Leila Goldstein
The World
Rare cyclone batters Brisbane and Australia’s Gold Coast
Over the weekend, residents of Brisbane, Australia, were bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The storm was downgraded to a tropical low, and made landfall on the mainland on Saturday. It was the first storm of its kind in the area in 51 years. The city is further south of where tropical cyclones typically hit, and scientists say climate change is playing a role in increasing extreme weather events around the world.
Cambodia farmers displaced by sugar plantations proceed with landmark international class action suit
The growth of the sugar industry in Southeast Asia resulted in the displacement of many small farmers. But some farmers in Cambodia are finally trying to get compensation for their losses, and, in some cases, violent harassment by sugar producers. A class action lawsuit in Thailand filed by Cambodian farmers is considered to be a major landmark for this part of the world. New documents may suggest that Coca-Cola knew about human rights violations in Cambodia.
Despite lack of govt loans for college in Cambodia, these students are making it work
Most Cambodians live in rural areas, with many struggling to make a living on small farms. Even with low public school tuition fees, sending a child to college is nearly impossible. Those who want a higher education must be resourceful.
Looted relics returned to Cambodia receive monks’ blessings
Cambodian artifacts were often looted out of the country beginning in the 1970s, under control of the Khmer Rouge. At least 13 antiquities have been returned this month amid a push in the art world from artists and scholars to return looted works to their countries of origin.