MARCH 2022 NEWS RECAP

Local News:

Lexington Votes on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

In early March, Lexington residents voted to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, bringing the years-long debate to an end. Advocates of the ban cited noise complaints and environmental damage from fossil fuels as the primary reasons. Commercial landscapers, on the other hand, valued the convenience of the blowers and claimed it would force them to purchase new equipment. The ban is currently in its early phases, starting with limitations on the times people can use the leaf blowers. A full phase-out is likely in March of 2025.

Lexington High School Initiates Community Conversations

In response to the Ukraine-Russia conflict in recent times, LHS began a program of community conversations where students can discuss their thoughts and the emotional effects of the event in an open space. At the end of March, the program’s conversation topics expanded beyond crisis-level subjects, exploring the worries and feelings of the student body. In these conversations, students across grade levels have the opportunity to discuss the competitive climate at LHS and their fears going forward. As an incentive, the conversations are supplemented with donuts from the local Dunkin.

Lexington Approves the Construction of LHS 2.0

In March, the town approved the construction of a second high school. This has been a frequently suggested idea in recent years due to the current high school’s sinking foundation. Construction is expected to begin in the coming years as the planning process takes foot.

Big Headlines:

Russo-Ukrainian War 

Nearly a month into the war, the conflict is rapidly evolving. Following talks between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that it will reduce troop activity in Kyiv and Chernihiv. Officials are skeptical of the truth in this claim, clarifying that it is not a withdrawal. Ukraine has called for tighter sanctions on Russia, and several countries have imposed economic sanctions on Russia in recent weeks. As the crisis escalates, the refugee crisis worsens with almost 4 million Ukrainians evacuating to various European countries, and even to the Mexican border.

North Korea’s First Missile Test in Years

For the first time since 2017, North Korea conducted a test for intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are reported to fly 1,090 kilometers. North Korea will continue to experiment with the missile in coming months in hopes of forming a deterrent in the case of a US confrontation. 

Culture & Entertainment:

Kanye West is Banned from Social Media 

In early March, West was suspended from social media platforms like Instagram under claims of bullying and hate speech. 

Dr. Taylor Swift Coming Soon

Taylor Swift plans on receiving her doctorate from NYU.

by RIA VASISHTHA