Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of October 25, 2021
It’s been a busy week, from a Facebook rebranding to a coup in Sudan. 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.
Covid Updates for the Week of October 25
Photo Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, Pool
- Vaccine Updates: On Monday, October 25, it was reported by the BBC that the FDA will most likely approve the Covid-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Clinical data showed that the pediatric dose (⅓ of that given to adults) is about 90% effective in adolescents. Nearly 1.8 million children have tested positive these last few months. The FDA, should they approve the vaccine for youth, will send 15 million doses to pediatric offices around the nation.[1]On Tuesday, October 26, the CDC updated its guidelines, stating that severely immunocompromised people and people with certain diseases are eligible to get a fourth booster shot of the Covid vaccine. Not only are vaccinated immunocompromised people more likely to be hospitalized from breakthrough cases, but they are also more likely to spread the virus to others. The CDC is recommending the fourth shot in hopes of combatting this issue.[2]
- Vaccination Mandates Continue: On Monday, October 25, the battle within Chicago’s police force continued. Chicago, which has seen a 14% rise in crime rates this past year, could suddenly have thousands of officers skip work due to the vaccine mandate. Nearly one-third of CPD refuse to enter their vaccination system, which is grounds for dismissal. At least 21 have been officially removed from their positions thus far.[3]On Monday, October 25, President Biden signed a proclamation requiring foreign airlines to check the vaccination status of everyone on the flight before they depart. Unvaccinated passengers must provide a negative Covid test. The travel ban, originally imposed by President Trump at the start of the pandemic, encompasses many countries that have urged President BIden to put an end to it.[4] On Tuesday, October 26, Australia announced that all fully-vaccinated citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to leave the country without special exemptions starting November 1. Thousands of residents will also be returning home after being blocked from the country at the start of the pandemic.[5]
- Winter Olympics: On Wednesday, October 27, the countdown to the Winter Olympics officially began, with only 100 days left. Unfortunately, Beijing, where the Olympics will be held, is facing a widening Covid-19 outbreak. The pandemic could overshadow Beijing’s accomplishment of becoming the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics.[6]
- Moscow Updates: On Thursday, October 28, Moscow entered an 11-day paid holiday in an effort to slow the growing number of Covid cases. The rest of the country will most likely join Moscow in the “non-working” days, as the country saw over 1,000 deaths in just 24 hours. Many establishments have closed, as people are urged to stay home. Government and state services have also closed, but will continue to render services online.[7]
- Brazil Updates: On Saturday, October 30, Brazilian Senators voted to back the criminal charges against President Bolsonaro. The vote is now being sent to the chief prosecutor, and appointee of President Bolsonaro. This new decision may still not lead to criminal charges.[8]
- Tongo Reports First Case: On Saturday, October 30, Tongo reported its first Covid-19 case. Many island residents are now rushing to get vaccinated as the area announced its first case since the pandemic began. The island will most likely place its 100,000 residents on a strict lockdown. The positive case was in a fully-vaccinated individual.[9]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3]BBC [4]BBC [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]CNN [8]CNN [9]BBC
Check out some more Covid resources.
Military Coup in Sudan
Photo Source: AP Photo/Marwan Ali
On Monday, October 25, Sudan announced a state of emergency after the military dissolved the country’s power-sharing government. The former president was ousted in 2019 and many hoped it would be a peaceful transition, but the country is now descending into a crisis. The military previously shared power with civilian groups, but has now taken control, arresting the Prime Minister and his wife and many other government officials.[1] The coup doesn’t come as a complete surprise, though Prime Minister Hamdok made a statement the week prior that civilian groups will gain complete control. Military forces have suspended articles to the constitution and dashed hopes of an elected government. The US has paused $700 million of emergency assistance to Sudan due to the military coup.[2] On Saturday, October 30, thousands marched in protest of the military’s coup in Sudan. Police fired tear gas and live rounds into the crowd, killing at least three protesters. The ministry denies firing live rounds, but activists claim at least 100 people were injured. For the most part, however, the protesters have remained peaceful, mostly chanting for democracy.[3]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]BBC
Fuel Shortages, Violent Protests, and Tragedies Rock Countries
Photo Source: AP Photo/Matias Delacroix
- Syria Executed 24 People: On Thursday, October 21, Syria executed at least 24 people who were connected to the fires that ravaged the country last year. The perpetrators had admitted to intentionally igniting the fires. Eleven others were charged and sentenced to a life of hard labor. The fires damaged hundreds of homes and killed three people.[1]
- Germany Stops Vigilantes: On Monday, October 25, German police reported that they stopped at least 50 far-right vigilantes that planned to patrol the Germany-Poland border and stop migrants from entering. The group was carrying many weapons.[2]
- Tensions Reach Boiling Point in Haiti: On Tuesday, October 26, CNN reported on the absolute devastation in Haiti due to the fuel shortage. Not only is it affecting the everyday lives of people, but the fuel shortage is affecting hospitals. Many hospitals in Haiti run on generators, which require gasoline. Hospital workers are turning most people away as they determine who truly needs support. Many doctors and nurses are staying at the hospital because they may not be able to make it back without fuel. Kidnappings are also on the rise.[3]
Facebook Announces Rebrand Amid Leaked Papers
Photo Source: AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File
On Monday, October 25, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen went in front of a London court to discuss the crimes of Facebook. Haugen went so far as to say that Facebook is “making hate worse.” Leaked documents from the previous week showed not only how prominent misinformation is on the platform, but also the severity of cyberbullying. Despite the company’s public statement, leaked internal documents showed a lack of concern for these growing issues. Haugen stated that Facebook safety teams are under-staffed. Her claims of unsafe behavior were also applied to the Facebook-owned Instagram.[1] On Friday, October 29, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg announced that the platform will undergo some serious rebranding, changing its name to Meta. The company believes Meta better describes what it does, reaching beyond just social media and hoping to dabble in the world of Virtual Reality (VR). Zuckerberg wants Meta to be a way for people to communicate, game, and work in a VR world.[2]
Source: [1]BBC [2]BBC
Nor’easter Hits East Coast
Photo Source: mpi34/MediaPunch /IPX
On Monday, October 25, New York and New Jersey both issued states of emergency ahead of the season’s first nor’easter. Severe wind and rain are the main culprits. Governors of both areas are urging citizens to stay inside due to the inclement weather.[1] On Wednesday, October 27, thousands of East Coasters were left without power as high winds from the nor’easter threatened more outages. Many areas have also been flooded by the heavy rains. Eastern states are urging people to stay inside and away from windows as winds are reaching as high as 85 mph. Some areas saw up to five inches of rain.[2] On Friday, October 29, American Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights due to severe weather and low staffing across the country. Over 460 flights were cancelled and nearly 300 were delayed.[3]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN
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