Breaking News Today

Breaking news today: A video message from President Donald Trump addressed to newly naturalized citizens has been met with celebration and appreciation.

Bail funds are flourishing – yet are also facing political opposition and legislative pushback. Our “live update” articles keep you abreast of events as they unfold, providing timely updates.

1. President Trump’s Executive Order on Sports

Although the federal government can’t force schools to change their own rules, it can influence college sports through funding disbursement and Title IX enforcement. That is why President Donald Trump decided to create a task force empowered by the Department of Education – which oversees many university athletic departments – which will enable it to enforce new provisions regarding pay-for-play agreements as well as require larger schools to allocate scholarships and money specifically towards women’s and Olympic sports.

The task force will ask the National Labor Relations Board to “clarify the status of college athletes,” in an indirect nod to ongoing debate over whether the NCAA should be classified as employers and allow its players to unionize. Although not binding, this executive order signals White House willingness to intervene in an otherwise contentious debate.

2. A “State of Emergency” in the U.S.

State of emergencies in the US are executive orders issued by governors, mayors or governing bodies of cities and counties that give local authorities extra power to control movement of people and certain goods as well as implement curfews and curfews. Presidents also possess this ability and may declare national emergencies.

By declaring a national emergency, the president can access more than 130 special powers delegated to him by Congress – laws can often move too slowly in times of crises and these special authorities allow immediate response and help address problems faster.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has declared several national emergencies to pay for his border wall, forgive student loan debt and address the country’s “large and persistent trade deficit.” These actions have expanded what constitutes an emergency–but it remains uncertain how these challenges will be overcome.

3. Coca-Cola’s Move to Replace High-Fructose Corn Syrup with Cane Sugar

Coca-Cola stands as both an influential sponsor in sports, as well as cultural icon. To demonstrate their social responsibility, they may consider returning to cane sugar production for their beverages.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has long been under scrutiny from health experts since 2004, when an influential report suggested it as one of the primary culprits of America’s obesity crisis. Documentaries such as Fast Food Nation and King Corn only added fuel to this firestorm of criticism.

Coke launched C2 Cola as an attempt to recover some lost ground. This low-calorie alternative used a mixture of high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, sucralose and ace-sulfame potassium that more closely emulated the flavor profile of its Classic counterpart.

4. The “Safer Beauty Bill Package”

Four bills were introduced recently in order to reform the cosmetics industry, which currently faces little governmental oversight. This package, consisting of the Toxic Free Beauty Act, Cosmetic Fragrance and Flavor Ingredient Right to Know Act, Cosmetic Safety for Communities of Color and Professional Salon Workers Act and Chemical Supply Chain Transparency Act would remove toxic chemicals from products while protecting vulnerable salon workers while creating transparency regarding ingredient usage and traceability standards.

These bills seek to close major labeling loopholes that permit numerous toxic chemicals to remain hidden under misleading labels such as “fragrance,” “parfum” and “aroma.” In addition, they would provide $30 million for research, education and safer options for synthetic hair products.

Reps. Schakowsky, Fletcher, Blunt Rochester and Matsui cosponsored these bills which represent an important step toward meeting European cosmetic regulation standards in America. But more needs to be done if American cosmetic regulations are ever to catch up to those in Europe.

5. The U.S. Legislative Session on Hemp

Hemp industry stakeholders continue their fight to prevent the Senate from passing legislation to ban THC-containing hemp products and cannabinoids with similar intoxicating effects from reaching shelves. A current version of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations bill includes language that would criminalise any products with trace amounts of THC or similar cannabinoids – something which would severely hamper their market.

Rep. Andy Harris proposed this provision as an amendment to a base bill passed by a committee last week, in order to close loopholes exploited by “bad actors” and protect children from unregulated THC-containing products.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has voiced opposition to this proposal, stating it would harm Texans who depend on hemp-derived products for relief from ailments like anxiety and chronic pain. Congress leaders are currently exploring potential compromises which would protect both hemp industry expansion while simultaneously improving consumer safety.