World:
The Good: Judge Blocks DACA Repeal
As the Trump administration continues to press the immigration issue throughout the country, a San Francisco judge has made a ruling in the case concerning “DACA” or The Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals, an immigration policy enacted by the Obama administration in 2012. DACA states that children brought into the US illegally by their parents will not face deportation, and will be allowed to continue to work and go to school in the US provided they submit the necessary paperwork. In September 2017, Trump moved to repeal the policy leaving some 800,000 individuals at risk for displacement. However, US district judge William Alsup has ordered to: “maintain the DACA program on a nationwide basis.” Over 500,000 people have planned their lives according to the provisions of DACA, submitted their paperwork and paid their fees, for now they will be able to keep their legal status. The Trump administration could appeal the ruling, which could then be appealed to the Supreme Court.
The Bad: 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Off The Coast of Honduras
Last night (1-9-18) Reports from the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated that an earthquake had struck 27 miles off the coast of Honduras leaving many worried about possible tsunami threats. The quake registered at a magnitude of 7.6 and officials in Honduras, Cuba, Mexico, Belize and neighboring countries are putting out warnings to residents living close to the coast. Potentially effected citizens are urged to take refuge as a preventative measure, most especially if they begin to see tides begin to disappear, a sign that a tsunami may be imminent. Thankfully no injuries or damage has yet been reported.
Media:
The Good: Women of Hollywood Launch Initiative Against Harassment
As Hollywood continues to come under fire for a mountain of sexual abuse scandals, women are taking the power into their own hands and shifting the tides. In an open letter published in The New York Times, 300 women working in the media industry announced their “Time’s Up” campaign, calling for an end to harassment. Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman, Kerry Washington, Rashida Jones, and Ashley Judd are some of the biggest names to join the cause although the letter made it clear that the campaign will not be exclusive to the entertainment industry.
The initiative will include a 13 million dollar legal defense fund and legislation to punish companies who tolerate harassment, while discouraging non-disclosure agreements. The initiative aims to create equality and protection for women within Hollywood, however it is a symbol for women everywhere in any profession that abuse will no longer be tolerated.
The Bad: H&M Dragged For Ad, The Weeknd & G-Eazy Drop Out Of Partnerships
Popular retail store H&M endured a storm of controversy when they released a photo of a young African-American child wearing a shirt that read: “Coolest Monkey In The Jungle”
Social media exploded with outrage over the photo which was seen as racially insensitive and exploitative. In the midst of the storm things only became worse for H&M when popular R&B singer The Weeknd and rapper G-Eazy dropped out of deals with the Swedish based company. Several other celebrities have made comments concerning the image including Hip-Hop mogul Diddy, and NBA star Lebron James. H&M has since released an apology:
“We sincerely apologize for offending people with this image of a printed hooded top,” H&M said in a statement. “The image has been removed from all online channels and the product will not be for sale in the United States.We believe in diversity and inclusion in all that we do and will be reviewing all our internal policies accordingly to avoid any future issues.” – H&M
Business:
Good: New Law Aims to Protect Musicians amidst Spotify’s new lawsuit
There’s new hope for songwriters, publishers and musicians who feel cheated out of their earnings from streaming services. Spotify is currently engulfed in a 1.6 billion dollar lawsuit with music publishing company Wixen who claims Spotify isn’t properly paying artists and publishing companies for streams on their platform. The new “Music Monetization Act” will force Spotify to foot the bill for a central database that identifies which songwriter and/or publisher controls which composition so they can be properly compensated. The act would prevent further lawsuits from being filed such as the class action suit Spotify just settled several months ago for 43 million dollars. Although a more solid and seamless structure will need to be created for artists to easily keep track of their earnings, it is a step in the right direction.
The Bad: Atlantic Records Called Out For Not Paying Producers
Wiz Khalifa’s producer E. Dan made comments on being underpaid for his work last week claiming Atlantic Records came up with clever wording to convince producers to take half of their regular fee. “They came up with some really clever name that essentially meant, ‘Everyone involved, you’re going to get paid half what you normally do.’ I’ve seen it happen often over the last few years. Anything to save a buck for these labels,” he said in an interview with BeatStars. E. Dan wasn’t the only producer to speak out against being underpaid, or not being paid at all. Sonny Digital, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League also wrote their grievances on Twitter, while TM88 called out Atlantic specifically:
Atlantic Records has not released a public statement so far.
Hilarity:
Congratulations, You Played Yourself
Bank Robbers in Italy Use Donald Trump Masks
As if they were playing Bruce Willis in the 1997 movie “The Jackal”, two brothers from Italy not only wore Donald Trumps masks to rob cash from Northern Italy, but also tried to paint their white Mercedes black while police were in pursuit. Unfortunately for them the paint trick didn’t work and with a car full of tools, explosives and masks they were quickly taken into custody.
Prison Riots Break Out
As if their prison sentences weren’t bad enough, inmates in Shotts prison located in Lankshire, Scottland decided to risk time in the hole over what was on TV. Last week inmates attacked guards after a disagreement over whether to watch soccer or darts. The prison has said that none of the guards have sustained serious injuries and no one needed to be hospitalized, however participants in the fight have been segregated, even sent to other prison facilities, meanwhile neither show aired.
Make sure to check back each week and keep updated on whats going on in the world! The Good. The Bad. The Hilarious.
