World news in review

Cuban hotel explosion leaves 26 dead 

A natural gas leak caused an explosion at the Saratoga Hotel in Havana, Cuba on Friday, May 7. The explosion has thus far killed 26 individuals.

“[Firemen] were using their bare hands to move chunks of broken granite and stone in order to pull people out of the rubble,” said CNN. “Pieces of metal awnings, balconies and large chunks of stone were scattered about 300 feet away from the hotel.” 

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the site on Friday, according to a report by CNN. The report also stated that numerous individuals have been hospitalized as a result of the explosion. 

Currently, there is a wide search for survivors of the attack, according to the Associated Press (AP). The AP also reported that there were 51 individuals inside of the hotel upon the time of the explosion, as well as two individuals renovating. 11 of those individuals were killed, 13 went missing, and six were hospitalized. 

“At least one survivor was found early Saturday in the shattered ruins, and rescuers using search dogs clambered over huge chunks of concrete looking for more. Relatives of missing people remained at the site while others gathered at hospitals where the injured were being treated,” wrote the AP.

Outcry over “domestic supply of infants” line in SCOTUS draft

Outcry has unleashed over the line “domestic supply of infants” found in the Supreme Court of the United States’ leaked draft which, if it remains, would overturn Roe v. Wade. 

The full quote is from a footnote in the draft stating, “Nearly 1 million women were seeking to adopt children in 2002, (i.e. they were in demand for a child), whereas the domestic supply of infants relinquished at birth or within the first month of life and are available to be adopted had become virtually nonexistent.”

Some have compared the line to the popular novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The website, themarysue.com, ran a headline saying “Let’s Unpack the Chilling Phrase ‘Domestic Supply of Infants’ in the Supreme Court’s Draft to Overturn Roe v. Wade,” with a picture of the character Offred from “The Handmaid’s Tale.” 

The outcry comes amidst concern by pro-choice advocates over the possibility of Roe v. Wade being overturned, while many conservatives have been more focused on condemning the leak of the actual draft. 

“No politician, state or federal, should be permitted to take away women’s bodily autonomy to control their health care decisions,” said Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois’ sixth district, which includes Elmhurst, in a tweet. 

Evacuations in Mariupol, Ukraine take place

All women, children, and eldery people have been evacuated out of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, according to multiple reports. The evacuation comes as leaders scramble to get as many civilians out of Ukraine amidst the continuing war.

The evacuation comes after both the U.S. and the U.K. pledged further support to Ukraine, according to The Guardian. 

“The next tranche of U.S. equipment will include artillery rounds, counter-artillery radars and electronic jamming equipment. [Joe] Biden and [Boris] Johnson will be among G7 leaders holding a virtual meeting with Zelenskiy to mark VE Day and discuss future support,” wrote The Guardian. 

The U.K. is offering 1.3 billion pounds (1.6 million U.S. dollars) according to The Guardian, while the U.S. is offering an extra $150 million, after sending $800 million back in March. 

“Today, the U.S. is continuing our strong support for the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their country. I am announcing another package of security assistance that will provide additional artillery munitions, radars, and other equipment to Ukraine,” tweeted President Joe Biden on May 6.