China on Taiwan (Reuters)
• Syria executes 24 people charged with lighting wildfires that devastated the country last year (CNN)
• U.S. offers payments, relocation to family of Afghans killed in botched drone attack (Reuters)

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September 30, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Biden signs bill to avert government shutdown, approves bill to fund government through Dec. 3 (USA Today)
• After 9/11, No Americans Were Held to Account. Here's Why That's Dangerous (Newsweek)
• Former President Bush says violent extremists abroad and at home are "children of the same foul spirit" (CBS)
• Unvaccinated people were 11 times more likely to die of covid-19, CDC report finds (Washington Post)
• Sweeping New Vaccine Mandates For 100 Million Americans (KPBS/AP)
• Insurance companies are now asking COVID-19 patients to share in the cost of their treatment (CBS)
• Biden to require COVID-19 vaccines, tests for millions of private workers (The Hill)  
• Woodward/Costa book: Worried Trump could 'go rogue,' Milley took secret action to protect nuclear weapons (CNN)
• The VA Will Finally Fund Service Dog Training for Veterans (MSN)
• The government's pandemic help has run out (CNN)
• The Last Days of American Wild Horses? RTFitch
• How US deactivated hundreds of planes, rockets and artillery before leaving Afghanistan (DNA India)

WORLD

• U.S. says Kabul drone strike killed 10 civilians, including children, in 'tragic mistake' (Reuters)
• In escalation over submarine deal, France recalls envoys from U.S. and Australia (Reuters)
• U.N. seeks $600 million to avert Afghanistan humanitarian crisis (Reuters)
• Afghanistan: Taliban announce new rules for female students (BBC)
• Taliban stop planes of evacuees from leaving, but unclear why  (AP)
• Afghan protests persist, posing a problem for new Taliban government (Reuters)
• Mexico's top court decriminalizes abortion in 'watershed moment' (Reuters)

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Over 110,000 airlifted out; military also working to remove equipment

East County News Service

Photos via U.S. Dept. of Defense

Update August 30, 2021 with information on civilian casualties from yesterday's drone strike.

AUG. 29, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – Today, U.S. military forces conducted a  strike that eliminated a vehicle filled with explosives that posed a threat to Hamad Karzai International airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Capt. Bill Urban, CENTCOM spokesperson, states,

“We are confident we successfully hit the target. Significant secondary explosions from the vehicle indicated the presence of a substantial amount of explosive material,” Voice of America reports.

August 10, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Pentagon to require all troops to get coronavirus vaccine by mid-September (The Hill)
• Biden backs effort to include immigration in budget package (The Hill)
• United Requires Employees Be Vaccinated, As 1st Major U.S. Airline To Do So : Coronavirus Updates   (NPR)
• Biden administration considers withholding funds and other measures to spur vaccinations (Washington Post)
• 2 travelers to Canada who gave false COVID-19 vaccination information each fined almost $20K (USA Today)
• Simone Biles sparks nationwide conversation on mental health (The Hill)
• Senate negotiators reach deal on $2 billion Capitol security funding bill in wake of January 6 insurrection (CNN)
• The Postal Service Presses Forward With Unpopular Plan To Slow Some Mail Delivery (NPR)

WORLD

• Afghanistan: Fighting rages as Taliban besiege three key cities (BBC)
• As Fears Grip Afghanistan, Hundreds of Thousands Flee (New York Times)
• Panic-Buying And Transport Lockdowns. In Wuhan, It Feels Like Early Pandemic Again: Coronavirus Updates  (NPR)
• Brazil's scandal-plagued President may face a reckoning as lawmakers consider impeachment (CNN)

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“I have concerns about the legal justification of the recent strikes, particularly as they seem to have been conducted without White House approval.” – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs

By Miriam Raftery

July 24, 2021 (San Diego) – The Pentagon has launched two airstrikes this week targeting combatants with al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliated terror group in Somalia. The air strikes come after a six-month pause in airstrikes that were halted after Joe Biden replaced Donald Trump as U.S. President.

San Diego has the second largest Somali population in the U.S., with approximately 10,000 Somali immigrants, KPBS reported last year.

July 10, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Biden declares war on anti-competitive practices with sweeping order (The Hill)
• More than 60 dead from heat wave in Pacific Northwest as region confronts new future (NBC)
• Supreme Court says Arizona limits don't violate Voting Rights Act (CNN)
• Poll: More Americans Are Concerned About Voting Access Than Fraud Prevention (NPR)
• Grand Jury Indicts Trump Organization and CFO Allen Weisselberg (Yahoo! News)
• Biden directs ICE to limit arrests of pregnant, nursing women (The Hill)
• Biden fires Social Security commissioner (Politico)

WORLD

• Extreme heat cooked mussels, clams and other shellfish alive on beaches in Western Canada (CNN)
• Haitian president assassinated by gunmen at home, state of emergency declared (Reuters)
• Statues of Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth toppled in Canada (CNN)
• Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim to rebuild collapsed Mexico City overpass at no cost (CNN)
• Musicians faced death under Taliban rule. They may be silenced once more (Los Angeles Times)
• Canada Battles More Than 180 Wildfires With Hundreds Dead In Heat Wave    (NPR)
• As Secular Peace Effort Stutters in Israel, Religious Mediators Hope to Step In (New York Times)
• Gas leak responsible for 'eye of fire' in Mexican waters, says oil company (CNN)
• Iran takes steps to make enriched uranium metal; U.S., Europe powers dismayed (Reuters)

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June 15, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• The Criminals Thought the Devices Were Secure. But the Seller Was the F.B.I. (New York Times)
• As Shootings Continue to Surge in 2021, Americans Set to Face a Summer Plagued by Gun Violence (Time)
• U.S. says Russian-backed outlets spread COVID-19 vaccine 'disinformation' (Reuters)
• Senate GOP blocks bill to combat gender pay gap (The Hill)
• Delta flight attendant tackles would-be hijacker, zip-ties his wrists (Fox News)
• Harris tests migration waters with Latin America trip (Washington Post)
• Trump, allies try to rewrite history of pandemic while villainizing Fauci (Washington Post)
• Trump advances dangerous disinformation campaign as more states move to restrict the vote (CNN)

WORLD

• Netanyahu out, Bennett in as Israel marks end of an era (Reuters)
• G7 Leaders Offer United Front as Summit Ends, but Cracks Are Clear  (New York Times)
• G-7 nations back global minimum corporate tax of at least 15% (CBS News)
• Buried Alive In Mongolia's Worst Sandstorms In A Decade (NPR)
• Mexico goes to the polls in elections marred by violence against candidates (CNN)
• ‘Not again’: Jon Rahm told he has Covid on live TV while leading US PGA event (Guardian)
• Prince Harry and Meghan welcome a baby girl, Lilibet Diana, named for the queen and Harry’s late mother (Washington Post)

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May 11, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• As US Economy Surges Back, Economists Forecast 2021 Boom (WTTW)
• White House announces deal for free vaccination rides from Uber, Lyft  (The Hill)
• Biden defunds border wall, returns millions to military (News and Guts/Dan Rather)
• Top U.S. fuel pipeline operator shuts network after cyber attack (Reuters)
• Supply chain interruptions: here’s everything you can’t get now (CNN)
• GOP divided over expected Liz Cheney ouster (The Hill)
• GOP governors slash jobless aid to try to force Americans back to work (Washington Post)

WORLD

• At least 68 killed in Afghan school blast, families bury victims (Reuters)
• Israel launches airstrike after rockets fired from Gaza in day of escalation (CNN)
• How a Jerusalem neighborhood reignited the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (Washington Post)
• India turns to ex-army medics as COVID surge sparks calls for lockdown (Reuters)
• The Taliban is targeting areas around key provincial capitals, looking for weak spots as foreign troops withdraw (Washington Post)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.