Our Top Stories for the Week of May 23, 2022
Updated May 27, 2022 |
Infoplease Staff
It’s been a busy week, from President Biden's new policies to storms. 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.
Biden Battles Policies Locally And Internationally
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- Plan To End US Migrant Expulsion Fails: On Friday, May 20, Title 42 is one of the formal Trump measures that President Biden has attempted to rescind. Judge Robert Summerhays concluded on Friday that the regulation will remain in place, bolstering the argument that lifting the limitation would pose hazards. The ruling allows US officials to deport immigrants without allowing them to argue their cases. The white house is pushing for an appeal as soon as possible but said the court ruling would stand. [1]
- Biden’s Vows Over Taiwan Raises Remarks: On Tuesday, May 24, in a comment that attracted rebukes from Chinese authorities, President Biden vowed to protect Taiwan and likened Taiwan-China to Russia-Ukraine. For the second time in as many months, the US president stated that if China strikes Taiwan, the US will protect it. However, a Chinese official has noted that the situation in Ukraine is not the same as in Taiwan and urged the US to adhere to the One-China Principle.[2]
- Operation Fly Formula: On Monday, May 23, the first supplies arrived from Germany as part of Operation Fly Formula, a Biden administration plan to combat supply shortages in the United States. According to reports, the shipment brought in 78,000 pounds of formula, enough to feed 9,000 newborns and 18,000 toddlers for a week. According to US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, more formulas will come from Europe in the coming days.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] BBC [3] USA Today
Diseases, Shootings, And Disasters: A Sorrowful Week In North America
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- Biden Warns Everybody To Be Concerned About Monkeypox: On Sunday, May 22, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, remarked that an epidemic of monkeypox should be a source of concern for everyone since its spread would be terrible. Although it is medically acceptable to use smallpox vaccines against monkeypox, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized that a vaccine for monkeypox viral infection does not exist.[1]
- 18-Year Old Texas Shooter Kills 21 People: On Wednesday, May 25, a recent shooting at an elementary school in Texas by 18-year-old Salvador Ramos claimed the lives of twenty-one individuals, including 19 children and two adults. Numerous people were also injured. Salvador, who is also suspected of killing his grandmother before the spree, was spotted as he entered the school with a pistol, an AR-15, body armor, and high-capacity magazines.[2]
- An EF3 Tornado Leaves Michigan In Disarray: On Monday, May 23, a tornado categorized as an EF3, reaching maximum speeds of 140 mph according to the local National Weather Service office, tore through Michigan, resulting in two fatalities, both in their 70s. Around 44 individuals received treatment at neighboring hospitals for injuries sustained in the storm. After the tragedy, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Otsego County, activating all state resources to aid local response and recovery operations.[3]
- Thunderstorms Strike Canadian Provinces: On Monday, May 23, thunderstorms rage through southern Ontario towards Ottawa, knocking out power to more than 350,00 consumers. Similar storms hit Central Quebec on the same day, knocking out electricity to almost 500,000 residences. According to reports from weather summaries in Ontario and the National Capital Region, five people died, and a couple more were injured due to the extreme winds linked with this line of thunderstorms.[4]
Sources: [1] USA Today [2] BBC [3] USA Today [4] CNN
Genetics Forges Ahead For A Sustainable Future
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- Genetically Modified Mosquitos To Help Eliminate Malaria: On Monday, May 23, in the most recent advancement in the fight against malaria, researchers have attempted to introduce a programmable DNA sequence known as the Gene drive to limit the number of malarial mosquitoes. The gene drive on the chromosome of the genetically modified organism recognizes the natural gene version in the resultant embryo’s opposite chromosome and kills it. Female mosquitos will be unable to reproduce due to this new progress.[1]
- Genetically Edited Tomatoes To Be Sold In England: On Monday, May 23, Norwich University researchers used gene editing to make tomatoes with higher Vitamin D levels. Professor Cathie Martin, the project’s chief researcher, believes the invention will be highly advantageous because current data suggests that one in every six persons in the UK lacks Vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and a lower risk of cancer. A bill is expected to be submitted to allow gene-edited crops to be sold commercially in England.[2]
Ukrainian Hope And Happiness Amid Resignation And Resolution
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- Polish President Speaks To Ukraine Lawmakers: On Sunday, May 22, as the first foreign leader to address the Ukrainian parliament since Russia’s incursion, Polish President reminded legislators in Kyiv that only Ukraine has the right to determine its fate. He also said that the international community must insist on Russia’s complete withdrawal from Ukrainian territory” Duda promises to keep working to bring Ukraine closer to joining the European Union.[1]
- Russian Diplomat Resigns To Protest Against His Country: On Monday, May 23, Boris Bondarev, a counselor at Russia’s permanent representation to the United Nations in Geneva, has resigned from his diplomatic post. The 20-year veteran is the sole high-ranking Russian diplomat who has not resigned since the conflict began in February. He characterized the conflict as an aggressive maneuver by Putin based on “lies, warmongering, and hatred.”[2]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] The Guardian
International Incidents
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- After The Fatal Accident, Botswana’s Copper Mine Operation Halted: On Saturday, May 21, a Khoemacau copper and silver Mine in Botswana halted operations after two employees of an Australian mining contractor, Barmico, were killed in a deadly accident. According to Johan Ferreira, the Chief Executive Officer of Khoemacau, investigations into the cause of the accident are still ongoing.[]1
- Shanghai Set To End Covid Lockdown: On Saturday, May 21, Shanghai began making slow but steady progress in restoring half of its transportation network. Commuters will be checked for excessively high body temperatures and must give a negative PCRA test result within 48 hours, according to Shanghai officials. This move is critical in breaking a COVID-19 lockdown that has lasted weeks, as Beijing maintains its defenses in the face of a month-long outbreak.[2]
- China Continues Effort To Gain Influence In The South Pacific: On Thursday, May 26, Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, is on a diplomatic mission to promote China’s planned regional security agreements with countries of the South Pacific. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Mr. Wang will meet with the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor in the coming days. According to Australia’s Prime Minister, China wants more power in a region where Australia has been the key security partner since WWII.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] CNN
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