Vol. 3 - Issue 38
October 19, 2023
A Community Newspaper a Serving N orthwest North Dakot “HATE WRAPPED IN SCRIPTURE IS STILL HATE.” — APRIL AJOY
THE COMMUNITY SHOPPER ONLINE: YOUR NORTHWESTERN ND CLASSIFIEDS DESTINATION
In the bustling heart of northwestern North Dakota’s Bakken area, a new online treasure trove awaits you – The Community Shopper. Page 3 MAIN STREET MUSINGS: EMBRACING FRESH FLOWERS IN OUR HOMES By Alyssa Stromberg
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the simple joys that nature can bring. Page 5 MEET IZZY: TIOGA’S NEWEST CRIMEFIGHTING COMPANION By Chelsy Weisz, Editor In a promising development for the Tioga Police Department, a lively and spirited two-year-old black Labrador named Izzy has joined their ranks. Page 8
Burgum encourages North Dakotans to attend 2023 Main Street ND Summit next week in Watford City PRESS RELEASE. MINOT, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum welcomes all North Dakotans to this year’s Main Street ND Summit Oct. 24-25 in Watford City, presenting an opportunity to connect, learn, get inspired and gain insight to build and grow communities for the future. This year’s Main Street ND Summit revolves around the theme of “Innovative Workforce Solutions,” a topic that touches every North Dakota resident. “We’ve heard from our communities about their challenges and have worked with them to develop positive solutions,” Burgum
said. “Thanks to collaboration with our legislators, we now have funding opportunities for rural food sustainability, rural workforce housing and community vibrancy. We’re committed to preserving and elevating the excellence of North Dakota’s communities, and this summit is a key step in that journey.” Community development and rural sustainability is supported by the four pillars of the Main Street Initiative: building Healthy, Vibrant Communities, cultivating a 21st Century Workforce, ensuring Smart, Efficient Infrastructure, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Photo source: nd.gov pursuing Economic Diver(Continues Page 2)
Avian influenza confirmed in Williams County backyard flock Press Release BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has received confirmation of the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard chicken flock in Williams County from North Dakota State University. The State Board of Animal Health and the North (Continues Page 8
Fall
CRAFTS-4-U
2 • The Oracle •October 19, 2023
LOCAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY To Have Your Community Event Added Email: info@vocella.com
FORTUNA
Wednesdays:
Auction 6:00 pm
vs Trinity (H) 5:45PM
Thursday October 26th - K-6 Lyceum
Every Tuesday- Range Night at North-
Storytime at the Divide County Library
October 26th & 27th - Women in Lead-
Tuesday October 24th - Tioga Communi-
9:00 - 10:00 am
west Sportsman Club
10:00am - 10:45am
ership (WiL) Expo 2023 at The Grand
ty Center Closed
Friday October 27th - Lion’s Club Vision
Fridays:
Williston Hotel & Conference Center
Tuesday October 24th - Waddington
Screenings K-6 8:45am - 3:00pm
Brothers at Tioga Community Center
Friday October 27th - State Cross Coun-
7:00 - 9:00pm
try at Jamestown 2:00pm
Tuesday October 24th - THS Picture
October 26th & 27th - GYM + ACT
Retake Day!
CLOSED at Tioga Community Center
Tuesday October 24th - Parent Teacher
October 26th - 30th - District 16 Volley-
Conferences 4:00pm
ball Tournament
RAY
Cards & Games at Divide County Senior
October 19th & 20th - NO SCHOOL
Citizens Center 1:30-2:30pm
TIOGA
FALL BREAK
Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm
Thursday October 19th - Tioga Historical
Friday October 20th - Ray Municipal
Saturdays:
Society Meeting 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Court at Ray City Hall
Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm
Tioga Museum
Tuesday October 24th - Pre-ACT:
Sundays:
Thursday October 19th - Airport Authority
Freshman
Movie at Dakota Theater 7:30pm
Meeting 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM 2237 Aviator
Wednesday October 25th - Pre-ACT: 8th
Way Tioga, ND 58852
Grade
October 19th & 20th - No School - Admin
Tuesday October 24th - FBLA Halloween Party at THS 6:00 - 9:00 pm\ Wednesday October 25th - Company
Tioga Community Center Schedule
Meeting at Tioga Community Center
Mondays: Yoga Flow 9:30am-10:30am
6:00 - 9:00am
Learn English Class 10:00am-11:00am
sion Hall
Wednesday October 25th - MSU Tech
Tuesdays: Pickleball 5:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday October 21st - Fort Buford
Monday October 23rd - GYM + ACT
Day at THS
Wednesdays: Storytime 10:30am-
CROSBY
State Historic Site Ghost Walk
CLOSED at Tioga Community Center
Wednesday October 25th - Central Flu
11:00am
Friday October 20th - Planning & Zoning
Saturday October 21st - 11th Annual Bra
Monday October 23rd - Red Ribbon
Shot Clinic 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Youth Group 6:00-9:00pm
Commission 9:00 - 11:00am
Auction UMVF - Building B Doors Open
Week K-6
Wednesday October 25th - THS Flu Shot
Thursdays: Slow Flow 6:00pm-7:00pm
3:00 pm Silent Auction 4:00 pm Live
Monday October 23rd - JV & V Volleyball
Clinic 1:00 pm
October 26th & 27th - District 16 Volley-
WILLISTON
Conference
ball Tournament at Kenmare
Saturday October 21st - Williston ARC
Monday October 23rd - Tioga Municipal
Friday October 27th - State Cross Coun-
Halloween Bash 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at
Court 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Tioga Commis-
try at Jamestown
the ARC
MAIN STREET SUMMIT
and development initiatives, including guided tours of Theodore Roosevelt Na-
FROM PAGE 1
tional Park, exploration of
sification. These principles
the agricultural and ener-
are the fundamental build-
gy sectors, cultural tours in
ing blocks of a bright future
Watford City, insights into
in which every North Dako-
community
tan plays a pivotal role.
art classes, movie screen-
The 2023 Main Street ND Summit will feature international thought leader Eric Termuende, North Dakota trailblazer Nick Yba-
development,
Main Street Summer speaker and best-selling author, Eric Termuende. Photo source: ND.gov;
shortages, community re-
ings, Western lifestyle experiences and cultural immersion. For more information
rra and strategic workforce
siliency and more. Guided and details on how to reg-
panels that will address the
tours will highlight North ister for the free event, visit
future of work, workforce Dakota’s culture, heritage
www.mainstreetnd.com
October 19, 2023•The Oracle • 3
The Community Shopper online: Your northwestern N.D. classifieds destination
In the bustling heart of northwestern North Dakota’s Bakken area, a new online treasure trove awaits you – The Community Shopper. This exciting addition to the digital landscape is poised to become your go-to destination for buying, selling and trading in this vibrant region. With a user-friendly interface and a commitment to connecting neighbors and communities, The Community Shopper offers an ideal platform for all your classified needs. Whether you’re on the lookout for a great deal, want to declutter and sell items you no longer need or simply enjoy exploring what’s available in your area, this website has you covered. One of the standout features of The Community Shopper is its accessibility. It’s a free classifieds website designed to serve the Bakken area. You can easily browse listings, create your own and share them on your preferred social media platforms. This means that not only can you find fantastic deals, but you can also help spread the word about items you’re selling or services you’re offering. Imagine a digital marketplace where you can discover local gems, connect with friendly neighbors and support businesses right in your community – all from the comfort of your own home. The Community Shopper makes this vision a reality. Are you on the hunt for a specific item, a reliable service or looking to declutter and make some extra cash? Look no further. Visit The Community Shopper today at www.mondak.communityshopper. com and explore a world of opportunities right at your fingertips. Join us in making this platform the epicenter of buying, selling and trading in northwestern N.D. Let’s build a thriving community where everyone benefits. The Community Shopper welcomes you to become part of this exciting journey towards a more connected and prosperous Bakken area. Happy shopping, selling and trading!
Locally and Online
Community Shopper Online Directory Coming soon, the Community Shopper online directory is poised to become a central hub for businesses and individuals alike.
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Simplify your buying, selling, and trading experience with the Community Shopper online directory. It seamlessly links you with local businesses and grants you convenient access to classified listings in your area. Check out our online directory at mondak. communityshopper.com or scan the QR code, today!
4 • The Oracle •October 19, 2023
THE WESTBY WATCH By Heidi Whitney Scenes from the Annual WELCA Bazaar
HOT DISH!
Please contact Heidi Whitney at 406-672-5696 to add an event! Sat Oct 21: State Cross Country meet in Kalispell. Sun Oct 22: Services at Assembly of God, 10:30 am. Coffee hour and Sunday School at Immanuel, 10:30 am. Services at 11:30 am. Don’t forget coffee time at the Westby Community Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am -10 am!
The annual Immanuel WELCA fall bazaar was well attended on the afternoon of Sunday, October 15th. This group of youngsters enjoyed the always popular “fishing pond” sponsored by the Lutheran Youth Organization. Photo by Robin Solberg.
2025 Reunion Committee
Holds First Meeting
A community meeting Ashley Moore (co-treasurwas held on Monday, Octo- ers); Brenda Ryals and Tara ber 16 regarding the upcom- Stewart (co-secretaries). ing 2025 all class Westby High School reunion. The tentative dates for the event were set for June 27, 28, and 29. The following officers
The next meeting was set for November 13 at 6:30 pm at the Westby Community Center. The committee would like to extend a wel-
were elected to serve on the come to all parties interested executive board: Lisa Pe- in assisting with the event to Danny Moore served as auctioneer for the bazaar, and as always, provided lots of laughs. Photo by Robin Solberg.
tersen and Heidi Whitney attend. (co-chairs); Kim Rust and
October 19, 2023•The Oracle • 5
Embracing fresh flowers in our homes In the hustle and bustle of modern life, ized world, many people are becoming init’s easy to overlook the simple joys that creasingly detached from the natural world. nature can bring. One such joy is the presFresh flowers serve as a constant reminder ence of fresh flowers in our homes. Beyond of the beauty and wonder of nature. They their aesthetic appeal, there are numerous reconnect us with the outdoors and provide benefits to adorning our living spaces with a sense of tranquility and balance in our these colorful, fragrant and delicate wonlives. ders of nature. Improved productivity: Having Mood enhancement: The sight and fresh flowers in your workspace can have scent of fresh flowers have a remarkable a positive impact on productivity and creimpact on our emotional well-being. Sciativity. The presence of flowers in the ofentific studies have shown that flowers can fice can enhance focus, reduce mental fatrigger positive emotions, reduce stress and tigue and inspire innovative thinking. boost our mood. Their vibrant colors and Gift of appreciation: Fresh flownatural fragrances evoke feelings of hapers also make a thoughtful and versatile piness and tranquility, making them an ingift. They convey a sense of appreciation stant mood lifter. and affection, making them suitable for Aesthetic delight: Fresh flowers add various occasions, from birthdays to anan undeniable touch of elegance and charm niversaries. Gifting flowers is a gesture of to any room. They can serve as a centerkindness and a way to brighten someone’s piece, enhancing the visual appeal of your day. home. The ever-changing variety of flowers Incorporating fresh flowers into offers an opportunity to experiment with your home is a small but impactful step todifferent color schemes and styles, allowward improving your quality of life. Their ing you to create a decor that reflects your presence can brighten your day, calm your personality and the season. mind and connect you with the beauty of Natural air fresheners: While artithe natural world. So, the next time you Bringing nature’s beauty indoors: Fresh flowers can boost one’s ficial air fresheners are common, they ofconsider adding a touch of elegance to your ten contain chemicals that can be harmful. mood. Photo by Alyssa Stromberg living space, remember the many benefits ers can mask unpleasant odors and create a more Fresh flowers, on the other hand, provide of fresh flowers, and let them bloom in pleasant living environment. a natural and invigorating aroma, making your your home. Connection to nature: In today’s urbanhome smell fresh and inviting. The scent of flow-
Community Shopper Online Directory
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In the Victorian era, flowers were a form of nonverbal communication. For example, a red rose means “I love you,” while a white rose signifies purity and innocence.
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6 • The Oracle •October 19, 2023
Burgum calls special session of Legislature to address
bill ruled unconstitutional by ND Supreme Court Press Release BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order today convening a special session of the state Legislature on Oct. 23 to address the components of a budget bill that was recently voided as unconstitutional by the North Dakota Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled Sept. 28 that Senate Bill 2015, the appropriations bill for the state Office of Management and Budget (OMB), was void because it violated the state Constitution’s rule that states, “No bill may embrace more than one subject, which must be expressed in its title.” The court’s ruling and the case
docket originally indicated the opinion would take effect Oct. 28, but last Thursday the court issued a second opinion stating it had no authority to delay the
judgement, so SB 2015 was voided immediately. Legislative leaders sent Burgum a letter Friday, Oct. 13, requesting that he convene a special session to address SB 2015. They noted that all legislation enacted during a special session called by the governor becomes effective on the
date specified in the act. By contrast, if the Legislature were to call itself back into session using the remaining five days of their 80-day biennial session limit, any bill that passed would not take effect for 90 days unless an emergency clause was approved by two-thirds of the Legislature.
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Convening in special session next week will avoid a Nov. 1 interruption to state government services to citizens. Burgum’s executive order sets the scope of the special session as addressing the OMB budget, enacting other components of SB 2015 and making strategic investments in areas such as tax relief and infrastructure. “Since the Supreme Court first ruled the OMB bill invalid, we have been collaborating with House and Senate leaders to navigate the complexities of calling the Legislature back for a special session, and we are grateful for their leadership and the work by Legislative Council,” Burgum said. “By calling the Legislature back into session, we can enact the OMB budget and other provisions of the bill before Nov. 1, continue delivering services to citizens without interruption and make strategic investments in areas such as tax relief and infrastructure that strengthen North Dakota’s economic future.”
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With emerging data, ND housing needs come into focus By Mike Moen, Prairie News Service More than 65% of North Dakotans say housing is the state’s biggest overall need. That’s according to new community-level survey data. The findings are from the latest needs assessment issued by Community Action Partnership of North Dakota, which gathered feedback from more than 3,000 residents. For low-income respondents, rental assistance is the biggest priority. CAP ND’s Executive Director Andrea Olson said that’s not surprising because it mirrors the calls for assistance at their regional offices. But she said respondents, regardless of income, agree that housing overall tops all other categories. She said it underscores the scope of the problem and the obstacles families are facing. “We know that there’s North Dakotans who are in need,” said Olson. “We know that these are folks Print a Classified in the Oracle for $7 up to 25 words. Place it in the Community Shopper, also, for $10 total.
Join usg, Sailin
October 19, 2023•The Oracle • 7
In a new survey, respondents from all eight regions served by Community Action Agencies in North Dakota cited housing as the most pressing community need. (Adobe Stock)
who are often gainfully employed and just still can’t make the ends meet.” An interim legislative committee is studying housing barriers, and the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reports nearly 40% of renters are spending at least a third of their income on housing. With these details coming together, and the state’s pandemic-related ND Rent Help program due to expire next year, Olson said it would be disappointing to not see a long-term solution. Beyond housing, access to food has moved up to second on the needs list for low-income North Da-
kotans. Inflation has cooled, but Olson said it’s clear households are finding it difficult to get everything they need. “A grocery cart that used to cost $150 is now $200,” said Olson. Meanwhile, non-lowincome respondents cited mental health services as their top specific need. Provider shortages, especially in rural areas, have been well documented in light of the pandemic. The needs assessment includes statewide and regional data, with project leaders saying the results can inform all levels of government when responding to these issues.
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8 • The Oracle •October 19, 2023
Meet Izzy: Tioga’s newest crime-fighting companion
By Chelsy Weisz, Editor TIOGA, N.D. – In a promising development for the Tioga Police Department, a lively and spirited two-yearold black Labrador named Izzy has joined their ranks. With Officer Walker Koropatnicki as her dedicated handler, this dynamic duo is all set to become an invaluable asset to law enforcement in Tioga. Their journey began just last week when Koropatnicki traveled to Fargo, N.D., to welcome Izzy into their team. The focus right now is on Izzy’s training, with plans for her to become certified in drug detection, tracking and article searches. It’s important to note that she won’t be trained for apprehension, in consid-
AVIAN FLU FROM PAGE 1
Dakota Department of Agriculture are working closely with USDA-APHIS and local officials in the response. The premises has been quarantined and the flock has been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. The detection triggers the suspension of commingling poultry/bird events both in Williams County and birds from Williams County. If no new cases emerge in 30 days, the suspension will be automatically lifted for that county. There is no immediate public health concern due to this finding. The risk to people from HPAI is low despite the disease often being fatal for birds. No human infections with these viruses have been detected in the U.S.
Officer Walker Koropatnicki & Izzy
Koropatnicki’s enthusiasm for Izzy’s arrival is palpable, and he eagerly anticipates their upcoming training. Earlier this year, he attended the highly regarded Desert Snow training, a three-day workshop celebrated for its comprehensive approach to vehicle searches during traffic stops. The training equips attendees with the skills necessary to detect criminal activity and uncover illegal contraband concealed within hidden compartments. Koropatnicki’s participation in this training underscores his commitment to providing the highest level of service and safety to the Tioga community. Izzy’s impact isn’t confined to the city limits alone.
Presently, Tioga PD often has to wait 45 minutes to one and a half hours for an outside agency’s K9 unit to respond to calls. Izzy and Koropatnicki will be prepared to assist surrounding agencies with call-outs, significantly reducing response times and enhancing safety across the region. As Tioga welcomes Izzy and Koropatnicki into their fold, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement and anticipation. Together, they’re poised to make a positive impact in ensuring the safety and security of the community. Keep an eye out for this dynamic duo on the streets of Tioga, as they embark on their mission to serve and protect.
eration of the city’s stance on canine apprehension following past experiences with bite dogs. The funding for Izzy’s acquisition came through AKC Reunite, a program dedicated to supporting law enforcement agencies in acquiring K9 partners.
A significant figure in this process was Pete Nielsen, who played a pivotal role in establishing and growing the West Fargo Police Department’s K-9 program back in 2011. As of Oct. 2, Pete Nielsen now holds the position of Chief of Police for West Fargo.
“Remember to restrict access to property, keep wild birds away from other birds and practice enhanced biosecurity,” State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress said. “Birds should be kept indoors, especially during the spring and fall migration.” “While the incidence of avian influenza has been on the decline in wild birds,
these birds continue to be a an-influenza and from the detections of HPAI in North source of disease to our do- USDA-APHIS at www. Dakota will be posted on mestic birds,” Agriculture aphis.usda.gov. Any future www.ndda.nd.gov/hpai Commissioner Doug Goehring said. BAR: Avian influenza exists in 2:00PM - 1:00AM many wild birds and can be transmitted by contact with STEAKHOUSE infected birds or ingestion 4:00PM - 9:00PM TUE-SAT of infected food and water. We will be closed on Mondays until further notice More information about 121 S. Main St., Tioga avian influenza is available 664-6666 at www.ndda.nd.gov/avi-
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October 19, 2023•The Oracle • 9
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Travis Gienger with his world record pumpkin at the 50th annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off in Half Moon Bay, California. Photo Credit: Travis’s Pumpkins Facebook page
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Travis Gienger Shatters World Record with Colossal 2,749-Pound Pumpkin On October 9, 2023, history was made as Travis Gienger shattered the world record at the 50th annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off in Half Moon Bay, California. Gienger, a two-time winner of this prestigious event in 2022 and 2020, left spectators in awe with his colossal pumpkin weighing an astonishing 2,749 pounds. His incredible achievement was not only a source of immense pride but also a gateway to substantial rewards. Gienger earned an impressive $9 per pound for his winning pumpkin, totaling an impressive $24,741. Furthermore, he was bestowed with a special “megaprize” of $30,000 for setting the new world record, as confirmed by contest officials. Travis Gienger, a horticulture and landscape teacher at Anoka Technical College, graciously shared his secret to success, disclosing that he had lavished extra care on his pumpkin seeds this year. He provided them with additional fertilizer and maintained meticulous watering, even up to a dozen times a day. These diligent efforts bore fruit, enabling him to outshine the competition and etch his name into the annals of pumpkin-growing history. Travis Gienger is no stranger to breaking records. Both his previous wins at the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off resulted in him breaking the U.S. records for the largest pumpkin. His 2022 pumpkin weighed an impressive 2,560 pounds, reaffirming his consistent excellence in the art of pumpkin cultivation. His first win in 2020 was a result of a 2,350-pound pumpkin. These whopping sizes seem to be on the rise as his pumpkins continue to get bigger and bigger over the years. These remarkable achievements underscore Gienger’s unwavering dedication to the craft and his undisputed status as the U.S. pumpkingrowing champion.
10 • The Oracle •October 19, 2023
NATIONAL & WORLD HEADLINES
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Word of the Day
ipsedixitism: (noun) 1. dogmatic assertion of a ‘fact’ without supporting evidence.
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JIM JORDAN FALLS SHORT IN SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE BID Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio and Chair of the Judiciary Committee, fell short in the first ballot to become the Speaker of the House, getting 200 votes out of the 217 required. This follows House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s withdrawal from the race and Jordan’s nomination. Jordan, backed by former President Donald Trump, faced another vote Wednesday morning. In the first round, 20 Republicans voted for different candidates, with Scalise receiving seven votes and Rep. Kevin McCarthy six. All 212 Democrats support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. This is the second time in the 118th Congress that the House struggles to select a Speaker. The House has been without a leader for two weeks after McCarthy’s ousting. US AUTOWORKERS PUSH FOR IMPROVED RETIREMENT BENEFITS AMID STRIKE Autoworkers, with 34,000 currently on strike, are pushing for improved retirement security in ongoing talks with automakers. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has been emphasizing retirement benefits as part of the negotiations, along with better pay, given the physical strain of factory jobs. While the Big 3 automakers have proposed improvements to retirement benefits, returning to the era of lifelong retirement packages is considered unlikely due to the past financial burden they imposed
on the companies. The industry moved away from such high-cost retiree benefits as foreign competitors opened nonunion plants in the US. Workers are concerned about healthcare in retirement, particularly for younger employees, as autoworkers can retire relatively young, before they qualify for Medicare. This is also due to hirees after 2007 being a second tier of workers who receive lower wages and far fewer retirement benefits. New no longer receiving company-funded pensions which were replaced by 401(k) retirement accounts. The UAW has yet to find the retirement offers on the table sufficient. While the automakers are exploring ways to improve retirement plans, questions remain about providing lifelong income through pensions given increased life expectancies. TRAGIC EXPLOSION HITS GAZA HOSPITAL AMID ONGOING CONFLICT Tuesday, a tragic explosion that struck a hospital in Gaza City resulted in over 500 casualties at a hospital. Hamas claimed it was an Israeli airstrike, however, the Israeli military has claimed no involvement and claims the blast was from a misfired rocket from a militant group in Gaza known as Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Amid the ongoing conflict, Hamas officials have suggested that they would release civilian hostages taken from Israel in exchange for a cessation of Israeli airstrikes. Furthermore, Hamas hinted at releasing Israeli soldiers in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held
now exceeded 3,000, with over 12,500 people injured, while additional casualties and injuries have been reported in the West Bank. Israel’s death toll remains around 1,400, with nearly 4,000 people injured. The explosion occurred as U.S. President Joe Biden prepared to visit Tel Aviv, and Israel contemplates a potential ground invasion while international calls for humanitarian aid in Gaza persist. RUSSIA’S DE-RATIFICATION OF
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RACE CONCERNS The Russian State Duma held the first in a series of votes that will lead to Russia withdrawing its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), sparking concerns about a renewed global nuclear arms race. The treaty, signed in 1996, aims to halt nuclear weapons testing to prevent arms races. Russia has de-ratified the treaty, leading to concerns about increased testing. Both the U.S. and China have signed but not ratified the treaty. Russia’s move comes as part of a tit-for-tat response in its relations with the U.S., with President Vladimir Putin suggesting Russia might test new nuclear weapons. Concerns are rising about global nuclear weapons development amid the potential unraveling of norms limiting testing. While concerns have been raised, experts believe a full nuclear test by Russia remains uncertain.
THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: “Hate cannot be fought with hate” means that responding to hatred with more hatred only perpetuates conflict,
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