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1. Coronavirus
2. Immigration
The Biden administration is trying to seize the growth of young migrants on the southern border, and Republican opponents see it as a chance to sow divisions and question the president’s immigration strategies. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas insists the border is closed to migrants right now, but there is an exception for unaccompanied minors. As of Saturday, more than 5,000 of these children were in custody at the border. President Biden says he intends to rebuild a system that will allow potential migrant children to seek asylum in their home countries so that they do not make the dangerous journey through human trafficking networks to the southern border. Some critics say Biden reversed Trump-era policies, which were considered inhumane, before the new administration was ready to deal with the influx it would cause.
3. Spa crimes
Hundreds gathered in Georgia, Denver, New York and elsewhere in the United States over the weekend to honor the eight lives lost in last week’s Atlanta spa shootings and to call for an end to hatred against Asian communities. Although the suspect told police he had sex addiction (which is not a medically recognized diagnosis), many leaders and activists believe it was a hate crime. Six of the eight victims were Asian women. The attack has raised awareness of anti-Asian hatred around the world. Statistics in London showed a 96% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020 compared to the previous year.
4. Afghanistan
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced stop in Afghanistan this weekend to meet with President Ashraf Ghani and other officials. The Secretary of Defense’s visit comes as the United States decides whether to adhere to an agreement the Trump administration reached last year with the Taliban to eliminate all American forces in the country by May 1. The Biden administration is considering a six-month extension for American troops there as this deadline approaches. Austin says he’s unaware of any of Biden’s final decisions or what the schedule might be. This was Austin’s first visit to the country as chief defense officer.
5. China
Detained Canadian Michael Kovrig is on trial in Beijing on espionage charges, and his case has affected relations between Canada, China and the United States. Kovrig is one of two Canadians detained since 2018, following the arrest in Vancouver of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Kovrig, a former Canadian diplomat, is accused by Chinese authorities of stealing sensitive and secret information. Another Canadian, Michael Spavor, faced trial in China last week on related charges. Both Washington and Ottawa have repeatedly called for the release of Kovrig and Spavor. Diplomats from more than two dozen countries have been denied access to the Chinese court where Kovrig’s trial is taking place. Meanwhile, the diplomatic summit of US and Chinese officials in Alaska this weekend did not go well. The parties exchanged beards and insults during the opening session, signaling an inappropriate beginning for a new era of relationships.
ANSWER TO BREAKFAST
March Commonwealth University and Oregon University Madness Clash Abandoned After Covid Tests
Of course, the coronavirus was going to try at least one upset.
Giada De Laurentiis says her former sugar addiction inspired her latest book
It is strangely comforting to know that professional chefs also struggle with sugar cravings.
Rail mega-merger would create the first Mexico-US-Canada rail freight network
“Smart tires” can help you drive better
Not sure how? Just run with him.
A children’s book about Dr. Anthony Fauci is due in June
No, it’s not called “Anthony and the terrible, the horrible, no good virus, very bad.”
TODAY’S NUMBER
18,000
About as many people have been evacuated from their homes in New South Wales as a result of severe flooding and heavy rains. The same area was devastated by record bushfires in 2019 and 2020. Australia often has extreme weather events such as floods, bushfires, droughts and storms, and scientists agree that the climate crisis is making them worse.
TODAY’S PRESENT
“The recent changes are nothing more than a little make-up for Jim Crow’s colony.”
Cliff Albright, voting rights activist and co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund. Georgia’s Republican lawmakers are fighting to pass general laws before the state General Assembly is postponed to next week. Bills would limit access to the vote and give legislators new powers over elections, and they are being fiercely fought by Democrats and advocates.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check the local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
Good morning, good morning!
Why do roosters receive all the glory of morning music? Australian chickens seem to be just as effective. (Click here to view.)