Darren Maung
Darren is an aspiring writer who wishes to share or create stories to the world and bring humanity together as one. A massive Star Wars nerd and history buff, he finds enjoyable, heart-warming or interesting subjects in any written media.
Poland Expands Defense Budget as Russo-Ukrainian Conflict Rages
On. Jan. 30, the Polish government announced that it would boost its defense budget following Russia’s ongoing offensive in Ukraine. This could give Poland the largest army in the European Union (EU), with its spending...
Erdogan Hints at Accepting Finland’s NATO Membership; Rejects Sweden Amidst Tensions
On Jan. 29, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan hinted that his government may approve of Finland joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) without Sweden. Erdogan has not been shy about voicing his disapproval of Sweden’s...
France to Withdraw Forces From Burkina Faso; Junta Supporters Celebrate
On Jan. 25, France announced that it will pull its troops from the West African nation of Burkina Faso within a month. This would leave the military junta alone in their fight against militarist factions...
Use Your Free Time Wisely, and You’ll Find You Have More of It
While we often consider productivity a measure of our self-worth, many of us unwittingly undermine our own aspirations by not making the most of our down time. Plopping down in front of the TV or...
Elon Musk Defends Himself Against Lawsuit Over Allegedly Misleading ‘Funding’ Tweet
Mere months after walking out of one court case, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was plunged into another on Jan. 24. He is now facing a lawsuit claiming that he lied to investors in a tweet...
Brazilian Prosecutors Charge 39 for Storming Government Buildings
On Jan. 17, Brazil’s attorney general charged dozens suspected of storming government buildings during the riots that occurred earlier in the month. Since the country’s elections in October 2022, Brazil has been rocked by civilian...
Cruel Treatment of Imprisoned Iranian Activist on Display in Letter Written From Jail
Among many other prisoners trapped within Iran’s Evin prison, Iranian activist Sepideh Qolian penned a letter describing horrible treatment committed upon her and other inmates. With protests being suppressed across Iran, Qolian’s accounts could shed...
French Health System in Crisis, Rocked By Staff Shortages Amidst Protests
In the midst of planned reforms of its healthcare system, France is facing an uphill battle, struggling with troubling issues involving medical personnel and supplies. From staff shortages to protests, hospitals have scrambled to respond...
Sustainable Architecture: The Gassho-Zukuri Houses of Japan
Tucked in the mountains of Japan, there are traditional dwellings that could inspire future generations in sustainable architecture for snow belts. Gassho-zukuri houses feature thick, steep roofs, which require little or no metal in the...
China Strikes Back with Suspension of Short-Term Visas for South Koreans and Japanese
In response to COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Chinese travelers, Beijing has fired back by denying short-term visas to travelers from South Korea and Japan. Though the pandemic continues to rage in China, the country is...
Myanmar Government Releases Thousands of Prisoners Under Amnesty as Independence Day Nears
On Jan. 4, the military junta of Myanmar released more than 7,000 prisoners under amnesty, just as the country was celebrating the 75th anniversary of its independence from British rule. While the act frees many...
Japanese Jets Deployed to Survey Chinese Naval Operations; Chinese Drone Detected Near Japanese Island
On Jan. 2, Japan reportedly sent out fighter jets and naval craft to observe a fleet of Chinese ships operating in the Pacific Ocean. Later, the Japanese military detected a military drone over the same...