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Hundreds of people were injured after a strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul yesterday afternoon local time, with the entire city of 16 million people experiencing severe shaking for several seconds. The earthquake struck around 25 miles southwest of Istanbul, with the epicenter located around 6 miles below the ground. This is relatively shallow for an earthquake, and shallow earthquakes can do more damage due to their closer proximity to the surface. Due to its shallow depth, it was felt as far as Ankara, Turkey's capital city, which is over 275 miles away from the epicenter. Thankfully, no one was killed in the quake, and no massive damage occurred. The moment the quake struck, people rushed out of their homes, though the fact that it was a public holiday made things slightly better, as many people were enjoying the day outside. After an initial shaking period of around 13 seconds, there was a small break before aftershocks begun-- dozens of aftershocks were recorded, the strongest of which measured as a 5.9 on the Richter scale. Scores of buildings were slightly damaged by the quake, but only 12 of them had to be evacuated for safety reasons. Apart from one old, worn-down building in one of the city's older districts, none of the affected buildings collapsed, though many residents have camped out in streets and parks or are sheltering in mosques out of fear of returning into their homes. Hundreds of people were injured in the shaking, but officials have stated that the injuries were mainly due to panic attacks or falls after jumping from heights to escape buildings. Fortunately, there were no deaths in the natural disaster. Unfortunately, earthquakes are common in Turkey, which lies on two major fault lines. The Anatolian Block is a small microplate situated in between several major tectonic plates. The Eurasian Plate lies to its north and northeast, covering the Black Sea and the Caucuses. Meanwhile, the Arabian Plate lies to its east, forming the East Anatolian Fault. The Arabian Plate's movement in previous years was the cause of the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023, killing over 50,000 people. Meanwhile, due to the Arabian Plate's northward movement, the Anatolian microplate is being forced to move west, grinding against the Eurasian Plate. The area where the two plates touch is known as the North Anatolian Fault, and this fault is responsible for yesterday's earthquake. Fears across western Turkey of a more devastating disaster are extremely high right now, as scientists have confirmed that the fault is long overdue for a major earthquake-- and the latest quake could be a sign that a larger rupture is on the way. Fact of the Day (Today): The plastic or metal tip of your shoelace is called an aglet. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows. (Saint Francis of Assisi) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Slough (verb, SLUFF) - Slough is a formal verb used for the action of getting rid of something unwanted. It is usually used with off . Slough can also mean "to lose a dead layer of (skin)" or "to become shed or cast off." In a Sentence: The editorial urges the mayor not to slough off responsibility for the errors in the report.

Tension between India and Pakistan is beginning to rise after Pakistani terrorists conducted an attack on tourists in Kashmir, a region of northern India, several days ago. At least 26 people were killed and many others were injured in an attack on a group of tourists in Kashmir's Baisaran Valley on Wednesday. Most of the victims were Indian, although authorities have stated that two of them were foreign tourists. Afterwards, it was confirmed that the culprits were Pakistani terrorists, drawing fury from millions of Indian citizens. Other countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, China, and Bangladesh also condemned the attack. Read more into the initial attack here . While Pakistan strongly denies any involvement with the terrorists, India has already begun to take action against them. Visas issued to Pakistani nationals have been revoked, diplomatic ties have been downgraded, and a crucial water treaty has been suspended. The latter of them is extremely important: the Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, and it is a critical resource for Pakistan. Several rivers run through northern India before flowing into the Indus River to form one large water system, which travels through Pakistan. Since the treaty has been suspended by India, they could begin to block the flow of the rivers that travel into Pakistan, decimating their economy-- 80% of Pakistan's agriculture depends on the Indus River Valley, and around 25% of their entire economy is based on agriculture. The Pakistani government responded to their actions, banning Indian aircraft from traveling through their airspace and halting all forms of trade with India. They have also clearly stated that they consider blocking or stopping the water "an act of war," threatening to take further action. However, others around the world are pleased with how India has handled the crisis so far, keeping the threats nonviolent. Unfortunately, if the tension continues to build, it could escalate into armed conflict, which would be yet another war in this world-- how both countries will handle the conflict from here is extremely important in preventing a war. Fact of the Day (Today): Buzz Lightyear’s original name was actually Lunar Larry. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): We write our names in the sand: and then the waves roll in and wash them away. (Augustus) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Ostensible (adj, ah-STEN-suh-bul) - Ostensible is used to describe something that seems or is said to be true or real, but is possibly not true or real. In other words, it is plausible rather than demonstrably true or real. In a Sentence: The ostensible purpose of a filibuster is to extend debate, but in reality it is used to delay or prevent action.

At least 26 tourists are dead after being attacked by militants in the Indian region of Kashmir, an area that has experienced lots of conflict in the past. The incident occurred in the Baisaran Valley, near the town of Pahalgam. This area has been dubbed "mini Switzerland" due to its tall, snowy mountains and wide valleys of green grass and thick forest. During the attack, a group of tourists had been strolling through the valley when several militants opened fire on them from a concealed hiding place, leaving the tourists defenseless. At least 26 people were killed, and many others were injured. Most of the victims were Indian, although authorities have stated that two of them were foreign tourists. The militants have been confirmed to be Pakistani terrorists, and their images are now displayed across the region after survivors described their faces. Countries from all over the world have condemned the attack, including Ukraine, Afghanistan, China, and Bangladesh. The attack has also been met with fury from within India, with actors, politicians, and other civilians taking to social media and protesting on the streets to denounce the shooting. Unfortunately, Kashmir has a long history of violence, but the situation has considerably improved from before. Kashmir is part of a former Indian state known as Jammu and Kashmir, which faced major conflicts ever since India's independence. During the Partition of India in 1947, Pakistan and India fought over western Kashmir, and the region was divided. Decades later, Pakistan now controls what is known as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, or POK. China also took part in this conflict, taking an area known as Aksai Chin in the 1962 Indo-Chinese War, but they have not taken much action since then. Pakistani forces have conducted terrorist attacks and staged uprisings in India's side of Kashmir for years, as they hope to gain more territory. However, parts of Kashmir wanted to join Pakistan in the past, and other parts of Kashmir wanted to become an independent state, instead. This led to various conflicts across the region, killing hundreds of people. In 2019, the Indian government revoked what was known as Article 370, which gave Jammu and Kashmir a special status as a state. The state was given autonomous powers, allowing it to have its own constitution, flag, and laws. Once this article was revoked, Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status, and the Indian government proceeded to split the region into two union territories. This significantly reduced the conflict in the area, and Kashmir has not experienced a shutdown due to a conflict since 2019. This terror attack is sure to put the rest of Kashmir -- and other states bordering Pakistan -- on high alert, and India will likely take this incident extremely seriously to ensure that Pakistani terrorists are not able to take action like this again. Fact of the Day (Today): The longest-named dinosaur is the Micropachycephalosaurus. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): One must pass through the circumference of time before arriving at the center of opportunity . (Baltasar Gracián) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Liaison (noun, lee-AY-zahn) - Liaison refers to a person who helps organizations or groups work together and provide information to each other, or to a relationship that allows such interactions. In a Sentence: The new position involves acting as a liaison between the police department and city schools.

Happy Earth Day! We have released a special article in honor of Earth Day today. Check it out here . Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning after suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage. Pope Francis served as the head of the Catholic Church for 12 years after taking the papacy from Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, and he was known for his forward-thinking ideas and kind leadership, making him an extremely popular Pope. Unfortunately, he suffered from many health issues throughout his lifetime, the latest of which included a 38-day stay in the hospital due to a severe polymicrobial infection that led to bilateral pneumonia. Pneumonia is an illness where a virus or bacteria causes inflammation and swelling of the lungs, making it tough to breathe, and it can cause the lungs to fill up with fluid or pus. Bilateral pneumonia means that it is in both lungs, and a polymicrobial infection signifies the presence of a combination of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, making the situation even worse. Then, just weeks after making a recovery from the infection, he suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage yesterday morning, causing his untimely death. Just one day after leading the Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square on Sunday, he suffered from a cerebral stroke, a rupture in the blood vessels of the brain. This led to a coma, and he later died of heart failure after his cardiovascular system collapsed following the stroke. The Pope will be remembered forever for his kind words, his push for inclusivity in the Catholic Church, and his emphasis on helping everyone, including people who are socially unaccepted. Now, the Catholic Church will begin the process of choosing a new Pope. Around two or three weeks after his funeral, the College of Cardinals will gather for an assembly, known as a conclave, to choose his successor. This conclave will see each cardinal secretly submit their vote for the next pope, with a two-thirds majority needed to elect one. Fact of the Day (Today): Your heart beats an average of 100,000 times each day. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): You do not fall because you are weak; you fall because you think you are strong. (Yiddish Proverb) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Bodacious (adj, boh-DAY-shuss) - Bodacious is used as an informal synonym of remarkable and noteworthy . In some dialects of the Southern and Midland US, bodacious is used by its oldest meaning: "outright, unmistakable." In a Sentence: The bodacious decor of the boutique hotel is intended to appeal to the young and the hip.

Today is Tuesday, April 22: Earth Day! Here's a special YNH Exclusive on the history of this holiday, some environmental wins that humanity has made this year, and how you can help our world. After protests during the 1960s, US Senator Gaylord Nelson came up with the idea of staging a nationwide demonstration to promote environmental awareness and fight back against issues like deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. In 1970, the first Earth Day took place, with over 20 million people taking part in rallies, teach-ins, and other events occurring all over the country. That same year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed, helping to provide government funding to environmental protection projects. Today, over 190 countries celebrate Earth Day, and it takes place every year on April 22. Now, let's dive into some wins that we have made for the environment since last Earth Day! At COP29 in November , a new climate deal was agreed on. The deal confirmed that wealthy countries would pledge at least $300 billion per year by 2035 to developing countries. This money would assist in recovery from major climate events like hurricanes, droughts, and storms, as well as move them towards a more sustainable future with cleaner energy. While economists predicted that the number needed to be much higher, it was a major step forward from the previous pledge of $100 billion per year made at COP15 in 2009. Additionally, countries finally approved the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement unlocks financial aid for developing countries in their fight against climate change, and it also allows countries to cooperate and combat climate change by trading carbon credits. One carbon credit is equal to the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Countries can then sell these credits to other countries, benefitting both sides-- the country selling the credit makes money while helping the environment, and the country buying the credit can use it to meet their own climate goals. This motivates the sustainable country to keep up their climate work, as they are making money, while the country buying the credits is sending their money to a cause that will eventually lead to another reduction in carbon emissions. The execution of this new carbon crediting system is expected to be able to reduce the cost of implementing countries' nationally determined contributions (NDCs), by over $250 billion per year. Also, the Loss and Damage Fund was fully operationalized. The Loss and Damage Fund was established at COP27 in 2022, and it provides financial assistance to smaller countries that are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. At COP28, held in Dubai in 2023, the fund was launched, but full operationalization was not achieved until some final terms were agreed upon at the latest COP29 in Baku. As of right now, countries have pledged over $730 million for the fund. According to the official COP29 website, the Loss and Damage Fund should be able to begin financing projects by 2025. The International Maritime Organization officially agreed on a new deal that will force shipping companies to pay fees for the amount of carbon dioxide they emit into the atmosphere. The deal will raise around $10 billion per year, and the proceeds will go to shipping companies to help them research technologies for clean energy. It will also allow ships to trade carbon credits, building a trade network that will allow companies to collectively work together to bring down their emissions. While many countries believe that the deal was a failure, it will still motivate shipping companies to shift towards greener fuels, and it is expected to bring down shipping emissions by at least 8% by 2030. Also, deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest hit a nine-year low, helping to preserve one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. However, our environment is still in grave danger. Global warming, sea level rise, and climate change pose major threats to everyone and everything on Earth, and they are getting worse by the second. So how can you help? The environment needs all the help it can get, and there are countless small things you can do to help-- not just today, but every day! First of all, you can donate to a good cause this Earth Day! There are countless organizations that can take a small donation a long way. Not looking to donate? Try buying a product that you know will benefit the environment-- for example, all proceeds from Patagonia products go towards the environment. Recycle as much as you can! Remember what is recyclable and what is not-- plastics with the numbers 1, 2, and 5 are widely recycled, while numbers 3, 4, 6, and 7 are usually not. However, check with your local recycling facility to see if they recycle other things like glass, and materials like paper and cardboard are almost always recyclable! Avoid single-use plastics. Single-use plastics are extremely harmful to the environment and also require petroleum to be manufactured. If you do end up using single-use plastics, make sure they end up in the trash bin and not as litter! Eat healthy, natural food. Many products are made from genetically modified plants, and others come from sources that can harm the environment. For example, fish caught in certain areas can be caught using unsustainable fishing practices, which hurts local species. Keep the environment in mind while shopping. Many makeup and cosmetics brands use harmful chemicals in their products-- for example, most sunscreens can contain chemicals that hurt ecosystems like coral reefs, and many face wash products use plastic microbeads that wash into the ocean. Additionally, environmentally-friendly clothing products include natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. Artificial fibers like polyester and nylon release fibers that end up in the ocean each time they are washed. After they are used, you can also donate or sell your old clothes to stop them from ending up in a landfill! Still looking to help? Check out this article from Your News Hub Travel on how to save our oceans!

Ukraine has accused Russia of breaking their own truce after Putin spontaneously declared an Easter ceasefire, but Russia has claimed that Ukraine was the first to break the agreement. Just one day before Easter, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a spur-of-the-moment 30-hour ceasefire in honor of the holiday, with over 60% of both the Ukrainian and Russian population following Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The ceasefire would stop all conflict between the two sides until the end of Easter Sunday. Towards the end of the ceasefire, Ukraine asked for an extension, as they had been working on negotiating a deal for months. Since the beginning of the war in February 2022, there had not been a single ceasefire until Putin's impromptu announcement, providing Ukraine with zero relief from Russian attacks. A previous ceasefire that was negotiated by the United States would have seen a 30-day ceasefire take place, with the possibility for extensions, but while Ukraine accepted the deal, Russia rejected it. However, now, Ukraine has now accused Russia of breaking their own ceasefire. Ukrainian forces confirmed that they experienced an increase in attacks during the day, ranging from bombings to drone strikes. Ukraine suspects that Russia has a motive behind the ceasefire, as Putin has never done something of the sort. Some believe that Putin could have called the peace agreement to allow his troops to resettle and prepare for proper, more organized strikes in some areas, which matches the reports of several Ukrainian troops. Others think that it could just be the fact that Putin's message was too late, and the memo was not delivered to some battalions on the front lines. Another possibility is that Putin simply created a ceasefire to look good in the news, but had no intentions of keeping it at all. On the other hand, Russia has completely denied the allegations that they attacked Ukraine, claiming that it was a retaliation against Ukraine, who had broken the ceasefire first. Unfortunately for the people, there does not seem to be a proper ceasefire in sight, and both sides remain in constant battle with no relief. Upcoming Events: World Creativity and Innovation Day (Monday, April 21) International Mother Earth Day (Tuesday, April 22) World Book and Copyright Day (Wednesday, April 23) English Language Day (Wednesday, April 23) Spanish Language Day (Wednesday, April 23) International Girls in ICT Day (Thursday, April 24) International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace (Thursday, April 24) World Immunization Week Begins (Thursday, April 24) International Delegate’s Day (Friday, April 25) World Malaria Day (Friday, April 25) International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day (Saturday, April 26) World Intellectual Property Day (Saturday, April 26) Fact of the Day (Today): The brain is responsible for around 20% of the body's total calorie expenditure in a day, burning between 400 and 500 calories per day. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams ; who looks inside, awakes. (Carl Jung) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Resurrection (noun, rez-uh-REK-shun) - In Christian theology, Resurrection (typically capitalized in this use) refers to the event in which Jesus Christ returned to life after his death. In general contexts, resurrection refers to the act of causing something that had ended or been forgotten or lost to exist again, to be used again, etc. In a Sentence: Church members look forward to celebrating the Resurrection every Easter.

United States deportations of Venezuelan migrants have been temporarily halted by the Supreme Court, though the Trump administration has protested the decision. Until now, United States President Donald Trump had been set on deporting illegal immigrants to El Salvador, where they have been incarcerated as prisoners at El Salvador's CECOT. This plan has been in place since early February, which saw El Salvador accept any deported immigrant from any nationality, including Salvadorans, who have committed crimes or taken part in major gangs. The deported criminals have been sent to El Salvador's recently built mega-prison, known as the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). In return, the United States has been paying El Salvador a small fee. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) began major backlash against these deportations, though, calling them unlawful and quickly going to court. The Alien Enemies Act was quickly blocked in several areas, including Denver, Colorado, and New York. The Alien Enemies Act, signed in 1798, allows the president to detain or deport non-citizens, or aliens, who are from a hostile nation during times of war. Trump has been utilizing this act to send Venezuelans to CECOT, but the ACLU's recent efforts have gotten courts to block the act in areas like Denver, Colorado, and New York. Then, they took the case to the Supreme Court, which agreed to temporarily block deportations of Venezuelan immigrants while they properly review the case. The ACLU had been asking the Supreme Court to block deportations while other lower courts were also considering a decision, as many of the migrants had already been loaded up on buses and planes to be deported. The Trump administration has strongly protested against this, claiming that the "aliens" need to be removed from the country now, but the Supreme Court has maintained their position. Now, it remains unknown whether courts will decide to go through with the deportations or block them, but their choice will have profound effects on thousands of migrants across the United States. Fact of the Day (Today): The Paris Catacombs contain the remains of over six million people. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Everything you want is on the other side of fear . (Jack Canfield) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Fastidious (adj, fass-TID-ee-us) - Someone described as fastidious is extremely or overly careful about how they do something. Fastidious may also describe someone who is difficult to please, or someone who always wants to be clean, neat, etc. In a Sentence: Our parents taught us to be fastidious in keeping our rooms clean, making sure to dust every surface and sweep out every corner.

At least 74 people have been killed in recent days after the latest round of American attacks on the Houthi group in Yemen. Yemen borders the Red Sea, which happens to be one of the busiest shipping routes in the world due to its proximity to the nearby Suez Canal. Over the past few months, operations by the Houthis in the Red Sea have ramped up as they hope to disrupt shipping traffic as a protest against Israel's war against Hamas. As a response, last month, the United States began striking the group's bases in Yemen in a more coordinated fashion with greater intensity, retaliating for months of violence in the Red Sea. They have struck several locations that have been highly beneficial to the Houthis, including airports and fuel loading sites. However, the latest attacks were deadlier than usual after the US struck a fuel port in the Hodeidah province on Yemen's western coast. At least 74 people were killed and over 171 others were injured, including various workers in the area. The US later stated that they did not intent to kill innocent bystanders but were instead targeting the Houthi operations at the port, but the Houthis have confirmed that the US government's attacks will simply escalate the situation further. A total of 123 people have been killed in the attacks over the past month, including at least 80 Houthi members, and an additional 247 people have been injured. Nevertheless, the Houthis continue to launch missiles and attack ships in the Red Sea, and despite the US's persisting attacks, their leaders have remained safe and their operations have remained successful. Fact of the Day (Today): Walt Disney currently stands as the person with the most Academy Awards, with 26. He was also nominated for the Oscars a total of 59 times. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. (Edwin Hubbell Chapin) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Collaborate (verb, kuh-LAB-uh-rayt) - To collaborate is to work with another person or group in order to do or achieve something. Collaborate can also be used disapprovingly to mean "to cooperate with or willingly assist an enemy of one's country and especially an enemy who occupies it during a war." In a Sentence: Several research teams from various countries collaborated closely on the project.

The entire island of Puerto Rico lost power yesterday after a major electrical grid failure, and hundreds of thousands of others were without water. The failure affected every region of Puerto Rico, knocking out power to over 1.4 million people, and over 328,000 of those people also lost their water supply. However, crews have been working hard across the island, and around 175,000 people regained electricity before the end of the day. In addition, 90% of the remaining population should have their power back in a matter of days. Nevertheless, the outage has had a major effect on the public's day-to-day lives. Malls, shops, and businesses were forced to close, public events and sports events were canceled, and traffic built up as signals across the island stopped working. While the cause is not yet known, this is only another of Puerto Rico's consistent major blackouts. The island's poor infrastructure and crippled electrical grid, coupled with hurricanes each year of increasing strength, has led to problems like this occurring on a regular basis. This has led to serious frustration among the people. Following the latest blackout, the public urged the government to end their contract with Luma Energy, the company that manages Puerto Rico's electricity, and Genera PR, the company that manages the generation of energy on the island. While it will take time to fix the situation, the first step in the right direction has already been taken, as the government has pledged to do so. However, they will need funding, which has been a major issue for the government in the past. Puerto Rico's Electric Power Authority maintains over $9 billion in debt, and it is unlikely that current US President Donald Trump will provide them with the money to begin fixing their power grid. Fact of the Day (Today): Out of Frida Kahlo's 143 paintings, 55 of them are self-portraits. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life . (Emma Stone) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Adversity (noun, ad-VER-suh-tee) - Adversity refers to a difficult situation or condition, or to a state of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune. In a Sentence: The soldiers were honored for acting with courage in the face of adversity .

Singapore has dissolved their Parliament as global conditions around the world continue to change, and their upcoming election has been set for May 3. The People's Action Party (PAP) has sat at the forefront of Singaporean politics since its independence in 1965, making them the assumed winner. However, they have called for this snap election to restore their support. Singapore has only had four leaders in the city-state's short lifetime, beginning with former Prime Minister Lee Yuan Kew in 1965. He remained prime minister for 31 years before handing it over to former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, who kept the position until 2004. Following Goh's departure, Singapore elected Lee's son, Lee Hsien Loong. Then, last year, he handed the presidency over to Lawrence Wong, the incumbent prime minister. However, in recent years, the PAP's support has been slowly declining, reaching a record low level of 61% in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. While they still maintained control over Parliament, with 83 out of the 93 total seats, support has continued to slip. Both Singapore's internal and globally related situations are contributing to this. Many young Singaporeans are unhappy with the current state of the city-state, which has risen to become one of the most expensive cities in the world. The government's previous approach to affordable housing has faded away, and prices across the city are skyrocketing. In addition, tight restrictions on internet media and harsh rules have decreased the PAP's support. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's recent tariffs have not helped the situation either, increasing costs, and the city-state's GDP grew less than expected this quarter. Now, they will hope to restore confidence in their party with a general election, while also making some changes. This election will allow Singaporeans to choose from a multitude of candidates, and the PAP hope that it will bring their support back up to where it was prior to the pandemic. Fact of the Day (Today): Cleopatra was born in Egypt, but she actually comes from Greek Macedonian descent. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): You never make the same mistake twice. the second time you make it, it is no longer a mistake. it is a choice. (Lauren Conrad) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Pugnacious (adj, pug-NAY-shus) - Someone described as pugnacious shows a readiness or desire to fight or argue. In a Sentence: There's one pugnacious member on the committee who won't agree to anything.