Todays news 18/4/2011
The Fight for Libya
A monthlong uprising in Libya has become a war. International air strikes on the North African nation began on March 19. A coalition of countries that includes the United States, Britain and France is leading the charge. The mission: to prevent attacks on civilians by Libya's President, Muammar Gaddafi.
The conflict started brewing on February 15, when protests broke out in Benghazi (see map). Many Libyans want Gaddafi to step down. Gaddafi, 68, has ruled Libya for 41 years. He refuses to resign, and has ordered attacks on the protesters.
On March 17, the United Nations Security Council authorized the use of "all necessary means" to protect civilians. The U.N. also imposed a no-fly zone, where Libyan fighters are not allowed to fly. The coalition is enforcing the resolution.
NATO, an alliance of 28 nations from North America and Europe, is also playing a role. On March 23, NATO ships and submarines patrolled the seas near Libya.
The air strikes appear to be causing Gaddafi's forces to pull back. But the rebels are poorly armed and organized. The U.S. plans to hand off its leadership role. Even so, President Barack Obama promises to "continue to support the efforts to protect the Libyan people."
Obama Takes a Trip
President Barack Obama returned to the U.S. on March 23 after a five-day trip to three nations. He visited Brazil and Chile, in South America, and El Salvador, in Central America. The countries have seen many changes in the past few decades.
Obama wants the U.S. to build better business partnerships with the countries and work together to fight pollution, terrorism and drug trafficking.
The President traveled with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia. Obama cut his trip short by a few hours to return to Washington, D.C., to better deal with the situation in Libya.
A Healthy Discussion
TFK Kid Reporter Gabe Roy joined other kid reporters and First Lady Michelle Obama in the Children's Garden at the White House on March 16. The topic of the day? Children's health. Gabe asked the First Lady if she thought schools should ban bake sales and pizza parties. "Being healthy isn't about eliminating all the fun stuff," she said. "It's about moderation." The First Lady says her family saves treats for the weekend. Read Gabe's full report at timeforkids.com/firstlady.
A Healthy Discussion
TFK Kid Reporter Gabe Roy joined other kid reporters and First Lady Michelle Obama in the Children's Garden at the White House on March 16. The topic of the day? Children's health. Gabe asked the First Lady if she thought schools should ban bake sales and pizza parties. "Being healthy isn't about eliminating all the fun stuff," she said. "It's about moderation." The First Lady says her family saves treats for the weekend. Read Gabe's full report at timeforkids.com/firstlady.
HEALTH SURVEY
When it comes to fitness and nutrition, how much do you know? TIME FOR KIDS and KidsHealth.org want to find out. To take our survey, go to kidshealth.org/healthsurvey. We'll share the results with you in May.
A Healthy Discussion
TFK Kid Reporter Gabe Roy joined other kid reporters and First Lady Michelle Obama in the Children's Garden at the White House on March 16. The topic of the day? Children's health. Gabe asked the First Lady if she thought schools should ban bake sales and pizza parties. "Being healthy isn't about eliminating all the fun stuff," she said. "It's about moderation." The First Lady says her family saves treats for the weekend. Read Gabe's full report at timeforkids.com/firstlady.President Barack Obama returned to the U.S. on March 23 after a five-day trip to three nations. He visited Brazil and Chile, in South America, and El Salvador, in Central America. The countries have seen many changes in the past few decades.
Obama wants the U.S. to build better business partnerships with the countries and work together to fight pollution, terrorism and drug trafficking.
The President traveled with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia. Obama cut his trip short by a few hours to return to Washington, D.C., to better deal with the situation in Libya.
Next: A Healthy Discussion
