The chocolate in those Easter baskets may cost more this year. Editor’s Warning: Mentions of death and violence. 

Happening in the World: In Ghana and other countries in West Africa, there have been severe drought conditions that have been affecting the crop of cocoa trees since February. Due to human-induced climate change, the cocoa plants that are used to make chocolate do not have the appropriate moisture to grow. This has resulted in the price of cocoa doubling in the last three months. Additionally, brands such as Hershey and Cadbury have announced that the price of cocoa could cause the price of chocolate to increase as well. (BBC)

Happening in the US: In Twin Falls, Idaho, two alleged gang members were taken into custody after a recent prison break on Thursday March 21st. Three officers were injured during the police’s encounter with the men. The two people involved were Skylar Meade, a fugitive inmate, and his alleged accomplice Nicholas Umphenour. Umphenour was released from the same prison earlier this year and Meade and Umphenour lived in the same housing unit together. The two men have been linked to two homicides since the escape. Police are still not sure to what extent the escape was coordinated and are investigating the situation. (BBC)

Happening in NYC: On Thursday, March 21st, police announced that the two squatters who allegedly killed a woman in her late mother’s Manhattan apartment will be sought for murder. The victim, Nadia Vitel was found in the closet inside of a duffel bag. Vitel was pronounced dead at the scene and had suffered from several facial fractures, a brain bleed, and two broken ribs. The two squatters allegedly killed Vitel and fled in Vitel’s car after she walked in on the squatters that were there. The names of the two squatters have not yet been released publicly and it is unclear how they were able to access the apartment. (PIX)

Happening in Our Community: On Friday, March 22nd, Columbia University will host the 19th Annual Columbia Energy Symposium. The Columbia University Energy Symposium is a large student-run energy event that brings professionals, students, and faculty to explore questions regarding our world’s energy issues. Registration is required and more information can be found on Columbia University events.

Header image via Bwarchives