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What does Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Announcement Mean?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s unexpected endorsement of Donald Trump and his strategic withdrawal from the presidential race has dramatically reshaped the 2024 election landscape. As Kennedy’s support could sway crucial battleground states, the move not only highlights his complex political shift but also intensifies the battle between Trump and Harris.
Ukraine’s Surprise Offensive: What it Means for the War Ahead
In a bold and unexpected move, Ukraine launched a surprise offensive into Russian territory, marking the first invasion of Russia since World War II. With Russian forces scrambling to respond, this daring strategy could shift the dynamics of the war and reshape the future of the conflict.
Navigating Ethics in a Digital Age
In an increasingly digital world, navigating the ethical challenges of data privacy, AI bias, and the digital divide has become more urgent than ever. By addressing these issues head-on, we can build a more equitable digital future that protects individual rights and promotes social justice.
Takeaways from Harris’s CNN Interview
In her first interview as the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris struck a careful balance between continuity with Biden’s policies and courting moderate voters, while avoiding any major controversy. With a lead in the polls and a strategy to keep things steady, Harris’s measured performance could be key to maintaining momentum against Trump’s aggressive campaign.
Vote Blue This Election—A One Time Only Action to Resist Fascism and Renew Democracy
In this critical 2024 election, U.S. RESIST NEWS urges voters to set aside party loyalty just this once and choose candidates who will resist the authoritarian forces threatening our democracy. This one-time action is crucial for protecting our rights and ensuring the future of a free America.
The Week That Was: Global News in Review
In a week marked by escalating conflicts and public health crises, our global news review covers the Mpox outbreak, Ukraine’s bold military advances, Sudan’s relentless civil war, and the latest in U.S.-Panama migration policy. These unfolding stories highlight the urgent challenges shaping our world today.
Will Google’s Antitrust Battle Lead to Real Change?
A landmark U.S. court ruling has declared Google’s stranglehold on the search engine market illegal, calling into question the tech giant’s future. As this high-stakes antitrust battle unfolds, the outcome could radically redefine internet competition and reshape the digital world.
The Swing States Series: #3 Arizona
Arizona, once a reliable red state, is now at the heart of the nation’s most crucial political battlegrounds, where shifting demographics and deep-seated issues like immigration, gun ownership, and climate change are reshaping its identity. As both parties vie for control, the state’s diverse electorate holds the power to sway the 2024 presidential election in a profound way.
Artificial Meat and Global Food Security: A Sustainable Future?
As the world grapples with rising populations and climate change, artificial meat emerges as a groundbreaking solution to global food security challenges. By reducing environmental impact and offering a sustainable alternative to conventional meat, cultured meat could reshape the future of food.
What does Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Announcement Mean?
What does Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Announcement Mean?
Elections & Politics | By: Arvind Salem| August 30, 2024
Featured Photo: www.latimes.com
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With just over two months from Election Day, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of Senator Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, withdrew his independent candidacy for president. Kennedy, one of the most successful recent independent candidates, had hit double-digit vote shares amid record dissatisfaction with a Biden and Trump matchup. However, that dissatisfaction was largely alleviated by the replacement of Biden. Democrats sympathetic to Kennedy have largely left for the Harris camp: as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s poll number dipped to under 5% after Harris became the nominee.
In his speech, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed Trump, citing “ free speech, the war in Ukraine and “a war on our children”” as reasons for leaving the Democratic party and endorsing Trump. However, RFK Jr. did not completely end his candidacy: he urged his supporters to vote for Trump in battleground states (and said he would try to remove his name from those ballots), while showing their support for him in states where they won’t sway the outcome. RFK’s endorsement, and essential withdrawal, helps Trump since most polls found that Trump gets a bigger boost in support compared to Harris when Kennedy is excluded. This is deeply ironic, given that Kennedy comes from the most storied lineage in Democratic politics and initially appeared positioned to be a spoiler for the eventual Democratic nominee. However, his campaign took a deeply rightward term and there is speculation that Kennedy would use this withdrawal to gain a position in Trump’s cabinet as Secretary of Health and Human Services: a troubling pick given his staunch anti-vaccine record and complete lack of any medical experience.
Policy Analysis:
Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump was met with much criticism from his own family. Max Kennedy, Bobby’s brother, wrote an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times, criticizing his brother and pointing out the incongruence of their father’s values with those of Trump. He describes how the positions of Trump on issues such as immigration, civil rights, and the rule of law are utterly incompatible with those of his father. Five of Kennedy’s family members issued a statement denouncing Kennedy’s support for Trump and reiterating their support for Harris.
Additionally, Kennedy’s “withdrawal” timing is complicated due to the various state deadlines to withdraw from the ballot. His greatest act of helping Trump would undoubtedly be removing his name from many swing states but it is unclear if he is able to do that for certain states. For key states like Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, Kennedy was able to ensure his name would not appear on the ballot. However, for Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, Kennedy was unable to remove his name from the ballot. The continued presence of RFK Jr. on the ballot in these states, especially Michigan, mean that he will likely still have influence on the outcome of the election, even if he has stated his intention to no longer be considered for the presidency.
Engagement Resources:
- Harris for President: Readers who do not want Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to have any influence in the government may wish to donate to this campaign to prevent his endorsed candidate from winning.
- Voices for Vaccines: Readers who wish to elevate organizations to counter Kennedy’s anti-vaccination stances may wish to support this organization.
- Green Party: People who want to support another independent candidate after this withdrawal may wish to explore the Green Party to find candidates that align with their values.
Stay in-the-know! Always get the latest updates from our reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist News Weekly Newsletter. Your support is crucial in safeguarding fearless independent journalism. If you appreciate our content, please consider donating today to help protect democracy and empower citizenship.
Ukraine’s Surprise Offensive: What it Means for the War Ahead
Ukraine’s Surprise Offensive: What it Means for the War Ahead
Foreign Policy | By: Damian DeSola | August 28, 2024
Featured Photo: www.medium.com
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On August 6th, the Ukrainian military entered Russia in force with approximately 1,000 troops. The risky crossing of the Russo-Ukrainian border became the first invasion of Russian land since World War II. This incursion was planned entirely in secret, with Kyiv strategically relocating battalions from the frontlines in the east, towards the concealing foliage of northern Ukraine. In mid-July, Russian military intelligence observed these troop movements, but were ordered not to raise alarm.
Armed with Western weaponry, from American HIMARS launchers to Polish PT-91 tanks, the Ukrainians quickly overran the Russian defenses, which were manned by conscripts with minimal training or experience. Little stood in the way of Ukraine’s movement further into the Kursk region. As word reached the Kremlin, it became a scramble to move in domestic units to slow and halt the Ukrainian advance.
By President Zelenskyy’s admission, the Ukrainian incursion has slowed after meeting firmer resistance. A state of reinforcement of the captured territory has taken hold.
However, there is a remaining development that could result in a final defeat for Russia in this initial push. As of writing, the only three bridges crossing the river Seym have been damaged or destroyed. This river extends east out of Ukraine’s northern border and passes through Kursk. Without full functionality of these bridges, remaining Russian forces are trapped south of the river, wedged between the advancing Ukrainian military from the east and the Ukrainian border, leading to a potentially devastating encirclement.
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, visited the Kursk region after the front had mostly stabilized. To the people affected by the invasion, which he refers to as a “situation,” he offered 15,000 rubles (approx. $163) to the fleeing people of Kursk, of which there are nearly 200,000. Over 90 Russian settlements are claimed to have been captured by Ukraine, along with hundreds Russian soldiers.
In an apparent retaliatory strike, Russia has sent multiple waves of drones and missiles targeting Ukrainian cities. The wave on Monday the 26th has been labeled as one of the largest strikes of the war. From an analysis of where the strikes occurred, it appears the Russians were focused on Ukraine’s power grids, which caused blackouts in Kyiv and other affected cities.
Analysis
This invasion shocked nearly every major player in this conflict. Even the United States, whose intelligence agencies have closely collaborated with the Ukrainian military, expressed surprise. This astonishment comes with praise and apprehension by Western governments. While impressed by the dramatically improved capabilities of Ukrainian mechanized units, trepidation about whether this strategy will ultimately succeed arises.
Defending their actions, the Ukrainians claim they can hold this land for the purpose of having a bargaining chip when the Russians come to the negotiating table, and to aid the overall war effort by redirecting Russian battalions. Kyiv also notes that, even as Western equipment was used for an invasion of Russian soil, a ‘redline’ set by the Kremlin, the promised harsh response has not yet occurred.
Zelenskyy has seized upon the lack of a Russian reaction as a sign for Western forces to drop their restrictions on Ukrainian use of their weapons on Russian land. While it is still early to say, these results could convince Western militaries to allow for more aggressive strategies regarding their weapons usage against Russian targets.
Another goal, which has not been explicitly stated by Kyiv, is the disruption of the normalcy for the Russian people. Residents of Kursk flee in shock and fear, with many who once supported the war finding it difficult to maintain their hawkish rationale. However, if Ukraine wants to succeed in this gambit of striking the hearts of the Russian people, another operation with similar shock value must take place soon, lest the Russian propaganda machine quickly erase memories about their recent losses.
These short-term gains, however, may be coming at a steeper cost than expected. A redirection of Russian troops has occurred, but danger still looms in the Ukrainian east. The outskirt towns of a vital transport hub, the eastern city of Pokrovsk, are under heavy Russian attack. These attacks have not let up, even after the Kursk offensive. Telegraphing Russia’s resolve to take the strategically important city. If the gains of the Ukrainian military in its northern offensive are reversed, and this major city falls, it would be a massive dent in the confidence of both Kyiv and its Western allies. For now, every nation holds their breath to see who the victor of this bold invasion will be.
Engagement Resources
- Official Ukrainian website where you can support Ukraine and its people.
- A Financial Times page where detailed and updates to maps and other infographics are posted.
- An open-source live map of the war that is frequently updated with movements of the frontline and related events occurring both on and off the battlefield.
Stay informed with the latest insights from our dedicated reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist Weekly Newsletter. Your support is crucial in safeguarding fearless, independent journalism. If you appreciate our content, please consider donating today to continue in helping to protect democracy and empower citizenship.
Navigating Ethics in a Digital Age
Navigating Ethics in a Digital Age
Technology Policy | By: Inijah Quadri | August 26, 2024
Featured Photo: www.linkedin.com
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The 21st century has ushered in a digital revolution that has transformed nearly every aspect of human life. From social interactions to economic transactions, digital technologies now pervade our existence, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation, connectivity, and efficiency. However, these advancements also present profound ethical challenges that demand careful consideration and action. Navigating ethics in the digital age involves addressing issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, digital rights, algorithmic bias, and the equitable use of technology.
Digital technologies have enabled the mass collection and analysis of personal data, leading to concerns about how this data is used, who controls it, and how it can be protected. High-profile data breaches, such as the 2017 Equifax breach that exposed the personal information of over 147 million Americans, highlight the vulnerabilities in current data protection practices and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks.
Moreover, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has introduced new ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding algorithmic bias and the fairness of automated decision-making systems. For example, Amazon’s AI recruiting tool, which was discontinued in 2018, was found to discriminate against female candidates because it was trained on resumes submitted predominantly by men. This case underscores the potential for AI to perpetuate and even exacerbate existing social inequalities if not properly designed and monitored.
In addition to these challenges, the digital divide—the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not—remains a significant ethical concern. As more services, including education, healthcare, and legal assistance, move online, individuals without reliable internet access or digital literacy skills are increasingly marginalized. This divide exacerbates existing inequalities and raises questions about how to ensure that the benefits of digital technologies are equitably distributed.
Analysis
One of the central ethical challenges of the digital age is the tension between innovation and privacy. The vast amounts of data generated by online activities provide valuable insights that can drive innovation in fields such as healthcare, marketing, and public policy. However, the collection and use of this data often occur without individuals’ informed consent, leading to potential violations of privacy. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where the personal data of millions of Facebook users was harvested without consent for political advertising purposes, is a stark example of how data misuse can undermine public trust and democracy.
Furthermore, the use of AI and machine learning in decision-making processes raises significant ethical concerns about bias, transparency, and accountability. Algorithms are often seen as objective, but they can reflect and amplify the biases present in the data they are trained on. The case of COMPAS, a risk assessment tool used in the U.S. criminal justice system, illustrates this problem. Studies have shown that COMPAS is more likely to falsely predict that Black defendants will re-offend compared to white defendants, highlighting the need for greater scrutiny of the algorithms used in sensitive areas such as criminal justice.
In addition to concerns about algorithmic bias, AI and other digital technologies are increasingly being exploited to spread misinformation, particularly in political contexts. For example, recent elections in countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia have seen the use of AI-generated deepfakes and disinformation campaigns aimed at manipulating public opinion and undermining electoral integrity. These technologies allow for the creation of highly convincing false information that can be rapidly disseminated across digital platforms, posing a significant threat to democratic processes.
In the legal profession, the integration of digital technologies has transformed the practice of law, creating both opportunities and challenges. Lawyers must now navigate complex ethical issues related to client confidentiality, data security, and the use of AI in legal research and decision-making. For instance, the use of cloud-based services for storing and sharing sensitive client information requires robust cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access. Additionally, legal professionals must be vigilant about the potential for AI to introduce bias into legal processes and ensure that their use of technology aligns with ethical standards.
The digital divide is another critical issue that requires urgent attention. As society becomes increasingly digital, those without access to technology are at risk of being left behind. This is particularly concerning in areas such as education, where students without access to the internet or digital devices are disadvantaged compared to their peers.
Efforts to regulate digital media and address the spread of misinformation have varied significantly across regions. The European Union has been at the forefront of these efforts, implementing robust regulations such as the Digital Services Act and the AI Act, which mandate transparency in AI applications and the labeling of manipulated content like deepfakes. These regulations are designed to mitigate the risks associated with misinformation and protect electoral integrity. In contrast, the United States has been less aggressive in its regulatory approach, raising concerns about its ability to effectively combat the challenges posed by digital misinformation.
Addressing these ethical challenges requires a multifaceted approach that involves all stakeholders—governments, technology companies, civil society, and individuals. Policymakers must implement stronger data protection laws and regulations that ensure transparency and accountability in the use of digital technologies. Technology companies must adopt ethical design principles that prioritize privacy, fairness, and inclusivity. Meanwhile, individuals must be empowered with the knowledge and tools to protect their digital rights and make informed decisions about their online activities.
Navigating ethics in the digital age is a complex and ongoing challenge that requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines. But by addressing issues of data privacy, AI ethics, and the digital divide, we can work towards a more equitable and ethical digital future that respects individual rights and promotes social justice.
Engagement Resources
- World Ethics Organization (https://worldethicsorganization.org/): Provides resources and guidelines for navigating ethical challenges in the digital age, with a focus on privacy, security, and digital rights.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (https://www.eff.org/): A leading organization that defends civil liberties in the digital world, offering comprehensive resources on digital privacy, online security, and freedom of speech.
- Center for Democracy & Technology (https://cdt.org/): Focuses on advancing democratic values in the digital age, providing policy analysis and advocacy on issues such as data protection, AI ethics, and online rights.
- Data Ethics Repository (https://dataethicsrepository.iaa.ncsu.edu/): A platform that explores the ethical implications of data use and AI, offering research, guidelines, and best practices for ethical digital engagement.
- Stanford Internet Observatory (https://cyber.fsi.stanford.edu/io): Conducts research on the ethical use of digital technologies, particularly in the context of AI, social media, and cybersecurity.
Stay in-the-know with the latest updates from our reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist News Weekly Newsletter. We depend on support from readers like you to aide in protecting fearless independent journalism, so please consider donating to keep democracy alive today!
Takeaways from Harris’s CNN Interview
Takeaways from Harris’s CNN Interview
Elections & Politics | By: Arvind Salem| August 30, 2024
Featured Photo: www.cnn.com
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With President Biden’s withdrawal and Vice President Harris’ nomination as the democrat’s presidential candidate at the DNC, supporters and political observers were waiting for Harris’s first interview as a 2024 Presidential Candidate. On August 29, 2024, over a month after Biden dropped out, Harris sat down for an interview with CNN’s Danna Bash. Before the interview there were multiple unanswered questions about Harris’s policies: to what extent would she mirror Biden, how would she answer Trump attacks on race, and how would she defend her changing policy positions?
During the interview Harris answered these questions and more all in 27 minutes. She was measured and didn’t take any big risks that would open her up to new attacks from Trump during the upcoming September 10th debate. For Harris, she showed throughout this interview she was trying to be a continuation of Biden’s policies, but a different messenger. She mirrored nearly all of Biden’s positions on the economy, Israel and Gaza, the border, and fracking.
Additionally, during the interview, Bash pressed her on why she changed her positions now compared to when she was campaigning in 2019. Now, her positions are more moderate and could court disaffected Republicans, whereas in 2019 her policies found favor with the Progressive wing of the Democratic party. For example, on fracking, an issue of supreme importance in swing states like Pennsylvania, Harris responded to her changing positions by arguing that her values were what was important and the underlying value behind those positions ( climate change is a real and present danger.) has remained consistent. Harris changed this position from 2019 to 2020 but not from 2020 to 2024, meaning her current supporters likely already know this switch and support her regardless. However, a switch that may be more harmful to her candidacy is immigration. During the 2020 primary, Harris argued that unauthorized border crossings should not be criminalized. Given her power over the border as Vice President and the resulting border crisis, this issue represents one of Harris’s key vulnerabilities and her current position that there should be consequences for unauthorized crossings may be viewed as a switch made more for political and electoral gain rather than a genuine policy shift she intends to follow. Harris attempted to boost her credentials on the border and security by citing her experience prosecuting criminal organizations as Attorney General of California.
This was a joint interview with Governor Walz, who gave a lukewarm performance. He addressed concerns about fabricating military service (claiming he carried weapons in war when he never served in combat) and about claiming his wife used IVF when she actually used a slightly different form of treatment known as IUI. Walz’s defense on both of these issues were undergirded by a contention that he tries to speak candidly and people “know where my heart is”. These are not hugely damaging to Walz’s reputation yet, but they are unnecessary mistakes for a candidate with rock solid credentials.
Policy Analysis:
This debate did very little to sway the election as Harris did not lean into anything overly controversial more than she absolutely had to. President Trump observed this as he posted “BORING!!!” on Truth Social. However, for Harris, when she has the momentum of renewed Democratic optimism and a convention, along with a slight lead in most polls, boring is good. In 2016, Trump proved that in a sharp, negative, attacking race, he can win by a large electoral college margin. Harris keeping things boring was likely the best thing she could’ve done. For example, she refused to provocatively address Trump’s comments on her “race switching” from Indian to Black.
For Harris, this interview was also obviously an attempt to gain support from moderates, which is why most of her policy shifts were rightward and the positions she abandoned were mostly progressive ones. During the interview, she even committed to having a member of the opposing party in her cabinet: a convention that Presidents Obama and George W. Bush followed (both of their Transportation Secretaries were part of the opposing parties).
Engagement Resources:
- Harris for President: Readers who want to support the Harris campaign for President should explore this website to find ways to contribute.
- ActBlue: ActBlue allows people to donate to a host of Democratic organizations, candidates, and causes. Readers are likely to find organizations that are supporting the Harris-Walz ticket on this site and may wish to donate money to further that cause.
- DCCC: The DCC is an organization that helps Democrats win Congressional seats. If readers want to help the potential Harris presidency’s ability to enact their legislative agenda, they may wish to support this organization.
Stay in-the-know! Always get the latest updates from our reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist News Weekly Newsletter. Your support is crucial in safeguarding fearless independent journalism. If you appreciate our content, please consider donating today to help protect democracy and empower citizenship.
Vote Blue This Election—A One Time Only Action to Resist Fascism and Renew Democracy
Vote Blue This Election—A One Time Only Action to Resist Fascism and Renew Democracy
AUGUST OP ED | By: Ron Israel & the U.S. Resist News Staff | August 2024
Featured Photo: www.insidehighered.com
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We at U.S. RESIST NEWS believe in the two party system. We think that having an election with multiple parties is a good thing. But not this time around. In 2024 we have a high stakes election that doesn’t have two legitimate political parties. On one side there’s what formally was a conservative-minded principled Republican Party that has turned into the party of Trump, determined to turn the U.S. into an authoritarian country. . On the other side, the Democratic Party stands as the last line of defense for democracy, equality, and the protection of our fundamental rights.
In the past decade, our democracy has been under relentless attack. Trump, a regressive Supreme Court, and a MAGA-fueled Congress have inflicted deep wounds on our institutions and freedoms. The right to abortion has been fragmented, dark money has drowned out the voices of ordinary citizens, voting rights have been systematically dismantled, and the outdated Electoral College continues to distort the true will of the people.
The Democratic Party is putting forward a strong Presidential ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to take on the backward looking Donald Trump and JD Vance. It goes without saying that electing Harris and Walz is a must goal for the survival of our democratic values. It also is a necessary but not entirely sufficient goal for the renewal of our democratic system of governance. Harris and Walz need to be supported by a Congress with the votes that are needed to put in place long-overdue democratic system reforms.
That is why we at U.S. RESIST NEWS encourage all voters to vote blue wherever possible and/or for those candidates who will uphold our rights and overturn the laws and regulations that are eroding our democracy. We realize this is an unusual request, but it is not intended to make everyone become a member of the Democratic Party. It is just a one-time ask, that you put country over party, the welfare of America over the welfare of one person.
Stay informed with the latest insights from our dedicated reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist Democracy Weekly Newsletter. Your support is crucial in safeguarding fearless, independent journalism. If you appreciate our content, please consider donating today to continue in helping to protect democracy and empower citizenship.
The Week That Was: Global News in Review
The Week That Was: Global News in Review
Foreign Policy | By: Ibrahim Castro | August 26, 2024
Featured Photo: Collage by Indy Silva for U.S. Resist News, 2024
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Colorized transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue), cultured in the laboratory. Bsip | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
Mpox Outbreak
The World Health Organization last week declared mpox a global public health emergency following the outbreak of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its export to neighboring countries, countries in Europe and Asia. Mpox is a viral infection which spreads through close contact and causes flu-like symptoms and lesions filled with pus. While usually mild, it can be fatal. Ongoing conflicts in parts of Africa — such as the DRC, where a large number of displaced people have relocated to refugee camps — have also worsened sanitation conditions and accelerated the spread. So far this year, more than 15,000 cases and at least 537 deaths have been reported from the outbreak in the DRC, according to the WHO. The WHO’s director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, has said that the Mpox outbreak is “not the new Covid” and that it can be stopped with international cooperation.
Ukrainian servicemen ride military vehicles from a crossing point at the border with Russia, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Sumy region, Ukraine August 13, 2024. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi/File Photo
The Ukraine War Enters Russia
Ukrainian troops began an incursion into the Kursk region of Russia in early August, marking the most extensive advance by Kyiv’s forces in the nearly three-year-long war. The Ukrainian army’s incursion into the Kursk region has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Russian army, dealt a massive blow to the narrative that Russia was safe from reprisal, reinvigorated Ukrainian morale, and left Russian President Vladimir Putin appearing weakened.
As many as 10,000 Ukrainian troops are expected to be involved in the incursion. This is the first time foreign troops have invaded and held Russian territory since Nazi Germany in World War II. Ukrainian officials state that they aim to establish a buffer zone to inhibit shelling of their territory from the Kursk region. The operation is also thought to be aimed at forcing Russian troops to regroup from battles in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, where Moscow has been making slow but steady advances. Analysts suggest that the capture of Russian territory could strengthen Ukraine’s hand in any eventual negotiations to end the war.
A member of the Sudanese Armed forces walks between damaged buildings, almost one year into the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in Omdurman, Sudan, April 7, 2024. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig/File Photo
Sudan: 500 Days of War
For nearly a year and a half, Sudan has been battered by a brutal civil war between the country’s army and a militia known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has devastated the country and triggered the world’s largest refugee crisis. Sudan has a population of 50 million people and over 10 million of them have been displaced.The country is also grappling with a cholera outbreak in refugee camps, with over 350 cases of the disease have been recorded in recent weeks.
The conflict in Sudan, has had devastating consequences for millions of people, but is not as geopolitically important as Ukraine or Gaza to the West. As a result it is usually under the radar when it comes to political and media attention. Experts have confirmed that starvation at a massive camp for displaced people in Darfur has grown into famine, and that about 25.6 million people, or more than half of Sudan’s population face acute hunger. Previous peace talks in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain both failed and fighting has continued unabated. However, a new round of peace talks aimed at ending the war have recently started in Geneva, although neither warring side is actually participating in the negotiations.
Migrants waiting for a boat to take them from the Indigenous community of Canaán Mebrillo to Puerto Limón, Panama, after a days-long walk across de Darien Gap, May 2022. © 2022 Human Rights Watch
US-Panama Migrant Deal
This week the first flight of deported migrants left Panama as part of a new strategy to reduce the number of people reaching the US southern border.The US and Panama signed an agreement in July that aims to close the passage of migrants through the Darien Gap. The Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama has become a key corridor for migrants traveling overland from South America through Central America and Mexico to the US. The Darien Gap has become one of the most treacherous migration pathways in the world. Migrants must often be assisted by smugglers known locally as guides who charge the vulnerable people large sums to make the crossing, and are known to threaten, assault and rob migrants.
Passage through the Darien Gap brings migrants from South America, the Caribbean, and many other countries to Panama in the hopes of reaching the United States and Canada. A record 520,000 people are estimated to have crossed the jungle last year. The US has pledged $6 million in funding for migrant deportations from the Central American nation to reduce crossings at its own border. Transit countries such as Panama and Mexico have come under increased pressure from Washington to tackle the highly contentious migration issue during the US election year.
For more updates, articles, in-depth analysis and weekly reviews on Global News, click here.
Stay informed with the latest insights from our dedicated reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist Weekly Newsletter. Your support is crucial in safeguarding fearless, independent journalism. If you appreciate our content, please consider donating today to continue in helping to protect democracy and empower citizenship.
Will Google’s Antitrust Battle Lead to Real Change?
Will Google’s Antitrust Battle Lead to Real Change?
Technology Policy | By: Mindy Spatt | August 26, 2024
Featured Photo: www.reuters.com
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Google’s stranglehold over Internet searches is undeniable and starts for most consumers by purchasing a phone, tablet, or computer that has Google pre-installed. The United States District Court for the District of Columbia recently ruled that this arrangement and others like it have allowed Google to create an illegal monopoly, paving the way for potential remedies ranging from a breakup of the company to changes in some of its most lucrative business practices. That’s assuming that Google’s appeal, which could take years, isn’t successful.
Analysis
The Department of Justice (DOJ) along with the state Attorneys General of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, and Texas sued Google in 2020; later, a group of 35 states, along with Guam, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, filed a similar suit that was tried at the same time as the original Justice Department allegations.
In a press release, Bill Barr, the US Attorney General at the time, said the suit “…strikes at the heart of Google’s grip over the internet for millions of American consumers, advertisers, small businesses and entrepreneurs beholden to an unlawful monopolist.” At that time, Google’s market value was $1 trillion (it is now $2 trillion), and it accounted for almost 90 percent of all search queries. This dominance, alleged the DOJ, was won by employing tactics including exclusionary agreements requiring that Google be the preset default search engine on billions of mobile devices and computers worldwide, prohibiting preinstallation of a competitor and making Google undeletable.
Google’s exclusive contracts proved to be an obstacle for search engine upstart DuckDuckGo in seeking the default search engine agreements for its private search service. DuckDuckGo’s CEO Gabriel Weinberg testified in the case, saying that Google’s default deals with browsers and other platforms prevented DuckDuckGo from effectively competing in the search engine market.
Judge Amit Mehta agreed with Weinberg that Google had monopolized the search field, saying “Time and again, Google’s partners have concluded that it is financially infeasible to switch default General Search Engines or seek greater flexibility in search offerings because it would mean sacrificing the hundreds of millions if not billions, of dollars that Google pays them as revenue share. These are Fortune 500 companies,” he added, “and they have nowhere else to turn other than Google.”
In the wake of the decision, Bloomberg, the NY Times, the Guardian, and CNBC all ran stories headlining the possibility that the court would order a breakup of the companies, but most commentators have said that outcome is unlikely.
Asheesh Agarwal, a former DOJ and Federal Trade Commission official, predicts that “the court is likely to order a somewhat narrow remedy that leaves Google’s business model in place. [It] could simply forbid Google from signing longer-term exclusive contracts with distributors or paying its business partners to set Google’s search engine as the default.”
Weinberg of Duck Duck Go has called for the exclusive agreements to be banned, but that would not guarantee that his service or other competitors could snag more of the market. Google argued that its dominance was due to the superiority of its product, and Mehta noted in his decision that “Google is widely recognized as the best (general search engine) available in the United States.”
A sell-off of a non-search engine asset is possible. If Google were ordered to divest a small part of its company, its Chrome browser or its Android mobile operating system, for example, those products might be prevented from favoring Google.
Another potential remedy under consideration is to require devices and browsers to ask consumers to choose a search engine when they first set up their devices. Bill Echikson a Senior Fellow for the Center for European Policy Analysis’s Digital Innovation Initiative, points out that “Europe ordered such a change in 2020, implementing a choice screen for Android devices. It failed to dent Google’s dominance in Europe… which has remained above 95 percent.”
For his next step, Judge Mehta has ordered the parties to submit a proposed schedule for the remedies stage of the proceeding, which will be a separate trial to address fixes for the antitrust violations he found. Between that and Google’s appeal the impacts of the decision are likely many years away.
Engagement Resources:
- Mathew Ingram, The Google Antitrust Decision Could Dramatically Change the Internet. Or not. Aug. 8, 2024; https://www.cjr.org/the_media_today
- Sumit Sharma, The DOJ’s Google Search Case – What Next?, Aug.16, 2024; https://www.techpolicy.press/the-dojs-google-search-case-what-next/
- Bill Echikson, Google Antitrust: Clear Verdict, Unclear Outcome, Aug. 14, 2024; https://cepa.org/article/google-antitrust-clear-verdict-unclear-outcome/
- 5 Things to Know About US v. Google by Asheesh Agarwal, Aug. 14, 2024; https://thehill.com/opinion/4826994-google-antitrust-case-impact/
Stay in-the-know with the latest updates from our reporters by subscribing to the U.S. Resist News Weekly Newsletter. We depend on support from readers like you to aide in protecting fearless independent journalism, so please consider donating to keep democracy alive today!
The Swing States Series: #3 Arizona
The Swing States Series: #3 Arizona
Elections & Politics | By: Abigail Hunt| August 20, 2024
Featured Photo: www.pacaso.com
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From 2010-2022, Arizona’s population increased 11 out of 12 years l. World Population Review logs the state’s 2024 population at just shy of 7 and a half million. Although it is the sixth in the nation in size, most of the state’s population is in one county, Maricopa, which houses nine of the 10 largest cities in the state, including more than four million citizens. For the past 70 plus years, Arizona has gone red for every presidential election save two instances – when the state went blue for Bill Clinton in the 1990s, and most recently for Joe Biden in 2020.
The state has about a 57 percent employment rate. Approximately 33 percent of the state’s citizens have a bachelor’s degree or higher, slightly lower than the national average of 35.7 percent. More than 67 percent are homeowners. Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the single largest employee group in the state are the 1.4 million people working in management, business, science, and arts occupations. The state’s Gross State Product (GSP) is $434.4 billion annually, per IBIS World, and the highest-grossing industries in the state are Third-Party Administrators and Insurance Claims Adjusters ($51.4 billion), New Car Dealers ($30.1 billion), and Drug, Cosmetic, and Toiletry Wholesaling ($26.8 billion). Arizona ranks 18th in the nation in state Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per Statista.com.
Approximately 31% of Arizona’s population is Hispanic, per Pew Research Center. As the state ranked 4th in the nation in the size of Hispanic population, will Arizonans vote for a man who called all Mexicans rapists? In late August 2016, Katie Reilly with TIME Magazine compiled a list of Trump’s comments about Mexicans. Among them were, “They are not our friend, believe me,” he said. “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people,” is a quote from June 2015. And an older one is, “Sadly, the overwhelming amount of violent crime in our major cities is committed by blacks and hispanics-a tough subject-must be discussed” (June 5, 2013, Trump’s own Tweet, on X, formerly Twitter).
Arizona is third in the nation in Native American population and is home to more than 405,000 Native Americans, approximately 5.4 percent of the state’s population. Comparatively, black citizens number more than 450,000 and make up 5.67 percent of the state’s population.
To understand the state’s two-party breakdown, there are some terms needed: per Ballotpedia, a government trifecta exists “when one political party holds majorities in both chambers of the state legislature and the governor’s office” and a government triplex is “when one political party holds the following three positions in a state’s government: governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.”
An Arizona Mirror article published August 12, 2024, details how Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake is hemorrhaging supporters to the Democratic camp, where historically Republican voters are signing up to vote for Ruben Gallagos and Kamala Harris. The muddled government and voter exodus across party lines colors the state purple.
Arizona ranks 31st out of 50 states in the number of hunting licenses per person, with 4.2 percent of the population in possession of a hunting license, beating Texas, which comes in at 33rd with 3.9 percent. Arizona ranks seventh in the nation with 258,691 gun licenses. Being in the top ten for gun ownership certainly shows that any discussion of new gun laws will twist some heads. Trump’s assassination attempt could revive pleas to the government for greater mental health care awareness, a necessary and worthy investment. Healthcare is one of the priorities of Arizona voters, and mental health care is an important part of overall wellness.
Another major concern for Arizona is the rising heat. According to the Maricopa County Department of Health, the number of heat-related and -caused deaths has increased for more than the past ten years. Two-thirds of the deaths were those in their 50s or older. Most were male, many were homeless. Arizona is 12th in the nation for elderly population. As the elderly age and are less able to care for themselves, fear, like of dying of heat stroke in your own home due to limited mobility and no air conditioning, becomes real.
Voters 65 and over make up 28 percent of the state’s registered voters. Voters aged 18 to 34 are 26 percent of the voting population; as the eldest and youngest groups, they hold near equivalent voting power, however, the elders choose to exercise their right to vote far more often.
Will there be another attempt to file false elector votes? It seems Trump & Co. are focused on their new Project 2025 plan, which is too horrific and absurd to detail here. By spring of this year, it seemed that election season already had one foot in the grave. After his shooting, Trump was circling the wagons and preaching unity. His Vice-Presidential candidate choice is J.D. Vance, of Hillbilly Elegy fame. Trump appeared to be a poised for takeoff. Kamala Harris filled out the ticket with Tim Walz as her VP choice, and his solid Midwestern dad persona has humanized Kamala. Trump and Vance’s attempts to paint Harris as a “weird, cat lady” backfired spectacularly. Harris and Walz pointed out just how weird Trump and Vance are themselves, and because it is kind of true, the two have made a big scene in the media about how “not weird” they are, which just makes them seem all the more strange.
Background Resources on Arizona
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Informatics. 2022 Heat Deaths Report. https://www.maricopa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5652
- Project 2025. https://www.project2025.org/
- Arizona dot vote. Adrian Fontes, Secretary of State. https://www.arizona.vote/
- C. Sievers. Republicans line up to support Ruben Gallego and Kamala Harris. August 12, 2024. https://azmirror.com/2024/08/12/republicans-line-up-to-support-ruben-gallego-and-kamala-harris/
- USA Facts. Our Changing Population: Arizona. https://usafacts.org/data/topics/people-society/population-and-demographics/our-changing-population/state/arizona/
- U.S. Census Bureau. Arizona. https://data.census.gov/profile/Arizona?g=040XX00US04
- World Population Review. Arizona Population 2024. https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/arizona-population
- World Population Review. Black Population by State 2024. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/black-population-by-state
- Homeland Security Digital Library. Shooting at Gabrielle Giffords’ ‘Congress on Your Corner’ Event. https://www.hsdl.org/c/timeline/shooting-gabrielle-giffords-congress-corner-event/
- Pew Research Center. Key facts about Hispanic eligible voters in 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/10/key-facts-about-hispanic-eligible-voters-in-2024/
- The Anti-Defamation League. The Mindset of Jared Lee Loughner. https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/The-Mindset-Of-Jared-Lee-Loughner.pdf
- Statista. Gross domestic product of the United States in 2023, by state. https://www.statista.com/statistics/248023/us-gross-domestic-product-gdp-by-state/
- Citizens Clean Election Commission (CCEC). https://www.azcleanelections.gov/arizona-elections/debate-information/data
- CCEC Infographic: https://storageccec.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/public/docs/778-Cropped-Survey-Infographic.pdf
- M. Gongloff. Bloomberg. How Long Can We Keep Living in Hotboxes Like Phoenix? July 24th, 2023. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-07-24/heat-wave-can-we-keep-living-in-places-like-phoenix
Background on the Candidates
- Woman who accused Donald Trump of raping her at 13 drops lawsuit. November 5, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/nov/04/donald-trump-teenage-rape-accusations-lawsuit-dropped
- Jury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse, awards accuser $5M. May 9, 2023. https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-carroll-trial-fe68259a4b98bb3947d42af9ec83d7db
- Katie Reilly. Here Are All the Times Donald Trump Insulted Mexico. TIME Magazine. August 31st, 2016. https://time.com/4473972/donald-trump-mexico-meeting-insult/
- J. Glanszner. Fau/Mainstreet Poll: Arizona and Nevada Too Close to Call. Florida Atlantic University. May 23, 2024. https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/may24arizonanevadapoll2
Other Reading:
- United States Sentencing Commission. Quick Facts on sexual abuse offenders. https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/research-and-publications/quick-facts/Sexual_Abuse_FY18.pdf
- Statista Research Department. Mass shootings in the U.S. by shooter’s race/ethnicity as of December 2023. Jul 5, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/476456/mass-shootings-in-the-us-by-shooter-s-race/
- 2024, Gramlich. What the data says about crime in the U.S. April 24th, 20]=24. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/04/24/what-the-data-says-about-
- crime-in-the-us/
This is the third article in a series of articles about U.S Swing States, for the other editions please click here.
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Artificial Meat and Global Food Security: A Sustainable Future?
Artificial Meat and Global Food Security: A Sustainable Future?
Foreign Policy | By: Inijah Quadri | August 20, 2024
Featured Photo: www.genengnews.com
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Artificial meat, also known as cultured or lab-grown meat, has emerged as a revolutionary development in the global food industry. It offers a promising solution to the growing concerns over food security, environmental sustainability, and ethical issues related to conventional meat production. With the global population expected to be well over 9 billion by 2050, the demand for meat is projected to increase significantly. However, traditional meat production is unsustainable due to its extensive use of land, water, and energy resources, and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
The global artificial meat market is valued at over $240 million and is expected to grow significantly. For instance, in the United States, fast food chains like Burger King and McDonald’s have introduced plant-based options to their menus. Burger King offers the Impossible Whopper, while McDonald’s has tested the McPlant burger. Supermarkets such as Tesco and Walmart have expanded their range of plant-based products, reflecting a growing consumer demand for meat alternatives. However, traditional meat consumption, particularly beef, pork, and chicken, remains high in countries like the USA, Brazil, the European Union, and Argentina. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that global meat consumption will increase by 14% by 2030, driven by population growth and rising incomes in developing countries.
Artificial meat is produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment, bypassing the need for animal slaughter. This technology not only reduces the environmental impact of meat production but also has the potential to provide a reliable and scalable source of protein to meet the global demand. Despite its benefits, the widespread adoption of artificial meat faces challenges related to consumer acceptance, regulatory approval, and economic viability.
Analysis
The global food security landscape is complex and influenced by various factors including economic conditions, climate change, and geopolitical events. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have exacerbated food insecurity, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to ensure a stable food supply.
In addition to cultured meat, plant-based meat products have gained popularity. Products such as soy-based tofu, tempeh, seitan, and newer innovations like the Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat cater to different consumer segments. These plant-based alternatives are often marketed towards environmentally conscious consumers, vegetarians, and vegans, as well as those seeking to reduce their meat intake for health reasons.
Artificial meat offers a sustainable alternative to traditional meat production. It requires significantly less land and water, and produces fewer greenhouse gases. According to a study by the World Bank, the global food security situation is slowly stabilizing, but disparities between income groups are widening. Low-income countries are particularly vulnerable, facing increased levels of food insecurity and requiring substantial financial support to establish safety nets.
Cultured meat could play a crucial role in addressing these disparities by providing a more efficient and sustainable source of protein. However, its acceptance varies across regions is influenced by cultural, religious, and economic factors. High meat consumption in wealthier countries suggests a substantial market potential for cultured meat, as consumers in these markets may be more open to adopting innovative food products.
Consumer acceptance is pivotal for the success of artificial meat. Studies indicate that while environmental and ethical benefits are key, concerns about taste, texture, and safety also persist. Education and transparent communication about the production process and benefits of cultured meat can help in overcoming these barriers. Governments and regulatory bodies also need to develop clear guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of artificial meat products.
The integration of artificial meat into the global food system requires a multi-faceted approach involving stakeholders from various sectors. Policymakers must collaborate with industry leaders, scientists, and society to create supportive policies and infrastructure. Investments in research and development, as well as subsidies and incentives for producers and consumers, can accelerate the adoption of artificial meat.
By leveraging the potential of artificial meat, we can take significant strides toward achieving global food security, reducing environmental impact, and creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for future generations.
Engagement Resources:
- The Good Food Institute (https://gfi.org/): An international nonprofit that supports the field of cellular agriculture and the development of cultured meat.
- From Fauna (https://fromfauna.org/): A nonprofit organization focused on accelerating the development of plant-based and cultured meat, eggs, and dairy.
- World Food Programme (https://www.wfp.org/): The food assistance branch of the United Nations, addressing global hunger and promoting food security.
- Believer Meats (https://www.believermeats.com/): A company specializing in the production of cultured meat, aiming to make it a sustainable and affordable food source.
- Cultured Meat Symposium (https://www.culturedmeatconference.com/): An annual event that brings together industry experts, scientists, and policymakers to discuss advancements in cultured meat technology.
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The Rise of ‘Weird’ and the New Framing of Anti-Abortion Policies
The Rise of ‘Weird’ and the New Framing of Anti-Abortion Policies
Health & Gender | By: Allie Amato | August 14, 2024
Featured Photo by Indy Silva for U.S. Resist News, 2024
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If the vast majority of American adults agree obtaining an abortion should be a personal choice, then why do we keep seeing access restricted? The dissonance between the American people and their government on reproductive health and abortion access is objectively odd. This is seemingly a partisan issue, but KFF polling actually finds at least 45% of Republican women support a law guaranteeing a right to abortion. Democratic women feel even stronger about abortion rights. Yet, there are men in power pushing restrictive legislation, and making decisions for women about their bodies. Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have boiled this down to the now-trending word, “weird.”
Following the announcement of JD Vance being former President Donald Trump’s V.P. pick, Harris’ campaign posted a statement on X, calling Vance, “weird and creepy” for his stance on reproductive healthcare. Walz has been describing Trump and Vance as weird to the press and has since doubled down on that take. Searches on Google for “weird” have skyrocketed in recent weeks, prompting frantic rebuttals from not only Trump and Vance but also other prominent Republicans. Not to much avail, because Vance’s approval ratings are now plunging.
ANALYSIS:
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court made the regressive decision to overturn a ruling made decades ago, Roe v. Wade, a case that legalized abortion. Weird is an effectual way to describe the fact that the highest court in the United States is made up of people appointed by politicians instead of peers voted into office by the public. Especially since conservative justices are why we continue to see abortion rights stripped away. Overall, most people are in favor of a woman’s right to choose, with more than 60% of both men and women supporting legal abortion. Comparatively though, research from Gallup shows a slim majority of men consider themselves pro-life, while 45% are pro-choice and 6% have no opinion at all. These numbers exemplify how too many men staunchly and unjustly believe they know what’s right for bodies that aren’t theirs; bodies that are made and operate so differently from their own. Because of these arguably weird opinions men hold, women must once again fight for their right to autonomy, a battle already won in the 70s.
In a turn of events, the characterization of Trump and Vance’s politics as “weird” has encouraged voters to think more critically about the innate creepiness of anti-abortion policies. The former president is infamous for the nicknames he gives opponents and rivals, typically having the upper hand in lasting campaign messaging. Think “Crooked Hillary” or “Sleepy Joe.” While V.P. Harris and President Joe Biden share similar stances, her campaign’s simple labeling of “weird” cuts through in a way that’s clearly resonating with the American people. Maybe because weird is a term the public is intimately familiar with and knows exactly what it looks like. Oddly enough, Right-wing author and host, Matt Walsh, explained the success of the “weird” phenomenon well saying it is due to the fact that the word is “visceral” and in turn “moves people.” However, the question remains whether this messaging is enough to help Democrats garner more support with election day just three months away.
Both Trump and Vance have made their own accusations of Harris and Walz being the “weird” ones. If we’re measuring weirdness by each candidate’s opinion on the governmental oversight of women’s bodies, Harris and Walz are closer to “normal” on that spectrum. Harris has long supported abortion rights, even back during her time in the Senate. This year she also became the first President or V.P. to visit an abortion clinic. Walz last year, signed legislation that codified abortion rights into Minnesota state law. Then there’s Trump and Vance, we’re talking about two men with a proven history of weirdness and creepiness. Trump’s stance on abortion has varied throughout the decades. During his current campaign run, he’s expressed that abortion policies should be left up to each state’s discretion, and as recently as June urged an anti-abortion group to stand up for “innocent life.” The former president is also responsible for appointing some of the most conservative lawmakers to the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of the overturn of Roe v. Wade. As for running mate Vance, he’s previously identified as “100% pro-life” and last fall opposed an amendment to Ohio’s Constitution codifying the right to abortion and contraception. The rise of weird may be fascinating and somewhat puzzling, but the cold hard truth is Iowa just became the 22nd state to impose far-reaching restrictions on abortion access. It’s unclear if just messaging can turn the tide of bodily autonomy, at least though people are seeing abortion access and reproductive healthcare through a new lens.
ENGAGEMENT RESOURCES:
- The National Network of Abortion Funds is a collection of grassroots organizations that work to support people facing financial and logistical barriers to abortion access. They’re “determined to build a world where all reproductive options are valued, accessible, and stigma-free.”
- Reproductive Freedom for All is an organization that mobilizes members fighting for abortion and contraceptive access, paid parental leave, and protection from pregnancy discrimination. They also emphasize the intersectionality of these issues and how they connect to democracy reform, as well as LGBTQIA and civil rights.
- National Abortion Federation is a professional association of abortion providers. They help connect people to healthcare resources as well as provide unbiased information about abortions through the toll-free National Abortion Hotline. Those looking for care or guidance can call this number: 1-800-772-9100.
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