Shark Scoop is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in global, national, and local news, as well as a top headline in entertainment and sports.
By: CHARLOTTE JONES / STAFF REPORTER
Pakistan Hit by Multiple Crises
Chaos and suffering have taken over the country of Pakistan. On Monday, Jan. 23, the national power grid collapsed, leaving nearly 220 million people without electricity. A week later, on Monday, Jan. 30, a suicide bomber detonated 22 pounds of explosives inside a mosque, bringing down the building and killing more than 100 attendants. As this is happening, the country is also on the verge of economic collapse. “Pakistan, simply, has run out of luck,” said political economist Yousuf Nazar. The country’s already strained financial situation was exacerbated in November when an $8 billion bailout stalled. Now, the country is struggling to provide for its people. "This is the worst economic crisis that Pakistan has faced in decades," said Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. and U.N.
President Biden calls out House Speaker Kevin McCarthy
This past week, President Joe Biden called out House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the looming debt ceiling crisis. The United States reached its debt limit on Jan. 19, raising concerns within the country as it has never defaulted on its debts. With the debt ceiling battle approaching, Biden called on McCarthy to release a detailed plan of how Republicans plan to reduce the deficit. “It is essential that Speaker McCarthy likewise commit to releasing a budget, so that the American people can see how House Republicans plan to reduce the deficit,” Brian Deese, director of the White House’s National Economic Council, and Shalanda Young, director of the White House budget office, stated in a memo released on Tuesday. Republicans and Democrats have until June to find common ground. After that, a default may be unavoidable, according to the Treasury Department.
Governor Kathy Hochul Unveils a $227 Billion Budget for the 2024 Fiscal Year
On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a $227 billion budget directed at aiding New York City’s pressing issues. The plan includes a proposed $1 billion to address the migrant crisis, as well as ideas to generate $1.3 billion for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Hochul specified that she would raise payroll taxes on downstate businesses that benefit from the transit network, generating more than $800 million. She also proposed diverting revenues from three planned casinos in the New York City region and called on the city to contribute nearly $500 million. The extra $1.3 billion would be in addition to the yearly funding of the subway system. “The New York City economy drives the state of New York and the M.T.A. helps drive the New York City economy,” Hochul said.
The Super Bowl-stage is Set: Kansas City Chiefs versus Philadelphia Eagles
The football season is coming to a close. The championship bouts this past weekend secured The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles' spots in the biggest game of the season. The Chiefs sealed the deal over the Cincinnati Bengals with a field goal in the final moments of the fourth quarter, off of a Bengals penalty. The Philadelphia Eagles took care of business a bit easier, beating an injured San Francisco 49ers, 31-7. The Chiefs and Eagles will meet at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12.
Black Panther 2 is Now Available to Stream
The acclaimed movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” makes its way to the streaming service Disney Plus this week. On Feb. 1, the film became available to all subscribers. Originally released in theaters on Nov. 11, the movie raked in $841.9 million at the box office. “Wakanda Forever” spent five consecutive weeks in the number-one spot, becoming the first franchise to ever do so. The film takes place back in Wakanda, where the people are mourning the loss of King T’Challa while trying to fend off intervening world powers. The movie clocks in at two hours and 41 minutes, and scores 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. You can read Seawanhaka's review of "Black Panter: Wakanda Forever" here.
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