Mar 15: Endemic, but not ended 🦠

Did you know the President of the United States receives a top-secret briefing on national security every morning?

In this weekend edition:

→ TikToker jailed in Indonesia

→ How much are US-Canada relations deteriorating?

→ Polar bear enjoys spring

Spotlight of the week

The virus that changed everything

Olivia Grant hugs her grandmother, Mary Grace Sileo, through a plastic cloth hung on a clothesline in Wantagh, New York. Credits: Al Bello/Getty Images

Five years ago, on March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a global pandemic. The pandemic reshaped the world in ways it is still grappling with. When travel restrictions were announced and institutions shut down, life was never the same. Over 7 million lives were lost, and it took a profound mental toll on the masses.

Young people miss out on significant amounts of school. Misinformation flourished among people of all ages. It fueled vaccine skepticism and deepened societal divisions. The media landscape shifted, with trust eroding amid political attacks and selective truth. While these issues were already ongoing before the pandemic started, the pandemic put them into overdrive.

Recently, COVID-19 was declared an endemic. The last week of 2024 saw 521 deaths in the US due to this virus. Scientists say long COVID can impact the brain, heart, kidneys, and overall metabolism, which can lead to disablement. With the recent pullout of the US from WHO, the funding for critical research will be limited. While the scientists gave hope of better preparedness for a future pandemic, they mentioned it depends on the nature of the pandemic.

In partnership with Business History

Behind the scenes of businesses

Uncover the deals that reshaped the game,
Big moves and risks that earned their fame.

From bold achievements to failures laid bare,
We uncover the truths that businesses share.

Step ahead with insights that sharpen your view,
Join us for stories that give you a clue.

Join Business History

Recap

Purim holiday

Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrating the transition from subjugation to freedom, similar to Passover and Hanukkah. It commemorates Queen Esther and Mordechai’s triumph over Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jewish people in ancient Persia. The holiday’s name comes from the Hebrew word for “lots.” It refers to Haman’s lottery to determine the massacre date.

Purim emphasizes remembrance, with the Scroll of Esther recounting the story. The festival highlights themes of survival, resilience, and divine intervention. Traditions include reading the Megillah, giving charity, exchanging food gifts, and festive celebrations. Many associate the holiday with Halloween and carnival, and many wear costumes on this day. Historically, Purim has also been linked to later events, such as the Nuremberg trials in 1946.

TikToker jailed in Indonesia for telling Jesus to cut his hair

Indonesian TikToker Ratu Thalisa, a Muslim transgender woman, was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for blasphemy. She was jokingly telling a picture of Jesus to get a haircut during a livestream. The court ruled her comments disrupted public order following complaints from Christian groups. Amnesty International condemned the verdict as violating free speech while calling for her release.

Many rights groups and activists implore Indonesians to reform its controversial online hate-speech law. Indonesia has some of the strictest anti-blasphemy laws in Asia. They usually disproportionately target religious minorities rather than Muslims, which makes Talia's case unique as she is Muslim. The governor of Jakarta, Ahok, was also found guilty under these laws in 2017.

Paris Fashion Week 2025

The Fall-Winter 2025 edition of the Paris Fashion Week featured exciting designer debuts, including Julian Klausner at Dries Van Noten, Sarah Burton at Givenchy, and Haider Ackermann at Tom Ford. The shows focused on escapism, empowerment, and playful style. Many designers are offering modern takes on office attire.

Ackermann and Stella McCartney explored corporate fashion, while retro-inspired looks were seen at Valentino and Dries Van Noten. Alaïa and Marine Serre experimented with unique silhouettes. Issey Miyake celebrated the joy of dressing with modular designs. Miu Miu embraced vintage-inspired styles, while Saint Laurent used bold block colors. The season was filled with creativity, happiness, and fresh perspectives.

The big question

How much are US-Canada relations deteriorating?

Canadian and US relations have turned for the worse since Trump took office. The tariffs on Canada and repeated jokes and comments about making Canada the "51st state” have put many on edge. Canadians are canceling their vacations in the US. According to the US Travel Association, Canada is the top source of international visitors to the US. Around 20.4 Mn Canadians visited the US in 2024, generating $20.5 Bn in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs.

Canadians are boycotting American products, mainly booze. Hockey fans are booing the US at hockey matches. In one game, three fights broke out in the first 9 seconds. It used to be more of a friendly rivalry. 63% of Canadians feel that Trump’s threats are serious, and more than half said they would be willing to fight for Canada.

Still, the US and Canada maintain a deep strategic alliance, a strong trade relationship (over $2 billion in goods and services are exchanged daily), and collaboration on global issues like Ukraine, Arctic security, and climate policy. While tensions have flared in specific areas, relations are not doomed forever. However, Canada is increasingly pressured to align more closely with US priorities and feels increasingly alienated, especially in defense and trade. Canada is reconsidering how reliable a partner the US can be.

Photo of the week

Polar bear cub Mika plays with cardboard at the zoo in Karlsruhe, Germany. Credits: REUTERS/Timm Reichert

On this day in 44 BCE, Roman dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March by a group of nobles, including Cassius and Brutus.

Send us your feedback at readers@presidentialsummary.com.

Interested in connecting with curious, informed readers? Advertise with us.

30 N Gould St, Ste N, Sheridan, WY 82801, United States