News

Lincoln County residents are invited to participate in “Together We Read,” a latest county-wide community reading program launching in March. The initiative, spearheaded by the Lincoln County Public Library, aims to foster connection and dialogue through the shared experience of literature. The program builds on the success of “One Book, One Community” models seen across the nation, offering selections for adults, middle-grade readers, and children.

The library has chosen three books specifically to encourage multi-generational participation and explore the multifaceted theme of community. “Together We Read” isn’t just about reading; it’s about sparking conversations and strengthening bonds within Lincoln County. The program offers a variety of events throughout March, designed to engage readers of all ages and interests.

Book Selections and Discussion Schedule

This year’s selections include Leif Enger’s “Virgil Wander” for adults, Deborah Wiles’ “Love, Ruby Lavender” for middle-grade readers, and Patricia McKissack’s “What is Given from the Heart” for children. All three titles explore different facets of community – its meaning, its challenges, and the importance of collaboration. According to the Seattle Public Library, the “One Book, One Community” concept originated in 1998 with librarian Nancy Pearl.

Copies of each book are available in print, ebook, and e-audiobook formats through the Lincoln County Public Library. Borrowers will receive a free library tote bag and a curated reading list of similar titles. The library will host four discussion sessions, scheduled to accommodate various schedules:

• Saturday, March 21 (morning – adult)
• Monday, March 23 (morning – adult)
• Friday, March 27 (evening – youth/family)
• Tuesday, March 31 (noon – adult)

Beyond Book Discussions: A Month of Community Events

The “Together We Read” program extends beyond book discussions, offering a diverse range of activities throughout March. The festivities kick off on March 3 with the Read Across America Bookworm Bonanza, a come-and-go event from 2-5:30 p.m. Featuring a read-a-thon, activities, and snacks. This event ties into the National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative, which promotes literacy and a love of reading, particularly among children, and is traditionally celebrated around Dr. Seuss’s birthday (March 2).

Additional planned events include movie matinees, a film discussion club, children’s story times, and arts and crafts for all ages. A complete calendar of events can be found on the Lincoln County Public Library website at www.llf.lib.ms.us.

Celebrating Lincoln County Through Photography and Shared Stories

To further emphasize the theme of community, the library will host a photography display showcasing images of Lincoln County throughout March. The display will feature historical photos from the library’s archives, and residents are encouraged to submit their own historical and contemporary images for inclusion. Submissions can be sent to [email protected]. Alongside the photography display, a “Love Letter to Your Community” campaign will invite residents to share what they cherish most about Lincoln County on postcards, which will also be displayed.

The library hopes these initiatives will not only encourage reading but also provide opportunities for residents to connect with one another and celebrate the unique character of Lincoln County. The program’s focus on diverse stories and shared experiences aims to build a stronger, more connected community for all.

As March progresses, the Lincoln County Public Library will continue to monitor participation and gather feedback to inform future community programs. Residents are encouraged to visit the library website and social media channels for updates and announcements. Share your thoughts on “Together We Read” and your favorite aspects of Lincoln County in the comments below.

A blood donation drive launched on Tuesday at the “Tren de las Humanidades” (Train of Humanities) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) aims to address critically low blood donation rates in the country. The campaign, a collaboration between UNAM’s General Directorate of Community Attention (DGACO) and the Mexican Red Cross Blood Bank of Mexico City, will continue through Friday, February 27th.

Mexico currently has one of the lowest rates of voluntary blood donation in Latin America and the Caribbean, with only 3.5% of the population donating, according to data released by UNAM. This figure significantly lags behind the regional average of 33%. The campaign seeks to increase awareness of the importance of blood donation and promote a culture of solidarity.

Organizers emphasize that a single blood donation can potentially save up to three lives. Demand for blood transfusions in Mexico remains consistently high, serving patients with chronic illnesses like severe anemia, cancer, and those requiring organ transplants, as well as individuals recovering from accidents, burns, or hemorrhages.

The “Tren de las Humanidades,” a dedicated space within the UNAM campus, is hosting the donation drive from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM each day. The Mexican Red Cross is providing refreshments to all donors and offering blood type identification and screening for infectious diseases as part of the initiative.

While the campaign focuses on increasing donor numbers, broader systemic challenges to blood donation in Mexico persist. A 2023 report by the National Blood Center indicated that logistical issues, including limited access to blood banks in rural areas and insufficient public awareness campaigns, contribute to the low donation rates. The report too highlighted the necessitate for improved blood storage and transportation infrastructure to minimize waste.

The DGACO has not yet released projected donation targets for this specific campaign. However, officials stated that the initiative is part of a long-term strategy to improve blood supply security across Mexico City and beyond. Further campaigns are planned for later in the year, with potential expansion to other UNAM campuses.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) launched airstrikes targeting a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) base in Omdurman, a city adjacent to the capital Khartoum, on Tuesday, according to eyewitness accounts and statements released by both warring factions.

The SAF confirmed the strikes in a brief statement carried by state media, asserting they were aimed at RSF positions that posed a direct threat to civilian areas. The RSF, in a counter-statement posted on social media, accused the SAF of indiscriminate bombing, alleging civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Independent verification of the RSF’s claims regarding casualties remains difficult due to restricted access to the conflict zone.

Fighting between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, erupted on April 15th, stemming from a power struggle over the integration of the RSF into the regular army as part of a transition towards civilian rule. The planned integration was a key component of a political agreement intended to restore a civilian-led government following the October 2021 coup led by al-Burhan and Dagalo.

The conflict has centered around key installations in Khartoum and Omdurman, including the presidential palace, the army headquarters, and the Khartoum International Airport. The SAF has largely relied on airstrikes and artillery, while the RSF has utilized its presence within densely populated areas to its advantage. Both sides have been accused of violating international humanitarian law, including targeting civilian infrastructure and obstructing aid deliveries.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday that the conflict has displaced over 730,000 people within Sudan and driven more than 200,000 refugees into neighboring countries, including Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. OCHA further stated that humanitarian access remains severely restricted, hindering efforts to provide essential assistance to those affected by the fighting.

Multiple attempts at mediation, spearheaded by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United States, have failed to yield a lasting ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has repeatedly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations, but these calls have been ignored by both sides. A 72-hour ceasefire brokered by the United States in May collapsed within hours of taking effect.

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), a key group in the pro-democracy movement, issued a statement condemning the continued violence and calling for international pressure on both the SAF and the RSF to protect civilians and resume negotiations. The SPA accused both generals of prioritizing power over the well-being of the Sudanese people.

On Tuesday, the SAF spokesperson, Nabil Abdalla, reiterated the army’s commitment to defeating the RSF and restoring stability to the country. He accused the RSF of looting public and private property and undermining the state. RSF spokesperson Mohamed Mousa declined to comment on the SAF’s allegations but maintained that the RSF is fighting to defend the revolution and establish a democratic Sudan.

As of Wednesday morning, airstrikes continued to target RSF positions in Omdurman, and sporadic clashes were reported in Khartoum. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that its teams are facing significant challenges in reaching affected populations due to the ongoing fighting and security concerns. The SAF has not responded to requests for comment regarding the ICRC’s access limitations.