Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
In 2023, Russia's economic dependence on China reached new heights with record-breaking $240.1 billion in trade, making up 30% of Russia's exports and nearly 40% of its imports. Chinese yuan became the primary currency for trade between them, leading to Chinese dominance in Russian markets and popular brands. In May 2024, Putin and Xi Jinping met in Beijing to strengthen their strategic partnership, criticizing the US as a destabilizing aggressor and aligning on contentious issues like Taiwan, North Korea, and Gaza. They also pledged deeper military cooperation.
Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block faced calls for action following clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and counterprotestors on campus, leading to votes of no confidence and censure in the Academic Senate. Despite these resolutions failing to gain majority support, faculty members expressed their concerns over Chancellor Block's handling of the situation before his retirement this summer.
Broke On: Friday, 17 May 2024
Student protests against the Israel-Hamas conflict have led to calls for university divestment from Israel and related companies, but the process is complex due to potential financial implications and historical ties between academia and defense industries. At institutions like UC Berkeley, Rutgers, and Brown University, students are pushing for ceasefires, scholarships for Palestinian students, and divestment votes. However, universities are hesitant due to potential lower returns on endowment funds that could impact tuition assistance and operations.
Broke On: Friday, 17 May 2024
China's local governments plan to purchase unsold homes and convert them into affordable housing to revive the struggling property market, following a prolonged slump that has raised concerns about the economy and household spending. The move, reminiscent of the US TARP program during the 2008 housing crisis, could provide relief for millions of unsold homes and ease affordability issues.
Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024
Amidst faculty votes and student protests, President Joe Biden is set to receive an honorary doctorate from Morehouse College during its graduation ceremony, focusing on free speech and addressing students' concerns over his administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Broke On: Saturday, 11 May 2024
Benedictine College's record-breaking graduation in 2024 featured keynote speaker Harrison Butker, the successful entrepreneur and Kansas City Chiefs kicker. In his speech, Butker praised the college for fostering future leaders and expressed views on women's roles, encouraging them to focus on marriage and families over careers. Controversy ensued due to irony in his statement as his mother is a renowned medical physicist. Despite this, Butker's impressive football and business accomplishments were celebrated.
Broke On: Friday, 17 May 2024
China's economy showed signs of an uneven recovery in April, with retail sales growing at the slowest pace since 2022 while industrial production accelerated. Industrial output grew at a faster-than-expected rate of 6.7%, up from a revised growth rate of 4.5% in March, driven by key industries such as automobiles and electronics. However, consumer spending slowed down, with declines reported in auto sales and clothing purchases, raising concerns about the sustainability of China's economic rebound.
Broke On: Monday, 13 May 2024
NASA's historic DC-8 jet, a flying science laboratory that served NASA for 37 years, made its final journey to Idaho State University on May 15, 2024. The plane contributed significantly to air quality data collection and will now be used to train future aircraft technicians. Ed Foster, an ISU instructor, spearheaded the acquisition of the jet. Its retirement marks the end of an era but opens opportunities for students at ISU to gain hands-on experience on this unique aircraft.
Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024
In 1954, the United States Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision ended segregation in schools, but progress towards equal educational opportunities continues. President Joe Biden commemorates this milestone with plaintiffs and their families, while stories of discrimination persist in Pittsburgh and Columbus. Meanwhile, debates over education policies and funding continue to challenge the legacy of Brown v. Board.
Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
UC Berkeley protesters reach agreement with university to examine investments in weapons manufacturing and human rights violations, while rejecting full divestment from Israel. Protests continue at other campuses.