Welcome to another edition of Weekly Newsmakers – your source for summaries of fascinating news and events. With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, our Newsmaker this week and the Free in NYC events below are appropriately themed as such. Enjoy!

U.S. Demands China Block Cyberattacks and Agree to Rules – New York Times (Editor’s Pick)
The White House demanded Monday that the Chinese government cease any attempts to break into American computer networks. The public announcement was issued two days after China’s foreign minister, Yang Jiechi, refuted claims that the Chinese military had hacked into American corporations and some government agencies. The White House urges China to address the issue of hackers in China and to help create global standards in ethical online usage. In the past, U.S. officials have avoided singling out China’s connection to cyberespionage, as the White House is working with China to contain North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.  Should the U.S. have called out China for the Cyberattacks earlier?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Judge Halts New York City Ban on Large Sugary Drinks – CNN
This week, a New York state trial judge curbed Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to prohibit the sale of sugary beverages over 16 oz. in size in locales such as ballparks, restaurants, and movie theaters. Many brands of sodas, energy drinks, fruit juice/drinks, and sweetened teas would have been covered by the ban. However, supermarkets and convenience stores would not have been affected by the mayor’s plans. Bloomberg believes that stopping the sale of sugary drinks over 16 oz. would help control the obesity issue in New York where an estimated four of every ten New Yorkers are obese. “We believe that the judge’s decision was clearly in error and that we will prevail on appeal,” Bloomberg told reporters. Where do you stand on the sugar debate? Should NYC allow vendors to sell sugary drinks of any size or ban sugary drinks over 16 oz.?  Voice your opinions below.

Need some post-midterms stress relief? Try these events – almost certain to cheer you up from your test-taking blues!

Arias and Irish Songs – Weissman Center Reports

Ring in St. Patty’s Day with a free concert! The Underworld Productions Opera will be at YMYHWA of Washington Heights/Inwood for a limited engagement this Sunday at 2 PM. Enjoy Moore’s Ballad of Baby Doe, Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, and Mozart’s Abduction of the Seraglio and Don Giovanni, amongst many others. RSVP required at [email protected] Details: here.

Leprechaun Hike – Weissman Center Reports

Need an excuse to visit Staten Island? You’ve got one! On the Leprechaun Hike, join in exploration for treasure and hike a mile-long path through Greenbelt Nature Center. Dress warmly and comfortably. Register via email ([email protected]) or call 718-351-3450 to make sure there’s still space on the hike. Details: here.

MOCA Thursdays – Weissman Center Reports
In case you didn’t get a chance to visit last week, don’t miss out on free admission to the The Museum of Chinese in America every Thursday this month! Weaving rich history and culture into their insightful galleries, the experience is something visitors of all ages will enjoy.  Details: http://www.mocanyc.org/