JANUARY 2020 NEWS RECAP

LOCAL NEWS:

Lexington’s own Harvard professor arrested for lying about Chinese funding

Charles M. Lieber, a resident of Lexington and the chair of Harvard’s chemistry department, was arrested earlier this seek for making a false statement to the authorities about his financial relationship with the Chinese government. His secret participation in China’s Thousand Talents program, a campaign to attract foreign-educated scientists to China, constitutes as intellectual espionage; he not only shared information with Chinese officials but also hid the amount of money he was receiving for it. Dr. Lieber was one of the three scientists to be charged and could face up to five years in prison.

Lexington changes Board of Selectmen to Select Board 

Gov. Baker on January 14th signed the bill to change Lexington’s Board of Selectmen to Select Board. The proposal was introduced and voted on during the annual Town Meeting in March of 2019. The goal of the proposal is to create a more inclusive and gender-neutral municipality. The current Select Board consists of two women and three men.

Michelle Ciccolo office hours at LHS library

After school on January 13th, state representative Michelle Ciccolo held office hours in the LHS library. Rep. Ciccolo wanted to get input from the young people and make sure their ideas on important issues such as climate change, gun violence, and health care, are heard.

Increased school budget for fiscal year 2020

The Lexington Public School’s budget for the 2020 fiscal year increased due to a recommendation from the Town Manager for an additional $84,143 allocated to the School Department. The total budget recommendation is $113,553,757, an increase of $5,442,312 from fiscal year 2019.

Congresspeople endorse Joe Kennedy for reelection in House of Representatives

Joe Kennedy III, of the Kennedy family, is primarying Ed Markey in the Massachusetts 2020 Senate race. Recently, he has received endorsements and support from many notable elected officials, including Georgia congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis and Congressman Joaquin Castro. Others include Rep. Derek Kilmer (Washington), Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (Arizona), Rep. Annie Kuster (New Hampshire), Rep. Conor Lamb (Pennsylvania), Rep. Stephanie Murphy (Florida), and more.

Governor Charlie Baker calls Ayanna Pressley’s MLK speech a “rant”

Gov. Charlie Baker recently referred to Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s speech as “a rant” at the 50th annual MLK Memorial Breakfast in Boston. Pressley, the first black woman elected to represent Massachusetts in Congress, spoke about how black Americans have yet to be free of economic and social disparities. Baker’s following speech immediately referenced Pressley’s, calling it a rant. This comment has received a lot of criticism from the public, especially on social media. Baker has since apologized. 

Iranian student at Northeastern deported despite visa

Northeastern student Mohammad Shahab Dehghani Hossein Abadi was on his way back to school after visiting Iran when US Customs and Border Protection detained him. Abadi was staying in the US on a valid F-1 student visa, but was deported upon re-entry despite a federal order of emergency stay. Customs and Border Protection has failed to give an explanation for his deportation. This has caused protests at Logan and the courthouse of the trial. According to the ACLU, at least ten students have been sent back to Iran after arriving in the US since August 2019. Of those ten, seven students flew in through Logan Airport.

BIG HEADLINES:

US and Iran’s military tensions escalate

On January 3rd, President Trump ordered a military drone strike to a Baghdadi airport that killed military commander Qasem Soleimani and others, including Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Tensions had been rising ever since the US pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal in May of 2018. Washington stated the action was to deter planned violence by Soleimani against the United States. However, Iran perceived the attack as an act of state terrorism. The escalation risks the threat of a war breaking out between the two countries after an Iran retaliation. However, President Trump said if Iran were to strike, the United States would target Iranian cultural sites (which is a war crime). Later, a funeral involving thousands in Iraq for the 2 military leaders’ deaths killed at least 56 after a stampede. After thousands of people stormed a US embassy in Iran, the federal government sent 3,000 troops into the Middle East despite the Iraqi government pressing US troops out of the country.

Iran strikes US bases in Iraq

After the United States decision to kill Quassam Solemaini, the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps responded with firing missiles to two US bases - tenant al-Asad air base west of Baghdad, and one at Erbil in northern Baghdad. The missiles resulted in no American casualties. Iran’s Foreign minister claimed that the nation was not seeking?to escalate war but were defending themselves from American aggression. Amid the tensions, Iran also threatened to attack Israeli cities and the Emirate City of Dubai if the US were to further attack. Moreover, a Sahah airlines Boeing 737 plane carrying 176 passengers crashed in Tehran, killing all passengers aboard. On January 12th, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard took responsibility, claiming that they unintentionally shot down the plane, mistaking it for a hostile missile.

Australia bushfires from fire season continue, destroy land

Wildfires continue to rage and devastate Australian lands. The flames are the worst in decades: there have been fires in every state, with New South Wales on the eastern coast facing the most intense fires. The fires have even affected large cities like Sydney and Melbourne, damaging homes in the suburbs and causing smoke to cover the areas. The bushfires are the result of a combination of a season severe drought and strong winds; climate change has also worsened the effects over time. State and federal authorities have been working on the crisis for the past few months. 

Harvey Weinstein criminal trial begins as survivors seek justice

Harvey Weinstein, an American film producer whose survivors sparked the #MeToo movement, is to stand trial for charges of sexual assault. In light of the trial’s start, the New York Times published the stories of 13 more women who recently came forward. On January 6th, a trial process began in New York. Weinstein has largely denied the accusations, but if convicted, he could face over 20 years in prison. Model Gigi Hadid was called in for jury duty, but was dismissed due to impartiality because of her relationship with one of his accusers.

Puerto Rico Earthquake

On January 7th, Puerto Rico was hit with a magnitude 6.4 earthquake. A strong tremor occurred on the southern coast of the island, causing millions of dollars of damage to infrastructure. The earthquake was among hundreds of smaller ones that the island has experienced over the past weeks. Aftershocks of 5.9 continued to damage homes, killing one and injuring nine others. 4,000 citizens are currently staying in shelters, fearful of the future of their homes.

CNN and Nick Sandmann settle lawsuit

Covington High School student Nick Sandmann filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN following the viral release of a video between the student and Nathan Phillips, a Native American. The video shows the teenage boy, wearing an “Make America Great Again” hat and smirking at Philips, who is chanting. CNN settled in the lawsuit with Nick Sandmann on January 7th, for 275 million dollars.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry step away from royal duties

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to step back from royal duties. Both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stated that the royal life isn’t for them. The couple will leave the UK and are expected to spend a majority of their time in North America, while still supporting and maintaining a relationship with the royal family. They plan to become economically independent while launching a charity called Sussex Royal.

Kobe Bryant, daughter, and 7 others pass in helicopter crash

Kobe Bryant, an NBA shooting guard who won MVP five times in his career, passed away in a helicopter crash on January 6th. Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna are amongst the  nine who died in the helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Bryant, at 41 years old, was an inspiration to the younger generation of basketball fans and one of the most popular and loved competitors. His life and legacy were recently honored at the Lakers game Friday night, where Lebron James gave am emotional speech remembering his friend and competitor. 

Wuhan’s coronavirus spreads globally, WHO declares emergency

The outbreak of coronavirus, a virus originating from Wuhan, China, causes pneumonia-like respiratory infections. The source of the virus is most likely bats, rats, and snakes from a seafood market known to have unsanitary conditions. Confirmed cases are rising exponentially daily, with an increasing death toll. The death rate is two percent. In China, there are now more cases of coronavirus than SARS, a similar respiratory disease that appeared in 2002. Wuhan has been put under quarantine. So far, there have been five confirmed cases of the disease in the US with other speculated cases. There is currently no cure.

POLITICS:

Trump’s impeachment trial progresses in the Senate

President Trump’s impeachment reaches its closing stages after Speaker Pelosi sent articles of impeachment to the Senate, beginning the trial. The Senate requires a ⅔ vote to remove the president from office. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts presides over the trial, where House impeachment managers and White House defense argue their cases for three days before three days for questioning. Trump’s legal team, led by his personal attorney Jay Sekulow and White House council Pat Cipollone, responded to the articles on January 18th, asserting that the impeachment articles “allege no crime” and lack evidence. His defense attorney is Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz, who famously represented OJ Simpson and Jeffrey Epstein. Former national security advisor John Bolton, said that he would be willing to testify if subpoenaed. New Ukraine investigations also report Marie Yovanovitch, former United States ambassador in Ukraine, was under surveillance during her time in Ukraine, and that in a newly unveiled recording, Trump urged Lev Parnas to “take her out.” This incident, combined with new documents and text messages, uncover details in Trump’s pressure campaign that could play into his impeachment trial. On Friday, however, in a 51-49 vote, the Senate resolved not to call any witnesses, which is unprecedented in impeachment trial history. The trial will likely end early next week with a full acquittal. 

Republicans sign amicus brief to overturn Roe v. Wade

On January 2nd, more than 200 Republicans urged the Supreme Court to repeal Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion, protecting a women’s rights to choose. Now, with a conservative majority on the court and a Republican-led Senate, these congresspeople are claiming pro-abortion bills are unconstitutional because courts could not apply the rule sensibly and creates an “unworkable standard.”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez remarks that she and Joe Biden belong in different parties

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asserted in an interview that she and presidential hopeful Joe Biden would be in different political parties in any other country. The statement highlighted her contrasting views between between more moderate and progressive democrats. The statement also showed a new displeasure that the government system doesn’t allow multi-party democracies. Cortez also expressed dislike towards Joe Biden’s refusal to take actions and then later crafting a “middle ground” approach, believing the Democratic party acts as “too big of a tent.”

Trump announces new economic sanctions on Iran

Following Iranian missile attacks on two US military bases in Iraq, President Trump addressed the nation in a White House address on January 8th. He expressed that no US casualties occurred and minimal damage was sustained. In addition, Trump vowed to impose new economic sanctions on Iran, claiming they will remain until the US and Iran come to an agreement concerning the conflict. President Trump did not specify any details on what form the economic sanctions would take.

Virginia becomes the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment

On January 15th, Virginia voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment after more than a century-long effort that faced multiple failures. The approval of the new amendment guarantees equal right indiscriminate of sex, protecting women against discrimination and violence. The campaign was a historical movement that marked 38 out of the 38 necessary states to add the law to the Constitution. However, more logistics still set a long path for the amendment, as the deadline to ratify passed in 1982.

LOOKING TOWARDS 2020:

Julián Castro drops out of race, endorses Warren 

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro dropped out of the Democratic primary race on January 2nd. He allegedly dropped out after falling behind in the polls and not having enough funding. Castro was the only Latinx candidate in the Democratic Primary race. Days after, Castro announced his endorsement for Elizabeth Warren and has been on the campaign trail as a surrogate ever since. 

Candidates release quarter four fundraising amounts

Candidates in the Democratic field recently released their funding totals for the fourth quarter of 2019. Bernie Sanders reported $34.5 million, outraising every other candidate. Pete Buttigieg followed with $24.7 million. Joe Biden raised more than any other quarter in his campaign, but still fell short of Buttigieg and Sanders at $22.7 million. Elizabeth Warren was a close fourth. 

Democratic candidates polling numbers in Iowa, New Hampshire

Iowans will head out to caucus this Monday, February 3rd. The latest polls from Park Street Strategies indicate that Biden and Sanders are leading at 20% and 18% respectively. Buttigieg and Warren follow closely at 17%. The New Hampshire primary will be held on Tuesday, February 11th. A poll from American Research Group shows Sanders and Biden leading, with Sanders at 28% and Biden at 13%. Buttigieg and Warren are closely behind at 12% and 11% respectively.

Television’s most famous judge endorses Bloomberg

Judge Judy Sheindlin, a popular TV figure on the show Judge Judy, has endorsed New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in his presidential campaign. 

Candidates drop out of 2020 Democratic field

On January 13th, Senator Cory Booker dropped out of the 2020 Democratic Primary race. He announced this right before the seventh Democratic debate, which Booker failed to qualify for. Author Marianne Williamson also dropped out of the Democratic Primary race. Williamson was averaging less than one percent in polls and had not qualified for a debate since July. The last January drop-out of the Democratic Primary race was Rep. John Delaney, who failed to gain traction despite spending millions of dollars in his campaign and announcing his candidacy all the way back in 2017.

Tensions rise between progressive candidates Warren and Sanders

Bernie Sanders’s campaign officials confirmed that volunteers and staffers used a script attacking Elizabeth Warren in at least two early voting states. The campaign later pulled back the script, which criticized Warren in accusations that she was going to bring no new bases to the Democratic party. Sanders and Warren clashed again in the latest Democratic debates in Des Moines, Iowa. Sanders was questioned on whether or not he made a statement that a woman could not win a presidential election in a private conversation with Warren back in 2018, and he denied that he made such a remark, reiterating that he absolutely believed a woman could win. After the debate, Warren refused to shake Sander’s hand. 

Democratic debate recap as host CNN gets criticized

A memorable moment of the January debates was when Elizabeth Warren argued that a woman is best suited to beat Trump in 2020. She mentioned that the men on stage collectively lost ten elections, while the women on stage, herself and Sen. Klobuchar, have won every single election they’ve run in. Warren and Sanders shared some tense moments after the debate: though businessman and billionaire Tom Steyer was standing near their quarrel, he said afterward that he did not know what it was about. The debate also featured substantive clash on foreign policy and healthcare. Many criticized CNN for purposely trying to spark conflict in the way they worked their questions towards Warren and Sanders. 

NYT endorses Klobuchar, Warren & Des Moines Register endorses Warren

The New York Times editorial board has endorsed Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the only two women in the January debates, for the Democratic Party’s nomination. Warren reposted the endorsement on Twitter, mentioning that she an Amy Klobuchar are both “undefeated in elections and undefeated in New York Times endorsements!” Some reacted negatively, arguing that endorsing two candidates with such differing worldviews would render the endorsement meaningless. The Des Moines Register also endorsed Sen. Warren. An endorsement from the Des Moines Register has historically provided a big boost in Iowa polls.

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Hollywood’s biggest stars gather for the Golden Globes and SAG awards 

The Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards took place on January 5th and January 19th, respectively. This year celebrates the 77th Golden Globes Award Show and the 26th SAG Awards show. Both shows celebrate the most critically acclaimed television and film of the year. Some highlights include a reunion between Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston and Bong Joon Ho’s film Parasite making history as the first non-English film to win “Best Cast in a Motion Picture” at the SAG awards. The cast of Parasite, however, was largely snubbed for individual acting awards. 

New England Patriots lose playoff game

The New England Patriots lost to the Tennessee Titans in playoffs at Gillette Stadium on January 4th. This is the earliest the Patriots have been eliminated from the playoffs since 2009. Speculation regarding whether or not this would be quarterback Tom Brady’s last season ignited on social media. On January 30th, Brady tweeted a cryptic black and white photo, drawing more rumors about his retirement or possible move to another team. The San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs will face off in the 54th Super Bowl this weekend. 

24th season of The Bachelor begins

ABC’s infamous reality television show The Bachelor premiered on January 6th. Peter Weber, Bachelorette runner-up from Hannah Brown’s season, returned to the Californian Agoura Hills for another chance at finding love. Weber is a commercial pilot from California and has already accumulated a following on social media.

Mac Miller’s new album, Circles

Circles, the sixth studio album of late, musician Mac Miller, was released posthumously on January 17th. The lead single Good News was released a week earlier with an accompanying music video, to a positive critical response. The album contains twelve singles and two bonus tracks.

Oscar nominations for “Best Director” lack female representation

The Academy Awards nominations were announced on January 13th and sparked controversy due to the lack of female nominees. One specific category lacking female nominees was “Best Director.” The five male contenders include Martin Scorsese for "The Irishman," Todd Phillips for "Joker," Sam Mendes for "1917," Quentin Tarantino for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," and Bong Joon-ho for "Parasite." Although strides were made in the #MeToo movement surrounding this awards show last year, this has failed to translate into actual inclusion. In the 92 year history of the award show, only five women have been nominated for Best Director, and only Kathryn Bigelow took home the award, for “The Hurt Locker” in 2009.

Red Sox manager removed after sign stealing scandal

Boston Red Sox’s José Alexander Cora has been removed from his position as manager of the team. He was an infielder for the Puerto Rican team before serving as a manager for the Red Sox. His career with the Red Sox has ended due to a sign-stealing scandal during his time as bench coach for the Houston Astros in 2017. Sign stealing is when someone observes the signs between a pitcher and catcher and relays them to the batter at the time. The Red Sox were also accused of stealing signs during Cora’s first year as team manager in 2018. Cora led the Boston team to a World Series title and the most wins in team history.

WHOLESOME:

Irwin family saves animals!

The environmentalist Irwin family has rescued over 90,000 animals from the Australian bushfires. Bindi Irwin posted on Instagram that her family’s wildlife hospital is treating many patients. Bindi also posted about Blossom the possum, who was admitted to the Wildlife Hospital after being caught in a wildfire. Unfortunately, Blossom did not make it. Bindi’s posts seek to raise awareness on harms caused by the Australian wildfires.

Supreme court justice announces she’s cancer-free Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has fully recovered from lung cancer surgery. She has also been undergoing treatment for a tumor on her pancreas since last August, and announced January 7th she was in the clear. Ginsburg is a four-time cancer survivor and plays an important role in the Supreme Court. 

Chinese man donates masks anonymously

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan, protective mask prices have skyrocketed and stockpiles are low. Security camera footage was recently released of an anonymous man carrying boxes of masks into a police station The police tried to thank him, but could not catch the good samaritan before he left. The video shows the police saluting in the direction of the man for his good deed.

by EVAN LI, AUSTIN LI, & MICHELLE WU