Festivals and alleged fraud are featured in today’s Bwoglines.

Editor’s warning: Mentions of death and violence.

Happening in the World: The death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman has led to the eruption of protests across Iran, after Mahsa Amini was detained and beaten for allegedly failing to adhere to rules regarding the use of the hijab. The ensuing dissent is the most grave challenge Iran’s leadership has faced in years, and coupled with systematic corruption, increasing poverty, and a lack of social and political freedom, may lead to serious unrest across the nation. (BBC)

Happening in the US: A Labor Department watchdog has reported that scammers have stolen $45.6 billion in aid provided to unemployed people during the pandemic. This operation was orchestrated through filing claims with the Social Security numbers of individuals who were either deceased or serving sentences in federal prison. So far, 1,000 people have been charged with crimes involving these benefits, and investigators expect to expose more fraud. (Washington Post)

Happening in NYC: The New York Police Department has issued a request for three rappers associated with the city’s drill scene to be removed from the lineup of the Rolling Loud music festival. The Bronx’s Sha Ek and Ron Suno, in addition to Brooklyn’s 22GZ, will not perform at the festival due to concerns over a high risk of violence. This is not the first time Rolling Loud has clashed with the police, as Fetty Wap was arrested and taken into FBI custody prior to his set in 2021. (Pitchfork)

Happening in Our Community: Ukrainian-American photographer and storyteller Sasha Maslov will present an exhibit entitled “Scorched Earth, Broken Lives” in the International Affairs Building from 9 am to 5pm today. This exhibit serves as documentation of the sacrifices Ukrainians have had to make, and the devastating impact the war has brought to their country.

Music festival via Wikimedia Commons