World:
The Good: Supreme Court Shoots Down Trump Administration’s Request
As one of his first actions in office, President Trump called for the dismantling of the Obama Administration’s DACA (Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals) program which protects young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally from deportation. The ending of the program would put some 1.7 million people in jeopardy of being uprooted. In response to the pending threat, plaintiffs enrolled in the program went to court seeking an injunction. Activists and two federal judges have pushed back on Trump’s decision citing the countless families and businesses that would be disrupted if the program wasn’t allowed to renew again this March. As sides for and against the DACA’s provisions wait to be heard in appeals court, the current administration asked the Supreme Court to review and rule on the case in an attempt to side step the appeals process. However, this past Monday the Supreme Court denied Trump’s request, and said it expects the current appeals court to: “proceed expeditiously to decide this case.” Their decision means that the immigrants facing deportation (often called “Dreamers”) will continue to be safe from deportation until lawmakers have decided on the fate of the program.
The Bad: Journalist Who Alleges Corruption Murdered
A journalist who released an article alleging mafia connections with the Slovakian government was found shot to death in his apartment alongside his fiancé this past Sunday. Jan Kuciak’s final article “Italian Mafia In Slovakia; Its Tentacles Reach As Far As Politics” was published on his site and has since been picked up by several other sites causing a firestorm of media attention within the country. The article alleges that organized crime has settled in Slovakia with strong business ties with government employees who are embezzling funds from the European Union. Although three government officials have stepped down since the murders pending the investigation, the Prime Minister of Slovakia held a news conference to deny claims of corruption and offered 1 million euros to anyone with information on the killings. To add to the mystery, a fire broke out at an Slovakian tax office located in eastern Slovakia when the news broke. Officials say no sensitive information was lost.
Business:
The Good: Dick’s Sporting Good’s Inc. Bans The Sale Of Rifle Style Guns In Their Stores
As the wake of the events in Parkland, FL continue to reach every corner of the nation, some companies are beginning to make changes of their own despite the gridlock Washington seems to be in over gun law reform. Dick’s Sporting Good’s Inc. announced it will no longer be selling rifle style weapons at their locations. In addition they will no longer allow the sale of any weapons to persons under the age of 21, or the sale of any high-capacity magazines. Dick’s CEO Edward Stack, issued a statement regarding the decision: “We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens; but we have to help solve the problem that’s in front of us. Gun violence is an epidemic that’s taking the lives of too many people, including the brightest hope for the future of America — our kids.” The CEO also noted that Nicholas Cruz, the gunman who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, purchased a shotgun at Dick’s in November of 2017, although it was not the gun used to attack his victims, Stacks says: “it could have been.” Although Dick’s stock price rose following the announcement, the long term financial ramifications are unclear. Despite any losses or backlash Dick’s says it will “never” reverse it’s choice.
The Bad: Gucci Under Fire For Use Of Turban’s At Fashion Show
After Milan’s fashion week that showcased Gucci models wearing Sikh turbans, activists and practicing Sikh’s are questioning Gucci’s use of the religious item calling it appropriation and disrespectful. At the forefront of the social media shade aimed at the Kering arm of Gucci’s fashion house is social activist Harjinder Singh Kukreja who tweeted: “Dear @gucci, the Sikh Turban is not a hot new accessory for white models but an article of faith for practicing Sikhs. Your models have used Turbans as ‘hats’ whereas practicing Sikhs tie them neatly fold-by-fold.” Kukreja also made a comment that “using fake Sikhs/Turbans is worse than selling fake Gucci products.” Although many felt disrespected by the use of the turbans, there were many who came to Gucci’s defense, claiming it was worn in a respectful way and many other non Sikh’s have been wearing the garment for some time. Gucci responded with a quote from French philosopher Michel Foucault addressing social control:
World:
The Good: North Korea Willing To Begin Talks With US & South Korea
In talks that seems slightly veiled and undeniably tense, a high ranking North Korean delegation led by former general Kim Yong-chol has expressed a willingness to begin speaking with U.S. & South Korean officials. With talks already under way, the North Korean delegation was seen crossing the border into South Korea and was immediately approached by journalists. Protesters convened in a nearby area condemning Kim for being head of the North Korean delegation after his attack on a South Korean naval ship that left 46 dead back in 2010. Although South Korea’s decision to allow Kim has come under fire, tensions between North Korea and the United States seems amicable enough to reach agreements on nuclear arms.
The Bad: Syrian Attacks Only Intensify
In recent weeks the fighting between the Syrian government and the rebels have left countless dead, homeless and desperate for an end. Despite the world’s harsh critique of Syria’s attacks, the government continues to bombard the city of Ghouta and is now being accused of using chemical attacks in conjunction with their already high powered arsenal. 18 people were treated at local hospitals all complaining of symptoms consistent with chlorine bombings. The U.N. security council has demanded for a 30 day truce all across Syria as many victims of the attacks are children under the age of 15.
Hilarity: Model Banned From Instagram For Swaying Italian Elections
Model Paola Saulino, 28 was banned from Instagram after she posted political messages and offered oral sex to men if they voted “no” in an upcoming Italian election. She became known globally after her first “offering” in 2016 during another Italian election. She began her “tour” and reportedly executed her “mission of love” on 700 men across Italy. This time around, her account was reported to Instagram who promptly suspended her account based on “political reasons”.
Prank Goes Wrong, Boy Gets Stuck In Elevator
Video released from a Chinese news network showed a young boy attempting to prank unsuspecting riders with a smelly treat, however things didn’t seem to go as planned. After “unloading” his “gift” the boy attempted to leave the scene but instead became stuck in the elevator and was forced to touch his own urine in an attempt to get out. He was promptly rescued hours later.
Make sure to keep up with the good, the bad, and the hilarious every week only here at EMCEE!
