The GPR Digest- November 25, 2024

Laken Riley, Matt Gaetz, poisoning in Laos, and more!

Nov 25, 2024

GEORGIA

Georgia Commissioner Bruce Thompson passes away

This Sunday, the Georgia Department of Labor announced the death of Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson. Thompson passed away at age 59 due to stage four pancreatic cancer, which he announced in March. The cancer fatally spread to his liver.

During his time in government, Thompson served in the State Senate (2013-2023) and on various committees, including the Science & Technology Committee and the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. Governor Kemp and the Department of Labor have since released statements on social media mourning Thompson’s loss.

Jose Ibarra sentenced to life in prison for the death of Laken Riley

Jose Ibarra, who was convicted of killing University of Georgia student Laken Riley, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. As Ibarra had previously waived right to jury trial, this sentence was delivered by Athens-Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard. He was found guilty of all ten accounts against him, which consisted of murder and other crimes: aggravated assault with including intent to rape, aggravated battery, obstructing an emergency call, evidence tampering, and being a Peeping Tom.

Riley’s death and Ibarra’s Venezuelan identity inspired much controversy surrounding immigration. Donald Trump applauded the sentencing in a post on social media. He had previously condemned Ibarra’s actions, calling for justice to be delivered and for tightening immigration policy.

NATIONAL

Pam Bondi replaces Matt Gaetz as pick for new Attorney General

Matt Gatez, former U.S representative from Florida who resigned from Congress in order to accept the Attorney General position, withdrew his name from consideration after allegations surfaced that he had sexual relations with a minor and has a history of illegal drug-use. In his statement posted to X, Gaetz said it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.” Earlier this week, GOP lawmakers were split over whether to release a House Ethics report on Gaetz’s conduct before they ultimately decided to not make the results public.

Thursday evening, President-Elect Trump named attorney and former Florida Secretary General Pam Bondi as his replacement nominee. Bondi worked for the Trump campaign in 2016 and spoke out against the 2020 Election at the Republican National Convention that year. Congress likely won’t vote to confirm Bondi’s nomination until close to Inauguration day.

New Bible-using public school curriculum approved in Texas

This Friday, November 22, Texas education officials approved a kindergarten-fifth grade curriculum which draws on lessons from the Bible. The new curriculum will be available for schools starting in August, and although optional for them to adopt, those that do will receive a bonus of $60 per student. The curriculum builds stories of the Old Testament into English lessons and was approved by the Texas State Board of Education in an 8-7 vote.

The curriculum may impact up to two million elementary school students attending Texas public schools. Texas is not the first to pass such legislation, joining two other states, Louisiana and Oklahoma, in passing laws incorporating Christian themes into public schools. The decision comes at a time when more Republican states are beginning to advocate for religious influence in public schools.

INTERNATIONAL

ICC issues arrest warrants over Gaza war crimes

This Thursday, November 21, Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan of the ICC (International Criminal Court) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. They were accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity for their involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Notably, the ICC case is separate from the case in the ICJ (International Court of Justice), where South Africa is accusing the Israeli state of genocide. Like this case, however, Israel responded negatively, arguing that war in Gaza is a legitimate defense for their people rather than a punishable offense.

Foreign tourists die of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

Six tourists in Laos have died of suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos. Three of the victims are unnamed, one from the U.S and two from Denmark. The others are Holly Bowles, an Australian teenager, and friends Bianca Jones and Simone White, both from the United Kingdom.

Bowles and Bianca were taken to the hospital on Wednesday, 13 November, from the riverside town of Vang Vieng. It is not yet known where any of those who fell sick or died were poisoned, but the manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel has said no other guests have become unwell. Nonetheless, the hostel has been removed from all booking platforms, and those suspected of involvement have been detained for questioning.

CULTURE

Malala Yousafzai produces documentary on Afghan women’s fight for freedom

On Friday, November 22, Bread & Roses debuted on Apple TV+. The film follows three women in their struggles against oppressive laws, imposed by the Taliban after their takeover in Afghanistan in 2021. Set as a documentary, the film is largely composed of real-life cellphone footage, as well as other archival footage of the country, that was captured by the women themselves.

Both Yousafzai and Sahra Mani, the film’s director, have stated that the situation in Afghanistan has only worsened since filming. The two have since continued calls for women’s rights initiatives, such as codifying “gender apartheid” in the international human rights framework as a crime against humanity.

Contributors: Sophia Nguyen, Aviella Schwartz, Jacob Weiszer