Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of December 13, 2021
It’s been a busy week, from Omicron superspreaders to major storms across the world. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top four stories of the week.
Big Political Moves as 2021 Comes to a Close
Photo Source: AP Photo/Brittainy Newman
- US Political Updates: On Wednesday, December 15, New York City announced its first female police chief. Keechant Sewell has been on the force for 23 years and will be the first female leader the state has seen in its 176-year history.[1] On Thursday, December 16, President Biden announced that former-Olympic skater Michelle Kwan will be the new ambassador to Belize and Caroline Kennedy will be the ambassador to Australia. Kennedy was the ambassador for Japan during the Obama Administration. Biden’s final selections will be sent to the US Senate for final approval.[2]
- World Political Updates: On Tuesday, December 14, Malta became the first country in Europe to legalize cannabis for recreational use. The bill is expected to be signed into effect by the president later this week.[3] On Wednesday, December 15, South Africa’s High Court ordered that former President Jacob Zuma be returned to jail. He was released on medical parole, The 79-year-old is serving a 15 month sentence for contempt of court. The court also denied Zuma’s request to overturn his conviction.[4] On Friday, December 17, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's new center-right government took office, already facing high inflation and energy costs, as well as rising Covid cases. The new government has secured the majority in the 200 member lower-house.[5]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3] CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN
Coronavirus Updates for the Week of December 13
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
- US Updates: On Monday, December 13, the Supreme Court voted to NOT block New York’s vaccine mandate. The Court received two emergency requests from healthcare workers, nurses, and doctors. The battle began after three nurses argued that the mandate didn’t allow for religious exemptions. The justices have also allowed mandates in Maine and Indiana to remain.[1] That same day, Philadelphia announced that it is putting a vaccine mandate in for all indoor venues. Proof of vaccination will be required for any venue that serves food or drink.[2] On Monday, December 13, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a report stating that cases in children are once again on the rise. Cases in children have risen at least 24% in the last week. Case numbers are considered “extremely high”.[3] On Wednesday, December 15, Google announced that it will fire all employees who refuse to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Staff is required to upload documentation that they’ve received the vaccine. Those who fail will be put on unpaid leave and then potentially fired if they continue to refuse. The company has been pushing to have employees back in the building.[4] On Friday, December 17, Southwest’s CEO tested positive for Covid-19 just a few days after testifying, unmasked, at a Senate hearing. Gary Kelly was telling the Supreme Court he did not believe masks do not protect airline passengers, discussing aircraft ventilation systems. Sources say he is at home resting and is currently doing well.[5] On Friday, December 17, military personnel were released to a Michigan hospital to help with the overwhelming number of patients and underwhelming number of staff. The hospital, like many others across the country, has seen a surge in both Covid and non-Covid patients, as well as a surge in resignations and employee burnout.[6]
- World Updates: On Monday, December 13, the CDC announced that it is adding Italy, Greenland, and Mauritius to the high-risk category for Covid-19. The call to move Italy up comes just a few days after the CDC made the call for its neighbor, France. Europe has seen quite the rise in Covid cases with the Omicron variant.[1] On Monday, December 13, South Africa announced that its president, Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for Covid-19. Luckily, Ramaphosa has only mild symptoms at the moment. The president is currently receiving treatment for his mild symptoms.[2] On Wednesday, December 15, it was reported that German officials have stopped a murder plot developed by far-right anti-vaxxers. The plot detailed weapons such as arrows and crossbows and was targeting Governor Michael Kretschmer, who is pro-vaccine. Others in the Saxony state government were also on the hit list. Politicians and media outlets have reportedly received packages with threats in the last few weeks, as well.[3] On Saturday, December 18, officials warned that the Omicron variant is spreading like wildfire in France. Experts believe it will be the dominate variant here soon.[4] On Saturday, December 18, it was reported that hospital admissions in England are up to 3,000 a day. Experts are urging the country to impose restrictions before the numbers get worse. Many of the hospitalizations are thought to be the Omicron variant, which is spreading rapidly in even countries with high immunity.[5]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]BBC [5]CNN [6]CNN
[1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]BBC [5]BBC
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Tragedies Continue Into the Third Week of December
Photo Source: AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka
On Monday, December 13, a suspected gas explosion killed at least 7 people in Sicily, Italy. At least 4 residential buildings collapsed as a result of the explosion. More than 100 people were able to evacuate, but rescuers are still searching for two missing people.[1] On Wednesday, December 15, at least nine people were killed after a private jet crashed in the Dominican Republic. One of the victims, Jose A. Hernandez (Flow La Movie) was a well known Puerto Rican music producer. His wife and children also died aboard. Little other information has been released.[2] On Wednesday, December 15, a gas tanker exploded in Haiti’s second-largest city, killing at least 71 people. Officials have been asking the public for blood donations to help the dire situation in Cap-Haitien. The truck exploded after it began leaking gas. Not only are the deaths devastating, but Haiti has been facing a major fuel shortage, as well.[3] On Friday, December 17, Haiti’s justice minister announced that the remaining 12 hostages kidnapped by a gang two months ago have been released. The group, which was released and found the day before, have already been flown back to the US. The ransom was reportedly paid, but not by the US government.[4] On Friday, December 17, at least 27 people are feared dead after a fire broke out in a building in Japan. Police are still investigating whether it was an accident or a case of arson.[5]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN
Tragedies Continue Into the Third Week of December
Photo Source: AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka
On Monday, December 13, a suspected gas explosion killed at least 7 people in Sicily, Italy. At least 4 residential buildings collapsed as a result of the explosion. More than 100 people were able to evacuate, but rescuers are still searching for two missing people.[1] On Wednesday, December 15, at least nine people were killed after a private jet crashed in the Dominican Republic. One of the victims, Jose A. Hernandez (Flow La Movie) was a well known Puerto Rican music producer. His wife and children also died aboard. Little other information has been released.[2] On Wednesday, December 15, a gas tanker exploded in Haiti’s second-largest city, killing at least 71 people. Officials have been asking the public for blood donations to help the dire situation in Cap-Haitien. The truck exploded after it began leaking gas. Not only are the deaths devastating, but Haiti has been facing a major fuel shortage, as well.[3] On Friday, December 17, Haiti’s justice minister announced that the remaining 12 hostages kidnapped by a gang two months ago have been released. The group, which was released and found the day before, have already been flown back to the US. The ransom was reportedly paid, but not by the US government.[4] On Friday, December 17, at least 27 people are feared dead after a fire broke out in a building in Japan. Police are still investigating whether it was an accident or a case of arson.[5]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN
Spacecraft Flies Near Sun
Photo Source: AP Photo/John Raoux
On Wednesday, December 15, an analysis of data collected by Nasa in April confirmed that a spacecraft has flown through the outer atmosphere of the sun. Parker, the name of the craft, had to withstand intense heat, but was able to collect more information about the sun. The Parker Solar Probe was launched three years ago. The sun is very important to Earth’s magnetic field. Any disruption can cause satellites and power to go out. Nasa’s mission will allow them to better field these storms.
Source: BBC
Droughts and Intense Snow in Areas
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sarah Blake Morgan
On Tuesday, December 14, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia. People in nearby towns were seen running and seeking refuge on higher grounds. The quake led to a tsunami warning, which luckily, did not culminate in any tsunamis. So far, at least 15 aftershocks have also been reported, the highest reaching a magnitude of 5.3. No buildings or houses have been severely damaged.[1] On Wednesday, December 15, President Biden announced that the feds will cover 100% of the cleanup costs in Kentucky for the next 30 days. While the tornadoes hit various states, Kentucky was hit the hardest, with many deaths and severe damages across the state.[2] On Wednesday, December 15, it was reported that Typhoon Rai continued to strengthen as it approached the Philippines. Officials predicted that the storm may become a super typhoon by the time it reaches the region.[3] On Thursday, December 16, severe storms ravaged the US, whipping winds across the Rockies and into the Plains. Minnesota saw its first ever tornado in the month of December. Iowa and Nebraska also saw reports of possible tornadoes. Parts of Colorado saw winds as high as 107 mph. The unusual winds came just days after an 8-state tornado outbreak and the deadliest December tornado ever seen in the US.[4] On Friday, December 17, overnight flash floods in Iraq killed at least 12 people. Several people have also been reported missing, as missions to rescue them are underway.[5] On Saturday, December 18, Typhoon Rai officially made landfall in the Philippines, as officials fear dozens to be dead. Over 30 people were swept away by the storm. Only four deaths have actually been confirmed as rescue missions continue.[6]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]BBC
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