Following on several other anti-human trafficking bills, President Donald Trump signed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act on Jan. 9.
First passed in 2000, the bill covers a range of human trafficking issues, such as prosecution for trafficking, and restitution and temporary visas for victims.
It also establishes the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons within the State Department. The office is charged with compiling a report that ranks countries based on how well they’ve done at eliminating human trafficking.
Tech Surge, Trade Hopes Lift Wall Street for Fourth Day
U.S. stocks rose for a fourth straight day today, as gains in energy and technology fueled optimism, along with signs of progress in U.S.-China trade talks.Officials said talks went well and that more details will be released tomorrow morning from both sides simultaneously.
Part of the 90-day negotiations is the aim to achieve needed structural changes in China, addressing issues such as forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, and cyber theft.
Another focus was on China’s pledge to purchase a substantial amount of agricultural, energy, manufactured goods, and other products and services from the United States.
Century-Old Argentinian Theatre Renovated into Bookstore
A century-old theatre in Buenos Aires has received a new lease on life, after it was converted into a bookstore that has attracted tourists from around the world to the Argentine capital.The Grand Splendid originally opened in 1919 and enjoyed its glory days. But in the 90s the building was destined for demolition, as the Argentine economy suffered at the time.
The owner of Argentine bookstore chain El Ateneo saved the day, spending millions in an extensive restoration of the former theatre into one of the world’s most majestic bookstores.
The bookstore preserved its theatrical past, with the stage and its curtains still in place and its beautiful ceiling frescoes fully restored. Old theatre boxes provide private spaces for a quiet read.
