//The Wire//2100Z April 23, 2024//

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//BLUF: PROTESTS BEGIN TO HEAT UP IN USA. EARTHQUAKES CONTINUE IN TAIWAN.//

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-International Events-

Taiwan: Aftershocks continue following the recent cluster of earthquakes to strike the nation. Last night over 12x earthquakes with a magnitude over 5.0 were observed, including at least one with a magnitude of 6.3. This is in addition to the hundreds of smaller aftershocks that have occurred regularly over the past few weeks. AC: So far, damage reports have been minimal compared to previous quakes. Fortunately, the technology and semiconductor industry has largely not been negatively affected by the recent geological events beyond minor damage and production downtime.

-HomeFront-

USA: Mass well-funded protest season has begun once again following pro-Palestine demonstrations in many major cities, and at several major universities. Over the past few days, various groups have staged sit-in demonstrations, declared “autonomous” or “liberated” zones, and the like at several major universities around the country. Many of these demonstrations have been quietly shut down after some time, particularly those which have focused on establishing encampments in university common areas. Clashes with police have been reported sporadically, as protesters dig in for the long-haul protest season.

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Analyst Comments: The rise in springtime protests is obviously expected, along with the substantial funding and organization that most demonstrations present. Consequently, as warmer weather makes public engagement more likely, understanding the local ideations for demonstrations will be important moving into the summer. Additionally, as most of these demonstrations are heavily influenced from a number of differing directions, care must be taken in the observation of protests, which can take a turn for the worse at any moment.

Analyst: S2A1

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