News Roundup 12/13/20
Several UC chancellors call for tuition increase amid pandemic-fueled budget crisis
The University of California system of colleges has been financially shaken by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, as new budget shortfalls, a decrease in admissions, and increase in spending on things such as maintenance have really limited their budget. These new limitations have leadership considering very drastic changes, from considerations of axing athletic programs, to a potential increase in the cost of tuition for the second time in two years. Hardest hit may be UC Riverside, where Chancellor Kim Wilcox has said Covid-19 has exacerbated funding inequities in the system. Riverside receives the lowest level of state support per California resident among UC undergraduate campuses, even though it educates the largest proportion of low-income and minority students.
Source: Los Angeles Times
The Champions League’s New Twist: Injury Roulette
Adjusting to a new play schedule since the outbreak of the coronavirus has been difficult for some of the largest sporting franchises and organizations in the world. With so much in terms of silverware and finances at stake, a new level of luck is brought into play. The increased risk of fatigue by new and more compressed schedules means the risk of injury looms large for established sides like Bayern Munich or Liverpool. In the British Premier League alone, Injuries and their frequencies have skyrocketed and have shown no signs of stopping. Special concern is being taken as the amount of games is set to increase between now and Boxer Day.
Source: New York Times
Aztec skull tower: Archaeologists unearth new sections in Mexico City
During a restoration project of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, A structure composed of Human Skulls was discovered beneath the Cathedral in 2015. Named Huey Tzompantli, this structure has been excavated further, revealing one hundred and nineteen new skulls. While these skulls usually belonged to younger men, believed to be warriors and prisoners, the recent discovery of skulls has revealed that women and children have also been sacrificed at this Altar. This fascinating discovery leaves us to question how much the scholastic community understands about the mysterious civilization and social structure of the nahuatl-speaking people we now know as the Aztecs.
Source: BBC
Iran executes dissident journalist Rouhollah Zam
Iranian Journalist Rouhollah Zam has been found guilty of Corruption on Earth in an Iranian court of law and was hanged according to state media outlet IRIB. Rouhollah ran an opposition website that wrote extensively on evidence that Tehran was inciting violence during a rash of protests in 2017.Not much is known about how Zam got from France to Iran, which raises questions about Iranian operations in EU countries.
Reporters WIthout Borders are on the record saying that Zam was “illegally kidnapped and arrested”, and “tried in a grossly unfair manner”.
Reporters without borders is on the record saying that Iran has been one of the most repressive countries for journalists for the past 40 years.
Source: CNN