International

World News. 22^nd February
It was a big shock for all the thousands of people who moved to Texas last year.  They thought it would be warm and low taxes.  It usually is warm.  But last week they had Arctic weather.  Four million people had no electricity and the company said there was nearly a catastrophe.  Thirteen million people did not have drinking water and toilets froze up.  People had to go to shelters where they could be warm.  That’s what happens when there is low tax and no services.  People were not prepared.  President Biden had to announce a State of Emergency so that they could give money to Texas to help them.
More problems in Russia.  Navalny, leader of the opposition to Putin, made an appeal to court.  He asked how could he contact Russia when he was in a coma in Germany…Russia had poisoned him.  Court said he broke the conditions for a crime sentence.  Everyone says the crime was made up.  Court refused his appeal.  Now he will be sent to a penal colony – not a prison – hard labour – for 30 months.  The court also fined him over £8 thousand.  They said he made bad comments about a Russian army hero.  Other countries are trying to object and EU wants to have sanctions.  Russia says this just shows Western countries are attacking Russia.
More problems in Myanmar.  Two people shot dead by the army and 24 injured in Mandalay.  A 20 year old woman died in hospital.   The army shot her on 11^th February.  People are continuing their protest – thousands on the street and workers go on strike.  Now the army brings in a special force.  They were responsible for killing Muslims – ethnic cleansing.  Millions escaped to Pakistan.  The army is grabbing teachers, doctors and civil servants at night.