Monday Briefing | April 6 - Journal of Political Inquiry

EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (R) during the second day of the European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, 13 December 2019. Photo courtesy of Olivier Hoslet/EPA/EFE

Stories to Follow

EU Chief Apologizes to Italy, But Doesn’t Budge on ‘Coronabond’ Request: European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen apologized to Italy, noting that “in the face of the need for a common European response, too many have thought only of their own home problems.” Today, Europe is mobilizing alongside Italy. Von der Leyen said the newly agreed initiative provides “loans guaranteed by all member states — thus demonstrating European solidarity.” Unfortunately, this has not always been the case, von der Leyen wrote in Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper. Von der Leyen’s letter opened with an apology, but ended with a list of the ways the EU was already helping Italy deal with the economic consequences of its Covid-10 lockdown.

China’s Luckin’s Coffee Chain Falls Fast: Xiamen-based coffee chain Luckin said that its chief operating officer and some employees may have fabricated much of its reported revenue in 2019, upending what was supposed to be one of China’s best business growth stories. Luckin’s Nasdaq-listed shares fell more than 75 percent on Thursday. The China Securities Regulatory Commission said on Friday it would investigate the case in line with any international investigation and strongly condemned any financial misconduct. Luckin has not responded to any request for comment.

Global Covid-19 Cases Surpass 1 Million: After just 4 months, the novel coronavirus has infected more than 1,130,000 people and killed more than 60,000 worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. now represents the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic with 235,747 confirmed cases and 5,624 deaths associated with the virus so far.

Happening This Week

AMC Virtual Blood Drive | April 7 – April 30, 2020 | All Day

The New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) is closely monitoring the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and continues to carry out its lifesaving mission in NYC communities. To ensure they are prepared to support health agencies in our communities and across the country, NYBCe strongly urges individuals who feel healthy and well to make an appointment at a donor center or blood drive to give blood, platelets, and plasma.

A Virtual Conversation with Indya Moore | Thursday, April 9, 2020 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm

As part of NYU Womxn100 and Solidarity Week, NYU’s Office of Global Inclusion is hosting the Golden Globes-nominated FX series, Pose, star IndyaMoore! Listed as one of Time’s most influential people of 2019 and the first transgender cover star of Elle Magazine, actor and model Indya Moore has long been an activist for trans communities. Join for a virtual conversation with Indya Moore to discuss trans visibility and representation, and gender and intersectionality.

In Your Free Time

Practicing yoga is a beloved fitness activity and safe fitness activity that uses the weight of your body to tone and trim. It is low impact, and can be adapted to your environment. While we continue staying at home, we can also do yoga at home! Yoga With Adriene is a popular yoga program available on YouTube. Whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned practitioner, you can find practice that suits your personality and goals.

This week’s Monday Briefing was brought to you by Piaofan Cai.