United States: House Passes USMCA

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United States
House Passes USMCA
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the United States – Mexico – Canada – Agreement (USMCA) trade deal, meant to replace the pre-existing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, Mexico and the U.S.. The trade deal covers a number of concessions including improved labor standards, use of American auto parts, and removal of drug patent restrictions. After a 385-41 non-partisan vote, the trade deal is slated to be approved by the Senate. However, Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell has said the vote will likely be delayed until after a completed impeachment trial in January. The deal will not go into effect until all three nations ratify it.

This interactive map links to fact sheets relating to U.S., Canada, and Mexico trade for each of the 50 states. Click on the map to learn about your state.

Further Reading: CNBC, Politico, LA Times, CNN, Fox

Graphic Source: Trade.gov
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Russia

FSB Shooting
On Thursday, a gunman opened fire on the office of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia’s main intelligence agency, in the heart of Moscow. According to Russian media reports, Yevgeny Manyurov, 39, a security guard from the Moscow suburb of Podolsk, opened fire in the reception of the Lubyanka building about 6 pm local time. At least one FSB officer was killed and several others wounded including at least 1 civilian. Authorities stated the lone attacker was killed close to the scene. The shooting took place while Russian President Vladimir Putin was attending a Kremlin event to celebrate the work of the security services, shortly after his annual televised press conference.

This map depicts the location of the Federal Security Service building where the shooting took place. Click on the map to expand.

Further Reading: AFP, Reuters, BBC, France 24, Independent, Guardian

Graphic Source: Yahoo News
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Kuril Islands/Northern Territory
Disputed Territory Meeting
Foreign ministers from Russia and Japan met on Thursday to discuss a territorial dispute over 56 islands in the Sea of Oktosh. The islands, called the Kuril Islands by Russia and the Northern Territories by Japan, are part of a 1,300 km volcanic archipelago located between the two nations. Russian forces seized the archipelago during the final days of World War II and maintains military bases and missile systems on the islands. The islands, with a population of approximately 20,000, are rich in rare minerals such as rhenium, and provide strategic access to the Pacific Ocean for the Russian Navy. The ongoing territorial dispute has prevented Japan and Russia from signing a formal peace treaty to mark the end of the war. Thursday’s meeting was the third between the two nations in four months, representing renewed efforts to resolve the conflict and sign a peace treaty.

This map depicts the disputed island territory between Japan and Russia. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: France 24, South China Morning Post, Japan Times, Republic World

Graphic Source: China Daily

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Yesterday’s Answer

Q: Founded in 1471, which UNESCO World Heritage North African city is known for its vivid blue colored town?

A: Chefchaouen, Morocco
Widely known as the Blue Pearl, there are various theories attributed to the town’s color. Some say the tradition stems from the Jewish community which settled there in the 15th century after being expelled from Spain. Others state it is to keep away mosquitoes.

Source

Today’s Question

Q: How many countries does the Prime Meridian “cross”?

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