Our Top Stories for the Week of August 26, 2022

Updated September 2, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

It’s been a busy week, from technology changes to humanitarian concerns. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.

Changes & Advances In The Technological World

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California To Stop Sale Of Gasoline-Only Cars: On Friday, August 26, California pushed for legislation that requires all new vehicles sold in the state to be either electric or plug-in electric hybrids by 2035, potentially hastening the demise of gasoline-powered automobiles. According to the California Air Resource Board, 2.9 million fewer gas-powered vehicles will be sold by 2030, increasing to 9.5 million fewer conventional cars by 2035. The Biden administration must authorize the new criteria before the plan can go into action.^[1]
Top Central African Republic Court Blocks Use Of Cryptocurrency: On Monday, August 29, the constitutional court of the Central African Republic declared that using cryptocurrencies to acquire citizenship, "e-residency," and land was unlawful, arguing that, among other things, that the nation's nationality had no commercial value. According to a website, overseas investors would be able to acquire citizenship for $60,000 in cryptocurrency, with the equivalent kept as collateral for five years, and "e-residency" for $6,000 held for three years.^[2]
Chinese Electronic Market Shutdown Due To Lockdown: On Tuesday, August 30, Shenzhen in southern China shut down the world's largest electronic market and delayed public transportation nearby as officials imposed neighborhood-wide lockdowns in reaction to a small number of Covid cases. As a result of the heavy-handed approach, dozens of communities in Shenzhen have been designated as "high-risk areas." They have been placed under severe lockdown restrictions.^[3]
NASA Planning To Relaunch Artemis 1: On Wednesday, August 31, NASA stated that it would try again to launch the historic Artemis 1 spacecraft, which was delayed earlier this week owing to technical engine concerns. The Space Launch System rocket will attempt to orbit and return the capsule to the moon. It will be the first lunar capsule launched since Nasa's Apollo mission 50 years ago if it is successful.^[4]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] CNN [4] The Guardian

International Politics

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Thailand Increases Its Daily Minimum Wage: On Friday, August 26, Thailand increased its daily minimum wage by 5.02% after about two years to assist employees in dealing with rising prices and the economic effect of COVID-19, which is set to take effect from October 1. The actual rate varies slightly among areas, with the three most industrialized provinces - Chonburi, Rayong, and Phuket - and Bangkok's capital at the top of the scale. The minimum wage was last raised in January 2020 by 1.6%-1.8%.^[1]
Russia Blocks Nuclear Disarmament Treaty: On Saturday, August 27, a one-month-long summit on nuclear disarmament at the United Nations failed when Russia refused to endorse the final text of the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. According to UN Ambassador Gustavo Zlauvinen, Russia attempted to modify the treaty, which would have "created havoc" at this late point in the discussions.^[2]
The US Move To Appoint An Arctic Ambassador: On Saturday, August 27, the US moves to designate an Ambassador-at-large to push US policies in the polar region. The new ambassador will work with Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the other seven Arctic states. This move comes as Russia increased its presence near the North Pole, while China has been developing Arctic research outposts.^[3]
Mikhail Gorbachev Dies At 91: On Wednesday, August 31, Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet leader who brought the cold war to an end, died at the age of 91. In June, international media claimed that he had been brought to the hospital due to renal disease. He will be buried in Moscow's Novodevichy cemetery, home to many renowned Russians. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, praised Mikhail Gorbachev as a one-of-a-kind statesman.^[4]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] CNN [3] BBC [4] BBC

Humanitarian Crises & Concerns

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Six Fatalities Due To Lorry Accident In Netherlands: On Sunday, August 28, the death toll from an accident in a town south of Rotterdam rose to six, with seven other people hospitalized, one of whom is in critical condition. The tragedy occurred when a lorry went off a Dyke into a barbeque party. According to authorities, the lorry driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Charlie Aptroot, Mayor of Nieuw-Beijerland, attended the scene and offered his sympathy to all there.^[1]
US Government To Aid Production Of Monkeypox Vaccine: On Monday, August 29, the US government hinted that $11 million would be allocated to help the packaging of Jynneos monkeypox vaccine at a plant in the United States. Grand Aseptic Manufacturing in Michigan was hired by the Danish business earlier this month to package the two-dose injection. The US Department of Health and Human Services indicated that production will begin this year.^[2]
Gun Violence Shocks An Oakland Middle School: On Tuesday, August 30, a 12-year-old kid was detained after reportedly shooting and injuring a classmate at a school in Oakland, California. Authorities have yet to determine if the shooting was intentional or unintentional. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf expressed happiness that the victim is recuperating but voiced concern about the city's and the country's continuous gun violence.^[3]
Humanitarian Crisis In Pakistan: On Wednesday, August 31, the intense monsoon season in Pakistan led to persistent flooding with the resultant humanitarian disaster. One site in Sindh reported 1,288 mm of rain in August, compared to the monthly average of 46mm. Millions have been displaced from their home, and livestock and food crop fields are also affected. The United Nations have launched a campaign of $116m to support the victims of the flood. ^[4]