Kiev, Ukraine:
The Ukrainian parliament has finally agreed to integrate with the EU, according to the Guardian. The refusal of former president Yanukovych to sign this bill sparked the Euromaiden protests last year, which resulted in Yanukovych’s effective resignation. The parliament also approved making eastern areas of Ukraine, which are currently contested by Russian-backed rebels, largely autonomous for a period of three years. Some have criticized the government for this concession to the rebels, but the current Ukrainian president Poroshenko defended the decision, saying it is the only way to end the conflict.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:
Contrary to predictions, Hurricane Odile did not weaken to a tropical storm but landed as a category 3 hurricane in Mexico, creating havoc in Cabo San Lucas according to CNN. About 30,000 tourists are being airlifted out by the Mexican government as of Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. Evacuating the mostly foreign travelers will probably take two days. Despite wrecking infrastructure and causing some injuries, there are no reported deaths resulting from the hurricane.
Washington DC, USA:
In an effort to move away from having to rely on Russian-supplied Soyuz vessels, NASA has approved giving $6.2 billion to two American companies — Boeing and SpaceX — to develop alternatives, according to the BBC. “From day one, the Obama administration has made it clear that the greatest nation on Earth should not be dependent on other nations to get into space,” said NASA administrator Charlie Bolden. Boeing received the majority of the funding, which should allow them to finish development of the CST-100 capsule, designed to launch on an Atlas V rocket.
Seoul, South Korea:
President Park Geuny-hye of South Korea has announced that she is willing to discuss re-unification with North Korea during the next U.N. general assembly, according to an exclusive interview in Reuters. No meetings have been mutually agreed to yet. “What’s important, I must stress, is not talking for the sake of talking, but rather sincerity … to walk the talk,” said Park. North Korea and South Korea remain technically at war since 1953, when the Korean War effectively ended.
