In the ultimate face-off: a multi-billion dollar chain meets its match in its workers, who (surprisingly) aren’t satisfied!

Happening in the World: A Dutch court has convicted three men with ties to the Russian security services of murder and sentenced them to life in prison for the shooting down of a passenger jet above eastern Ukraine in 2014. The downing of the jet with a surface-to-air missile coincided with a separatist uprising backed by the Kremlin, while the trial has become even more significant with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia has denied any responsibility in the attack, despite evidence that the place was shot down with a missile from a Russian military base. Instead, Putin and the Kremlin have provided a list of explanations that have blamed Ukraine and attacked the legitimacy of the investigation. The court has noted that these justifications belong to the “realm of fantasy” and have repeatedly been shown to be false. (NYT)

Happening in the US: Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives, announced her decision yesterday to step down after more than two decades in the role. Mrs Pelosi is expected to serve as speaker until January when the new Congress begins, and will remain in the seat she first took up in 1987 until January 2025. This announcement comes as the Republicans are expected to take control of the House following the midterm election. It is widely expected that New York representative Hakeem Jeffries will take up the post of minority leader in the House, becoming the first black congressional leader in history. Pelosi also expressed her conviction that “The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus,” in a statement made to the chamber on Thursday. (BBC)

Happening in NYC: Workers at seven Starbucks locations in the city have gone on strike as part of a nationwide effort amongst newly unionized stores. They have demanded that the company take a seat at the bargaining table to discuss schedule problems, staff shortages, and other problems of concern. Unionized stores and stores with impending union votes are both participating in the walkout, which includes stores in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. More than 100 stores nationwide are also participating in what is known as the “Red Cup Rebellion”, which coincides with Red Cup Day, where the chain gives away limited-edition promotional cups. The union has also filed labor charges for failing to negotiate in good faith against the company, while the National Labor Relations Board has accused the chain of threatening to fire organizers in the union. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Calling all study abroad enthusiasts! Join UGE’s Global Learning Ambassadors from 11 am to 1 pm on College Walk, and discuss the general process to study abroad and the programs offered with student leaders who will share their experiences. Snacks will be available!

Workers on Strike via Wikimedia Commons