Author: Gabriel Kornas

Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team read this week.

COVID-19: Stimulus checks are being sent, President Trump issues guidance to states, American protesters demand reopening of businesses, China increases death toll number by 50%, and worldwide cases show no sign of reprieve. Live updates at CNN.

NASA to Launch Astronauts from US Soil: For the first time since the 2011 termination of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA will launch astronauts into space from US soil. The launch is scheduled for May 27th at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Full story here.

Brian Dennehy: Actor Brian Dennehy passed away from natural causes at age 81. Full story at Washington Post.

2022 FIFA World Cup: Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said the US could alternatively host the 2022 World Cup. This comes amid new allegations that Qatar bribed officials to be the 2022 host. Full story at ESPN.

World Press Photo Winner: An image by AFP photographer Yasuyoshi Chiba has won the World Press Photo contest for 2020. The image depicts a young Sudanese protester reciting poetry during the uprisings which overthrew President Omar Al-Bashir. More at BBC.

Brexit: The UK has confirmed they will not allow any delay in exiting from the EU despite the current pandemic. Read at Politico.

Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team read this week.

COVID-19: Modeling shows the US may be at the “peak” of the pandemic, stay at home orders remain in effect, new cases continue to climb daily, and some countries refuse to lockdown. Live updates at CNN.

Sanders Ends Presidential Run: Senator Bernie Sanders ended his campaign to be the Democratic nominee for President. Former Vice President Joe Biden is the remaining Democratic candidate. See the Washington Post.

Barr Supports Removal of IC Inspector General: US Attorney General William Barr came out in public support of President Trump’s decision to fire Michael Atkinson, formerly the Inspector General for the Intelligence Community. Atkinson had decided to take to Congress the whistleblower report detailing a phone conversation between Trump and the Ukrainian President. The whistelblower report resulted in President Trump being impeached. More at CBS.

Former Marine on Trial in Moscow: Paul Whelan, a former marine who has been detained in Russia for over fifteen months, is set to stand trial for espionage despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown of Moscow. Whelan is accused of accepting a flashdrive containing Russian state secrets while on a personal trip in 2018. His family has discussed the possibility of a prisoner swap between the US and Russia. Full story at Washington Post.

Federal Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Texas: A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas’ Executive Order classifying abortion access as “non-essential” during COVID-19 is constitutional. Planned Parenthood, a plaintiff in the case, has stated they plan to take the case to the Supreme Court. More at CNN.

Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team read this week.

COVID-19: President Trump extended social distancing guidelines through the end of April, current projections indicate as many as 100,000 deaths, and the CDC now recommends Americans wear masks. Live updates at CNN.

Iran Tensions: President Trump has stated that Iranian-backed militia are planning attacks against US interests in Iraq, and warned that there would be a “heavy price” for any attacks. This comes as attacks against US troops and military interests become more brazen. Full story at Washington Post.

Venezuelan President: The US Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The charges accuse Maduro of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The US does not recognize Maduro as the President of Venezuela. Full story at New York Times.

Arianne Caoili: Armenian chess master Arianne Caoili died this week after being hospitalized due to a car accident. She was a renowned chess player as well as accomplished dancer, model, and entrepreneur. Read more at New York Times.

Daniel Pearl Case: Pakistani authorities have re-arrested four people acquitted of murdering Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Karachi in 2002. The Government of Pakistan has said it will challenge the acquittal. More at Reuters.