Russian antiwar journalist
Marina Ovsyannikova, a producer for Channel One Russia, made her mark on the evening news on March 14 by protesting the Russian war against Ukraine. As the broadcast started, Ovsyannikova ran into view of the camera crew behind reporters shouting, “Stop the war, say no to war,” and holding a poster reading “No war. Stop the war. Don’t believe the propaganda. They lie to you here. Russians against war.” Her protest shocked millions, and as she stormed out of the studio, she was detained by police. Ovsyannikova’s public protest shed light on how many people in Russia feel about recent events and prompted many to resign.
Riverside homeless projects
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on March 15 that Riverside County will receive $12 million to create housing for the homeless. The county and the Corona projects are working together using the money they received from the state’s Homekey initiative to convert hotels into housing for homeless residents. They are currently working to turn the former Ayres Lodge and Suites into 52 housing units for homeless residents. Residents will also be receiving on-site supportive care.
Rising gas prices
As the weeks push forward, residents of Southern California anxiously watch as gas prices continue to rise. The average gas price in California is currently $5.88 as of March 24, and in Riverside County, the average price is $5.54 as of March 9, according to AAA. Although prices themselves have not decreased, the amount of each increase interval has lowered. With 70% of California’s oil outsourced from other nations, events like the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 spike in China are causing price hikes.