The GPR Digest- October 27, 2024
Voting in Georgia, Cyclone Dana, and more!
GEORGIA
Early voting surges in Georgia
As of Friday, October 25th, Georgia’s early voting turnout has surpassed 50% of all ballots cast in the 2020 election. More than 2.5 million Georgians have already voted, including record turnout within 6 hours of polls opening. This represents a trend in which many are opting to vote early rather than casting their ballots on election day (November 5th). The majority of the turnout so far has come from in-person voters rather than mail-in ballots, which dominated the pandemic times in 2020.
NATIONAL
Land Laws drive China-born U.S. citizens to ‘rethink politics’
Many Chinese-born U.S. citizens are fearing a resurgence of the Chinese Exclusion Act as anti-Chinese land laws are becoming increasingly popular amongst U.S. states. As Florida passed legislation last year restricting Chinese citizens from buying real estate in Florida, an additional two-dozen states have passed or proposed alien land laws targeting Chinese nationals. This drive to restrict Chinese nationals in the context of the land market is rooted in the adversarial relationship between the U.S. and China.
This push for anti-Chinese legislation has left Chinese U.S. citizens feeling alienated, so much so that previous Republican voters have begun to lean Democrat. Many argue in favor of the laws, as they believe restricting China’s influence and control over the land and industry in the U.S. is critical for our nation. Others believe that these laws are unfairly targeting Chinese parties, claiming the laws are not only discrimination but also threatening to market economy principles and international trade rules.
INTERNATIONAL
Israel launches air strikes on Iran
Around 2:15 local time, October 26, Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran. The explosions were tied to Israeli overnight air strikes, which hit Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam. By 6:00, when the strikes ended, they were reported to have killed four Iranian soldiers. Shortly after, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed strikes on “precise” military targets in Iran.
Targets included about 20 sites comprising Iran’s air defenses, missile and drone producers, and other launch facilities. While Israel has cited its right to defend itself from previous Iranian attacks, Iran debates how it should respond to this “aggression”.
Cyclone Dana strikes India
Last Thursday, October 24, Indian authorities evacuated hundreds of thousands of people thanks to a tropical storm. Cyclone Dana began brewing in the Bay of Bengal. The storm battered the coastal districts of Odisha and parts of West Bengal. One individual was killed in West Bengal, while thankfully, there were no lethal casualties in Odisha. Nonetheless, the wind and rain caused destruction, and witnesses saw multiple tree falls, road closures, and structural damages.
According to the India Meteorological department, the landfall began at speeds of 110-120 kph and concluded Friday morning. Although the cyclone will move north, it will weaken into a deep depression before vanishing.
CULTURE
Fans petition for 'Liam's Law' to protect artists
After Liam Payne’s tragic passing on October 17, fans have launched a petition asking U.K lawmakers to enact “Liam’s Law”. The law is directed towards safeguarding artists’ mental health as they navigate the entertainment industry. It would require access to mental health professionals, frequent mental health checks, and adequate rest periods for entertainers.
Since its inception, the petition has amassed over 100,000 signatures, and numbers continue to rise by the thousands. Day Kv, the petition’s creator, plans to bring it to local members of Parliament, stating: “The more we shout, the more people listen.”
Contributors: Sophia Nguyen, Marin Arvin, Addison Denney