Notre Dame to miss Christmas Mass for the first time in 200 years

Your favorite #GIRLBOSS is coming back – here are 10 iconic quotes

From a rocket-like rise to the top to the Nasty Gal bankruptcy that wiped out her personal fortune … from a huge social media following to multiple lawsuits for trademark infringement and discrimination … Sophia Amoruso has definitely experienced her share of ups and downs.Now she’s back, with her sights on bringing down a giant. She’s taking on Linkedin with a women-focused professional networking platform, .Girlboss Collective

A bit of Good News for today to put world progress in greater perspective

Honesty about life’s darker realities can spur us to action and progress, but too much negativity leaves us feeling paralyzed and completely helpless. So here’s a bit of balance – a showcase of positive developments occurring right now around the world:

Extreme poverty is the lowest it has ever been.
New Zealand launches new “wellbeing” budget.
Large Amazonian region is now protected.
Global commitment to “No More Plastic” grows.

Go beyond the headlines with us to explore bonus facts like these…

Progress on poverty is uneven around the world. Which regions are winning and which are losing?
New Zealand isn’t the first nation to declare that measures of a state’s success should consider the happiness of its people. Learn about a US politician and a tiny Asian nation that helped lay the groundwork for New Zealand’s new policy.

How us Introverts can succeed our way

A fellow introvert shares her secrets to flourishing in a work world dominated by extroverts:

Relationship building doesn’t only happen in large groups.
Schedule alone time every day.
Find the activity that helps you unwind quickly.
Use your natural listening abilities.
Learn how to tame that socially uncomfortable voice.
Find a polite conversation ender.

Harnessing Positive Energy Like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Recently, the Netflix hit “Knock Down the House” gave us a behind-the-scenes look at AOC’s improvised political operation. One very memorable and personal scene shows Ocasio-Cortez giving herself a positive energy pep talk before a critical political debate.

The power of self-talk

By verbalizing subconscious habits of thought like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, you can exert control over your own mind. Rather than letting self-defeating thoughts run rampant, you will learn to channel your brain’s energy towards the positive outcome you want.

Tips for effective self-talk

Think about all the people who would like to see you succeed.
Refer to yourself in the third person.
Believe in what you are saying!

The Root of Taiwan – China Relations Today (PLUS what Taiwanese think)

Japan ceded control of the islands of Taiwan in 1945. Almost immediately afterward, all of China descended into civil war. By the time the San Francisco Treaty was signed in 1951, the Communist Party had assumed control of the mainland, with the prior Chinese Nationalist government fleeing to Taiwan.

Taiwan’s political status has been ambiguous ever since…

To which government did Japan actually return control of Taiwan?
Which government officially represents Taiwan?
Does one government have a legitimate claim to all of greater China?

Go beyond the headlines with us to explore bonus facts like these…

Why weren’t Taiwan and mainland China invited to sign the San Francisco Treaty?
Is there a relationship between China’s economic boom and Taiwan’s disappearing diplomatic allies?

11 Inspirational Quotes from Strong, Proud Women for Work and Life

They range from some of the world’s most famous artists and entertainers to fighters who transformed their suffering into global empires. And all of these women have a lot to say.

Here are just a few of their simple reminders that can transform our hours, days, months, and sometimes even our lives:

“Don’t play a supporting role in your own life.” – Robin Roberts (American television broadcaster)
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” – Oprah Winfrey (media executive, actress, talk show host, television producer and philanthropist)

China and Taiwan Relations Right Now (PLUS US Role & Effects on Pacific Islands)

In recent years, mainland China has ramped up efforts to achieve its One China goal. These efforts include meddling in Taiwan’s elections and interfering with day-to-day life in Hong Kong.
Chinese loans and other aid place poorer regions like the Pacific Islands in a position of economic dependence. As a result, nations like the Solomon Islands are under tremendous pressure to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
The US policy of “strategic ambiguity” complicates the global response to increasingly worrisome China and Taiwan relations.

Go beyond the headlines with us to explore bonus facts like these:

Aside from the requirement of severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, what other terms does China place on its foreign aid?
How did China manage to occupy a port in Sri Lanka for the next 99 years?
Which country now owes one-third of its GDP to the PRC powerhouse?
How has the Taiwan-China issue developed under the Trump administration?

5 Commonly Held Misconceptions About Introverts and Extroverts

Am I an introvert or an extrovert?

Even if you know the answer, do you know what these two terms really mean?

Maybe other people have told you all your life that you’re one or the other (as people love to do). However, like many popular web threads, the talk about these personality types is full of assumptions and misconceptions, such as:

You must be either one or the other.
You can’t sit somewhere in the middle.
Switching between the two modes is simple.
Introverts aren’t cut out to be speakers.
Extroverts love small talk.

Here’s how to find out how much sleep you REALLY need – and get It!

We constantly ask our friends, our doctors and above all our bot overlords, “How much sleep do I need, actually?”
The problem is that no one else really knows how your body and mind feel. Fortunately, we can learn how to decide for ourselves how many zzz’s we need!

If your energy is low and you get hungry a lot, you might not be sleeping enough. However, if you wake up with little energy even after sleeping longer than you usually do, you might be sleeping too much for your body.
How much sleep we need is influenced by all kinds of factors, including our lifestyle habits, what we’re already accustomed to and even genetics. So don’t rely on online sleep quizzes and calculators.
The sleep habits of well-known entrepreneurs, celebrities and CEOs vary just as much as everyone else’s. There’s no magic sleep formula for success.
The best way to figure out how much sleep you need is to track your sleep and mood over a few weeks (BTW we have a sleep tracker for you!)

4 Positive News Stories to Put World Development in Perspective

A Chinese entrepreneur sends thousands of bikes to children in rural Myanmar.
Animals thought to be extinct have been rediscovered in the jungles of Honduras.
Renewable energy now accounts for one-third of global power capacity.
A South Korean school gives illiterate older women the chance to read.

Go beyond the headlines with us to explore bonus facts like these…

Which region of the world is taking the lead in renewable energy growth?
What are the dreams and ambitions of South Korean women learning to read at age 60+?

Everything you need to know about the current unrest in Hong Kong (PLUS what it says about Taiwan)

One way to evaluate the “One Country, Two Systems” approach that Beijing is insisting on for Taiwan is to look at the relationship between Hong Kong and China. Hong Kong has been operating under this arrangement for over 20 years.
From the abduction of Hong Kong citizens in 2015 to recent protests that brought the entire city to a standstill, unrest has been on the rise in Hong Kong in recent years.
Mainland China points to Macau as proof of how well “one country, two systems” can work. However, Macau’s one-dimensional economy centered on gambling makes it an unsuitable comparison for Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Go beyond the headlines with us to explore bonus facts like these…

How much longer can Hong Kong keep its political and economic status quo?
What are the language, political and population differences between Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China and Macau?
With the Chinese cyberworld heavily monitored and censored, what do mainland China citizens know about the tensions in Hong Kong?

4 Morning Routine Must-Do’s to Overcome Anxiety (PLUS Bonus Tips from Successful People)

Waking up anxious doesn’t just take the fun out of our morning routines. The stresses invading your mind can derail your hopes for the day before it even begins.

We can’t completely stop the angst that comes with taking on new challenges, but we can keep it from hijacking our mornings. Here are four ways to keep the anxiety that wakes you up at bay:

Put yourself together – even if you really don’t feel like it.
Play the right type of music.
Visualize yourself overcoming the stresses.
And lastly … Don’t touch your phone. Really.

US & New Zealand Leaders React to Mass Shootings – Blame Laying vs They Are Us

The US, plagued by an epidemic of mass shootings for decades, remains stuck in a bog of political paralysis. – – Meanwhile, New Zealand, shocked by this modern evil’s arrival on its shores, springs to action.
Why does the global threat of mass violence so inspiringly unify one country, and so hopelessly divide the other?
National leaders are, for better or worse, the faces of their nations in the eyes of the world. In times of crisis, their words and actions matter.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

What were the themes of Prime Minister Ardern’s and President Trump’s responses to the mass shootings?
How did the youth of the two nations respond?

China attempts to reunify with Taiwan by pressuring global companies

Consumers will soon start seeing “Taiwan, China”, or a similar phrase, on the websites and marketing materials of most major global corporations.
These companies are being coerced to use this language, fearing harm to their bottom lines if they do not comply.
An Air New Zealand flight bound for Shanghai was forced to turn back because airline documents seemed to refer to Taiwan as a separate country from mainland China.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

What is the economic significance of mainland’s China’s policy toward businesses?
What happened to Palau when it refused to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan?
Which American companies have been targeted by the mainland Chinese government for suggesting that Taiwan and China are separate countries?
What does mainland China hope to achieve through these efforts?

6 Ways to unwind when you’re suffering burnout (PLUS how to test yourself)

In May 2019, the World Health Organization officially listed workplace burnout as a medical syndrome. The health risks are real, so it’s critical to learn how to get your mind back in balance:

Meditate
Get organized
Get some fresh air, rehydrate and breathe deeply
Arrange time to talk with a family member, friend or therapist
Exercise, stretch or do some yoga
Take a mental health day

Responses of NZ & US Youth to Mass Shootings – Myths and National Identity

After horrendous acts of violence, the youth of both countries took to the streets in different ways – the haka dances of New Zealand students and the angry protests of US teenagers.
A vacuum created by the absence of decisive leadership sucked the youth into the most bitter realms of American politics.
Both forms of public demonstration are rooted in debates over national identity that reach back long before the great grandparents of today’s youth were born.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

How have national myths divided one society and unified the other?
How have haka dances and other Maori traditions evolved to embody New Zealand’s national identity and shared strength in the wake of tragedy?
How do American ideas of freedom feed the strife over gun laws?

5 Common Misbeliefs About Gender Identity (PLUS Why They Matter)

Gender identity debates and campaigns get a lot of attention from news outlets these days. LBGTQ activists passionately voice their demands for recognition and rights across social media platforms, and critics respond with equal passion.

Sadly, just like with every other current debate, misconceptions abound. Here is our attempt to puncture the most rapidly spreading gender identity myths before they grow any larger.

The gender of all human newborns is easy to identify
Gender fluidity and non-binary gender are new ideas
Gender is a simple matter of XX or XY chromosomes
Gender identity is connected to sexual preference
Only tomboys and effeminate males resist traditional gender identities

8 Jeff Bezos quotes – The world’s richest man speaks on creativity & success

You might love Amazon for giving you 24-hour delivery of the toilet paper your roommate was supposed to buy last week, or hate it for driving your cute local supermarket out of business. Either way, the flagship company of Jeff Bezos has in some way influenced your day-to-day life.

Here’s a brief look at the surprising history of Amazon, along with a peek inside the mind of the man behind the empire:

“The common question that gets asked in business is, ‘why?’ That’s a good question, but an equally valid question is, ‘why not?’”
“We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.”

8 Jeff Bezos quotes – The world’s richest man speaks on creativity & success

You might love Amazon for giving you 24-hour delivery of the toilet paper your roommate was supposed to buy last week, or hate it for driving your cute local supermarket out of business. Either way, the flagship company of Jeff Bezos has in some way influenced your day-to-day life.

Here’s a brief look at the surprising history of Amazon, along with a peek inside the mind of the man behind the empire:

“The common question that gets asked in business is, ‘why?’ That’s a good question, but an equally valid question is, ‘why not?’”
“We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.”

Let’s look at that press briefing on Hong Kong protests

Some see Spokesperson Yang’s use of the phrase “cost upon society” when describing the possible consequences of the ongoing demonstrations in Hong Kong as a threat. However, from a purely economic standpoint, it must be acknowledged that negative effects can already be witnessed in the financial hub:

Property prices fall for the first time
Retail sales suffering
Broader economic impacts

Why I’m not scared of the #metoo movement, and I’m a man

In September 2018, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified to the US Senate that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers. Responding to her testimony and to the #MeToo movement, President Donald Trump stated that it is “a very scary time for young men in America.”

Well, I am an American cisgender, heterosexual male, and I am not afraid. Here’s why:

I have seen how women are pressured to remain silent.
I understand that women are people. Completely. Really.
I keep things in perspective.
I want my life to matter.

Mass Shootings in Context – NZ Weapons Ban vs US 2nd Amendment & “Gun Culture”

After leading her country out of a deep darkness following the Christchurch Mosque Shootings, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern looked across the Pacific and was mystified:“Australia experienced a massacre and changed its laws. New Zealand has had its experience and changed its laws. To be honest with you, I don’t understand the United States.”
Most of the world finds the intensity of US “gun culture” bewildering. At the root of it all is a lone sentence in the world’s oldest constitution still in use.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

What are some of the key facts and misconceptions about gun ownership in the US?
What further context could James Madison have given when he wrote the Second Amendment – The Right to Bear Arms?
How do most Americans view the Second Amendment today?

4 gift ideas for that type A friend

We all have that friend who is always just so on top of life. Every single event is recorded in her calendar, and she’s always 15 minutes early to everything, always put together, just always “on”.
They amaze us, but these friends also cause us mini panic attacks when it comes time to buy them gifts. Finding something that will meet their expectations and that they’ll actually like seems a little … daunting, to put it mildly.
So when it’s time to get a gift for that friend, here are a few ideas to make her day without driving yourself crazy!

This is why everyone wants a piece of the 5G pie

Headlines about the global “5G Race” are everywhere these days. We were told that China and South Korea jumped out to a big lead in 2018, but the US is now surging to the front of the pack. But is 5G really such a big deal? Is it really worth a cutthroat worldwide race?
In two words, yes and yes. Here’s why.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

What exactly is 5G, again?
What are the Economic benefits for businesses, governments and regional economies during the 5G rollout phase?
What are the benefits for the actual winners of this race?

Faces in the Cages – How US Policies Shaped the US-Mexico Border Crisis

Images of the children, separated from their parents and huddled in detention center cages at the US-Mexico border, have shocked the world. Verified reports of these children being denied basic necessities like blankets, soap and toothbrushes, have escalated the global outcry. And detained adults are not doing any better.
The current humanitarian emergency at the US southern border is a complex problem with many causes. Sadly, some of those causes are rooted in US policies of the past.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

Who are the people being held at detention facilities today?
Who were these detention facilities initially built for?
How does the US spending $78 billion a year on a so-called War on Drugs relate to the central American violence causing so many to flee north?
How did the “Banana Republic” era and the Cold War shape the situation we see today?

The Millennial Source 2019 Good News for Today Feature – August Updates

As part of The Millennial Source’s mission to spread awareness of all global events, it is time once again for our monthly good news feature. By reporting on these events, we hope to spread awareness of the positive developments occurring in this fast-paced world.

Unemployed father is offered a job after handing out hundreds of resumes on the street
Wind power generation surpasses coal in Texas – the largest consumer of coal in the US
Man helps young boy doing homework on the streets of Peru
Ophthalmologist treks to rural areas of Nepal, restoring the sight of over 130,000 people

Hong Kong unrest sparks a floating conspiracy theory amongst some Taiwanese

The Millennial Source spoke with citizens of Taiwan to learn what they think of the current unrest in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has entered its 11th week of almost continuous protests, with mounting tension gripping the city. The past few weeks have seen increasingly bloody clashes between protesters and both the riot police and masked assailants.
Taiwan President Tsai Ying Wen remains firm in her rejection of any mainland China involvement in Taiwan’s affairs. However, the people of Taiwan are skeptical about her ability to maintain the status quo.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

What do the Taiwanese think Hong Kong’s situation reveals about their own future?
Why do some Taiwanese citizens believe that the Hong Kong protests have been staged?

Angelina Jolie on being and raising magnificent women

Recently, Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie spoke out about the inequalities women endure around the world today. She also shared some advice she gives her daughters on how to become strong and magnificent women, in spite of all the obstacles placed in their way.

“In my work, I travel often to countries where I know that if I were a citizen there, my beliefs and actions as a woman could land me in jail or expose me to physical danger…”
“I often tell my daughters that the most important thing they can do is to develop their minds. You can always put on a pretty dress, but it doesn’t matter what you wear on the outside if your mind isn’t strong. There is nothing more attractive—you might even say enchanting—than a woman with an independent will and her own opinions.”

Migrant Labor Made America Great – History Behind the US-Mexico Border Crisis

During a tour of a US border detention facility, Mike Pence encountered hungry men struggling to sleep on the floor of overcrowded cages. Many of the men came to the US to work.
To investigate why the US has failed for decades to enact useful immigration reforms, The Millennial Source abided by an old guideline of American journalism: When in doubt, follow the money.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

Which private corporations are cashing in on the humanitarian crisis?
How crucial is migrant labor to the American economy?
For how long have US employers and government agencies alternated between recruiting immigrant laborers and punishing them?
What is the history behind the labor exchange programs that brought the first waves of Mexican workers to the US? What happened after the largest such program ended?

Targeted by Both the Law and the Lawless, Migrants Endure in Trump’s America

(The US Humanitarian Border Emergency, Part Three)

On August 3, a gunman opened fire at a Walmart in the border city of El Paso, Texas, killing 22 people. Many of the victims were Latinos, including migrant workers and eight Mexican citizens.

Just four days later in Mississippi, ICE officials took almost 700 undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Central America into custody. Occurring on the first day of school, the raid left many children parentless for hours or days.
Despite undocumented immigrants adding value to the US economy and paying taxes, politicians claim that illegal immigration costs the country billions of dollars each month.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

Why is the US averse to punishing employers for hiring undocumented workers?
Why have past attempts to reform US immigration laws failed to resolve long-standing issues?
How do Trump’s words and policies on immigration compare with those of the president whose campaign slogan he borrowed?

5 Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Reduce Cellulite

Recently, popstar Camila Cobello was snapped on the beach by paparazzi and passersby. Soon after, she was slammed in the media for having cellulite and being “too fat”. But cellulite is so normal – a reported 85% of women over the age of 21 have it.

Even though cellulite is made up of fat deposits, it isn’t necessarily related to being fat.

That said, managing your weight and making a few other healthy lifestyle choices might significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite. And there’s no reason to feel bad about wanting to try.

Here are some tips:

Drink more water
Brush and exfoliate your skin
Eat well
Stress less
Move around – doesn’t have to be intense, don’t worry!

DACA Dreamers – The US-raised Youth Caught in Limbo as Border Debate Rages

Global headlines about the US-Mexico border crisis center on the loudest voices – the human rights groups expressing outrage over family separations, and the “invasion” claims of President Trump and anti-immigrant groups.
A less-publicized debate centers on the policy called DACA, and the fate of a unique group of immigrants who have come to be known as the “Dreamers”.
Dreamers are undocumented immigrants who arrived in the US as children. Many of them speak English as their primary language, and speak it with a US accent.
DACA prevents deportation of Dreamers but does not give them permanent legal resident status.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

At least three times since the year 2000, the US Congress has attempted to resolve the Dreamer dilemma legislatively. Every time, the effort has failed. Why?

How is Beijing is now using media to prepare for the worst case scenario

Recently, Buzzfeed, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and several other major technology companies released public statements announcing the removal of multiple user accounts backed by the Chinese government.
Reddit – a platform that has become the ultimate virtual destination for Hong Kong protest updates – was also suspected to be crawling with Chinese bots.
During the early phases of the protests, news on Hong Kong affairs rarely reached mainland media platforms. However, as the longevity and severity of the protests grew, hiding the demonstrations from the mainland public became increasingly difficult.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

What do media users within China see and say about the ongoing rallies in Hong Kong?
What role does the media play in justifying Chinese military action?

After working at a startup, here are my four biggest lessons learned

America’s startups showed the way for innovative companies around the world, or at least it seemed that way from thousands of miles away where I grew up. Desperate to experience a bit of that excitement, I decided to take the plunge and live the startup life.
The first six months or so were pretty anticlimactic. But when things started moving, they moved very, very fast. Unfortunately, the situation didn’t progress in our favor.
Here are my key takeaways from my time working at a failing startup.

Keep your eyes peeled and listen to your intuition.
No matter how bright you are, you can never do it alone.
You can have the best people with the brightest minds, but decisions are still made by the person who owns the company.
Someone better know how to manage finances – and that person should be the founder, or hold equal power to the founder.

10 quotes from Halsey on success and fighting for what you believe in

At 24 years old, Halsey is one of the world’s hottest young singer-songwriters. After posting self-published songs on social media, she quickly rose to stardom, soon releasing her major-label debut album and touring with larger acts.

Halsey isn’t just another pop star, however. Aside from being one of the world’s most recognizable faces, she is a prominent activist for gender and racial equality, climate change action, mental health awareness and LGBT rights. And she’s not afraid to pick fights with the powerful.

“People are so afraid to talk about real things, but they’re experiences that everyone goes through.”
“I’m a human, and I’m multidimensional. If I was the perfect form of anything, I’d be boring. If I was a free spirit all the time, I would be boring; I would lack depth. If I was dark and enigmatic all the time, then I would lack relatability.”

Has President Trump Kept His Promise to “Build That Wall”? Here Are the Facts

To declare his candidacy for the 2016 US presidential election, Donald Trump delivered a speech in which he described Mexican immigrants as criminals, rapists, and drug smugglers. He insisted that a new border wall was essential to protect US interests.
Chants of “Build that wall!” have been ubiquitous at Trump rallies since at least May 2016, when he egged on a Phoenix, Arizona crowd that started the chant. Throughout the campaign, Trump stated emphatically that Mexico would pay for wall construction.
Former Mexican President Vicente Fox famously responded that there was no way Mexico would “pay for that f—ing wall”. Now, Trump asserts that Mexico will “pay for the wall indirectly”, without offering a coherent explanation of how that will happen.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

How did the debate over the wall lead to the government shutdown from December 22, 2018 through January 25, 2019?
According to the Congressional Budget Office and outside analysts, what is the actual cost of building Trump’s wall?
What is the current status of the wall?

Recycled Lessons & New Successes – The Man Behind Majestic Corporation

WSF Group was an early mover into the metal recycling industry, at a time when few saw its potential. That industry is now forecasted to be worth USD 406.16 Billion by 2020.
In 2017, WSF was reborn as Majestic Corporation, a forward-thinking company poised to capitalize on the booming recycling market in this age of short-lived devices.
Our reporter met and spoke with Peter Lai, the man behind Majestic Corp, about his past, present and future. The interview provided a window into the rapid-fire, seemingly random inner workings of a man who never slows down.

Could the 25th Amendment Really End Trump’s Presidency?

Even by the standards of Donald Trump’s highly unconventional presidency, the United States is entering the autumn of 2019 in a state of political chaos.
After a rambling, undisciplined performance at the G7 Summit, Trump canceled a visit to Denmark over the country’s refusal to sell Greenland to the US. He later held a strange press conference to defend his incorrect tweet about Hurricane Dorian, displaying a National Weather Service forecast map that he evidently altered with a marker.
In the wake of these episodes, former Trump aides have suggested that the president might be unfit for duty.

Go beyond the headlines…

Could Trump really serve more than two terms if he were to win the 2020 presidential election, as he has suggested at rallies?
What have some concerned Trump allies said about about the President’s behavior?
How can the powers of the president be revoked under the US Constitution’s 25th Amendment?

Good News for Today Feature – 2019 September Updates

After another horrific mass shooting in Texas, internal conflicts in the UK Parliament stalling progress on Brexit, an escalating trade war between the world’s two biggest economic powers, and months of ongoing protests in Hong Kong, it can be difficult to remember that there are positive things happening in the world.
In alignment with The Millennial Source’s mission to stay neutral and spread awareness of all current events, we have again arrived at that time to showcase some uplifting developments around the globe.

Daisy-May Demetre, age 9, is the first double amputee to walk on the “New York Fashion Week” Catwalk
The US may soon have a three-digit suicide prevention hotline
Over 25% of millennials have altered their diets to help the environment
Crowdfunding efforts raise $3 million to protect land in Canada

Taiwan’s asylum offer for Hong Kong dissidents angers Beijing

In July, soon after the Hong Kong protests began gaining international attention, President Tsai Ying Wen of Taiwan publicly offered asylum to “friends from Hong Kong”.
China’s pursuit of a “great reunification” with Taiwan and other self-ruling regions has proven to be much more difficult than Beijing seems to have anticipated.
Despite Tsai’s public offer of assistance to Hong Kong residents, Taiwan has yet to implement a formal system to deal with those seeking asylum.

Go beyond the headlines with us…

How did a murder in Taiwan ironically spark the demonstrations in Hong Kong?
What is Taiwan’s asylum capacity?
Since late 2016, how many people from Macau and Hong Kong have been granted Taiwan residency?
What reaction has Taiwan’s asylum offer drawn from Chinese officials?

The Cases For & Against Impeaching Trump, PLUS History of Impeachment

Congressional committees are ramping up investigations into the president’s actions before and after his election, with a growing number of representatives calling for impeachment.
Over half of the Democrats in the US House of Representatives now favor opening an official impeachment inquiry, which could lead to Trump’s removal from office.
Those resisting a formal inquiry include Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat and by far the most powerful single member of the legislative body.

Go beyond the headlines…

Why is Nancy Pelosi opposing the impeachment of President Trump?
How does the impeachment process work?
There have been three notable presidential impeachment inquiries in US history. Which presidents were affected, and why?
What are the cases for and against the impeachment of President Trump?

Everything You Need to Know About the French Tax on Tech Giants Like Amazon

PLUS – What Are Other Countries Doing?

After years of debate on how to tax tech companies, one European nation has decided to take the lead in modernizing its corporate tax system.
In July, France implemented an aggressive tax crackdown on major digital companies, with a wide-ranging 3% tax on revenues.
Desiring a united front within the EU, France proposed this plan to all 28 European Council members in early 2018. However, the proposal was tabled in the face of intense opposition from EU members, as well as tariff threats from the Trump Administration.

Go beyond the headlines…

Which EU countries opposed France’s initial proposition? What are the likely reasons for their misgivings?
Why did France decide to enact the levy alone?
What was Trump’s response to the French tax, which he labeled as “discriminatory”?
Where does the rest of the world currently stand?
What progress toward a global solution has been made at OECD, G20 and G7 levels?

Can Trump Win Re-election in 2020? Early Signs and the Role of the Economy

A recent national poll conducted by Quinnipiac University showed President Donald Trump badly trailing five major 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.
Trump has already defied the election odds once by defeating Hillary Clinton in 2016, when many major polls had suggested that Clinton would win the election comfortably.
As The Millennial Source has previously reported, Trump’s immediate challenge is to survive as president until November 2020, when the next election will occur. Both the US Constitution’s 25th Amendment and the impeachment process threaten to bring his presidency to a premature end.

Go beyond the headlines…

What national approval ratings has Trump received throughout his presidency?
How do the vagaries of the Electoral College make Trump’s 2020 re-election possible, even with high public disapproval of his presidency?
Is the current US unemployment rate really the best to ever occur in the country, as the Trump Administration has claimed?
How is the US and China Trade war likely to impact Trump’s chances of re-election?

10 Quotes that will make you rethink the way you live and work

As busy individuals with hardly any time to reflect on what we do, we can easily become slaves to our habits.

The Society for Personality and Social Psychology has found that “about 40 percent of people’s daily activities are performed each day in almost the same situations,” without conscious thought.

But let’s just say that you feel a need to reconsider how you’re currently living and working, and perhaps modify your existing habits. Well, here is your opportunity to harness your power to change by using some time-tested adages and quotes to guide yourself in the right direction.

“Dream big, work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with good people.” – Anonymous
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg, US Supreme Court Justice

The beauty of rolling with the punches – Interview with Hilton Augustine Jr.

Recently, Dinocrates Group announced its acquisition of Global Management Systems, Inc. (GMSI), a networking and communications company. GMSI handled communication network systems for some of the most secure organizations in the world, such as the US Department of Defense.

Our reporter spoke with Hilton Augustine Jr., the fascinating figure behind GSMI, about his journey. Augustine’s thoughtful answers show how that journey has been shaped by his unique combination of relentless drive and simple joy in taking life as it comes.

Alibaba adds work/life balance to core values as pro-996 chairman retires

Billionaire Chinese businessman Jack Ma, who co-founded the tech and e-commerce giant Alibaba in 1999 has been an outspoken proponent of China’s “996” culture. Ma announced his retirement on September 10.
On the same day that Ma retired, Alibaba opened its post-Ma era by unveiling six new company values, one of which promotes a greater focus on work/life balance.
According to many critics of the company, including some Alibaba employees, this commitment to worker well-being was notably absent under Ma’s leadership.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is the 996 culture, and how did Ma help to promote it?
What has been the backlash against Alibaba’s overtime policy?
What did a Chinese state-run newspaper have to say about Ma’s statements in favor of 996 culture?

South African Gender-Based Violence Crisis – Facts, Causes & Ramaphosa’s Plan

A series of horrific rapes and murders in South Africa captured national headlines in August, renewing public outrage over gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The social movements #TotalShutdown and #AmINext rallied thousands of women to protest against femicide and the abuse of women in Cape Town on the 4th of September, the first day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa.
Protesters called for stronger action from the government, including harsher sentences for perpetrators of sexual offenses and changes in how the criminal justice system handles sexual assault cases.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national plan to deal with the issue of gender-based violence?
What does South African crime data show about the history of violence, and violence against women in particular, within the country?
How are civil societies and activists pressuring the South African government, businesses and society as a whole to make needed cultural changes?

Trump Impeachment Probe – Basic Facts & Timeline of Trump-Ukraine Scandal

In mid-September, a seemingly minor story of a conflict between Congress and US Intelligence officials quickly mushroomed into a scandal that now dominates headlines worldwide.

Amidst accusations that Republican President Donald Trump pressured Ukraine to take actions to influence the 2020 US national election, the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives has launched a formal impeachment inquiry.

Meanwhile, Trump and his allies claim that it was actually Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden who exercised inappropriate influence in Ukraine.

Go beyond the headlines…

How did this scandal arise?
See the TMS timeline of the Trump-Ukraine scandal to date.
Under the US Intelligence Whistleblower Law, what procedures must intelligence agency members follow to report unlawful or dangerous activity within the US government?
Why does this law matter so much in this scandal?

Trump-Ukraine Scandal – What the Documents Say PLUS Trump Retaliation Threat

Previously, The Millennial Source reported the timeline of the scandal surrounding US President Donald Trump’s communications with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

At the heart of the controversy is a phone call between Trump and Zelensky that occurred on July 25, 2019. With two key documents related to the call now publicly available, US lawmakers and citizens have begun to weigh the evidence for themselves.

Go beyond the headlines…

On September 25, the White House released a “rough transcript” of a phone call between Trump and Zelensky. What does the transcript show?
What can we learn from the whistleblower report, which was filed with the US Intelligence Inspector General (IG) on August 12 by an anonymous intelligence agent?
Why has the phrase quid pro quo become omnipresent in US media coverage?
How did Trump threaten retaliation against the whistleblower?

Trump-Ukraine Scandal – Checking Trump’s Counterclaims About Joe Biden

As the scandal surrounding US President Donald Trump’s interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky escalates, the Trump Administration is enduring a new level of scrutiny.

A majority of members of the US House of Representatives now publicly support the newly launched impeachment probe.

Meanwhile, Trump allies are focusing their attacks on Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who was heavily involved in US-Ukraine political negotiations from 2014 through 2016.

Go beyond the headlines…

What do we know about Trump’s accusations about Biden and Ukraine?
What is the connection between Joe Biden’s son Hunter and Ukrainian criminal prosecutions?
Why did Biden’s role in the Ukraine increase during the years 2014-2017?

Indonesia halts controversial penal code revision amid nationwide protests

On September 20, 2019, President Joko Widodo abruptly delayed the passage of Indonesia’s Draft Penal Code, a controversial 628-article bill that would overhaul the nation’s criminal laws.
The revised code would further restrict freedom of speech in a country where it is already limited, and also ban sex outside of marriage. The bill had been expected to win the approval of the Indonesian Parliament in a vote scheduled for September 25.
With the vote now delayed, the matter will be taken up by the newly elected Parliament later this month.

Go beyond the headlines…

What other piece of legislation did protesters decry?
Why are protesters unappeased by the delay of the vote?
What would passage of the Draft Penal Code mean for Indonesians?

Philippines Declares Polio Epidemic and Launches New Immunization Campaign

On September 19, 2019, the Philippines announced the re-emergence of polio within the country.
The announcement came 19 years after the WHO declared the infectious disease eradicated on the islands in 2000.
The announcement came following two confirmed cases of polio, a 3-year-old girl from Lanao del Sur in the Davao region, and a 5-year old boy from Laguna province, south of Manila.
A single confirmed polio case or the collection of two positive, genetically linked environmental samples from separate locations is considered an epidemic in a polio-free country.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is polio and how does it spread?
What caused the public distrust of vaccinations among Fillipinos?
How is the Philippines responding to the new polio epidemic?

Everything you need to know about China’s controversial Xinjiang Muslim Camps

Xinjiang, China’s westernmost region, revised its laws in October 2018 to legitimize the use of “vocation training centers” for Muslim citizens. The stated purpose of these centers is to “educate and transform” individuals identified as potential terrorists.
Since the centers were officially sanctioned, detailed accounts from former “trainees” have surfaced in the international press, alleging harsh treatment inside the camps. The reports have sparked global criticism of China’s treatment of minority ethnic groups.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is China’s history of ethnic, economic and religious struggles in Xinjiang?
Why has international scrutiny of the re-education camps risen in recent months?
What is Beijing’s response to the international criticism?
What do former Xinjiang re-education camp detainees say about the camps?

What you need to know about the wildfires in Indonesia – Causes and impacts

October 2019 – Forest fires continue to wreak havoc on Indonesia’s western island of Sumatra, as well as in Central Kalimantan on Borneo. Hundreds of wildfires have spread across the islands, devastating ecosystems and creating smog so heavy that some regions were forced to close schools and cancel airline flights.
Indonesia’s disaster management agency identified the leading cause of the forest fires as slash-and-burn agriculture – the deliberate setting of fires to clear land for palm plantations.

Go beyond the headlines…

Who are accountable for the fires?
What are the impacts of the Indonesian forest fires on wildlife?
What are the human health risks created by the fires
Which neighboring countries have lodged complaints?

Good News for Today Feature – 2019 October Updates

Amidst the unfolding Trump-Ukraine scandal, South Africa and France struggling to respond to femicide crises, and continual demonstrations and violence in Hong Kong and Indonesia, it can seem as if the world is spiraling backwards.
As part of our ongoing commitment to showcasing the good news stories alongside the bad, The Millennial Source has once again arrived at that time in our publishing calendar when we try to put current affairs into greater perspective.

Chinese conglomerate applauded by the UN for environmental protection initiative
UCLA is creating the world’s first research institute on kindness
After a year of experimenting, Ocean Cleanup vessel is successfully collecting plastic from the Great Pacific Vortex
Sales of plastic bags have fallen by 90% in the UK

11 Quotes from Hollywood’s Poker Princess – Molly Bloom on Money & Life

Molly’s Game, a 2017 film by award-winning director Aaron Sorkin, depicts the true story of a young American woman who founded “…the Most Exclusive, High-Stakes Underground Poker Game in the World.” Sorkin adapted the screenplay from a book by the same title, written by the woman herself – Molly Bloom.

Bloom’s rise from the depths offers plenty of lessons in determination, self-awareness, “owning it” and learning from past mistakes.

“I have been hugely successful at times in my life, and I have also been in ruins. But the lessons I learned on the way up were just as valuable on the way down.”

Typhoon Hagibis kills over 70 and inflicts widespread damage in Japan

Typhoon Hagibis, the worst storm to hit Tokyo since 1958, made landfall southwest of the Japanese capital city around 7 p.m. local time on October 12.
Wind gusts of up to 216 kilometers per hour (134 miles per hour) were reported in some parts of the country.

Go beyond the headlines…

What were the economic impacts of the typhoon across Japan?
What did Japanese agency damage reports reveal?

Apple App Store removes Hong Kong protest mapping app, sparking user outrage

As of October 10, 2019, Apple has removed the HKmap.live app from the App Store, stating that the app “has been used in ways that endanger law enforcement and residents in Hong Kong.”
Apple originally rejected HKmap.live from inclusion in the App Store on October 1, claiming that it allowed users to “evade law enforcement”. After reversing this decision three days later, the company has now flip-flopped again.

Go beyond the headlines…

What were the reactions to Apple’s stated reasons for removing HKmap?
What is China’s influence over Apple?
What does the Chinese economy mean to Apple?

Police officer in Fort Worth shooting charged with murder

Aaron Dean, the police officer who fatally shot 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson inside her home, was charged with murder on Monday, October 14.
The death of Jefferson, a black woman, at the hands of a white police officer becomes the latest in a series of high profile incidents. Some say the incidents are part of a growing pattern of police brutality and violence against black communities across the United States.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the details of the incident?
What was the public reaction vs. the police’s reaction to the incident?

Business in China: Economic Consequences for Freedom of Expression

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey expressed his support for the Hong Kong protests on Twitter on October 4.
The tweet, which has since been deleted, caused a public outcry in China and resulted in a costly fight between the N.B.A. and China, the league’s highest priority and largest international market.

Go beyond the headlines…

What other cases are there of China censoring the West?
What are the concerns over freedom of expression vs. profit?

Backlash over Lebron James controversial comments

Just as the international incident began to recede, Lebron James has reignited public fury over Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s now deleted, pro-democracy Hong Kong tweet.
James, who is an outspoken critic of President Trump, police violence and other prominent issues, said that Morey’s tweet “wasn’t educated on the situation.”

Go beyond the headlines…

How has James responded to the intense backlash?
What have other public figures said about James’ comments?

Everything you need to know about Softbank’s $10 billion WeWork buyout

October 22 – SoftBank has announced a $10 billion buyout deal for WeWork in which the Japanese tech giant would gain control of around 80% of the flailing real estate company.
The buyout deal will put SoftBank’s stake in WeWork at $13 billion.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is the extent of WeWork’s crisis?
What’s next for WeWork?

47 Attorneys join Facebook antitrust investigation

Forty-six attorneys general have joined a bipartisan antitrust investigation of Facebook.
Facebook has received fierce criticism following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which revealed that Facebook had compromised the personal data of 87 million users. The scandal raised concerns about how the company stores, collects and uses consumers’ personal data.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the details of the investigation?
What have the US government, Facebook as well as the public said about the investigation?

How to survive as a Digital Nomad

At first glance, digital nomads may look like they have the dream job. They travel around the world and work remotely from a beach, plane, or alpine resort with the help of digital tools. They’re never stuck with the 9 – 5, which allows them to visit exotic places and experience new things every day.
These were the “pros” I had in mind when I first started working as a digital nomad three years ago. I soon found out that there’s no such thing as a dream job and that being a digital nomad (as with any other job) comes with its own set of challenges.
If you are hoping to become a digital nomad, here are a few survival tips on:

How to find work as a digital nomad
Insurance, taxes, and other adult problems
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Uighur activists living abroad fear China’s retaliation

China’s “re-education camps” in Xinjiang province have sparked criticism from international communities.
In August 2019, the Atlantic reported that Uighurs’ activism abroad were “more numerous, more organized, and more energized than ever before.” Activists shared their stories and their grief on social media, in workshops, and during public meetings in the U.S. and Europe. Despite living abroad, they still report intimidation and threats from China.

Go beyond the headlines…

How have Uighur activists used social media to try put pressure on China?
How has China retaliated against activists and their families?

Islamic State leader killed in US Special Forces raid

On Sunday, October 27, President Trump announced the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State (IS), the terrorist group that gained global notoriety in the wake of the Syrian Civil War, with significant territorial gains in Iraq and Syria.

Go beyond the headlines

Who was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?
What were the details of the operation?
What was Trump’s reaction vs. the reaction of other presidents and US politicians?
What does Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s death mean for IS?

The UK seeks answers about 39 unidentified bodies found in Essex lorry container

Thirty-nine bodies were found in a refrigerated truck in Grays, Essex, about 25 miles outside of London, in the early morning on October 23.
According to a statement from the Essex Police department, they were likely victims of human trafficking or smugglings.

Go beyond the headlines…

What progress have the Essex Police department and partner agencies made in this continuing investigation?
What have the families of the victims, believed to among the dead, said about this tragedy?

Taiwan hosts historic pride festival after legalizing same-sex marriage

On October 26, Taiwan hosted its 17th annual pride festival, the first since the legalization of same-sex marriage in May. Nearly 200 000 people marched through the streets of Taipei in celebration of this year’s historic win for the LGBT community.
On May 17, Taiwan approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first country in Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriage. The law officially came into effect on May 24.

Go beyond the headlines…

How did Taiwan come to recognize same-sex marriage?
How have some claimed that the legalization of same-sex marriage in Taiwan was a political move to set itself apart from mainland China?

The millennial’s guide to pre-loved fashion

The fashion industry is one of the main culprits of pollution and carbon emissions. It produces 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions, according to the UN Environment. The numbers are stark: it takes 2 700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt and around 7 500 liters of water to create a typical pair of jeans.

If you’re concerned about the sustainability of fast fashion, buying and selling pre-loved fashion is a great way to still look chic without further damaging the planet. Pre-loved clothes are usually cheaper than brand new items, which is a great way to save money as well.

Here is everything you need to know on, where to find quality pre-loved fashion and how to find quality items.

US to redeploy troops to Syrian oil fields

On October 24, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper revealed at a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) press conference in Brussels that the US would redeploy troops to oil fields in North-Eastern Syria in order to defend them from ISIS.
The announcement from Esper, who has been US Defence Secretary since July 2019 and previously served as United States Secretary of the Army, is a reversal of President Trump’s earlier command to withdraw all US troops from Syria and represents another fluctuation in rapidly shifting US foreign policy in Syria.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the details of the redeployment?
What were the domestic and international reactions to the redeployment?
What role does the Syrian oil industry play in funding ISIS operations?
Why has Trump’s suggestion that US companies could control and operate Syrian oil fields, raised concerns?

Google taps into the wearables market with $2.1 billion Fitbit acquisition

Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc announced on November 1 that it would buy Fitbit Inc. for $2.1 billion. The deal is likely to be finalized in 2020.
Industry-wide smartwatch sales are predicted to double to $34 billion by 2023, and Google is eager to tap into this market.

Go beyond the headlines…

What does this acquisition mean for Google?
What privacy concerns does the $2.1 billion deal create among Fitbit’s 28 million active users?

US House of Representatives passes impeachment resolution

Members of the US House of Representatives passed a resolution on October 31 to proceed with the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. The resolution sets out the rules and procedures for the next stage of the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the details of the vote?
What will happen next?
What was the reaction to the passing of the resolution?
Why is Trump facing an impeachment inquiry?

Russia’s new “sovereign internet” law gives the government sweeping power over the internet

Russia’s amended law on communications, information, information technologies, and information protection came into effect on November 1, allowing greater control over its citizen’s access to online information. Also known as the “sovereign internet” law, it was approved in April this year, despite widespread criticism, protests, and online campaigning in the country.
According to Radio Free Europe, the legislation was created in response to the US cybersecurity strategy adopted in September 2018.

Go beyond the headlines…

What does the new internet law cover?
What has been the international response to the new law?

The US opens investigation into TikTok’s parent company ByteDance

The US government has launched a national security investigation into TikTok’s owner ByteDance Technology regarding its $1 billion acquisition of the US social media app Musical.ly.
At the time of the acquisition, Musical.ly had an estimated 60 million users in the United States and Europe.
Although the acquisition took place two years ago, US lawmakers are now raising national security concerns.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is TikTok’s popularity in the US?
What is the criticism against TikTok in the US?

Elizabeth Warren sets out Medicare for All funding plan

On Friday, November 1, Senator Elizabeth Warren revealed a plan that sets out how she intends to fund the long term policy goals of her Medicare for All proposal.
The release of this detailed plan is in response to criticism over an alleged lack of clarity over the Medicare plan.

Go beyond the headlines…

What exactly is Warren’s proposed plan?
What is Warren’s financial strategy?
What was the reaction to Warren’s plan?
How important is the topic of healthcare for the upcoming 2020 US presidential elections?

Michael Bloomberg files to enter Democratic presidential primary

Billionaire and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has taken his first steps towards the 2020 presidential race. Representatives of Bloomberg filed paperwork with the Alabama Democratic Party on Friday, 10 November, to put his name on the ballot for the upcoming Super Tuesday contest on March 3 next year.
The submission of the paperwork indicates that Bloomberg intends to run for the Democratic nomination for president.

Go beyond the headlines…

What do we know so far?
Why is Bloomberg thinking of running?
What does this mean for the Democratic race and what has the reaction been so far?

Goldman Sachs faces investigation after viral tweet calls Apple card ‘sexist’

The Apple Card, a collaborative product between tech giant Apple and financial services company Goldman Sachs, is under investigation after a gender discrimination complaint went viral on Twitter.
Prominent software developer and entrepreneur David Heinemeier Hansson called the Apple card “a f**king sexist program” in a Twitter thread on November 7 after his wife, Jamie Hansson, was denied a credit line increase. He said that, although they shared finances, and Mrs. Hansson even had a better credit score than him, the Apple card algorithm still treated her like a credit risk.

Go beyond the headlines…

What has been the response from Apple and Goldman Sachs?

Trump fined $2 million for misusing charity funds

On Thursday, November 7, a New York Supreme Court judge ordered President Trump to pay $2 million in damages to various charities for using funds from his own charitable foundation to benefit his 2016 presidential campaign. The ruling follows acknowledgment from Trump that he had misused charity funds.
The fine relates to a lawsuit filed against Trump by the New York Attorney General last year. In it, the president and his family stand accused of using the Donald J. Trump Foundation’s funds for business and presidential campaign purposes.

Go beyond the headlines…

What was the outcome of the ruling?
What was the reaction to the ruling?
What other ongoing investigations involve President Trump?

Amazon settles $68 million lawsuit with Woody Allen

Amazon has settled a $68 million breach of contract lawsuit with film director Woody Allen, who sued after the company backed out of a four-picture movie deal in June 2018, citing sexual misconduct allegations from the 1990s.
The one-page settlement was filed on November 8 in a New York Federal District Court in Manhattan, saying the lawsuit had been voluntarily dismissed with prejudice, which means that the case cannot be brought back to court. The details of the settlement were not disclosed.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the details of Allen’s lawsuit against Amazon?
What are the sexual misconduct allegations against Allen?

Trump denies lifting tariffs on China

President Trump said on Friday, November 8, that he had not agreed to lift trade tariffs on Chinese goods. Officials from the US and China had previously suggested that an agreement was in place to remove some tariffs as part of a “phase one” trade deal.
However, Trump denied earlier indications of a deal. His remarks dampen hopes that the world’s two largest economies will end the trade war that has contributed to slow global growth.

Go beyond the headlines…

What did President Trump say?
How does this announcement compare to Trump’s earlier remarks on a possible agreement with China?

Violence and unrest in Hong Kong: Understanding the complexities between the PRC and a former British colony

On November 11, over five months of Hong Kong protests culminated into an eruption of violence that left one person shot by police and another severely burned by protesters. Protests began in March this year after Hong Kong’s Security Bureau proposed a bill that would allow extradition to mainland China, something many Hongkongers view as an attack on Hong Kong’s autonomy.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is Hong Kong’s history as a British colony?
What is the history of protests in Hong Kong?
What are the five demands of the Hong Kong demonstrators?

First witnesses testify in public impeachment hearings

The public hearings in the impeachment inquiry against President Trump began on Wednesday, November 13. Among the witnesses to provide testimony to the House Intelligence Committee thus far are William B. Taylor, the acting US Ambassador to Ukraine, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the European and Eurasian Bureau George Kent. These testimonies form part of the first public impeachment hearings in two decades.

Go beyond the headlines…

Who is George Kent and what did he testify in the impeachment hearings against President Trump?
Who is William B. Taylor and what did he newly reveal in his opening statement?
What did the Republicans say in criticism of the testimonies?
How did Trump respond?

A smart shopper’s guide to Black Friday

Black Friday is a beloved American ‘holiday’ that has now become a global trend that allows consumers to go on a shopping spree without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hoping to upgrade to a new phone or buy Christmas gifts, here’s how to approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday like a pro.

Go beyond the headlines…

What shouldn’t you buy on Black Friday?
What should you buy instead on this beloved holiday?

Twitter outlines plan to ban political ads

On November 15, Twitter outlined its new policy to ban political advertising on its platform. According to Twitter’s Business page, political advertising will include references to political candidates or legislation, and it will not allow ads that advocate for a specific outcome on social or political causes. The ban will take effect on November 22.
Twitter’s CEO Jack Dorsey announced the decision on October 30 from his personal Twitter account. Dorsey said certain political ads had been spreading misleading information, which presented “challenges to civic discourse.”

Go beyond the headlines…

What is the policy and how will Twitter enforce it?
What is the political impact in the US?

Google reportedly manipulates search results to favor big businesses and retarget controversial subjects

A new Wall Street Journal investigation into Google’s search algorithm has found that the search engine manipulates its search results to hide controversial results related to sensitive subjects such as abortion and suicide, as well as to favor big businesses.
The investigation analyzed over 100 interviews and compared organic Google Search results and auto-complete phrases with two other search engines –– Microsoft’s Bing and the privacy-focused engine DuckDuckGo. The study was conducted over several weeks from July to September 2019.

Go beyond the headlines…

What did the study find?

LVMH absorbs Tiffany & Co in $16.2 billion acquisition deal

Tiffany & Co and LVMH both experienced a stock jump of 6% in New York and 1% in Paris on Monday, November 25, after these luxury brands struck a $16.2 billion acquisition deal, with Tiffany & Co taken over by the French giant.
According to Reuters, the quintessential US brand accepted a sweeter offer of $135 per share from the French luxury goods giant, after reportedly turning down a lower offer earlier this month. The transaction is expected to close mid-2020.

Go beyond the headlines…

What does this deal mean for LVMH?

Everything you need to know about Marie Yovanovitch and her testimony in the impeachment hearings

On Friday, November 15, Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, testified on the second day of public hearings in the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.
Marie Yovanovitch was the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine between August 2016 and May 2019. Barack Obama appointed her in this position and the Republican-controlled Senate confirmed her appointment.

Go beyond the headlines…

Why is Marie Yovanovitch a witness in the hearings?
Why was Yovanovitch a victim of a smear campaign?
What was her response to the July 25 phone call?
How did Trump attack Yovanovitch via Twitter?

Bills supporting Hong Kong human rights tabled before President Trump

On November 21, the United States Senate approved two bills intended to back human rights in Hong Kong. If signed by President Trump, the “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019” and the “Placing Restrictions on Teargas Exports and Crowd Control Technology to Hong Kong Act” would restrict the exportation of teargas and crowd control technology to Hong Kong authorities.
They would also extend annual reporting on Hong Kong to include assessments of its autonomy.

Go beyond the headlines…

What has been Hong Kong’s response?
What is the road ahead?

Trump administration reverses long-standing U.S. policy on Israeli settlements

On Monday, November 18, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the U.S. no longer considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank – which the majority of the international community views as illegal as per Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention -as violating international law. The announcement reverses four decades of American policy and rejects a 1978 State Department conclusion deeming the settlements “inconsistent with international law.”
The shift is the latest pro-Israel move by the Trump administration which dismays Palestinians, and breaks with international law and consensus.

Go beyond the headlines…

How does Trump’s stance on the issue compare to previous administrations?
What was the Israeli reaction vs. the Palestinian reaction?
How did the international community respond?

Good News for Today Feature – 2019 November Updates

As Hong Kong experiences its fifth month of violent protests, over 100 Iranians are killed during a nationwide demonstration and impeachment hearings take place in an already deeply divided White House, it is easy to grow overwhelmed and for our minds to conclude that there is no good news in the world.
But the truth is, although negative media is overwhelmingly loud, good news does exist. To prove this point –– in alignment with our mission of neutrality at Millennial Source –– here is our attempt at shedding light on some of the positive developments happening in our world today.

Fourteen hospitals and institutions in the US, set out to address income inequality
Microsoft Japan grants employees a four-day workweek
Indian village plants 111 trees for every daughter born
First Ebola vaccine approved for global use

US Navy SEAL case leads to Navy secretary’s dismissal

On Sunday, November 24, U.S. Navy Secretary Richard Spencer was ousted for his handling of court-martialed U.S. Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher’s case. In September this year, Gallagher was demoted for his involvement in criminal activities while serving in Iraq, but in November, President Donald Trump intervened to restore the SEAL’s rank.
Spencer’s handling of the case earned the ire of both President Trump and his direct superior, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

Go beyond the headlines…

Who is Eddie Gallagher?
Why are the details of Richard Spencer’s ousting?
What are the reactions to Gallagher’s case?

Amazon sues the Pentagon over $10 billion cloud computing contract

Amazon filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Federal Court on November 22 to overturn the U.S. Defense Department’s decision to award a $10 billion cloud computing contract to rival bidder Microsoft. Federal Times first reported the news.
Amazon’s cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services, claimed that the company selection process for the government Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) cloud contract “contained clear deficiencies, errors, and unmistakable bias.”

Go beyond the headlines…

What is the basis of Amazon’s claims?

Climate activists disrupt Harvard-Yale Football game to protest fossil fuel investments

Hundreds of students and alumni from Harvard and Yale disrupted the annual football game between the two universities on Saturday, November 23 to protest the school’s investments in the fossil fuel industry. The protest began during the game’s half-time show when 70 protestors took to the field. At its peak, the protest included up to 500 people. The disruption delayed the game for roughly an hour.
Calling on Harvard and Yale to divest fossil fuel investments, protesters held up banners that read “Nobody wins. Yale and Harvard are complicit in climate injustice.”

Go beyond the headlines…

Why were students and alumni protesting?
How did Harvard and Yale respond?

US Attorney General blames ‘perfect storm of screw-ups’ for Epstein’s death

Speaking to reporters on November 22, U.S. Attorney General William Barr said that despite having initial suspicions about the circumstances surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s death, he concluded that the billionaire financier accused of sex trafficking and sexually abusing young girls died following “a perfect storm of screw-ups.”
In an interview with the Associated Press, Barr said that he initially had concerns about Epstein’s death. He said irregularities at the jail where he was being held provoked this concern.

Go beyond the headlines…

What were the prison irregularities reported in Epstein’s death?

North Korea believed to be planning on a bigger rocket launch, following two projectiles launched on Thanksgiving Day

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), North Korea, said on Friday, November 29 the latest test-firing of its “super-large” multiple rocket launcher was a final review of the weapon’s combat application suggesting that the country is preparing to deploy the new weapons system soon.
This test is North Korea’s thirteenth this year and comes amid a continued diplomatic stalemate between Pyongyang and Washington, D.C. over North Korea’s nuclear program.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the details about the launch?
What were the reactions from neighboring countries?

Black Friday sparks criticism and protests

Pope Francis has defined consumerism as “a virus.” Speaking during a service held in Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City on Sunday, December 1, he warned people about the dangers of overindulging, saying “it makes us believe that life depends only on what we have.”
This sermon comes amid a time when overconsumption and accumulation are soaring in the United States, with Black Friday sales reaching $7.4 billion – compared to last year’s $6.22 billion. Tech and gaming toys are the most sought-after items on Black Friday.

Go beyond the headlines…

What influence does this shopping spree have on e-commerce?
What predictions do researchers have for Cyber Monday?

Facebook adds fake news correction notice following Singapore request

On November 30, after receiving instruction from the Singapore government, Facebook added a “correction notice” to an article posted by the States Times Review. Lawmakers from the city-state requested the correction notice after alleging the article contained false information. The note issued by Facebook and embedded in the article said the social media site “is legally required to tell you that the Singapore government says this post has false information.”

Go beyond the headlines…

What is Singapore’s recent fake news law?
What are some criticisms against the new law?
What was the Singaporean government’s response?

TikTok seeks to distance itself from ByteDance amidst US security inquiry

The popular social media video app, TikTok, is seeking to distance itself from its parent company in the wake of a United States security inquiry. ByteDance, the China-based tech company that owns TikTok, is being investigated to determine if the user data it collects is stored securely. Critics have raised concerns that the data could be shared with the Chinese authorities.

Go beyond the headlines…

How has TikTok grown over the past year?
How does TikTok’s growth compare to other popular social media applications, such as Instagram?
Who is ByteDance?
Why does ByteDance wish to separate TikTok?

Bloomberg News reveals role it will play during co-founder’s presidential campaign

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s announcement that he is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination has left many wondering what role his media corporation, Bloomberg L.P., might play in the race. Bloomberg told an Iowa radio host last year that he would sell his media company were he to run, explaining that in a situation such as this, a media company “can’t be independent and nobody’s going to believe that you’re independent.”
However, to date, Bloomberg has maintained his stake in Bloomberg L.P. and doesn’t appear likely to sell anytime soon.

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What position has the company taken?
How has the Trump campaign responded?

China makes facial recognition scans mandatory for mobile phone users

On Sunday, December 1, China’s new facial recognition law came into effect. The law requires that anyone who registers a subscriber identification module (SIM) card must submit to a facial recognition scan. The law, which was passed in September this year, has ignited a debate regarding privacy and consumer rights. It also raises questions about how the technology could potentially be used.

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What warnings have been issued by human rights advocates?
What are China’s intentions?
How is facial recognition technology used in the US?

China’s recent press pressed for freedom

China’s crackdown on press freedom has earned itself a high ranking on the list of countries known to imprison their journalists, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) – the international non-profit specializing in issues related to freedom of information and the press.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), China is now the second-leading country to imprison journalists in its efforts to curb freedom of the press, with Turkey taking the number one position.

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Who is Sophia Huang Xueqin?
What are the other recent public detention cases in mainland China?

Leonardo DiCaprio responds to Brazil President Bolsanaro about the Amazon Fires

On Friday, November 29, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro accused Hollywood actor Leondardo DiCaprio of financing fires set in the Amazon rainforest earlier this year. Bolsonaro claimed DiCaprio gave “money to set the Amazon on fire.”
According to the New York Times, President Bolsonaro’s remarks are his latest attempt to shift blame for the Amazon fires onto environmental groups operating in Brazil.

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What was DiCaprio’s response?
What was the WWF’s response?
What are Bolsonaro’s past views?

Death of James Le Mesurier – White Helmets founder raises questions

James Le Mesurier, co-founder of the White Helmets – a humanitarian organization operating in Syria – was found dead on the street outside his apartment in Istanbul, Turkey on November 11. The former British Army captain was discovered with fractures to his head and legs.
Le Mesurier was reported to be under considerable stress as a result of his humanitarian work and a barrage of attacks from a disinformation campaign. The cause of death is being officially investigated as a suicide. However, due to the nature of Le Mesurier’s work, there have been calls for a more thorough investigation into the details surrounding his death.

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Who was James Le Mesurier?
Who are the White Helmets?

Spain Big Brother contestant claims she was raped on camera – impact on #MeToo

A former contestant on Spain’s version of Big Brother, “Gran Hermano Revolution”, has accused the show of allowing her to be raped on camera by a fellow contestant while she was unconscious. She was then allegedly made to watch the filmed attack to provide a reaction – a video of which was released online on November 19 by the Spanish digital newspaper, El Confidencial.
While video footage of the attack was never aired and has not surfaced, El Confidencial obtained footage of Prado being made to watch the attack and react. In the video, Prado can be heard begging for the video play to be stopped. As a result of the controversy, the show has lost dozens of sponsors.

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What other controversial sexual assault cases have occurred in Spain?
Who is the new political party, Vox?
#MeToo in the Spanish-speaking world

Six European countries join Iran trade system

On Sunday, December 1, six European countries joined the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) trading system – a trading system that facilitates trade between the companies of the signatories and Iran without contravening U.S. sanctions. Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden joined the system which seeks to bypass U.S. sanctions on Iranian trade by avoiding using the dollar or U.S. banks.

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What is and what is the purpose of INSTEX?
What was the US’ response?
How does Iran view INSTEX?

UK election could decide fate of NHS

On Thursday, December 12, the British people will once again elect a prime minister in a general election that some are suggesting is a referendum on the nation’s National Health Service (NHS). The NHS is the system of publicly funded healthcare providers in the United Kingdom, which has existed since 1948. As Britons head to the polls, the fate of the NHS remains uncertain.

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What is the history and the future of NHS?
Why is there an ongoing political battle over the NHS?
What are the Britons voting on?

Brexit remains key issue as Britons vote in Thursday’s general election

December 12, British citizens will vote in yet another general election that could affect the fate of Brexit. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised that the UK will leave the EU entirely by December 2020 if his party wins.
Brexit has been central to much of the discussion. Johnson is seeking to pass a Brexit deal by January 31, while his main opponent, Corbyn, has stated he would seek a second referendum. For this reason, the election has been seen as a choice between leaving the European Union in January or voting on Brexit again.

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What is Corbyn’s stance on Brexit and how has it been criticized?
What is the timeline of Brexit?

Release of leaked documents on Reddit complicates contentious UK election

In an announcement that complicates this week’s already contentious election in the United Kingdom, Reddit declared on Friday, December 6 that its security team had reason to believe Russian hackers had leaked confidential US–UK trade documents.
In response to the leak, the site has banned 61 accounts for violating company policies that include vote manipulation and misuse of its platform.

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What information is contained in these documents?
What impact will this have on the upcoming UK general election?
Why were these documents leaked?

Antisemitism and Islamophobia concerns in UK general election

With Britons heading to the polls for their third general election in five years, the two frontrunners for prime minister have been facing accusations of bigotry. Current prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party, Boris Johnson, has faced accusations of Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments. At the same time, his chief opposition, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, has been facing multiple charges of antisemitism.

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What are the accusations of antisemitism against Jeremy Corbyn?
What has been Corbyn’s response?
What are the accusations of Islamophobia against Boris Johnson

Huawei sues FCC over ban on use of federal subsidies to purchase its equipment

On December 5, 2019, Chinese telecom giant Huawei announced it is suing the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to overturn last month’s decision banning carriers from using the Universal Service Fund (USF) to buy telecom equipment from Huawei and another Chinese telecom company, ZTE. The USF is an $8.5 billion federal fund that supports the purchase of equipment to build communications infrastructure, especially in rural and low-income areas.
The company’s lead counsel for the lawsuit Glen Nager said the ban “exceeds the agency’s statutory authority” and violates the constitution.

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What has Attorney General William Barr said about broadband subsidy block?
What are the potential cybersecurity risks from Huawei
What was Huawei’s response?

Female-fronted startups receive less funding than male counterparts, study finds

In January 2019, it was reported by Fortune that companies led by female founders raised far less money than those established by male founders. This is according to a study done by PitchBook, an international venture capital company. Based on data from 2018, the report found that while female-fronted startups saw a jump in funding over 2017, the numbers still paled in comparison to companies headed up by men.
According to the findings, in 2018, companies that were founded by women accounted for only 2.3% of the total venture capital invested in the year.

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What exactly did the study find?
Does this disparity exist beyond capital investment?

Russia banned from international sport for four years

On Monday, December 9, The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) banned Russia from competing in international sports competitions for four years.
WADA imposed the ban after an emergency meeting of its executive committee concluded that Russia had attempted to cover up a campaign of state-sponsored doping.
The ban means that Russia will be excluded from taking part in several upcoming international sporting events. Russia’s name, flag and anthem will not feature at the 2020 Olympics, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics or the upcoming football World Cup in Qatar.

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Does this ban include all Russian athletes?
Why has WADA banned Russia?
What has the reaction been?

What the Conservative Party’s historic win means for the future of the UK

On December 12, Great Britain held its third general election in five years and voters delivered an overwhelming victory to the Conservative Party. The historic win for the party and its leader, Boris Johnson, was a stark rejection of the opposition Labour party and will mark the end of Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure as Labour’s leader.
The Conservative win also paves the way for Brexit to be finalized in January.

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What were the election results?
What important issues were in this election?
What was Jeremy Corbyn’s response and Labour’s future?

EU addresses security concerns as it develops 5G network

The European Union (EU) is currently researching how best to utilize 5G technology for its member states and digital economy in the hope of being at the forefront of the industry. In 2013, the EU established an initiative to research the budding technology and determine how best to implement it.
However, the EU has also voiced concerns over the security of the technology, particularly as it relates to Huawei, a Chinese-based tech company. These concerns are shared by other nations, the United States in particular.

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According to the European Commission’s report, what are the concerns surrounding 5G?

Putin says Trump’s impeachment is unjustified

On Thursday, December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered vocal support of US President Donald Trump. This occurred less than a week after the House of Representatives formally impeached Trump.
Putin held an annual press conference on Thursday and spoke on a range of topics for over four hours. During the conference, he was asked about the impeachment of Trump. Putin dismissed the charges as “dreamed up”

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Why was Trump impeached?
What is Trump’s relationship with Russia?

Trump invites British PM to White House amid concerns over NHS

It is being reported that US President Trump has invited newly re-elected British Prime Minister Johnson to the White House. The purpose of this meeting would be to discuss a trade deal for a post-Brexit Great Britain, which could include the National Health Service (NHS).
Trump is apparently hoping to meet in January 2020. While the United States is a key trade partner for the United Kingdom, Johnson has been reluctant to fully embrace Trump, despite utilizing similar political tactics.

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What is involved for the negotiations for NHS?
What is Johnson’s and the UK public’s relationship like with Trump?

Twitter removes accounts allegedly involved in Saudi Arabian disinformation campaign

Twitter announced on Friday, December 20 that it had suspended thousands of accounts allegedly linked to a state-sponsored disinformation campaign in Saudi Arabia. The social media network said it had blocked some 88,000 accounts. Twitter removed the accounts for being “involved in various forms of platform manipulation, targeting discussions related to Saudi Arabia and advancing their geopolitical interests on the world stage.”
Most of the blocked accounts were in Arabic and posted “amplifying messages favorable to Saudi authorities.” But Twitter also blocked some English language content aimed at “Western audiences.”

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What is the history between Twitter and Saudi Arabia?
What is disinformation?
How are social media companies responding?

Human Rights Group Calls for Saudi Arabia to Lift Travel Ban on US Citizen

Human rights advocates are calling on Saudi Arabia to lift a travel ban on the Saudi-American doctor, Walid Fitaihi. Despite Fitaihi’s release by the Saudi government after a 20-month detainment, the physician and members of his family, who are all US citizens, are currently forbidden from leaving Saudi Arabia.

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Why was Fitaihi arrested?
What happened after Fitaihi was released?
What are the reforms of Mohammad bin Salman?
Who was Jamal Khashoggi?
What is the state of Saudi and US relations?

Speaker Pelosi to hold onto impeachment articles

Although the United States House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump on December 18, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has not submitted the articles of impeachment to the United States Senate. The speaker has said she wants to see how the process in the Senate will be handled before sending the articles.
This move by Pelosi has raised questions regarding her obligation to forward the articles and whether Trump has technically been impeached.

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What is the current state of Trump’s impeachment?
What concerns have been raised by the Democrats?
What are the Republicans saying?

Good News for Today Feature – 2019 December Updates

Keeping with our mission of journalistic neutrality at The Millennial Source, here are four pieces of good news, just in case you were worried that there was nothing positive left to report on.

The Humpback whale population rises after facing near extinction
World’s First Community of 3D Printed Homes is Set to House Mexico’s Poorest Families
After Five Years of Drought, Kenyan Region Finally Gets Clean Water Thanks to Solar-Powered Saltwater Plant
Ford has been using 1.2 billion plastic bottles a year for auto parts since the 1990s

Russian Spies Visited Spain in Possible Efforts to Interfere in Catalan Independence Vote

Multiple members of a secretive Russian military group visited Spain in 2016 and 2017 in the lead up to the October 2017 vote for Catalan independence. It is believed that these Russian spies were spreading disinformation and stirring up discord ahead of an already divisive referendum in the region.
If verified, this would represent a campaign similar to that of other Russian efforts in Western elections, including in the United States and the United Kingdom.

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When were members of the Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate, believed to be in Spain?
What is the Catalan separatist movement?
What are the Russian’s motives?

2019 – year with most mass killings on record

According to research conducted by the Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University, there were more mass killings in the United States during 2019 than in any previous year on record. The database recorded 41 mass killing incidents, which resulted in 211 deaths.
Of the 41 killings, 33 involved firearms. The United States Department of Justice defines a mass killing as three or more killings in a single event.

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What has been the political response?
How have our nations around the world reformed their gun control laws

US considers withdrawing troops from West Africa

On December 24, the New York Times reported that Defense Secretary Mark Esper is exploring the possibility of reducing American forces in West Africa.
The reduction, which the report suggests may eventually amount to a complete withdrawal, would be the first step towards a “reshuffling” and then a worldwide redeployment of American troops.

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What is the withdrawal plan and what does it involve?
What terrorist groups remain in Africa?
How many American troops remain stationed overseas?

The US is shocked by dual attacks against religious groups on final weekend of 2019

2019 ended with two, apparently unrelated, attacks that rattled religious communities across the United States.
The first occurred on Saturday, December 29, when a man entered the home of a rabbi in New York and stabbed five people.
The second attack occurred the following day when a man interrupted a church service in Texas and fatally shot two people.

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What were the motives for the attacks?

US Astronaut sets new female spaceflight record

On December 28, US astronaut Christina Koch set a new record for the longest continuous spaceflight by a woman. Koch broke the old record of 288 days with more than two months left of her mission.
Her lengthy stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) provides NASA with valuable data about the effects of prolonged spaceflight — information the space agency says is vital in supporting future missions to the Moon and Mars.

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Who is Christina Koch?
How did she react to setting the new record?

Who Was Qasem Soleimani?

An overnight air raid by the US military has led to the death of Major General Qasem Soleimani, the leader of the Quds Force, a unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG), and a man thought by many to eventually succeed the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader.
To some, Soleimani was a military hero, to others he was a supporter of terrorists and rogue actors throughout the world.

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What was Soleimani’s membership and leadership in the IRCG?
What were the reactions to Soleimani’s death?

New Cambridge Analytica files to expose “industrial scale” voter manipulation

According to a January 4 report in the Guardian, a new batch of leaked documents from the defunct political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica show that the company manipulated voters on an “industrial scale.”
The article suggests the leaks “lay bare the global infrastructure” of the company that collapsed in 2018 after revelations it had misused the data of 87 million Facebook users.

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What did the files contain about Iran and former Trump Administration National Security Advisor John Bolton?
Why did the source, Brittany Kaiser leak the documents?

Daughter of Deceased GOP Strategist Releases His Hidden Gerrymandering Files

In 2018, prominent Republican political strategist Thomas Hofeller passed away, leaving behind over 70,000 secret files and emails.
When their existence became known, Hofeller’s former consulting firm, Geographic Strategies, waged a legal fight to keep the files hidden from public eye. However, on January 5, 2020, Hofeller’s daughter, Stephanie, released many of them online.

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Who is Thomas Hofeller?
What is gerrymandering?
Why did Stephanie Hofeller release her father’s files?

Putin pays visit to Syrian President Assad

On January 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Syria’s capital, Damascus, to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This unannounced visit was only Putin’s second trip to Syria since its protracted civil war began nearly nine years ago.
Putin and Assad are allies, and the Russian military has supported Assad’s Ba’athist Syrian Arab Republic forces throughout Syria’s civil war.

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What happened during Putin’s visit to Syria?
What does Assad want?

Virginia set to be 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment but its future is uncertain

A historic day in Virginia’s state legislature has set the table for the state to become the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). In order for the US Constitution to be amended, it has to be ratified by at least three-fourths of the states in the US, or approximately 38 of the 50 states.
Virginia’s ratification would result in the ERA having the support needed for it to be added to the US Constitution.

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What is the Equal Rights Amendment?
What is the ERA deadline?

SpaceX launches 60 more Spacelink satellites

The American aerospace company SpaceX launched 60 new satellites into space on January 6, bringing the total number of spacecraft the firm has orbiting the earth to 182.
SpaceX is sending satellites into space as part of its Starlink satellite constellation project.

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How was the launch described by spectators?
Why are astronomers concerned?

DOJ investigation into Hillary Clinton finds “nothing of consequence.” Here’s what you need to know

As first reported in the Washington Post, an investigation of Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation by the Justice Department is closing down after finding insufficient evidence to launch a criminal investigation. At this time, the investigation remains formally open but there is no indication there will be any formal charges.

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What was being investigated?
What is the history of Clinton investigations?

Scientists discover origin of repeating signal from beyond our galaxy, but there’s still more to learn

On January 6, the scientific journal Nature published a report by a coalition of international astronomers announcing that the origin of a repeating fast radio burst (FRB) had been found.
This repeating signal originated from a galaxy 500 million light-years from Earth. It is only the fifth time that scientists have been able to trace an FRB back to its galaxy of origin.

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What are FRBs?
What discoveries have been made about repeating FRBs?

UN passes resolution limiting Syrian aid after Russia veto threat

After Russia threatened to use its United Nations Security Council (UNSC) veto, the United Nations (UN) passed a resolution on January 10 that reduces the amount of humanitarian and medical aid given to over 1 million people in northeastern Syria.
Although the UN managed to pass the resolution before the midnight deadline, some UNSC members expressed disappointment with the “watered-down” measure that certain observers fear will cause further ‘humanitarian disaster.’

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Why did the Security Council vote on the resolution?
How did the UN members react?

U.S. Defense Secretary walks back contradiction of Trump’s justification for Soleimani assassination

On Sunday, United States Secretary of Defense Mike Esper contradicted U.S. President Donald Trump on the motivation for assassinating Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani before walking it back.
The justifications for the assassination remain unclear.
Trump has justified Soleimani’s assassination by saying he posed an imminent threat to Americans and the nation’s embassies. However, Esper denied knowing of any specific threats to American embassies.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is Trump’s justification for the killing of Soleimani?
How did the defense secretary Esper contradict Trump?

Pharmaceutical executives to be sentenced for criminal activities related to opioid crisis

Eight months after being found guilty of a racketeering conspiracy, five top executives of Insys Therapeutics are set to receive their sentences. The defendants, which include former Insys CEO John Kapoor, were found to have bribed doctors to push the company’s painkiller, Subsys, on patients, even when the drug wasn’t needed.
The case is notable for being the first time a pharmaceutical CEO has been convicted of racketeering related to opioids, according to Bloomberg.

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What did the executives do?
What are the details of the conviction and the sentencing?
What is the U.S. opioid crisis?

U.S. Attorney General Barr asks Apple to unlock iPhones of Pensacola shooter

Following a deadly December shooting in Pensacola, Fla., United States Attorney General William Barr has pressed Apple Inc. to help unlock a pair of iPhones believed to belong to the gunman. In a press conference Monday, Barr stated the shooting, which resulted in four deaths, was determined to be a terrorist attack. The gunman was a Saudi national who was training with the U.S. military.

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What happened in Pensacola?
What was the motivation for the shooting?
What is Apple’s defense?

US poised to block more sales to Huawei

The United States government is about to publish a rule to expand its powers to block shipments of foreign-made goods to Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, despite the two countries’ leaders being expected to sign a Phase One trade deal on Wednesday, after an 18-month-long trade war, The Millennial Source reported.
Members of the Trump administration and Congress views Huawei Technologies as a national security threat and placed the company in May on a trade blacklist, restricting sales to Huawei, of US-made goods and some items made abroad containing US technology.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the current regulations and possible future changes?
What is US’s network battle with Huawei over 5G?

‘The Greatest of All Time’ tournament of ‘Jeopardy!’ crowns a winner, sets ratings records

On Tuesday, the quiz show “Jeopardy!” completed a four-night tournament titled “The Greatest of All Time.” The competition involved three of the show’s winningest competitors from its nearly four-decade run on television. The first to win three nights was the winner.

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Who were the competitors?
Who was the winner?
How did ‘Jeopardy!’ set primetime records in the US?

The Democrats held their final debate before the primaries begin – everything you should know about their health care views

On Tuesday, six of the 12 remaining United States Democratic candidates for president met on a debate. This was the seventh debate for the Democrats of this election season and the last before the first primary, which will occur in Iowa Feb. 3.
Of the six candidates who qualified to appear on the debate stage, four are considered among the likely candidates to earn the party’s nomination. The winner will go on to face incumbent US President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, which will be held Nov. 3, 2020.

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Who are the six candidates who qualified for the debate?
Why didn’t Michael Bloomberg make an appearance?

Amazon’s ‘world domination’ continues as it undercuts local businesses in India and reportedly pays zero federal taxes

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was greeted by angry protestors accusing him of “crushing” Indian e-commerce and retail trade during his visit to India on Jan. 15.
Infuriated small store owners demonstrated in the streets to protest Amazon’s deep discounting, which has driven many local small businesses to bankruptcy.

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What investigation has India’s antitrust investigator initiated against Amazon?
How has Amazon paid the least amount of tax among the Silicon Valley Six?

Senate sets rules for President Trump’s impeachment trial; Republicans block all 11 Democratic amendments

The United States Senate began the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on Tuesday with a 13-hour session that set rules for the trial. The Republican-led Senate blocked much of the Democrats’ agenda for the trial, including allowing additional evidence and testimony.
The highly partisan atmosphere around the trial has left many to assume Trump’s acquittal is unlikely. However, each side will have three days to present their case that the president abused his power and obstructed justice.

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What were McConnell’s original rules for the trial?
What news rules are now set?
What will be missing from the trial?

Amtrak expects 2020 to be first profitable year in the company’s history

For the first time in its 50-year history, Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in North America, is set to make a profit. That is according to company projections for 2020, as reported by the company’s board chairman.
Despite these optimistic projections, Amtrak has started the year with a pair of bad public relations stories.

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What is Amtrak’s fiscal growth?
What was Amtrak’s decades of instability?

Instagram is hiding the number of likes on posts partially because of a ‘Black Mirror’ episode

A recent decision to get rid of public “likes” on Instagram was influenced by a popular episode of the Netflix series, “Black Mirror.” Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, revealed this fact in an interview with The New York Times published last week.
This decision, which is still in a testing phase, has been met by resistance from the photo app’s loyal users. Other social media companies have similarly faced dissent when attempting to make changes to their platform.

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How was the changes influenced by Black Mirror?
What has been the backlash to the change

Who is key Trump lawyer Ken Starr?

Just days before the impeachment trial of United States President Donald Trump was set to begin, former special counsel Ken Starr was added to the president’s defense team.
The New York Times reported that Starr’s role will be to argue that the impeachment of Trump was done without sufficient legal grounds. It is a reversal of roles for Starr, whose previous role in the impeachment of a president was prosecutorial.

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What was the Whitewater scandal?
What was the Starr Report?
What is Starr’s defense of Trump?

Senate looking to limit press access during the Trump impeachment trial

The impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump began Tuesday in the Senate. Journalists are pushing back against proposed rules that would limit press access.
Here is a look on previous impeachments to understand the role the press can play in the procedures.

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What is the new limit on access and electronic devices?
What has been the reaction to the rules?
What are the historical precedents for Trump’s impeachment trial?

How leaked documents show Isabel dos Santos stole her fortune

Leaked documents on Sunday allege that Isabel dos Santos, Africa’s richest woman and daughter of Angola’s former president, built her wealth through corruption and by exploiting her country.
The files were initially obtained by the Paris-based anti-corruption charity Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), which shared them with the New York-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which then publicly released the documents.

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How is Angola removing dos Santos influence?

Puerto Rico emergency director fired after residents discover warehouse full of Hurricane Maria supplies

Puerto Rico’s emergency manager, Carlos Acevedo, was fired on Saturday after a warehouse full of donated relief supplies was discovered.
The emergency aid is believed to be from when Hurricane Maria hit the island two years ago, according to Puerto Rico’s governor, Wanda Vázquez. The heads of Puerto Rico’s housing and family departments were fired the next day, on Jan. 19.

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What was discovered in the warehouse?
Who were the officials responsible?
How did the Trump Administration respond to the discovery amid residents’ frustrations over lack of aid from US?

Study reveals YouTube promotes climate misinformation and major companies are funding it

A study published on Jan. 16 from the activist group Avaaz revealed that YouTube is “actively promoting” climate disinformation on its platform, which some of the biggest companies and environmental groups in the world are funding by advertising on the videos.

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What did the study find?
Which companies are involved and what was their response?
What was YouTube’s response?

Clinical trials on promising new all-cancer cure likely to begin this year

Recent advancements in an immune cell cancer treatment made by a Cardiff University team has found a new part of our immune system that can be used to treat all cancers.The study is still in its preliminary stages and has yet to be tested on people.

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How does the immune cell treatment differ from chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments?
Is the new immune cell therapy really a one-size-fits-all cancer cure?

Bezos’ Phone Hacked by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Report Claims

On Wednesday, January 22, it was reported that the phone of Jeff Bezos — the CEO of Amazon, owner of the Washington Post, and the world’s richest man — had been hacked by Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.
The United Nations has called for an investigation into the matter.

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How was Bezos’ phone hacked?
What information was exposed in the hack?

Released texts suggest former Ukrainian ambassador was being stalked by associates of Rudy Giuliani

On January 15, the United States House Intelligence Committee released a range of documents relating to Lev Parnas, an associate of President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. Among the documents were text messages suggesting the former ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, was being stalked.

Go beyond the headlines…

Who is Lev Parnas?
What did the texts say?
What was Hyde’s response to the text messages?
How does this relate to the impeachment of Donald Trump?

New Evidence Suggests Ledell Lee, Executed in 2017, Was Innocent

More than two years after Ledell Lee was executed in Arkansas following a murder conviction, new evidence suggests he may have been innocent. Lee had maintained during the trial and following his subsequent murder conviction that he was innocent and supporters, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), fought but ultimately failed to prevent his execution.
Lee’s case was taken up by the Innocence Project, a group seeking to exonerate the wrongly convicted.

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What was Ledell Lee accused of?
What is the new evidence?
What is the Innocence Project?

Boeing’s huge 777-9 airplane takes its first flight towards FAA certification

The world’s largest plane and longest twin-engine airliner successfully completed a test run on January 25. The plane flew for a total of three hours and 51 minutes, taking off at 10:09 AM in Everett, Washington, where Boeing’s manufacturing facility is located.

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What is the difference between Boeing’s 777X versus the Airbus 350-1000?
When does Boeing expect to deliver the first 777X?

Lebanese splurging on luxury items after banks imposed cash withdrawal limits – Here is what you need to know

More and more Lebanese are converting their cash savings into luxury goods such as gold and jewelry after banks in Lebanon imposed cash withdrawal limits. According to a report by Reuters, many Lebanese fear that more drastic financial restrictions are to come thanks to imposed capital controls.

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Why do dealers believe that the cap at 2,000 Lebanese pounds per dollar will create a third market?
What is the weekly limit on dollar withdrawals?
When is Newly-elected Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni planning to meet the IMF?

New Video Appears to Show Trump Ordering Lev Parnas to Get Rid of Ukrainian Ambassador

A video released over the weekend by lawyers for Giuliani associate Lev Parnas appears to reveal US President Donald Trump ordering the removal of former Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch.
Parnas has previously stated in interviews that Trump directed him to deal with Yovanovitch personally. However, Trump has denied knowing Parnas, a “fixer” and associate of his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

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What is on the Parnas video?
What is the The Trump/Parnas connection?

The UK Is Set to Leave the EU on January 31. Here’s What You Should Know

At 11 p.m. local time on January 31, 2020, nearly three and a half years after the original Brexit referendum was voted on, the United Kingdom is set to leave the European Union. Since the referendum, the UK has been through two general elections and had three different prime ministers.
The UK’s current prime minister, Boris Johnson, made “getting Brexit done” a central promise of his election campaign in the lead up to the Conservative Party’s historic victory in December 2019. While Johnson is now set to deliver on that promise, much remains uncertain about what comes next.

Go beyond the headlines…

What will happen on January 31?
What will happen to citizens of the UK and EU?
How did the UK get here?

Luanda Leaks investigation details Isabel dos Santos’ embezzlement scandal

On Monday, January 27, Portuguese hacker Rui Pinto stepped forward to claim responsibility for revealing millions of files that found Africa’s richest woman, Isabel dos Santos, to have embezzled billions of US dollars.
Pinto’s lawyers have said that the 31-year-old gave a hard drive with the files to the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) in 2018.

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What is Luanda Leaks?
Who is whistleblower, Rui Pinto?

J&J denies it had knowledge that its products caused cancer

The Chief Executive of Johnson & Johnson (J&J), Alex Gorsky, was in a New Jersey court on January 27 over allegations that the company’s baby powder causes cancer.
Lawyers for four individuals who claim to have developed cancer from using the company’s products in their infancy questioned Gorsky over the timing of the sale of his company stock.

Go beyond the headlines..

Will J&J develop a coronavirus vaccine?
What was J&J’s response to the numerous lawsuits?

Trump’s defense team concludes opening arguments. What’s next?

President Donald Trump’s defense team wrapped up their opening arguments in the Senate impeachment trial on Tuesday. Their argument, spooled out over three days, is that Trump was justified in his actions and that impeachment is nothing more than partisan retribution from political rivals.
These arguments come at a time when new evidence related to the Ukrainian scandal has been surfacing from various sources.

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Who are the members of Trump’s defense team?
What were the arguments of Trump’s defense team?
What will happen next in the impeachment trial?

Kashmiris use VPN apps to circumvent blocked social media sites

Indian authorities restored limited internet access in Kashmir on January 25, nearly six months after the region was originally taken offline.
This marks the longest internet blockade on record for a democracy. However, the majority of social media sites remain blocked for the seven million residents of the region, many of whom have taken to using VPN apps to gain access to them.

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Why were Internet services suspended in Kashmir?
What are the effects of living internet-less on local Kashmiris?
How did the lack of internet lead to loss of jobs?

NASA preparing for mission to bring Mars samples back to earth

The next decade will be an active one for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which is currently seeking a director to lead their Mars Sample Return (MSR) program. The purpose of the program is to devise a method for bringing materials back from Mars so they can be studied by scientists on Earth.

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How many Rovers are there on Mars?
What is Mars 2020?
Will there be any human travelers on Mars?

NASA preparing for mission to bring Mars samples back to earth

The next decade will be an active one for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which is currently seeking a director to lead their Mars Sample Return (MSR) program. The purpose of the program is to devise a method for bringing materials back from Mars so they can be studied by scientists on Earth.

Go beyond the headlines..

What is the main mission of the MSR program?
How many NASA funded rovers are currently on Mars?
How much has been learned about Mars through the four rovers?

The Supreme Court Permits “Public Charge” Immigration Law to Stand

On Monday, January 27, 2020, The Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow a controversial Trump administration immigration law to go into effect. The law, commonly referred to as the “Public Charge” rule, would bar immigrants from entering the country if they appear likely to require any form of government assistance.
As with other Trump immigration policies, this policy has fierce critics who believe it should not stand. Historians have pointed to similarities between this law and the law that prevented hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees from escaping Europe prior to the holocaust.

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What does the Public Charge law do?
What were the challenges faced by Trump’s Public Charge rule?
What is the history of the Public Charge law?

USFK imposes self-quarantine for troops returning from China

In light of the continuing spread of the coronavirus, the United States Forces Korea (USFK) stated on Sunday that, following the US Health and Human Services’ announcement of a US public health emergency, it has instituted a 14-day self-quarantine policy for US service members returning from China on or after January 19.
The 14-day quarantine, which equals the incubation period for the coronavirus, is to begin from the date an individual returns to South Korea, regardless of whether they are displaying symptoms or not.

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What is the US’ self-quarantine policy?
Why did the WHO declare the coronavirus as a global emergency?
How has the coronavirus affected South Korea?

Nike’s Vaporfly won’t be banned but new regulations will be implemented

Nike’s Vaporfly line of running shoes will not be banned following an investigation into whether the shoes provide runners with an unfair advantage in competitions.
Nevertheless, World Athletics is introducing stricter regulations for how high technology running shoes are used in professional sports.

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What is the new regulation introduced by the World Athletics concerning high technology running shoes?
Does Nike’s Vaporfly give athletes unfair advantage?
Are innovations in shoe technology threatening the integrity of sports?

Why has the Irish border become an issue in Brexit?

On Friday, January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union after over three years of uncertainty and political upheaval. However, many unanswered questions remain, perhaps the biggest related to the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Throughout the Brexit negotiations, the Irish border has been a roadblock to consensus. Even the Brexit deal that finally passed failed to address concerns. With the contentious history between the UK and Ireland, it remains to be seen how the two countries will maintain their uneasy peace.

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What were the main issues in Theresa May’s Brexit proposal?
How was Brois Johnson’s Brexit deal more comprehensive than the one presented by May?
What is the Good Friday Agreement?

Dead and injured koalas found in blue gum plantation

The Conservation Regulator with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in the Australian state of Victoria, said it was investigating a cleared blue gum plantation near the coastal town of Portland, where many Koalas were found dead or injured.
According to DELWP, some of the koalas had to be treated on site for injuries. Many of them were on the verge of starving to death after their habitat had been destroyed. Some koalas were found to have already died of starvation, while others had been killed by bulldozers.

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Who was responsible for the death of numerous Koalas in Portland?
How did Helen Oakley’s actions alert the authorities about the incident?
What were the initial findings from the investigation?

Uncertainty Causes Delays as Iowa Caucus Kicks Off Democratic Primaries for President

On Monday, February 3, 2020, Iowa was the site of the first nominating caucus for the 2020 presidential campaign. After two rounds of caucusing, technological issues have caused uncertainty over which candidates have enough supporters to earn delegates for the next round in Iowa’s complicated nomination process.

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How was the Iowa caucus supposed to work?
Why were the results from Iowa’s caucus delayed?
What is Iowa’s role as the first caucus state?
What happens next in the primaries?

Abortion in America: The legal history

Over four decades after a landmark Supreme Court case legalized abortion in the United States, the controversial topic is likely to be a central issue in the 2020 presidential election. This hotly contested issue is partially at the core of a major political divide in the US
With multiple states passing restrictions on abortions and one case heading for the Supreme Court, many are wondering if Roe v. Wade could be overturned, and what that would mean for legal abortion in the country.

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What is the The Roe v. Wade case?
How does the public in the US view abortion?
What is the Trump Administration’s stance on abortion?
What legal case is the Supreme Court set to hear this year that some believe could overturn the original Roe v. Wade ruling?

PETA Super Bowl ad draws criticism

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), stoked controversy over an ad they said was banned from airing during Super Bowl LIV on Sunday, February 2, 2020. The ad has been criticized as trivializing the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement by using imagery that intentionally evokes the protests of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Go beyond the headlines…

What was PETA’s #EndSpeciesism campaign?
What was the backlash to the ad?
What is PETA’s history of controversy?

Prague mayor goes to war with Airbnb

Speaking to The Observer on February 1, Zdeněk Hřib, the Mayor of Prague, said he was pushing plans that would ban property owners in the Czech capital from leasing out entire flats on sites like Airbnb to tourists unless it was their own home and they were only temporarily not occupying it.
The proposals limiting rentals to single rooms in accommodation where the owner also resides comes after the mayor criticized Airbnb for pricing Prague residents out of the local housing market.

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What was Airbnb’s response?
How many people used Airbnb during their visit to the Czech capital?

Taiwan pushes to be included in the WHO as coronavirus spreads

As the spread of the coronavirus increasingly isolates China, Taiwan is seeking inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO), the agency focused on issues of international health. Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHO has long been a source of frustration for the island state, but the growing pandemic has heightened the issue.
Taiwan recently received high-profile support for inclusion in the WHO from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, deeply divisive political and economic factors involving China’s claim of control over Taiwan make the issue difficult to resolve.

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Why does Taiwan want to be part of the WHO?
Why is Taiwan not in the WHO?
Which countries have supported Taiwan’s bid to be included in the WHO?

President Trump gives State of the Union address in the shadow of his impeachment trial

On Tuesday, February 4, 2020, President Donald Trump gave the annual State of the Union address in front of a joint session of Congress. The televised speech was used to tout the accomplishments of his administration and highlight special guests.
The State of the Union is customarily an opportunity for the president to lay out his agenda for the year. However, this year’s address was given in the shadow of Trump’s impeachment and was met with considerable criticism.

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What did Trump say at his State of the Union address?
Why was Trump’s speech heavily criticized by the Democrats
What is the history of the State of the Union address?

Founder of neo-nazi site ‘The Daily Stormer’ announces he is cutting staff due to lack of funding

Andrew Anglin, the founder of the far-right, white supremacist website, The Daily Stormer, said he was cutting staff because the site’s readers had failed to donate. This follows years of efforts by opponents to have the site removed because of its antisemitism and racism.
Publications like The Daily Stormer and figures like Anglin experienced a rapid growth in popularity that coincided with President Donald Trump’s successful candidacy.

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What is happening to The Daily Stormer?
Who is Andrew Anglin?
What is deplatforming?

Ryanair forced to pull ads claiming it has ‘lowest CO2 emissions’

On Wednesday, February 5, the United Kingdom’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that Ireland-based airline Ryanair must pull “misleading” ads. Those ads claim that Ryanair flights produce the lowest carbon dioxide (CO2) emission of any European airline. An investigation by the ASA determined that those claims were not substantiated.
CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases and is a contributor to global climate change.

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What were the claims made by Ryanair’s ads?
What was the ASA’s take on Ryanair’s ads?
How is the aviation industry hoping to reduce greenhouse emissions?

An individual junket brings in AUD$2 billion for Australian Crown Casino

An individual who works as a middleman for a company that connects wealthy gamblers to casinos, claims that they are responsible for almost AUD$2 billion flowing through the Crown Melbourne casino.
The individual (officially known in the industry as a “junket”, the name for both the company and the middleman working for the company) works closely with the Australian casino group, Crown Resorts, and receives a commission for steering big spenders towards casinos under the Crown umbrella.

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What is a junket?
How has Coronavirus affected the casino business?

Botswana auctions off elephant hunting licenses

Botswana auctioned off six hunting licenses on Friday. Each license allows hunters to kill 60 elephants in “controlled areas”. The auction is the first to be allowed in the country since President Mokgweetsi Masisi lifted a five-year ban on trophy hunting last year.
The auction was conducted by a local firm, Auction It Botswana, from the premises of the Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism in the capital Gaborone.

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Why did the Botswana government auction off hunting licenses?
How have conservationists reacted to it?
Why have Elephants migrated to Botswana?

Life in the time of coronavirus

Since Chinese public health officials first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31 that the coronavirus was infecting people in Wuhan, over 37,000 have caught the virus and more than 800 are dead, according to China’s National Health Commission and other authorities.
The coronavirus, like Ebola and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), originated from animals.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the steps taken by the Chinese government to contain the virus?
How has the epidemic affected everyday life in China?
Who was the whistleblower?

South Africa wants to free up stalled arms sales to Saudi, UAE

South Africa is looking to free up more than $1 billion in weapons sales that have come to a standstill, by changing a document at the center of an export row, a senior arms control official told Reuters.
Buyers include Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. For months local defense firms have petitioned the government to alter a provision in the export document.

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How is South Africa looking to free up its money from weapon sales?
What alteration in the export document are defence firms asking the government to consider?
How does exports to North Africa and Persian Gulf affects local defence companies?

Switzerland votes to criminalize homophobia

Swiss voters have supported a referendum to make it illegal to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation.
In Sunday’s vote, voters were 63.1% in favor to 36.9% against expanding the anti-discrimination law to cover sexual orientation. Of Switzerland’s 26 cantons (states), only three — Appenzell-Innerrhoden, Schwyz and Uri — had majorities vote against it.

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How will homophobic comments be treated under the new law in Switzerland?
Which associations supported the referendum?
How have the people reacted to the amendment?

Abortion in America: An Interview with Dr. Diana Foster, Director of the Turnaway Study

As legal battles over abortion in the United States continue to be waged on both the state and federal level, researchers are addressing a seemingly more straightforward question: Is abortion safe? The opposing sides of the abortion divide often debate this question from an ideological point of view, but considerable research has been conducted regarding this matter.

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What is The Turnaway Study?
What were the results of the study?
Who is Dr. Diana Foster?
What were the main surprises from the findings of the study?

Pelosi and Trump battle against viral social media posts

Facebook and Twitter have denied a request from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi asking the social media giants to remove a doctored video of herself that was tweeted by President Donald Trump and widely shared among his followers.
The video includes clips from Trump’s State of the Union address interspersed with manipulated footage of Pelosi ripping up his speech.

Go beyond the headlines…

What does the Pelosi video show?
Which photo did Trump decry as “fake news”?
What efforts have large corporations taken to contain fake news?

Duterte administration intends to shut down the largest broadcaster in The Philippines

On February 10, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte signaled its intention to shut down ABS-CBN, the largest broadcaster in the Philippines, by submitting a complaint with the country’s highest court to end its franchise.
Critics have denounced the move as the most severe attack upon press freedom in the country yet. But the government claimed that the organization had violated ownership laws and was engaging in “highly abusive practices.”

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How did the government respond?
How did ABS-CBN respond?
What was the reaction of Filipino media?

Trump budget increases national debt, cuts funding for social programs and EPA

On Monday, February 10, 2020, US President Donald Trump’s administration published its proposed $4.8 trillion budget for the 2021 fiscal year. The budget, which has received criticism, makes cuts to many social programs as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The submission of the president’s budget is only the first step in an extended process for setting the country’s federal budget. By the time the budget is settled on by Congress and approved by the president, many of the suggested funding cuts or increases in the initial proposal may have been rejected.

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What’s in Trump’s budget?
What criticisms has the proposed budget received?

World’s largest mobile tech gathering may be canceled over coronavirus fears

On February 12, Mobile World Congress (MWC) cancelled the annual tech event amid fears of the coronavirus outbreak. Prior to the cancellation, dozens of major tech companies had already pulled out of the Barcelona-based event over concerns of the virus’ spread.
Since 1987, the MWC has grown into the largest global exhibition for mobile technology, offering one of the best chances for companies to show off their latest designs.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is the MWC?
What were GSMA’s previous efforts to adapt to the coronavirus?

Climate change anxiety is taking a toll on younger generations, psychologists warn

The growing consensus that climate change is reaching a point of no return is leading to anxiety in children, psychologists have found. While eco-anxiety is also seen in adults, children who live through a devastating climate crisis are said to be especially susceptible.
In recent years, many teenage activists, including Greta Thunberg, have organized public strikes and protests to urge the world’s governments to take greater action towards addressing climate change.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is eco-anxiety?
What are the climate predictions for the future?

DOJ steps in to reduce Roger Stone’s sentence, leading to mass exodus of prosecutors – Here’s what you need to know

On Monday, February 10, 2020, federal prosecutors recommended a nine-year prison sentence for Roger Stone, a close ally of President Donald Trump. The sentence, for obstructing a congressional investigation, was immediately decried by the president as being too severe. Soon after, the Department of Justice (DOJ) stepped in to reduce the sentence.
The four lawyers who prosecuted the case against Stone have all withdrawn from the case in protest of the decision.

Go beyond the headlines…

Who is Roger Stone?
How did Trump react to the resignations?

Report confirms encryption company was a long-running CIA front

On Tuesday, February 11, the Washington Post reported that the United States and Germany had used a Swiss-based encryption company, Crypto AG, as a front to spy on allies and enemies for decades. The Guardian now reports that the Swiss government has ordered an inquiry into the company, which was headquartered in Zug until it closed in 2018.
Though the new report has drawn considerable attention, reports of the company’s ties to the CIA have been around for decades.

Go beyond the headlines…

How was Crypto AG used to spy on allies and enemies?

Senate votes to limit Trump’s war powers in Iran

On Thursday, February 13, the United States Senate approved a measure that would limit President Donald Trump’s ability to wage war with Iran. In January, Trump ordered the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, which significantly escalated tensions between Iran and the United States.

Go beyond the headlines…

How did the House’s constrain Trump’s war powers?
Why would the US go to war with Iran?

International Criminal Court says offshore detention centers violate international law, but will not prosecute Australian government

Responding to evidence from Australian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor said that Australia’s offshore detention centers violate international law.
Yet despite finding that conditions in the centers are “cruel, inhuman or degrading”, the ICC will not prosecute the Australian government for human rights abuses.

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What did the letter say?
Why won’t the ICC prosecute the Australian government?

US defense secretary warns European allies that Huawei 5G involvement puts alliances at risk

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, United States Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told European allies that building their 5G networks with Chinese technology firm Huawei threatens their alliances with America.
Esper also warned that future intelligence cooperation is at risk if European countries grant Huawei access to their 5G networks. If that were to come to pass, Esper said, the US couldn’t be sure that their communication infrastructure is secure.

Go beyond the headlines…

What has US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said about the situation?
Which other US ally has also followed the US and banned Huawei from its 5G network?

The EU has changed its Schengen visa, Americans will soon face new requirements

On February 2, 2020, the European Schengen Area updated its rules for multiple-entry Schengen visas. These visas allow visitors to freely move between the 26 countries within the Schengen Area, an unrestricted zone that consists largely of European Union member states.
For American visitors to the Schengen Area, the changes will have no effect on their ability to travel to Europe. However, beginning in January 2021, US citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization.

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Currently, how many types of multiple-entry Schengen visas exist?
What will change for Americans on January 1, 2021?

Killing of 7-year-old girl sparks outrage in Mexico City

Residents in Mexico City are outraged over the murder of a 7-year-old girl, further fueling anger over an epidemic of brutal murders of women in the country, including that of a young woman who was stabbed to death and skinned by her partner just days before.
The 7-year-old, a grade-school student named Fatima, was found wrapped in a garbage bag after being abducted by a stranger outside her school on the outskirts of Mexico City on February 11.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is the history of Femicide in Mexico?

Bloomberg and Buttigieg campaigns highlight the risks of social media in 2020 election

This last week, Facebook and Instagram were forced to amend and qualify their advertising policies after Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign bought ads with popular meme aggregating accounts. Then, on Sunday, February 16, a supporter of Pete Buttigieg’s presidential run was forced off Twitter when his account was falsely accused of being a sockpuppet account for the campaign.
Both events highlight the risks political campaigns face when engaging with voters through social media.

Go beyond the headlines…

How did Facebook and Instagram respond?

Billionaire Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos pledges US$10 billion to combat climate change

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest person, has vowed to donate US$10 billion to combat climate change. His donation would be the largest ever given towards addressing the global phenomenon that threatens imminent, catastrophic environmental change.
Bezos has frequently faced criticism for how Amazon operates, both in relation to its employees and its reliance on the oil industry. Earlier this year, hundreds of Amazon employees risked their jobs to protest the company’s climate-related policies.

Go beyond the headlines…

What criticism has Bezos’ previously received for his lack of philanthropy?

Renowned Harvard professor Charles Lieber arrested for ties to Chinese government

On January 28, 2020, US authorities arrested Professor Charles Lieber, a celebrated chemist at Harvard University. Lieber, who is also a pioneer in the field of nanotechnology, has been charged with failing to disclose financial ties to the Chinese government and of lying to US officials.
The US government has concerns about the influence of China’s Thousand Talents Plan, which seeks to recruit experts from around the world to innovate for the country.

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Who is Charles Lieber?
What are the details of Lieber’s arrest?

Jury deliberates on the guilt of alleged rapist Harvey Weinstein

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, the jury for the Harvey Weinstein trial began deliberations to determine whether the former Hollywood mogul should be convicted over multiple counts of rape.
The charges against Weinstein relate to two separate women, though over 80 accusations of sexual misconduct have been made against the defendant since 2017.

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Who are Harvey and Bob Weinstein?
What are the details of the trial?
What is the #MeToo movement?

Boy Scouts of America declares bankruptcy in the wake of sexual abuse scandal

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, the Boys Scouts of America released a press release stating the organization had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This follows years of sexual abuse allegations against the organization, which have resulted in numerous financial payouts to victims and their families.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have been around since 1910, but in recent years the future of the organization has been in doubt as investigations have revealed a systemic pattern of covering up abuse allegations.

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How many people have been barred from the BSA?
What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

Trump offered pardon if Julian Assange covered up Russian ties to DNC hacking, lawyers claim

On Wednesday, February 19, it was revealed that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was allegedly offered a pardon by US President Donald Trump to cover up links to Russia.
This according to pre-trial depositions made by Assange’s lawyers in his extradition trial.

Go beyond the headlines…

What is the connection between Trump and Russia?
What did Assange’s lawyers reveal?

British media under fresh scrutiny after death of Caroline Flack

On Saturday, February 15, English television personality Caroline Flack hung herself in the midst of a personal scandal that had become regular fodder for the British press.
In the week since her suicide, much attention has been given to how British tabloids and paparazzi cover celebrities and the ways in which they often hound the subjects of their stories.

Go beyond the headlines…

Why did Harry and Meghan choose to give up their titles?

Russia is interfering in election to re-elect Trump, intelligence officials warn

US intelligence officials told members of Congress that Russia was interfering in the 2020 presidential election in an attempt to get President Trump re-elected, according to reports.
The revelation was first published by The New York Times on February 20, after reporters from the newspaper spoke with five people familiar with the matter.

Go beyond the headlines…

How did the democrats and republicans respond to the published revelations?
How has Russia responded?

Elizabeth Warren’s reversal renews debate around super PACs in 2020 election

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has been taking heat this week for reversing her stance on accepting money from super PACs (short for super political action committees).
The Massachusetts Senator had been one of the few holdouts in this campaign who refused to accept the support of such groups, which are permitted to engage in unlimited political spending.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are super PACs?
Why did Elizabeth Warren change her stance on super PACs?
What is Sanders’ Our Revolution?

What is a brokered convention? Will it happen? Here’s what you need to know

Democrats who once said a brokered convention was unlikely now see it as a distinct possibility.
Although the primary season is well underway, the Democratic field is still crowded with candidates and there are no signs that anyone is about to suspend their campaign as Super Tuesday approaches. Some Democrats worry that no contender will win a majority of delegates before the convention in July.

Go beyond the headlines…

What do democrats say?
What is a brokered convention?

Belgian carnival again features anti-Semitic floats and costumes

On Sunday, the Belgian city of Aalst held its traditional carnival, which for the second year in a row included stereotypical depictions of Jews. The satirical carnival took place despite calls from Israel’s Foreign Minister to ban the event.
Last year, the yearly Aalst carnival, which pokes fun at ethnic, social and religious groups as well as leaders and politicians, drew criticism from the Belgian and international Jewish community due to the presence of a parade float depicting Orthodox Jews with hooked noses sitting on gold.

Go beyond the headlines…

What controversy have other music festivals around the world faced?

Who is William Barr?

On March 31, 2020, US Attorney General William Barr is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee regarding, among other things, his role in reducing the sentence of Roger Stone. Stone is an ally of President Donald Trump, and many believe the Justice Department’s intervention in his sentencing was a result of Trump pressuring Barr, who oversees the department.
Barr has had a long career in law enforcement, stretching back to his days with the Central Intelligence Agency. He was previously attorney general under President George H.W. Bush.

Go beyond the headlines…

What are the responsibilities of an Attorney General?
What controversial statements has Barr made under the Trump administration?

Danger explained

Restoration plans

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47 Attorneys join Facebook antitrust investigation

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Uighur activists living abroad fear China’s retaliation

Islamic State leader killed in US Special Forces raid

The UK seeks answers about 39 unidentified bodies found in Essex lorry container

Taiwan hosts historic pride festival after legalizing same-sex marriage

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US to redeploy troops to Syrian oil fields

Google taps into the wearables market with $2.1 billion Fitbit acquisition

US House of Representatives passes impeachment resolution

Russia’s new “sovereign internet” law gives the government sweeping power over the internet

The US opens investigation into TikTok’s parent company ByteDance

Elizabeth Warren sets out Medicare for All funding plan

Michael Bloomberg files to enter Democratic presidential primary