China / Events / Healthcare / Politics

Who is WHO?

Just about every newsletter in the past week or so, has had some mention of the mysterious coronavirus originating from Wuhan, China. Named the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), this upper-respiratory virus has caused more than 80 deaths and left more than a thousand ill according to the CDC and China’s National Health Commission– as of … Continue reading

ABCs of the GCC Crisis: Origins and Economics
Economy / Events / Foreign Policy / Middle East / Politics

ABCs of the GCC Crisis: Origins and Economics

Background On June 5th, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt released a joint statement, announcing their severance of all diplomatic and trade ties with the gulf state of Qatar. This announcement came on the heels of rising tensions between Qatar and their fellow Arab states. The official reason given for the severance … Continue reading

Going for Broke: How the Olympics Affect Local Economies
America / Economy / Events / Other

Going for Broke: How the Olympics Affect Local Economies

Since the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, the Olympic Games have been a world stage for people of all countries to show off athletic prowess through competition.  In that time, 41 different cities have hosted the games with some like Los Angeles hosting multiple. Leaders in these cities justify the expense … Continue reading

Ukraine: The New Cold War Battleground
Dpt. of State / Europe / Events / Foreign Policy / National Security / Politics / Russia / Sanctions / UN

Ukraine: The New Cold War Battleground

Tensions in Ukraine have been running high since ousted president Viktor Yanukovych brokered an economic deal with Russia in November, spurring month-long protests that eventually led to the overthrow of the government. A new, pro-West Ukrainian government was installed last week, naming Oleksandr Turchinov as president and opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk as prime minister until … Continue reading

America / Communications / Events / Politics

A Digital Avalanche

The first presidential debate contained many memorable moments. From the heated arguments difficult for moderator Jim Lehrer to control to Mitt Romney’s widely-targeted “Big Bird” comment, Wednesday night was a very entertaining night of television. Despite the excitement on our TV screens, it was the excitement on the screens of computers, smartphones, and tablets across … Continue reading

CFTC / Events / Regulation / Uncategorized

CFTC Amending the Dodd-Frank Act

Opening Statements Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Gary Gensler began what would be an almost four-hour hearing on several rules that may be applied to the Dodd-Frank Act. Declaring that the hearing was about promoting transparency, developing internal business conduct rules, and compliance rules to protect the public, he seemed very … Continue reading

America / Education / Events / Politics / Rule of Law

Creationism: Does it belong in Indiana’s Public School System?

Indiana legislators are moving forward on a bill that would allow the teaching of Creationism in the public school system. The GOP-sponsored bill has passed out of the Indiana Senate Education Committee, thus sparking controversy nation-wide about the teaching of Creationism –and Evolution. Two prevalent ideas about the origin of life are that of Creationism … Continue reading