News Update

Texas attempts to pass anti-trans policies

By Nico Francois

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & GRAPHICS EDITOR

According to a law suit filed on Tuesday, March 1 in Texas, officials have begun investigating parents of transgender kids for possible child abuse. This lawsuit comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered that certain medical treatments, such as puberty blockers or the administration of testosterone, was to be viewed as a crime against the parents. Prior to Abbott’s order, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton released a non-binding opinion claiming that parents who support their transgender children with genderaffirming care, which refers to any medical care needed to help people align their bodies to their identity, could be investigated for NICO FRANCOIS | HAWKEYE child abuse. This was followed by a directive from Abbott, ordering the Texas Family and Protective Services to investigate any reported instances of what he called abusive procedures. His order put parents at risk, as well as state officials unwilling to report kids and their parents to the authorities. This is not the first time this conversation has come up in Texas, as legislation banning gender-affirming treatment for teens has been introduced before, although none of them have passed. One such bill, introduced at the last legislative session, would have redefined child abuse to include gender affirming treatment for transgender kids. Since it didn’t pass, Abbott’s letter attempts to take its place. However, Abbott’s order doesn’t change Texas law, and many county and district attorneys have spoken out, saying that they will not prosecute families for child abuse under his directive. After a state employee was investigated for supporting her transgender child, a Texas state district judge temporarily blocked Abbott’s directive. The court decided that Abbott’s order exceeded his authority under the constitution. H

TENSIONS ON THE RISE

COMPILED BY NICO FRANCOIS

The tension between Russia and Ukraine spans across many years of history, and that tension continues to grow as war broke out on Feb. 24, 2022. As the world watched and speculated, Russian missiles hit Ukraine military installations and civilians who were inside. Then, Russian armored convoys crossed the border. Since then, fierce fighting has plagued Ukraine, with many civilians in the street to fight for their country and independence. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued to encourage his people to fight, and other countries are showing support for Ukraine as thousands are evacuated and fighting kills many more.

U.S. president Joe Biden signed a $13.6 million emergency military and human aid package for Ukraine and its European allies, with the goal of helping Ukraine obtain more food, medicine, shelter and support for the millions of refugees who have had to leave their homes behind. The funding will also provide weapons for the military.

Americans have also continued to show support, sporting yellow and blue clothing to represent the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and taking to social media to express their support for the country. Even still, fierce fighting continues. Russian forces have begun to target Ukrainian healthcare sights, and Mayor Ivan Fedorov was captured by Russians on Friday March 11, sparking protests.

Other countries have placed sanctions against Russia in an attempt to support Ukraine, and European allies have pitched in with aid, too. From the beginning of the war, the Russian government has made clear that its main goal is to focus on demilitarizing Ukraine. However, Ukraine forces have proven to be stronger than expected by Russia thus far. H

NICO FRANCOIS | HAWKEYE

• the update •

A lot happens in a month. From fashion to finance, we are constantly bombarded by headlines from around the world. Here are the Hawkeye’s picks for what you need to know.

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New ‘deltacron’ variant discovered

International

New COVID-19 variant named the “deltacron” has been detected in France, the Netherlands, Denmark and recently in the United States back in February. At this time there have only been 17 identified cases in the U.S and scientists say there is no need for concern. The deltacron is a very rare hybrid of the delta and omicron variants, and the surface protein called the “spikes” of the body is the only part of the virus that is from omicron. The rest of the body is from delta. H

U.S. inflation skyrockets

National

As the United States tries to punish the Russian economy for its attack on Ukraine, gas prices have skyrocketed for United States consumers. Along with that, inflation in prices has risen to an all time high. According to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) , a measure of inflation, rose 7.9 percent over the last year. This represents the highest annual inflation rate since January of 1992, and surpassed records set by inflation increase in December 2021 to January 2022. This increase is driven by the increase in price for gas, shelter and food. H

The end of an era for the Seahawks

Fans of the Seattle Seahawks were shocked when, on Tuesday, March 8, the team announced that they were parting ways with quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner. Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos, while Wagner’s $20 million salary for 2022 was too much for Seattle to handle. Both Wilson and Wagner played for the Seahawks for 10 years, and were integral to the team’s success. Both players have made history with their accomplishments over the years and became beloved members of the Seattle community. Many fans are voicing their displeasure at the news, saying that the team is letting go of two legends. H

State approves $17 billion transportation bill

The Washington State Legislature approved a transportation package for the state on March 10 that would allot roughly $16.9 billion within the next two decades for various projects around Washington. The package, known as “Move Ahead Washington,” focuses on major investments in pedestrian safety, the maintenance of transportation means and reducing harmful impacts on the environment. The package also has funds set aside in order to supply all passengers under the age of 18 with free transportation fares on buses, trains, ferries and any other mode of public transportation. H

Lynnwood Growth Center Plan in motion

Early in its stages of development, the Lynnwood city council has begun to discuss the Regional Growth Center Plan for the city, which would finance the development of apartment buildings and homes to house over 25,000 people.

The growth plan also involves creating over 20,000 jobs for local residents, which some council members initially opposed due to a concern for traffic around the city. Residents are hopeful that the addition of new jobs, homes and people will be manageable with the completion of the Lynnwood light rail in 2024. H