Brazil Needs Vaccines, China is Benefiting

 Brazil is in the need for vaccines, and the  Trump Administration has a tie into this. brazil agrees with Trump that vowing in November to create a secure system '' without Chinese espionage''. In Brazil, the death toll continues to rise to their highest level and a new dangerous virus variant that is staling Brazil. This concerning for Brazil since they are trying to reduce the covid-19 deaths and might be welcoming a new virus into town. Their prime minster took measures of his own hands and went to Beijing in February to met with Huawei executives at their headquarters and asked for an "unusual" request to the telecommunication company. After the meeting, the Brazilian government announced the rules for its 5G auction which will be one of the biggest in the world. With Trump's departure from the office, the face of politics has changed the pandemic for Brazil and China has begun stirring up more issues for Brazil. 

By Alexis Ferreira 

Brazil Needs Coronavirus Vaccines. China Is Benefiting. - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Biden Boosts US Vaccine Stockpile

 The Biden Administration has ordered 100 million more doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the U.S. was to have enough approved vaccines delivered by mid-May to cover every adult and enough for 400 million people total by the end of July. Biden has tweeted that every adult in the US will be able to get vaccinated starting May 1st. It is likely the US will have a surplus of vaccines, White house aides have explained that it is better to be overprepared in the case of any unforeseen circumstances, and also adds that the extra vaccines could possibly be used on children, given the FDA approves it. It's still unknown whether the current vaccines will require booster shots, so in the case that this is required, the US would benefit from a vaccine surplus.

link: https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-af8beed9fbeb4a84a425e695423a3e77

By: Tommy McClernon

ISIS Recruitment Fears

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/isis-creates-elite-new-cell-23645245

According to David Otto, counter-terrorism and organized crime expert ISIS has been exploiting the coronavirus to recruit more soldiers underground (different than what we discussed in class when we said ISIS unlike other groups has been claiming territory rather than remaining hidden). 

While the current leader, Amir Mohammad Abdul Rahman al-Mawli al-Salb has been remaining silent as his organization grows, it is estimated that there are 7-10 thousand fighters at ISIS disposal. It is also feared that ISIS has created a new cell of jihadists in the West (Europe) to start carrying out attacks again, as most high-level IS members in Europe were wiped out as the terror groups' numbers were reduced at the end of 2017.

While this is all mostly hearsay, there have been a few claimed attacks this year in Baghdad and Mozambique claiming more than 80 lives. 

- Mason Meiring #6

Minneapolis to pay Floyd family $27m

     It hasn't been a year since the incident happened, but it'll be a year on May 25th. George Floyd, was a Black man who died at the hands of police last May. He died after being trapped under the knee of former Officer Derek Chauvin for an estimated time of 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This, then was captured on camera and sparked protests worldwide. It also, once again reignited the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Attorneys for the family said that the footage created "undeniable demand for justice and change." The hearings will start on March 29th. Also, the Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to pay Floy's family a $27m settlement. 

           https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56381722

 

 

             

China adopts new laws to ensure only ‘patriots’ can govern Hong Kong

3/11

 Aside from one abstention, China’s parliamentary body unanimously approved new laws, making the only people allowed to govern Hong Kong must be patriotic, aka people they approve of governing Hong Kong. This amends Hong Kong’s mini constitution, the basic law, and the electoral system to ensure that people who oppose the communist party are not allowed to sit in the city’s parliament. Dominic Raab, the UK’s foreign minister, criticized the move almost immediately. His claims of hollowing out democratic debate in Hong Kong, and undermining confidence and trust in China, seem to be what most people are thinking.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/11/china-adopts-new-laws-to-ensure-only-patriots-can-govern-hong-kong

Nicholas Horky

U.S losing international deterrence to China - Palahniuk #5

This week, the U.S Indo-Pacific Command leader, Phillip Davidson admitted to a building imbalance between China and the U.S military forces in the South China Sea region. These advances are coming from their steady budge towards making updates to their military arms. A Chinese spokesman replied to Davidson’s statement on Monday pretty much saying that China’s budget increase towards military forces is nothing to be concerned about and they are doing it for the sole reason of defense. On the outside, it is hard not to view China’s bolden stance in the South China Sea as a push towards something bigger. I don’t think the U.S is in the wrong to stay alarmed on what China may have planned. The talk about how the tension between China and the U.S is compared to the Cold-War era of WW2. China is projected to quadruple its nuclear stockpile by the end of 2021, which would give them the upper hand in a nuclear war if we do not increase our defense spending budget. A proposition to match the amount China is putting into their defensive budget was brought to the table by Davidson so that the U.S will then continue to keep an edge over China. Congress approved a 3-5% increase in the defense budget for the U.S to allow us to keep up with the constant growth of international demands.

https://apple.news/A04mh1-mUTIu8j-GCOB9hWA

How China Plans to Control Hong Kong’s Elections and Elevate ‘Patriots’

Looks like I'm back on my Hong Kong bidness. 

In this article, authors Keith Badsher and Chris Buckley write about the continuing issues of mainland China imposing its will on Hong Kong. Mainland China has continued to eliminate democratic candidates from already less-than-legitimate elections. Additionally, mainland China is also arresting democracy activists and charging them with conspiracy to commit subversion. This is all, of course, in effort to quell democracy in Hong Kong.

We've been having a lot of conversations in class about China, and that a big strategy that China uses is slowly imposing their influence on the property around them. This is again really obvious with Hong Kong. Mainland China is slowly taking out its opposition and restructuring Hong Kong in its own image by removing democratic candidates. Even more insidious is that they're doing it in a way that's pretty unfair, to say the least. Last week I was talking about how it's concerning that Hong Kong and made a deal to rejoin mainland China in 2047 but just a week later, the issue seems even more concerning because mainland China seems to be more and more impatient with each passing day. I can only anticipate the protests that are going to occur in response to this. It's sad to see the people of Hong Kong's rights get chipped away the way it is.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/world/asia/china-hong-kong-elections.html

- Jake T. Domingo - Blog post #6

Responds Funds to Climate Change

Recovery funds from many different governments were put in place after a realization of climate change during the pandemic, and have adopted the phrase “build back better,” which hopes to help reduce emissions and thus help with the extreme weather we experience. These countries have the means ($14.6 trillion of the 50 countries with the largest economy)only 2.5% of the programs would actually help with decreasing greenhouse gasses, restoring ecosystems and pollution. Meanwhile, there’s still roughly $2 trillion that’s still set to go into these funds. There is an 82% of the funds that are being to speed up the battle against climate change.  The article argues that just because countries made up the most allocations during the pandemic, that it won’t stop more allocations from happening. Writing that there is still a need for “green energy, green research, and development, restoring, and protecting natural eco-systems and the service they provide.” (Nugent) The article ends with a powerful message that we must hold each other accountable, while we aim for a brighter future. 

Tabby Zuniga 

Citation: Nugent, Ciara. “Just 2.5% of Pandemic Response Spending So Far Is Green.” Time, Time, 10 Mar. 2021, time.com/5945354/covid-19-recovery-climate-change/#:~:text=Climate%20and%20Environment-,U.N.%20Study%20Finds%20Just%202.5%25%20of%20Pandemic%20Response%20Funds%20Committed,China%20on%20March%204%2C%202021. 

President Biden's Relief Bill

    President Joe Biden's COVID-19 relief bill has been passed by the house, and now it is up to Biden himself to approve it. This bill is valued at around $1.9 trillion, and is a pandemic relief package. Passing this bill was one of President Biden's first campaign promises, and something that he discusses quite frequently. Not a single republican voted to pass this bill, but it still got enough votes to pass to be put on Biden's desk. 

    Some features of this bill are up to $1,400 stimulus checks, $300 boost to unemployment, expansion of child tax credit, and money being sent to K-12 schools to get students back in the classroom. 

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/10/politics/covid-relief-bill-house-vote/index.html 

Carly Nasman

U.S. and China Engage, Tentatively, On Climate Change

 The United States and China are engaged in a confidence-building exercise that could show whether the world's two largest economies can work together on shared priorities despite deep disagreements and a badly strained bilateral relationship. Washington and Beijing are to co-chair a G-20 study group focusing on climate-related financial risks. It is a cautious step in a low-stakes venue. According to John Podesta, founder of the left-leaning Center for America Progress think tank in Washington: "Both sides are inching closer to each other and trying to make climate a safe lane for communication." 

However, China has been trying to become less dependent on U.S. technology and to make it clear to the new Biden administration that it won't back off on issues on human rights or Taiwan, a democratic, self-governing island that Beijing views as part of China. Climate advocates have also expressed concern about Beijing's commitment to fighting climate change overseas. Since 2000, Chinese policy banks have extended nearly $52 billion in loans to support coal projects through its Belt and Road Initiative, according to Boston University's Global Development Policy Center. 

It will be very fascinating to see how the relationship between China and the United States will play out. For the international system, this will be a true test whether two rising powers can cooperate with each other without resulting in conflict. It will demonstrate which international lens/perspective is more true (Realism, Liberalism etc.) As of right now, the United States and China represent a system of bipolarity. Two major powers that will keep rising until the other decides to go to War with the other. Only time will tell how this vital relationship will play out. 

Link: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-and-china-engage-tentatively-on-climate-change-11615301108

-Katie Huey, Blog Post #7

Date: 3/9/2021

3 journalists killed in connection to the Taliban

 Three female journalists were shot dead in Jalalabad on Tuesday, March 2nd. Along with these three deaths, a fourth woman was also injured. The three women were recent high school graduates and between the ages of 18 and 20. This is all a part of a wave of killings among professional workers in urban centers. There have been shootings and small bombs and attached to vehicles targeting journalists, civil society workers, and mid-level government employees. The provincial police chief said that they arrested the suspected lead attacker and that he was connected to the insurgent Taliban. This wave of violence has taken place in recent months as the government and Taliban negotiators try to form a peace deal with the United States to withdraw some of our troops. These attacks are meant to intimidate the journalism community and make reporters cower. The culprits are hoping to stifle freedom of speech in a nation where media has grown over the past 20 years.  

 

Reese McMullen

Calls Grow for Governor Cuomo to Resign

With further evidence of his mishandling of the Covid 19 pandemic in nursing homes and accusations of inappropriate behavior toward female employees, many Democratic leaders in the state of New York wish to see Governor Andrew Cuomo resign. Democratic Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, stated that, "for the good of the state Governor Cuomo must resign," showing full support to see the governor's resignation for such incidences. Republicans and Democratic New York state lawmakers have made calls to impeach Cuomo due to his actions. Democratic Assemblyman, Ron Kim, is in support of impeachment and continues to build support to see the efforts of impeachment begin. Even with a lot of rage against the governor, Mr. Cuomo stated that he was, "[N]ot going to resign because of allegations" as he does not want to be distracted while he views over the distribution of vaccinations in the state. So far, Cuomo states that the allegations are not true and are just political adversaries. Both these allegations and mishandlings have led many to continuously see less favor in the Governor who was seen as a Covid solving hero during 2020 by fellow Democrats and the news media. Now that the information has come through, it seems that his popularity and time in office may be running out.

 Jesse Solis

Wall Street Journal - Article by Jimmy Vielkind and Deanna Paul

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-gov-cuomo-says-he-wont-resign-over-allegations-he-acted-inappropriately-11615143713 

How The Global Sand Shortage Could Affect COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

Sand is one of the world's most important nonrenewable resources, used in the construction of everything from high-speed trains to smartphones. And as global urbanization has surged in recent decades, so has the global rate of sand use. This means that the world is facing a worsening global sand shortage, which could be one of the greatest sustainability crises of the 21st century. This sand shortage could even have adverse effects on the global COVID-19 vaccination effort over the next several months and years, as large amounts of sand will be needed for the construction of glass vials to contain the actual vaccine. And even if we successfully navigate the global COVID-19 vaccination effort, the global sand shortage seems destined to only get worse in the coming years and decades.

link: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/05/sand-shortage-the-world-is-running-out-of-a-crucial-commodity.html

Matt Jett #4

Thousands in new rally to demand Armenian PM’s resignation

 In Armenia, thousands of protesters gathered near the parliament building to demand the prime minister's resignation. There was a heavy security force outside of the Capital in order to make sure protesters were not going to resort to violence. These  Nikol Pashinyan has become unpopular in Armenia after he signed a peace deal in November to end fighting with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Pashinyan argued that the peace deal was the only way to prevent Azerbaijan from overrunning the entire Nagorno-Karabakh region. The region itself is in Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethic Armenian forces since the separatist war that ended in 1994.

Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/thousands-in-new-rally-to-demand-armenian-pms-resignation/2021/03/03/d2de5cb6-7c3b-11eb-8c5e-32e47b42b51b_story.html 

Sam Selakovich

Explosion at Bata Military Camp; 20 Dead, 600 Injured

 On March 7th a series of explosions went off at a military camp in Equatorial Guinea in the city of Bata. At least 20 are confirmed dead, with hundreds injured. According to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema the explosions were caused by "neglegent handling of dynamite". Claims also support that there was a fire where the weapons were being stored which ignited the dynamite. As of today, there are still over 600 people hospitalized and being treated for their injuries. 

https://abcnews.go.com/International/explosion-equatorial-guinea-kills-17-injures-hundreds/story?id=76310537

Sydney Chmielewski

Voting Rights

 Joe Biden signed an executive order to help Americans with the right to vote which would allow them to participate more in elections by having more education on voting, and enable more access to vote. He made a point about saying that this is the responsibility of the federal government for this to happen, even after Republicans are seeking more restrictions, along with 43 other states that already have bills with restrictions on voting. The restrictions that states have drawn up might also be out of the hands of the Biden Administration. But voters who have disabilities, Native Americans, or people who have been incarcerated learn more about their rights. A powerful message was how Biden delivered this speech virtually on the “bloody Sunday,” in Alabama on the Edmund Pettus Bridge where black men were beaten by police officers when they were marching for their right to vote. Biden reminded congress also of the Voting Rights Act that needs to be restored, which was named in John Lewis’s honor, saying, “Let the people vote.”

Tabby Zuniga Diaz

Smith, Allan. “'Let the People Vote': Biden Signs Executive Order to Expand Voting Access.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 7 Mar. 2021, www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-signs-executive-action-ordering-agencies-expand-voting-access-n1259906. 

Afghanistan conflict: US warns of new Taliban 'spring offensive'

Back on February 2020 during the trump administration it was said that the US and its Nato allies would withdraw all troops in 14 months if the Taliban upheld its promises, including not allowing al-Qaeda or other militants to operate in areas it controlled, and proceeding with national peace talks. With this deal between the US and the Taliban it was said that all remaining US forces, about 10,000, should be due to leave the country by May 1st in exchange for Taliban security guarantees. However, the Biden administration said it would review the peace agreement made with the Taliban during Trump's administration to make sure that they are living up to their end of the deal, including reducing violence and cutting ties with terrorists, before withdrawing. In addition there was a letter sent to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, warning of a possible new spring offensive.  The letter calls for a 90-day reduction in violence in Afghanistan and a new international peace effort to help reach a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.

Valeria Ramirez

Trump's Conspiracy Theories - Palahniuk #4

Monday, March 1st Donald Trump sat down with a Fox News interviewer, Laura Ingraham, and shared some of his thoughts about the rising events of “thugs” planning to disrupt the Republican National Convention, rich people buying ownership of the world, and the becoming of President Joe Biden. The first theory about “a plane ‘loaded with thugs’ headed to the Republican convention” was claimed to have happened this past weekend, although no evidence of a flight matching the description Trump explained has been traced. Secondly, he made allegations that “very stupid rich people” are financially supporting racial protests throughout the U.S. These allegations have brought attention to conspiracies about those who support Black Lives Matter and Antifa groups and turning the meaning for each group backward. Lastly, he made a remark that “people that you haven’t heard of are controlling Joe Biden'', trying to say that Biden ran for the presidency for another reason than in the best interest of the U.S people. Trump has lacked credibility with any of these theories with the absence of any supporting evidence, proof, and/or facts. In all, there are way too many vague lines between Trump's conspiracies and are leading to much more chaos than there would be if he hadn't said anything. But I wonder, is there more to his theories? Is Trump saying these things to get the U.S people worked up for something else he has planned?

Trump's Conspiracy Theories

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Must Resign

New York State's Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins as well as House Speaker Carl E. Heastie have called for Governor Andrew Cuomo to consider resigning. Governor Cuomo currently has a multitude of scandals surrounding his administration. First and foremost, four women who have formerly worked under Cuomo have publicly stated that the governor acted inappropriately towards them. Additionally, multiple former aides of Cuomo has said that he has been creating a toxic workplace with his behavior for decades. Beyond this, Cuomo has been under scrutiny by many for how his administration endangered patients in nursing homes by having COVID positive patients moved from the hospital back into the nursing homes. After this, the administration also under-reported deaths due to COVID in nursing homes by as much as 50%. Cuomo is currently facing federal investigation for this.

Members of Cuomo's inner circle have come forward and said that he has no plans on resigning anytime soon. Cuomo himself told reporters that stepping down would be 'anti-democratic,' as well as refuting the claims brought up against him by his former staff members. Cuomo has yet to actually deny any of the allegations brought up against him, and he has not apologized or taken responsibility for any of his actions. Cuomo responded to the state officials calling for his resignation by saying that they were politically motivated, and that he is waiting for the conclusion of the investigation into these claims. Just earlier today (Sunday, March 7th, 2021), Cuomo stated that there is no chance for his resignation, and he is simply going to wait for the results of the pending federal investigation.

Sarah Runchey

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/03/07/cuomo-resignation-calls-sexual-harassment/

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

 In recent news, there has been updates about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with their decision to completely remove themselves from the Royal Family, and have their own life. There has also been word that Buckingham Palace is investigating allegations that staff members have accused Meghan of 'emotional cruelty and manipulation' after they got married in 2018. The couple also apparently had issues with a family member bringing up how dark their first baby's skin color would be. The family member's name was not mentioned, as it was "too personal" for the Duke and Duchess to share, and would be "damaging", they said in an interview. "The idea that because of the member of color in the family not being titled" was something that deeply hurt Meghan, and she did not feel comfortable with. The Duchess was also concerned for Archie and her future children's safety, and being in the public eye. Oprah is interviewing the couple tonight, and updates are being given as they are released, about the various topics the public is wondering about. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/harry-meghan-oprah-interview/

Michelle Boban, POLS102 Blog Post 3

Senate passes $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill

 Senate Democrats passed President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan in a vote 50-49 party line vote. Here are some of the things the new act will be doing: increasing funding for Covid vaccine testing and distribution, increasing unemployment aid ($300 weekly boost), $1,400 direct payment to most Americans, and rental assistance for struggling individuals and re-opening costs for K-12 schools. The bill provided $14 billion in payroll support to airlines to ensure workers are not furloughed or get their pay cut. One thing that was cut from the bill was Biden's attempt to raise the minimum wage to $15/hr, even with the many cuts the bill endured, Republican's still opposed it citing that the state of the economy did not warrant another stimulus plan.

link: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/06/covid-stimulus-update-senate-passes-1point9-trillion-relief-bill.html

By: Tommy McClernon

Houthi Drones Intercepted by Saudi-backed coalition- DALTON WILLETT BLOG #6

 Today Saudi's in Yemen say that they destroyed 8 drones, 3 that were fired at Saudi Arabia that were launched by the Houthi movement, a movement that is strong allies with Iran. The attacks were aimed at southern Saudi Arabia, specifically Jazan and Khamis Mushait. The United States and the United Nations have stepped in as mediators to help regulate and stop the civil war that is essentially a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The south is not the only place effected by this warfare, as the northern city of Marib has seen hundreds of soldiers killed in recent months. These are the facts, and this is the basic update as to what has been going on with the conflict in recent days. From my point of view, this is a very messy and challenging conflict to address. If you are in the position of any of these governments, or an outside government like the US trying to untangle this web of warfare is nearly impossible. There are militant groups throughout the country fighting for different causes. Some that say they are fighting against an unjust government body, some that say the Houthis are just a puppet to Tehran. Either way, there are a lot of moving pieces in this "civil war" and with Iran refusing the halt their nuclear development program and the intensified relationship between the United States and Iran, it is unlikely that this conflict comes to a close anytime soon. 

Saudi-led coalition intercepts several Houthi drones (msn.com) DALTON WILLETT BLOG #6

Dozens in Hong Kong’s Opposition Charged Under Law Imposed by Beijing

 

This article exposes just how anti democracy China is and their relationship with Hong Kong. In Beijing, Police have arrested 39 men and eight women because they were a part of a democracy camp. If convicted, they will most likely serve years in prison. This event has led China to tightening Hong Kong’s political structure and have set a high standard for bail for those who are charged with being involved with democracy as it is now a national security law. All 47 individuals that were arrested were hit with national security charges. Furthermore, the Chinese government has continued this expulsion of democracy by removing four members of its legislature who were pro democracy. It is a fascinating situation to read about as it is crazy to see how controlling the Chinese government is over Hong Kong as well as how little free speech they allow their citizens. People are facing significant jail time simply for believing in democracy. Whether it is ethically right or wrong, I can confidently say that something like this would not fly in the U.S. so it is interesting to read about how other countries handle situations differently.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/dozens-in-hong-kongs-opposition-charged-under-law-imposed-by-beijing-11614508140

Jeremy Cardenas Blog #4

The Pope's speech in Iraq on Islamic extremism

 The Pope in his visit to Northern Iraq, gave a speech to the Christian minority in the country which has grown ever smaller since the 2003 U.S invasion and ISIS. The Pope encouraged the population to rebuild as he toured by destroyed churches and bombed out areas. During his speech the Pope also called for the ability to forgive being an important ability for Christians and to prove that peace and brotherhood is stronger than war and fratricide. Some of the places in Northern Iraq being not to far from Mosul, the capital of the ISIS held territory and a location where those who did not flee were killed be it Muslim or Christian. Is it possible to forgive those who beheaded, raped and committed killings on mass, in terms of forgiveness I do not believe it would be easy for any of the Christian to forgive such actions as they try to rebuild their homes. 

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/07/pope-iraq-christian-muslim-474196

Chris Rauch

Senate Amends and Passes Coronavirus Relief

 Another stimulus package my be headed our way as the senate passed the $1.9T coronavirus relief bill. Before the bill will be sent to president Biden it will go back to the house for the senate amendments to be voted on. If it is passed and Biden is to make the decision it is likely that he will pass the bill as well as it is supported by him and backed by the democrats. The stimulus check that will be sent out is $1,400. 

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-03-06/senate-passes-19t-coronavirus-relief-after-late-night-marathon-session

Will Kettelkamp

Is Switzerlands banning of face coverings just?

 Recently in Switzerland, the government has voted on placing a ban on all Muslim headgear. From the article, the understanding behind it is that Switzerland is in a good state with covid that wearing a mask is no longer required, thus by showing their faces it represents freedom to the people living there. When Muslims wear the headgear it is seen as offensive to Switzerland people. Although Muslim people make up less than 5 percent of people living in Switzerland it is still important to talk about as what is being presented here is a pure cultural clash. Switzerland and Muslim ideologies do not align and thus both parties are blinded by what is being displayed. in my personal opinion, I believe no ban should be placed on these headgears. For one, you are taking away a cultural piece of your society. Everyone adds some type of impact to a region. By allowing you to show you are open to all walks of life and is a fundamental piece of bringing the world together in a time it desperately needs to be. Only time will tell if Switzerland will shift off of this ban, but for now, people of Muslim culture must abide by the face-covering ban. 

Matthew Rabick

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56314173

Pirates Free 10 Abducted Fishermen in Nigeria, Ransom Paid

    According to Nigerian military officers, 10 foreigners were abducted by pirates last month and were rescued from southern Nigeria. Thankfully, the foreigners were released unharmed and turned over the Nigeria's security forces after Nigerian mediators paid a $30,000 ransom. These hostages were kidnapped a month ago on February 7th off the Atlantic coast near the West African country of Gabon. The hostages included six Chinese nationals, three Indonesians and a Gabonese. It is inferred that all the hostages were fishermen. As of recent, kidnapping for ransom has become an increasing problem in Nigeria. Just last week, hundreds of Nigerian girls were released after being abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School. Those who were responsible for that kidnapping is a group of armed men who operate in the Zamfara state and kidnap for money. The Nigerian government has spoke against these bandits and have also introduced a curfew and no fly zone in the state of Zamfara. Nigeria is forced to become proactive in situations such as these because it is evident that they are on the rise. 

Gall

 https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-03-07/pirates-free-10-abducted-fishermen-in-nigeria-ransom-paid

US Criticizes China's Change of Electoral System in Hong Kong

 This Thursday, China moved to enact very extreme changes to Hong Kong's electoral system, aiming to changing their election rules and aiming to have the city run by patriots, those who are fiercely loyal to Chinese government and the Communist party. These changes would essentially destruct any of Hong Kong's current pro-democratic politicians.

    Today, March 6, the US openly condemned China's move to make these changes. As an openly democratic and anti-Communist nation, it really isn't a surprise that the US took this approach. The US Department of State described these changes as attacks on the region's democracy and freedom. As an attempt to keep pro-democracy politicians out of power and pro-Beijing loyalists in power, the enactment of this reform would ensure only patriots were in power in Hong Kong. This reform stems from a national security law passed in 2019 in Hong Kong, to put a stop to pro-democracy mass protests. 

https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/us-condemns-china-s-move-to-alter-hong-kong-s-electoral-system-121030600073_1.html

Kaitlyn Colvin

Why this tech CEO is calling on Biden to give $2,400 monthly stimulus checks to moms

The founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani, stirred controversy in The New York Times after launching her full-page ad to incite the Biden administration to launch her Marshall Plan for Moms. This would include a $2,400 monthly stimulus check to mothers specifically for the unpaid labor that they perform within the household. I think the Marshall Plan for Moms would significantly impact a woman's decision on whether or not she should be involved in the labor force because if she was compensated for the nonmarket work that she is committing herself to, this would incentivize staying home and decrease her laborforce participation. When a mother has to juggle working long hours of work remotely over zoom while being distracted by housework that must be tended to such as childcare and housework, these paychecks would eliminate the need for the mother to do multiple things all at the same time and specifically tend to the needs of her kids. The women that this would specifically affect are the women who are single mothers. I say this because since their children cannot attend in-person school and work is done remotely at home, the single mother has to complete her market work but also pose as a nanny and a teacher since the children need undivided attention during this difficult time. The women that this would affect the least are the mothers who have a partner who makes a sufficient amount of money in market-work. I say this because the family would still be in a good enough spot financially for the mother to leave the labor force and be there for her children and the housework. She would have an obvious incentive to leave the labor force from the start because it is essential for her to step in and fill these roles when the children have to learn remotely while still remaining financially stable because the father is spending his time in market work and having a consistent income pouring in.

Kaytlyn Tyler

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/25/tech-ceo-reshma-saujani-calls-for-2400-monthly-stimulus-to-moms.html

Hong Kong used to be the poster child for economic freedom. Not anymore

    In this article, Toh writes about the further decline of Hong Kong's freedom at the hands of mainland China. Another protest against China was staged earlier this week that resulted in 47 arrests. The people of Hong Kong continue to fight for their rights as China slowly encroaches on them more and more.

    It's hard to watch the people of Hong Kong slowly and forcefully losing their democratic rights and freedoms. These people are fighting so hard against something that I can't imagine going their way. Hong Kong already agreed to join mainland China in 2047 but we can see that changes are happening much sooner than that. I don't think it was ever a realistic thought that maybe they would hold off the process completely and then start implementing changes or that it would be like a light switch and at 12:00 01/01/2047, the change would be made, but it seems to me that the changes are also happening a lot sooner than what was agreed on. Again, it's just hard to watch this unfold. I think a lot about China's motivation to Annex Taiwan. How violent could that process be?

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/04/business/hong-kong-economy-freedom-intl-hnk/index.html

- Jake Domingo: Blog post #5

Texas Lifts Mask Mandate

 On Tuesday the governor of Texas announced that he will be lifting the mask mandate and letting businesses open up at full capacity starting March 10th. He did this even after being told not to by the health administration, and will not be following their guidelines anymore. He states that since the vaccines are being distributed so much and that since there was a drop in COVID-19 cases, it is time to open businesses back of and let people go back to living their normal lives before this pandemic started. Although only about 7% of Texans are vaccinated, governor Abbot thinks that this is a viable reason to open up the state again, despite being told not to by many scientists who are afraid that this will result in another surge of cases in the future. This new order by Abbot is scaring many and making many Texans feel unsafe and afraid of another spike in cases. 

Carly Nasman

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/02/us/texas-governor-mask-mandate/index.html 

US Inflation Expectations Above FED Target

 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-yields-resurgent-inflation-expectations-171038508.html

On Wednesday long-maturity bond yields increased heavily, driving inflation expectations to about 2.5% for the next five years. This is important because the Federal Reserve aims for a maximum of 2% inflation per year, and going over that expectation leads to uneasiness with investors of the US dollar. 

This inflation hike is most likely due to the recent increase in oil prices, as well as the UK announcing that it will be selling more bonds than expected, as it deals with its own recession. This is important because foreign investment makes up about 25% of US debt and all countries are dealing with recessions, which could lead to more countries selling off their US debts. 

- Mason Meiring #5

U.S. Announces sanctions on Russia over poisoning and jailing of opposition leader Navalny

 The Biden administration announced punitive sanctions on senior Russian government figures over the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and reiterated a demand that Navalny be released from detention. The sanctions block access to financial or other assets in the United States for seven top figures around Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Biden administration announced new export restrictions on items that could be used to manufacture chemical weapons and a widening of existing sanctions under a law controlling use of such weapons. The names of the government figures that the sanctions will impact will not be made public until later. 

It is fascinating to me to see the dynamic that the Biden administration is creating with Russia compared to the Trump administration. Moreover, the export restrictions are very well chosen as the control of weapons especially chemical weapons is a critical issue. Moreover, this issue demonstrates how international politics impacts all aspects of our lives even if it isn't in the country we live in that something is occurring.

Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/russia-biden-navalny-sanctions/2021/03/02/4367d342-7b5e-11eb-85cd-9b7fa90c8873_story.html

-Katie Huey, Blog Post #6

3/2/2021

6 Dr. Seuss Books Will No Longer Be Published Over Offensive Images

 The New York Times reported on the discontinuation of six of Dr. Seuss’s books due to offensive images. Dr. Seuss Enterprises stated, “it had decided last year to end publication and licensing of the books by Theodor Seuss Geisel.” They were also noted saying, “These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.” The five of the six books include “If I Ran The Zoo,” “McElligot’s Pool,” “On Beyond Zebra!” “Scrambled Eggs Super!” and “The Cat’s Quizzer.” The sixth book is Suess’ first book ever published, “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” (1937). Before Seuss became a significant figure in children’s literature, he was a political cartoonist for a New York newspaper, PM, and portrayed harmful stereotypes. He apologized decades later stating, “he was embarrassed by the cartoons, which he said were ‘full of snap judgments that every political cartoonist has to make.’ Dr. Seuss, who I am sure most of us grew up reading his books, is celebrated March 2 and centered around the Read Across America program. He is a highly regarded children’s author and his books have been translated into many languages in countries around the world. With some extra research, I also found that Barnes and Noble have already “prevented” the public from purchasing the books and they will be moved to the banned/challenged book list. I think that this article is relevant to the rights of speech/press and I am curious to see how other countries will handle Dr. Seuss’ works in the future.

-Hannah Kohl (Blog #5)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/books/dr-seuss-mulberry-street.html

Johnson and Johnson; a Game Changer?

 The FDA has formally approved of the Johnson and Johnson Vaccine. This is a one does vaccine that could greatly ramp up the number of American's getting vaccinated across the country. Many scientists believe that with the addition of the third vaccine and the fact it is a single dose could be what turns the tide against the year-long (what has felt like 5 year long) pandemic. The company is expected to ship out 16 million doses to go along with the 4 million that they already have. With 20 million more American's vaccinated by just this one vaccine along with the numbers guided by the other two, there is a definite light at the end of this seemingly endless tunnel. Though this vaccine is less effective, 85% compared to 94% and 95%, the more people vaccinated undoubtedly assists in the plateau of COVID-19 cases and hopefully, ultimately rids of the deadly virus.

Kolby Miller #4

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/jj-vaccine-game-changer-matters-rcna322

India's New Alternative To Twitter Is Amplifying Anti-Muslim Hate

In the wake of Twitter defying an order to block twitter accounts of journalists and activists critical of the Indian government, government officials have begun promoting an Indian alternative to Twitter called Koo. Koo has been rapidly growing in India over the last month, and what's worrying about this is that Koo has no meaningful rules or infrastructure in place for content moderation, and perhaps as a result, extreme anti-Muslim hate speech has been proliferating on the app. This is definitely not a good development in a country characterized by tense and uneasy relations between a Hindu majority and a substantial Muslim minority, and it's not a great sign that the Indian government and broader swaths of India are beginning to use this app over Twitter.

link: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/pranavdixit/koo-muslim-hate-india

Matt Jett #3

The Philippines Has Vaccinated Zero Health-Care Workers So Far

The article discusses how health workers in the Philippines have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 yet. This fear of contracting COVID-19 while working with patients who have the virus has caused many to take a leave or quit their jobs all together. President Rodrigo Duterte says the reason health workers aren't getting vaccinated in the country is that rich countries have bought up all the supplies, meaning there is a scramble for vaccines. However, since the Philippines is a lower middle-income country, the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine were bought at a reduced price because of the World Health Organization's initiative known as COVAX. This program was put in place to make sure poorer countries, like the Philippines, don't get the short end of the stick in vaccine distribution as richer countries are in a buyer's race. However, this program does not guarantee frontline workers vaccination as only a handful are able to with the number of doses being provided to the Philippines. This leaves health workers in a stressful and dangerous environment, which has caused many to lose trust in their government and their profession.

Link: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/02/18/969008730/the-philippines-has-vaccinated-zero-health-care-workers-so-far

Sam Selakovich

 

Trump Teases 2024 Presidential Run

 

At the Conservative Political Action Conference, former President Donald J Trump makes remarks on Joe Biden's actions at the new president and the possibility of still being involved in politics in the year 2024. During his term, two impeachment trials, BLM Riots, election situations all have created a dilemma between the two major political parties as both sides seem to further divide on the idea of Trump and his actions as president. Many Republicans continue to support Trump as a "GOP standard-bearer" says Jamerson and Leary. The Democrats have tried everything to ensure that Trump will not be able to run again but did not fall through as there were not enough votes to ensure he does not run for office or allo his recognition on future federal monuments. With the polarization of the two sides and the actions of Joe Biden seem to stir the idea of another run at the Presidency in 2024. Trump was a star for the Republicans with his "America First" agenda and his policies aligned with the idea of created a better America for Americans. I believe that if Trump were to decide to run again, that he would receive major support to do so as a huge percent of the population has supported the former president.  

Jesse Solis

Wall Street Journal - Article by Joshua Jamerson and Alex Leary

https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-cpac-trump-to-assert-dominance-of-gop-take-aim-at-biden-on-immigration-foreign-policy-11614513600?mod=politics_lead_pos3

Military Crackdown in Myanmar Escalates With Killing of Protesters

In Myanmar nothing looks like it is getting better, the military opened fire to peaceful protestors that eventually killed 18 civilians. Videos and photos were taken when security forces opened fire, but that is not the only concern. The issue inclines the southern city of Dawei where the military opened fire to hundreds of civilians killing 3 people and 50 injured. Yet again peaceful protestors are risking there lives for a better future and the military/law enforcement are showing their use of power to “control” the coups. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/28/world/asia/myanmar-protests.html

by:Alexis Ferreira 

Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Approved at a Pivitol Time in U.S.

     As concern grows for new variants of Covid19 arising, a third vaccine has officially been approved by the FDA for use in the United States. This vaccine is produced by Johnson and Johnson and as of last night was approved for reccomendation by the CDC. This vaccine in particular appears to be a game changer as it only requires a single dose to be effective and does not require subfreezing temperatures for preservation. This means it will be more accessible and easier to distribute to the population. Scientists say that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine has arrived at a pivitol moment as there is a threat of increasing cases in the coming weeks. Experts are urging the public to remain diligent and safe as the country works towards mass vaccination efforts. 

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/01/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html

Sydney Chmielewski