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March 07, 2019
GZERO Staff

What We're Watching

Italy Gets Belted – Later this month, Italy is likely to become the first G7 country to formally endorse China's Belt and Road global investment plan. Italian officials hope to draw Chinese investment into Italy's aging infrastructure and open Chinese markets to more Italian-made products. EU and American officials fear that Chinese investment will leave Italy dangerously deep in debt. (Italy is already the second most indebted country in Europe, after Greece.) They also worry that Italy's endorsement for Belt and Road will undermine their ability to present a united front when bargaining with China over trade and investment practices.

The Queen's Instagram Account – This week, England's Queen Elizabeth II posted on Instagram for the very first time. We'll be watching closely to be sure this lady doesn't become a nuisance.

What We're Ignoring

138: Russian state media has published 138 contradictory accounts of last year's nerve agent attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal in the UK. Ironically, Russian lawmakers moved this week to criminalize "fake news." #ForYourDisinformation

3D printed steaks – A Spanish scientist has created a 3D-printed vegan steak made of rice protein, pea protein, and algae fiber. It takes 10 minutes to print and two minutes to cook. Is this an environmentally friendly way to make a steak? Maybe. Will your Friday author give this a try? HELL NO.

More from GZERO Media

South Korean president declares martial law — then backs off

People gather outside the National Assembly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 4, 2024.
REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

In an unexpected, late-night speech on Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, banning all political activity, taking control of all media, and suspending parliament. For all of a few hours, it turned out.

Why South Korea's president declared martial law

- YouTube

youtu.be

Ian Bremmer's Quick Take: President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea deciding to suddenly declare emergency martial law, announcing together with the military all political activities prohibited. All media now under state control. No strikes, demonstrations allowed. Ian Bremmer breaks down the reason for this decision in this Quick Take.

Local businesses are growing with Walmart’s help

Walmart

Proud Source Water became a Walmart supplier in 2021. Today, their team has grown 50%, and they're the largest employer in Mackay, ID. When local suppliers work with Walmart, their business can grow. In fact, two-thirds of Walmart's product spend is on products made, grown, or assembled in America. By working with Walmart, local businesses like Proud Source Water can reach more customers, hire more people, and help their communities thrive. Explore the positive impact of Walmart's $350 billion investment in US manufacturing.

Palestinian factions near deal to govern Gaza

Supporters of Hamas wave their green flags during a celebration marking the 35th anniversary of the founding of Hamas in Gaza City in December 2022.
Yousef Masoud / SOPA Images/Sipa USA via Reuters

Fatah and Hamas are reportedly close to a deal on a post-war government for Gaza, marking a potential end to Hamas’ 17-year rule. The agreement would establish a committee of 12-15 politically unaligned technocrats with authority over issues of the economy, education, health, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction.

New study by Microsoft and EY offers insights into AI’s role in disability inclusion

Microsoft

Globally, one in five people identify as neurodivergent, an umbrella term that refers to variances in how the brain processes information. A new collaborative study between Microsoft and Ernst & Young reveals insights into how AI-powered tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot are transforming experiences for the neurodiverse in the workplace. The study involving over 300 neurodivergent or disabled employees found that 91% consider Copilot helpful for communication, 85% believe it creates a more inclusive workplace, and 76% say it aids their work performance. This study is part of Microsoft’s ongoing work to increase understanding of how Copilot and other Microsoft tools can improve the workplace. Read more here.

Why is Joe Biden in Angola?

US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Angolan President João Lourenço at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, Angola, on Dec. 3, 2024.
REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

With seven weeks left as US president, Joe Biden was in Angola on Tuesday to meet with President João Lourenço. It's the very first visit of a US president to this former Portuguese colony.

Biden tightens China’s access to chips one last time

Courtesy of Midjourney

Throughout Joe Biden’s presidency, the Commerce Department has gradually tightened its chokehold on China’s access to semiconductors needed to access, train, and build artificial intelligence. It just announced its “strongest controls ever," prompting China to respond in kind with restrictions of its own that send a signal to President-elect Donald Trump.

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