Newsbytes: Fremont Storm, New National Security Advisor, Ontario minimum income, Nokia 3310

By Staff Writer Joelle Chuang & Michael Ren

Local — Fremont battered by powerful winter storm
The recent storm that battered the Bay Area beginning February 17 toppled a large eucalyptus tree at the intersection of Argonaut Court and Mowry Avenue, resulting in damage to a resident’s vehicle but no injuries. The city government was held liable since the tree was on city property and fell onto a private car. Concerned residents hoped that the city would help to prevent further damage in future incidents. Additionally, on February 20, major mudslides caused the closure of Palomares Road between Castro Valley and Niles Canyon Road in Fremont. Motorists and residents were advised to avoid the damaged areas and find alternate routes.

National — General McMaster appointed as new national security advisor
President Donald J. Trump appointed Lt. General H. R. McMaster on February 20 as the new national security advisor. McMaster played a major role in counterinsurgency strategies during the Iraq War, and his military experience makes him a valuable advisor in the president’s cabinet. After Trump’s first choice, retired vice admiral Robert Harward, declined the job, many Republicans lobbied for McMaster and encouraged him to take the position. He will now take on the task of reestablishing the credibility of the National Security Council following the resignation of national security advisor Michael Flynn.

International — Ontario implements a monthly basic income to combat poverty
The provincial government of Ontario recently announced plans to implement a universal minimum basic income for all who are in financial need. The new program plans to pay 1,320 Canadian dollars monthly to participants, with an additional sum of 500 Canadian dollars for the disabled. The program will be rolled out in three yet undecided pilot cities during spring of this year, then reevaluated after this testing phase is over. However, the plan has already met with criticism, with some saying that it will simply stall when the Ontario government takes real action to combat poverty across the entire province.

Quirky — Nokia 3310 will re-launch in late February
The Nokia 3310 will be re-launched at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 26. As one of the best-selling phones in the world after it entered the market in 2000, the 3310 has since garnered a reputation for its long battery life and extreme sturdiness. It will be sold at a price of 59 pounds by HMD Global, which bought the rights to the Nokia name in late December 2016. Despite its age, the phone could once again prove to be a bestseller in emerging markets such as India’s. Along with this mobile phone, HMD Global is also launching three other modern smartphones at the event, dubbed the Nokia 3, 5, and 6.

Photos Courtesy heavy.com, huffingtonpost.com, mercurynews.com, wccftech.com