Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of November 8, 2021
It’s been a busy week, from more details about the Astroworld tragedy to another prison riot in Ecuador. 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.
Coronavirus Updates for the Week of November 8
Photo Source: AP Photo/Christophe Ena
- Borders Reopened: On Monday, November 8, the US officially reopened its borders to foreign travelers. Scenes of pure joy unfolded as the first international flights landed on US soil. After nearly 20 months apart, many families were reunited. Fully vaccinated travelers from 33 countries have now been granted access to the US.[1]
- Some Mandates Become More Strict, Some Lessen: On Monday, November 8, the White House released a statement saying that private companies should abide by the vaccine mandate despite the ongoing court battle. White House aides have stated they’re confident the court will eventually rule in their favor, so people should not wait to get vaccinated.[2] On Tuesday, November 9, France announced that it will require a booster shot for older citizens’ health passes. The booster dose is available for those over 50, and is required for those over 65. France has been using the health pass for both private and public businesses.[3] On Wednesday, November 10, two of Florida’s largest school districts lessened their mask protocols. This call comes weeks after the legal battle that occurred between these districts and Governor DeSantis. Covid-19 cases have been decreasing in Florida, so the districts feel comfortable relaxing some guidelines.[4] On Saturday, November 13, a new lockdown was announced in the Netherlands, sparking mass protests. Police had to use water cannons on the crowd. Shops and businesses will be closed for three weeks following an uptick in cases.[5]
- Germany’s Numbers Look Grim: On Saturday, November 13, officials in Germany warned that another 100,000 deaths will occur if people don’t begin to get a handle on the aggressive fourth wave. This new wave may be the most dangerous yet, with vaccination rates in Germany not as high as officials would like.[6]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]BBC [6]BBC
Check out some more Covid resources.
Astroworld Fallout and Continued Violence
Photo Source: AP Photo/Michael Wyke
- Astroworld Tragedy Updates: On Monday, November 8, Travis Scott and Drake were sued by concert goers, who claim the pair incited the crowd, eventually leading to the crush. That same day, Houston’s police chief reported that he had had a meeting with Scott regarding safety. A criminal investigation is currently underway, also including Live Nation and Scott’s security team.[1] Later that day, Scott announced that he plans to cover the funeral cost for all 8 victims, the youngest of whom was just 14. He also plans to partner with BetterHelp to provide mental health resources to those who were involved in the tragic event. Astroworld organizers are also working towards reimbursing everyone who attended Friday’s show and all those who had tickets for the cancelled Saturday show.[2]
- Fire at Niger School: On Monday, November 8, at least 25 schoolchildren in Niger died after their straw-hut classrooms caught fire. Straw and wood are usually used to build overflow classrooms in Niger. Fires aren’t uncommon, but they usually don’t result in this many deaths. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.[3]
- Poland-Belarus Border Crisis: On Monday, November 8, tensions between Poland and Belarus heightened after Poland accused Belarus of pushing migrants into the EU. In response, Poland warned that thousands of military personnel will be released to the border. People illegally crossing the border between Belarus and Poland has increased dramatically these past few weeks.[4] On Wednesday, November 10, it was reported that migrants are facing hypothermia and broken bones in frozen forests as the Poland-Belarus border crisis deepens. At least 15,000 Polish troops have been deployed to stop the migrants from crossing the border. Nearly 600 crossing attempts were reported by officials.[5]
- Iraq Assassination Attempt: On Monday, November 8, it was reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi escaped an assassination attempt. An explosive-laden drone attacked his home in Baghdad, according to reports. After the attempt, Al-Kadhimi took to Twitter, asking for calm and calling the attacks cowardly.[6]
- Afghanistan Mosque Explosion: On Friday, November 12, another explosion rocked a mosque in Afghanistan during Friday prayer time. At least 15 people were injured, but luckily no fatalities were reported from this explosion.[7]
- Ecuador Prison Riot: On Saturday, November 13, another prison riot broke out in Ecuador, nearly two months after the last report of riots. The riot in Guayaquil killed at least 68 prisoners. At least 300 prisoners have died from gang-related riots this year.[8]
- Sudan Anti-Coup Protests Continue: On Saturday, November 13, at least five people were killed in pro-democracy protests in Sudan. Police denied using live rounds, but four of the deaths were reportedly from gunshot wounds. The fifth victim allegedly died from choking on tear gas. At least 26 officers were also injured during the anti-coup protests, which have been occurring for many weeks now.[9]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]BBC [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]CNN [8]BBC [9]CNN
January 6 Investigation Continues
Photo Source: AP Photo/Steve Helber
On Monday, November 8, six subpoenas were issued to top Trump campaign associates. Michael Flynn and John Eastman were two included on the list. Investigators are still hearing testimonies from witnesses in their sweeping probe. All people subpoenaed have until November 23 to submit the documents being asked for.[1] On Wednesday, November 10, it was reported that at least five people in former Vice President Pence’s inner circle are being sought out for information. It appears that Pence’s aides are more willing to talk to officials than previously thought.[2] On Friday, November 12, Prince Harry reported that he reached out to Jack Dorsey, Twitter boss, just a day before January 6, stating that the platform will allow for a coup. Harry has stated that he hasn’t heard from Dorsey since the attempted coup occurred.[3] On Saturday, November 13, Steve Bannon was charged with contempt of Congress after refusing to give information regarding January 6. Bannon could face up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine for not cooperating.[4]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]BBC
Elections Occur Around the World
Photo Source: AP Photo/Javier Cordoba
On Monday, November 8, President Daniel Ortega won Nicaragua’s election despite being called a “sham” election by many countries. This will be Ortega’s fifth term. The election was accused of being a joke because many people were terrified and stuck in their houses. Many of the polls and voting stations appeared empty. While there were five other candidates on the ballot, at least a half dozen true candidates were detained earlier this year. The other contenders weren’t really seen as a threat to Ortega.[1] On Saturday, November 13, Sarah Duterte, the daughter of the president of the Philippines, officially announced her candidacy for vice president. Duterte took over as mayor for her father and is actually a different political party. The polls will open in May.[2]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN
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