Three things for February 22
1. Anti-coup protests grow in Myanmar
Three weeks ago, the Myanmar military succeeded in a coup to overthrow elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. In the weeks since, civilians have been protesting despite the military’s attempt to stop them. On Monday, Feb. 15, businesses shut down in an organized strike to oppose the military coup.
At least three protesters have now been killed, after two were killed in the city of Mandalay on Saturday, Feb. 20.
A funeral was held on Sunday for Mya Thwe Thwe Khaing, one of the protestors shot in the head by police at a protest.
Last week, state-owned Myanmar Radio and Television warned protesters against retaliation and confrontation in the form of protesting.
“Protesters are now inciting the people, especially emotional teenagers and youths, to a confrontation path where they will suffer the loss of life,” the station said.
According to Reuters, Myanmar’s Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said 640 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup — including former members of government and opponents of the army takeover.
The United Nations condemned the use of deadly force against demonstrators, as did France, Singapore and Britain. On Sunday, Facebook announced it deleted the military’s main page.
2. Regulators order United Airlines to inspect Boeing 777s
Federal aviation regulators are ordering United Airlines to inspect all Boeing 777s after an unexplained failure over Denver on Saturday.
United Airlines Flight 328 made an emergency landing at Denver International Airport after its right engine blew apart just after takeoff, reports AP News. Pieces of the engine casing, a Pratt & Whitney PW4000, rained down on suburban neighborhoods.
Authorities said the plane, carrying 231 passengers and 10 crew members, landed safely with no reported injuries.
The National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement two of the engine’s fan blades were fractured, and the remainder of the fan blades “exhibited damage.” The NTSB said it is too early to draw conclusions about how the incident happened.
United Airlines is the only United States airline with the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 in its fleet, the FAA said. The airline company is temporarily removing all Boeing 777s from service.
3. Buckingham Palace confirms Prince Harry and Meghan not returning to royal duties
On Friday, Feb. 19, Buckingham Palace confirmed Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will not be returning to royal duties. Prince Harry will give up his honorary military titles — a decision that makes formal, and final, the couple’s split from the royal family, reports AP News.
Harry and Meghan stepped away from full-time royal life in March 2020 due to media scrutiny and the strictures of their roles. Both parties agreed the situation would be reviewed after a year, according to AP News.
Nearly a year later, the palace said in a statement that the couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have verified they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family.
“While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family,” the palace statement said.
Harry’s appointment as captain-general of the Royal Marines and titles with other military groups will revert to Queen Elizabeth II before being distributed to other members of the family, said the palace in a statement.
On Feb. 14, Harry and Meghan announced they are expecting their second child. The happy news, publicized on valentines Day, comes almost 37 years to the exact day since Prince Harry's parents announced they were expecting him.
