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Ukraine
Russia Pushes Annexations
Russian President Vladmir Putin announced two major actions advancing Russia's commitment to its invasion of Ukraine this week. On Tuesday, Russian-backed separatists in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions announced intentions to hold referenda to officially become part of Russia. In an address delivered Wednesday, Putin confirmed his commitment to honor the results of the referenda and announced a partial mobilization to bolster Russia's military forces in Ukraine. Ukraine's allies and sympathizers worldwide have condemned the proposed referenda on the basis that results in favor of Russia are a foregone conclusion given the impossibility of holding a free and fair vote under Russian occupation. Within Russia, there were limited protests against the mobilization, however, one-way flights out of the country were almost sold out despite soaring fares.

This map depicts the occupied areas of Ukraine where Russian proxies announced their intentions to hold referenda to join Russia. Click on the map to learn more.
Graphic Source: Al Jazeera
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Cambodia
Khmer Rouge Leader Appeal Fails
The United Nations-backed war crimes tribunal in Cambodia has rejected the appeal of former Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan. Samphan, now 91, was the head of state for the "Democratic Kampuchea" government from 1975-1979, and was convicted of genocide, mainly against Cham Muslims and ethnic Vietnamese. Over two million people died during the four-year hardline Communist regime. In his appeal, Samphan argued his conviction was symbolic for the regime and not a reflection of his individual culpability for the actions of others. The rejection of Samphan's appeal marks the final decision of the tribunal, which only succeeded in bringing charges against five leaders of the Khmer Rouge, with three judgments.

This map depicts locations of "killing field" execution grounds and prisons used by Cambodia's hardline Communist Khmer Rouge regime from 1975-1979. Click on the map to learn more.
Graphic Source: Yahoo! News
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Brazil
Census Includes Afro-Brazilians 
The Quilombo communities will now be included in the upcoming Brazilian census. "Quilombos" refers to formerly enslaved Black people who escaped to isolated forests, mountain ranges, and islands. In their new places of refuge, the fugitive communities created self-sustaining economies disconnected from the rest of Brazil. Today, the areas where Quilombos live still lack access to public infrastructure and other social services. According to the national Quilombo association, CONAQ, there are about 6,000 Quilombo territories. The Quilombo people hope their representation in the census will lead to a future with greater protection of their civil rights and access to resources to improve living conditions in their communities.

This map depicts geographical distribution of minority Quilombo communities across Brazil. Click on the map to learn more.
Graphic Source: National Geographic
Yesterday's Answer
Q: The Gulf of Fonseca borders what three Central American countries? 

A: El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua
The Gulf of Fonseca stems from the Pacific Ocean in northern Central America. It is a shallow body of water that borders El Salvador in the northwest, Honduras in the northeast, and Nicaragua in the southeast, and is known for its volcanic islands, mangrove forests, sand beaches, and rocky cliffs. The environment around the gulf has been mostly preserved and subject to little modification, hosting a rich array of flora and fauna. The region provides a livelihood for the people living along its shores, supported by traditional fisheries and shrimp farming. Four rivers drain into the gulf, including the Goascorán River, which forms the natural border between El Salvador and Honduras. All three countries bordering the Gulf of Fonseca have engaged in major disputes over the rights to the waters and the islands within it. In 1992, a landmark decision by the International Court of Justice cemented that all three countries would share control over the gulf, with the islands of Meanguerita and Meanguera going to El Salvador and El Tigre Island going to Honduras.

Source 
Today's Question
Q: Carved by the Snake River, what is the deepest river gorge in the United States and North America?
 
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