Politics:
Source: Mlive.com
The Good: Rashida Tlaib Becomes First Muslim Women Elected To Congress
This week marks another milestone for diversity in Congress after Rashida Tlaib won the Democratic nomination in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. Tlaib’s win means she will run unopposed in November’s election and will begin her two year term this January. In addition to being the first Muslim women elected to Congress, Tlaib first made history in 2008 when she was the first Muslim women to become state representative.
Known for her strong stance against Trump’s immigration policy and administration, Tlaib ensured supporters she would continue to fight against racism and oppression even telling The New York Times: “I’m going to push back against everything that’s so un-American…coming out of this administration…My grandmother told me never to let a bully tell me, “Can I do this?” or “You can’t do this.” Tlaib was even removed from a Trump luncheon after heckling Trump on women’s rights issues.
In addition to her fight for a fair and fluid immigration system, Tlaib says she will also be fighting to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour and ensure equal pay regardless of gender.
Source: Nypost.com
The Bad: Trump Administration Proposes Use Of Asbestos
Asbestos was once considered a miracle substance used for everything from insulation to concrete at construction sites across the world. After workers who worked with asbestos began to fall ill, research proved that the fibers within asbestos caused respiratory problems and it has since been banned in 60 countries and has cost billions in legal actions.
However, despite it’s dangerous side effects, new officials appointed by Trump at the Environmental Protection Agency are considering allowing asbestos to be used in materials shipped to the United States from other countries. Although asbestos is no longer mined in America, Russia still allows for it’s production.
The EPA will review every product on a case by case basis and make an assessment of risk to public health.
Protestors across the country are concerned the material will end up in the hands of unsuspecting workers and consumers and are pushing for a blanket ban on the material citing proven research of it’s deadly after effects.
Law:
Source: Standard.co.uk
The Good: Police Arrest Suspect In California Wildfires
Although California and other parts of the world are experiencing unprecedented heat waves and forest fires, Los Angeles authorities believe the “Holy Fire” that is now only 5% contained and burning 10,000 acres was set intentionally. This week Forrest Gordon Clark was taken into custody outside of his Southern Los Angeles home as his neighbors houses burned around him.
Police say Clark acted erratically at the scene even stripping himself of his clothing while in handcuffs. He is on record having multiple and longstanding disputes with his neighbors and several incidents with law enforcement which police believe may be the motive behind setting the blaze.
Currently, Clark is being held in custody until his trial where he’ll be facing several felony charges that could send him to prison for the remainder of his life.
Source:Fatherly.com
The Bad: 11 Year Old Tassed For Allegedly Stealing Food
Outrage sparked across the nation this week after an off-duty Cincinnati Police officer tased an 11 year old girl in the back for allegedly shoplifting.
The officer whose name hasn’t been disclosed was working as security personnel in the Kroeger store when he suspected the child of stealing. After commanding the girl to stop, the girl began to walk away which is when the officer used his taser.
The Vice Major of Cincinnati and chairman of the Public Safety Committee Christopher Smitherman released a statement regarding the incident saying: “It’s hard to understand why an 11-year-old would be Tased; I expect answers in 24 hours,”
Although it is still unclear if the taser was issued by the store or the police department, the police department’s policy regarding use of tasers states that the weapon may be used to subdue suspects from ages 7-70. However, the policy also states that tasers should only be used when the suspect poses a threat to themselves or others if not immediately controlled, later stating that the act of evading authority by running away isn’t ground for use.
So far the officer has been placed on restrictive duty until a further investigation is completed.
International News:
Source: twoeggs.com
The Good: China Enacts First Child Abuse Laws For Schools
As the #MeToo movement continues to gain traction overseas, Chinese officials are taking steps to solve it’s sexual harassment cases among school aged children. It was announced this week that new laws have been enacted to protect victims of abuse and provide aid to those harmed. Officially it is illegal to engage in physical or suggestive sexual acts with any student between 1 and 14 regardless if the student is willing. No such laws protecting students were previously on record. In addition, cases of abuse must be reported to school authorities within 6 hours and to law enforcement within 24.
A 2017 study conducted by the Girls Protection Fund of the China Foundation of Culture and Arts for Children found that teachers and other school appointed officials were the leading abusers of minors under the age of 14. Chinese media also uncovered over 1700 minors who were the victims of abuse although the actual number is presumed to be higher.
Source: jakartpost.com
The Bad: Lombok Earthquake Disrupts Indonesia
The Indonesian island of Lombok is struggling to recover from two massive earthquakes that have taken the lives off over 300 people, injured 1,400 victims, and displaced over 150,000 others.
A tremendous after shock came only days after a 6.9 magnitude quake shocked the island leaving roadways mangled and entire villages leveled. Although authorities are currently working on rescue efforts, crumbling infrastructure is slowing aid to the most effected individuals.
“We are still waiting for assessments from some of the more remote areas in the north of the island, but it is already clear that Sunday’s earthquake was exceptionally destructive,” said Christopher Rassi, head of a Red Cross assessment team in Lombok. “I visited villages yesterday that were completely collapsed.”
The Indonesian Red Cross has set up 10 mobile relief stations across the most affected areas while hospitals have been turned into field offices for victims however, the lack of clean running water and sterile areas for operations have limited medical efforts.
Other Things You Should Know:
– Vice President Pence announced ‘Space Force’ (a new branch of the military) will begin operations by 2020.
– US issues new sanctions on Russia in response to nerve gas attacks
– Saudi Arabi suspendeds scholarships for students studying in Canada as relations deteriorate
– Content from Infowars.com removed from Facebook, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube
– Death toll in Chicago reaches 58 after deadly weekend.
– 11 Starving children saved by police in New Mexico
– Florida man admits he was under the influence when he brought a crocodile into a convenience store, says he doesn’t remember
– Steven Segal named special representative to improve Russian & US relations
– Argentina votes against legalizing abortion
Make sure to stay up on the latest news from around the world every week here at Emcee!
