Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of November 1, 2021
It’s been a busy week, from a historical election day in the US to tragedies all over the world. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top five stories of the week.
Coronavirus Updates for the Week of November 1
Photo Source: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
- Vaccine Mandate Battles Continue: On Monday, November 1, President Biden’s emergency vaccine mandate was reviewed and approved by the Labor Department. A finalized review will be published in the coming days.[1] On Saturday, November 6, a US court blocked President Biden’s vaccine mandate plan for businesses. The law, which would require private businesses with 100 or more employees to require vaccines or constantly test for Covid, has been temporarily blocked. The Biden Administration has until Monday to respond to the new ruling. If passed, it could hinder Biden’s plan to increase vaccination rates.[2]
- Essential Workers Protest Vaccine Mandate: On Monday, November 1, as Biden’s emergency mandate went into effect, hundreds of NYC firefighters called out sick. At least 2,300 firefighters for NYC called out on Monday. Many people calling in sick were protesting the vaccine mandate.[3] On Wednesday, November 3, LA’s County Sheriff warned that there would be a potential mass exodus of deputies if the vaccine mandate continues to stay in place. The sheriff is refusing to enforce the county mandate, which went into effect over one month ago.[4]
- World Surpasses Five Million Deaths: On Monday, November 1, Johns Hopkins announced that the global deaths has surpassed five million. Deaths and cases have been increasing for the first time in two months, according to the WHO.[5]
- Cases Worsen in Other Countries: On Monday, November 1, the CDC moved Russia, the world’s largest country, to the very-high risk category regarding travel restrictions. The country has been grappling with a severe uptick in Covid-19 cases in the past few months. It was previously at a Level 3 risk category, but the dire situation has prompted the CDC to move it up one more.[6] On Tuesday, November 2, Tonga announced that it is going into lockdown following the announcement of its first positive Covid case. The island will be on lockdown for one week. Residents were told to stop working and only leave their homes for essential business.[7] On Wednesday, November 3, Germany raised alarms about the increase of cases and pressure on hospitals. Experts are calling it the pandemic of the unvaccinated. Right now, only 66.8% of Germany’s population is vaccinated.[8]
Source: [1]CNN [2]BBC [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]CNN [8]CNN
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Violence Continues Across the World
Photo Source: AP Photo
- Multiple Stabbings and Shootings: On Monday, November 1, a suspect in Tokyo was arrested after injuring 17 in a stabbing incident on public transit. The 24-year-old suspect was wearing a costume that appeared to be the Joker. The suspect was arrested after allegedly starting a fire on the train after the stabbing.[1] On Saturday, November 6, at least three people were injured after a knife attack on a high-speed train in Germany. The 27-year-old suspect has been detained and is thought to be of Syrian descent. The suspect is allegedly a refugee suffering from “psychological problems,” but police have not released an actual motive yet.[2] On Monday, November 1, CNN reported that there were at least 11 mass shootings over Halloween weekend. At least 12 people were killed and another 52 were injured. These numbers represent the increase in gun violence the US has seen since the pandemic began.[3]
- Concert Tragedies: On Wednesday, November 3, two people dead and another was injured after an audience member fell from the 7th floor at an ABBA tribute concert in Sweden. The police are still investigating the incident.[4] On Friday, November 5, at least 8 people died after a crowd surge at a Travis Scott concert. About 50,000 people were at the sold-out Astroworld concert in Houston. Live footage shows Scott pause during his performance as an ambulance with flashing lights makes its way through the crowd. Investigators are looking into the situation, but this is not the first time Scott’s Astroworld concert has been in headlines. In 2019, thousands were trampled after a crowd tried to enter the concert venue.[5]
- Violence Continues in Afghanistan: On Monday, November 1, the Taliban reported that three people were shot and killed at a wedding in Afghanistan for playing the music too loud. Another 10 people were injured during the shooting. The Taliban released a statement that the attack is under investigation as it does not condone killings for music.[6] On Wednesday, November 3, at least 30 people were killed after a blast hit Kabul’s biggest military hospital. Gunfire followed quickly after the blasts. At least 15 others were wounded during the attack. ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for the attack.[7]
- The War in Yemen Continues: On Monday, November 1, a ballistic missile attack on a mosque in Yemen left at least 29 civilians dead. Another missile attack hit a religious school, meaning many women and children were among those killed. There was no immediate claim for the attack, but it is believed that the Iranian-backed Houthis group is responsible. Clashes between the government and Houthis has only intensified, with the UN calculating that nearly 10,000 people have been displaced recently. The war in Yemen is still one of the biggest humanitarian crises in the world.[8]
- Building Collapse in Nigeria: On Wednesday, November 3, rescuers in Nigeria raced to find survivors two days after a 22-story building collapsed in Lagos. The building was under construction. Heavy rain made the rescue more difficult, but at least 9 people have been rescued thus far. It is unclear what caused the collapse of the luxury apartment building.[9]
- Fuel Tank Explosion in Sierra Leone: On Saturday, November 6, at least 98 people died in Sierra Leone after a fuel tanker exploded. Several others were injured by the explosion. The explosion occurred after two vehicles hit each other and the fuel tanker was about to deposit its fuel. Many people took advantage of the situation, scooping up “free” fuel and storing it in makeshift containers.[10]
Source: [1]CNN [2]BBC [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7] [8]CNN [9]BBC [10]CNN
Historic Election
Photo Source: AP Photo/Josh Reynolds
On Tuesday, November 2, the US saw some historic election wins. In what many call an upset, Virginia elected Republican-candidate Winsome Sears as its lieutenant governor. Sears is the first woman and first woman of color to hold a position in the state’s office. Following suit, Boston elected its first female and woman of color mayor, Michelle Wu. Cincinnati and Seattle elected their first Asian-American mayors, as well. Durham and New York City elected their first African American mayors.[1] On Friday, November 5, the House voted to pass a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that will now make its way to President Biden’s desk. Six House Democrats broke away from their party, voting no, and 13 Republicans broke away from their party to vote yes.[2]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN
Bounty Offered for Major Pipeline Hackers
Photo Source: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
On Saturday, November 6, it was reported that the US offered the $10 million bounty for the Colonial Pipeline hackers. Anyone who can provide information about individuals in the DarkSide group is eligible to receive the bounty. The DarkSide hack back in May shut down a 5,500 mile-long fuel line, causing a severe gas shortage in many states across the US. The group made its $4.4 million ransom demand during the days-long attack. Separate $5 million rewards have been offered to people who have other information regarding the infrastructure attacks.
Source: BBC
Heavy Rains and Major Flooding
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sarah Blake Morgan
On Friday, November 5, tide levels in South Carolina reached dangerously high flood levels. The tide is expected to become even higher Saturday morning. Many roads have been shut down as flooding is expected.[1] On Saturday, November 6, it was reported that heavy rains and flash flooding are threatening the southeast coast. It is also expected that the area will be hit by strong winds. The Pacific Northwest is expected to be hit by heavy rains and even snow up in the mountains.[2]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN
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