Prologue Journal – Page 39382 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Hong Kong chief executive John Lee refuses to comment on reports of journalists being tailed

Hong Kong Free Press Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has refused to comment on reports received by the city’s largest press group that reporters had been followed by unknown men. “I will not spend time to talk about individual self-speculation or perception. But if anybody wants to seek assistance from the police, they can…

Minister Chikli attacks Bank of Israel governor after interest hike

Jerusalem Post Bank of Israel raised the national interest rate by 0.25%, up to 4.5%, the highest the rate has been since December 2006. https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-736348

What are Donald Trump’s legal troubles? – explainer

Jerusalem Post The decision to charge Trump for hush money payments during his 2016 campaign is just one of many probes facing him. https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-736341

US says its forces killed Islamic State leader in Syria

Jerusalem Post Sources in Syria said he was killed in a drone strike in the rebel-held northwest, a region where other Islamic State leaders have hidden out. https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-736336

Why This Colombian Town Still Celebrates Christmas in February

New York Times The Afro-Colombian residents of Quinamayó have followed a unique tradition: celebrating Christmas 40 days after the traditional date, a custom begun under the subjugation of slavery. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/world/americas/colombia-february-christmas-quinamayo.html

A Sting Operation to Save Elephants, With No Stings

New York Times While live bees can be used as a deterrent to keep elephants away from farms, a new technology fills in for cases where a buzz without the sting is preferable. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/science/elephants-bees-buzzbox.html

The life-changing magic of washing your hands (on Passover)

Jerusalem Post One element of the washing is called “shifshuf yadayim,” which literally means “rubbing the hands,” and is initially described in the Tosefta (Yadaim 1:2), a 2nd-century CE compilation of Torah law. https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-736330

Meet the 4 Astronauts of Artemis II

New York Times Three NASA astronauts and a Canadian will fly around the moon in 2024. Here’s what you need to know about them. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/03/science/artemis-ii-mission-astronauts.html

‘Market upheaval will end positively’ – Israeli venture capital fund head

Jerusalem Post Or Ben Shoshan, director and managing partner of SIBF, spoke at his fund’s investor conference held at the O-TECH complex in Kfar Saba recently. https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-736310

Migrants Search for Bodies of Loved Ones After Mexico Fire

New York Times After a deadly fire in a migrant detention center in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, some victims’ families and friends are still looking for answers about their loved ones. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/03/world/americas/fire-mexico-migrant-detention-center.html