**Russia and Turkey
The Russian and Turkish Presidents met yesterday to make a deal over Syria's civil war. The two agreed that the border between Turkey and Northern Syria will be an 18-mile "safe zone" which Kurdish forces will stay out of, policed by Russian and Turkish military. This meeting made it clear that neither nation wants the US involved in Syria any longer. After the removal of US troops from the area, Russia will be the Kurds' new protector in the area.
Hong Kong protests continue
The murder suspect whose case sparked ongoing protests in Hong Kong has been released on minor charges. Chan Tong-Kai admitted to killing his girlfriend in Taiwan in 2018, but Taiwan and Hong Kong have no extradition agreement. Officials in Hong Kong can't charge Chan with murder, so he has been charged with smaller crimes, such as thefts related to the murder. Since the start, protests have escalated, affecting the NBA and trade agreements. Chan has agreed to turn himself in to Taiwanese authorities. That exchange would be another political Jenga.
**ExxonMobil Trial
Energy giant ExxonMobil is on trial this week for allegedly misleading investors about the impact of climate change regulations on its operations. The New York attorney general claims the alleged fraud may have cost investors $1.6 billion. The suit says ExxonMobil knew the cost of regulations but changed the numbers. The former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was the CEO of ExxonMobil during the years in question and is expected to testify in the trial.
Taylor Versus Sondland
Bill Taylor, top US diplomat in Ukraine, informed a committee yesterday that military aid sent to Ukraine would depend on a probe into the 2016 election and Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Seemingly, this testimony makes everything all the more confusing. It contradicts US Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondlond's from last week. Democrats will consider bringing Sondland back for more questions.
Chicago teachers stay on strike
Wednesday will be the fifth day of a massive teacher strike in Chicago. The union has asked for higher pay and smaller class sizes. The city stands by the fact that they aren't financially able to meet those demands. In the meantime, the schools are staffed by non-union employees, busses are offering free transit to students during the day and centers are offering free admission to students.
** indicates stories that can be heard live on 90.3-FM The Hawk
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