Recent events have mobilized protestors and inspired discussions regarding democracy.

Happening in the World: Ukraine faced missile and drone strikes from Russia on Sunday, killing one person and wounding at least seven others. This strike additionally damaged buildings and started multiple fires in the neighborhoods of Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has said it is clear that Moscow has little real interest in participating in cease-fire negotiations. In recent weeks, Russian drone and missile attacks have intensified amid ongoing peace talks led by the Trump administration. Last month, Ukraine agreed to accept an unconditional 30-day halt in the fighting, but Russia did not. Also, both sides have agreed in principle to temporarily stop strikes against energy infrastructure, only to accuse each other of violating the agreement. (NYT)

Happening in the US: Millions of people across all 50 states and globally took part in protests against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk organized by a pro-democracy movement. More than 1,400 “Hands Off!” protests were held at state capitols, federal buildings, congressional offices, parks, and city halls. Organizers say they have three demands: end the billionaire takeover and corruption of the Trump administration; end the federal funding cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs people rely on; and end attacks on trans people, immigrants, and other communities. During the protest in Washington, DC, various representatives took the podium to speak about the Trump administration, including Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. (CNN) 

Happening in NYC: Now that April is upon us, there are many free things to do in NYC this month. First, you can go visit the “Mother Nature in the Bardo” exhibition, which is on view through the end of the month at the High Line Nine, open from 10 am to 6 pm every day. The exhibition explores the convergence of art, culture, and the environment. Second, you can go stargazing at Staten Island’s Lemon Creek Park on Sunday, April 13, starting at 7:30 pm, where you will get a chance to peer through a telescope to see planets, stars, and nearby galaxies. Thirdly, on Earth Day, April 26, Broadway performers take to the streets to sing, dance, and tell stories in Times Square Pedestrian Plaza, starting at 11 am. To check out more, click here. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: On Monday, April 7 from 6 pm to 7 pm, Sandra Laugier is hosting a talk titled, Power, Public Space, and Democracy. Sandra Laugier is a French philosopher, whose work focuses on moral and political philosophy, gender studies, pop culture, and the philosophy of language. The talk is hosted by the Columbia Maison Française, in collaboration with the Alliance Program, and will discuss how the idea of public space has transformed, requiring us to visit the very concepts of public space and democracy. Registration is required. To register and learn more, click here.

Image via Wikimedia Commons