The broken US visa system is a huge disruption to American companies and budding entrepreneurs, and is threatening our economic competitiveness and credibility as an international partner. As President Biden prepares to host 49 African leaders for the White House’s summit, the White House must urgently fix – and rethink – the broken visa system and its long wait times, if it wants to bolster US relations with the continent. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here