Outside Iona 4-16
April 20, 2023
Throughout our hectic student lives, we should always remain aware of what is happening around us. In this column, I find some of the most significant things around us and provide you with a small blurb and nitty-gritty details. Here are some of the major events that have been taking place:
President Biden visits Ireland.
Last weekend, President Biden visited Ireland for four days. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday argument that ended the violence of the Troubles. He was greeted by cheering crowds waving Irish and American flags. Biden appeared to be proud to be in the country of his ancestors, quoting Irish poetry and making Gaelic football references. The trip was also emotional as he reunited after 8 years with the priest who gave his son, Beau, his last rites.. However, back at home Biden is experiencing some of his lowest approval rate. In addition, many are eager for the President to announce his candidacy for the 2024 election. It is expected that Biden will declare his bid to the presidency in the upcoming months.
Information from APNews, the BBC and Politico.
Montana votes to ban TikTok.
Montana is the first to pass legislation to ban TikTok in the United States on personal devices. If Gov. Greg Gianforte signs the bill, SB 419, into action, the ban could come into effect in January 2024. SB 419 makes it illegal for app stores to offer TikTok, but it does stop users who already downloaded the app. The Chinese company, ByteDance, that owns TikTok, has indicated that it would take legal action to combat the bill.
Information from CNN, CBS News and NBC News.
Florida votes expands the Death Penalty.
The Florida House of Representatives passed a bill on April 13 that allows the death penalty for people who commit sexual batteries on children under the age of 12. This proposal occurred after the U.S. Supreme Court and Florida Supreme Court rolled out rulings that stated it is unconstitutional to execute defendants in rape cases. Many have cited their concerns with Flordia’s decision. Some are afraid that victims are less likely to come forward due to guilt. Others are worried the bill might have the opposite effect that victims might be in greater danger if abusers know they will be severely punished.
The House of Representatives approved to allow the death penalty with 8-4 jury vote instead of unanimously. Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill this Friday. If the bill goes into effect, prosecutors in the state trying capital felony cases only need two-thirds of the jury that a convict deserves the death penalty, instead of a unanimous decision by a jury. The news came after the Parkland school shooter received a life sentence without a possibility of parole.
Information from CBS News, Reuters and CNN.
Sources:
President Biden visits Ireland.
https://apnews.com/article/biden-ireland-ancestor-president-9da89a36f944a6103f7bae5d91103671
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65270569
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/14/joe-biden-ireland-trip-00092143
Florida votes expands the Death Penalty.
https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-house-backs-death-penalty-in-child-rapes/
https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/14/us/florida-death-penalty-juries-parkland/index.html
Montana bans TikTok.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65281881
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/montana-tiktok-ban/
