News Roundup: Here's What You Missed
By Brody Salazar
@Brody_Salazar
1. C.I.A. Latest Target of Wikileaks:
Thousands of documents were released on Tuesday in what is being called the largest C.I.A. leak in history. The documents included information about how the C.I.A. would break into internet connected devices by making use of Skype, Wi-Fi networks, PDF documents and anti-virus software. Wikileaks did not identify their source, but did state the documents were “circulated among former U.S. government hackers and contractors in an unauthorized manner, one of whom has provided WikiLeaks with portions of the archive.”
- Source: The New York Times
2. Proposed Bill Repealing Affordable Care Act Met With Controversy:
In light of the possibility of rising premiums for the elderly, the AARP and their allies have taken a stance against the newly proposed bill, and has made numerous objections. The repealing of the Affordable Health Care Act, better known as Obamacare, would cause premiums to rise for people in their 50s and 60s by as much as $2,000-$3,000 a year or more, according to the AARP. Insurers charging older adults more than three times what they charge young adults is currently disallowed, but the leaders of the House Republicans would change the rule so there could be as much as a 5 to 1 ratio.
- Source: The New York Times
3. China Disapproves of U.S. Built Missile Defense System in South Korea:
On Monday, North Korea test-fired four ballistic missiles into Japanese waters. Since then the U.S. has begun delivering military hardware to South Korea's Osan Air Base. The hardware being sent to South Korea is known as THAAD, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, and is seen by China as a potential threat, despite its defensive applications. The Chinese government is concerned that the advanced sonar THAAD is equipped with being able to sense China's movements in addition to those of incoming missiles from North Korea. Another concern is the defensive system would be able undermine China's ability to respond to threats on its own soil.
- Source: CNN
4. U.N. Chief Challenges Silence on Somalian Famine:
Estimates by U.N. officials suggest that more than 6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance following warnings of famine. When visiting Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu, the U.N. Secretary General, Antonio Guterres stated that the upcoming crisis the Somali people will face is being neglected. Guterres reasoned that people tend to be drawn to more grandiose crises, like the war in Syria but he still hopes the U.N. will generate enough money to begin a pre-famine program.
- Source: CNN
5. Hawaii Plans to Fight Trump's Updated Immigration Ban:
Hawaii plans to legally challenge Donald Trump's newest version of the immigrant ban on Wednesday. The schedule for the proceeding is set to take place before Trump's new executive order can take effect. "This new executive order is nothing more than Muslim Ban 2.0. Under the pretense of national security, it still targets immigrants and refugees," said Hawaii Attorney General, Douglas C. Chin.
- Source: NBC