Edition 8: A look at *real* first world problems
(This newsletter was sent to email subscribers on January 24, 2020.)
Happy Friday, muggles. Take a break from impeachment news to see what else is happening in the U.S. and abroad.
Beware the bacteria growing in your disposable water bottles
Fri Jan 17
It might sound like an eco-friendly budget-hack, but reusing disposable water bottles come with a bit of a health risk. Researchers found that bacteria can grow in the bottles’ tiny crevices — and rinsing with soap and water isn’t enough. And while hot water would be necessary to properly clean it, the heat could also release a chemical that has been linked to various health issues, such as certain types of cancer and endocrine disorders.
Illinois promises to stop revoking licenses over unpaid parking tickets
Fri Jan 17
In Illinois, drivers were losing their licenses due to a buildup of non-moving traffic violations, such as parking tickets or vehicle compliance issues — even though these offenses had nothing to do with their driving ability. This disproportionately affected low-income workers, who needed to drive to get to work, further hindering their ability to pay off ticketing debt. To reinstate their licenses, thousands of residents filed for bankruptcy, since it was more affordable than the available ticket payment plans.
For these struggling Illinoisans, relief is coming. Gov. Pritzker signed a new law last week to reissue licenses for 55,000 people and stop the practice of suspension for non-moving violations. Although residents will have to wait until July for the new law to come into effect, its passing is still a relief for many residents, who can now see the “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Pesticide industry has spent the past decade downplaying their role in killing off bee populations
Sat Jan 18
The pesticide industry is currently a $4.42 billion industry, having doubled its profits from the past decade. During this time, manufacturers marketed their products as lethal only to the insects that would threaten plant life … but safe for bees and other pollinators who would help foster it. In actuality, the pesticides were incredibly damaging to bee health — even in minuscule doses — weakening their immune system and affecting their ability to navigate.
In the face of damning evidence of their toxicity, pesticide manufacturers launched a massive PR effort to change their image — trying to point the finger at other environmental factors. However, researchers are now seeing the health defects in larger animals, such as birds, bats, and even deer, which is making it more difficult for the industry to hide behind its activist-persona.
A personal look into modern slavery in the first world
Tues Jan 21
According to statistics from the Salvation Army, 18,000 Vietnamese people are smuggled to Europe each year. A feature story from BBC shares three personal experiences from victims of the UK’s illegal cannabis industry:
- Ba, who was kidnapped at random
- Chinh, who snuck into the UK to escape a prison sentence
- Amy, who was both sexually abused and exploited for labor
Want to help the survivors of human trafficking? You can donate to these organizations, and learn how to recognize the signs of labor and sex trafficking.
Putin wants to rewrite the constitution to extend his rule past his presidency
Wed Jan 20
In his annual State of the Nation address, President Putin proposed a series of radical reforms that would allow him to continue influencing Russian policy even after his term ends in 2024. These proposals, should they become law, would:
- Allow Putin to take on the role of Prime Minister after his term expires
- Restructure the government in a way that gives more power to the Prime Minister’s office, and takes away from the President’s.
Essentially, Putin’s title would change, but under this new power structure, he would retain the level of authority he had as president. Putin has also appointed a new Prime Minister to succeed Dmitry Medvedev, who resigned hours after Putin’s announced his radical plans. The new appointee, Mikhail Mishustin, has no political experience, and seems to be serving as a placeholder who will eventually switch job titles with Putin, in 2024.
How has the public reacted? On Sunday, 1,000 protesters voiced their dissent, but overall, Putin is actually quite popular among Russian citizens. Many view him as a constant in their political system. Putin plans to put his radical proposals to a public vote, but has not yet named a date.
That’s all for this week. Have a magical weekend.✨
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