Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of August 23, 2021

Updated August 30, 2021 | Infoplease Staff

It's been a busy week, from the terrorist attack in Kabul to the severe weather disasters around 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 (4)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Labor Shortage and New Mandates: On Saturday, August 21, CNN reported that the labor shortage we have seen recently is projected to continue even after the pandemic ends. Some companies, though opting to raise minimum wage and benefits, are being forced to outsource work overseas. However, obtaining a visa requires extensive planning and new vaccine requirements, which has made the process more complicated for all involved.^[1] On Wednesday, August 25, Delta Airlines announced that starting November 1, it will impose a $200 monthly surcharge on all health-care-receiving employees who choose not to get the vaccine. The airline has stated that the average Covid hospital stay was costing $50,000 per person. The company is unable to sustain these costs, so beginning September 30, all unvaccinated Delta staff will have to test for Covid weekly as well as always wear masks when indoors.^[2]
FDA Approval: On Wednesday, August 25, Moderna announced that it has completed the application process for making its vaccine FDA-approved. On the same day, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they also submitted a proposal to approve the third dose of the vaccine. The reviewal process typically takes four months. Pfizer and BioNTech has been FDA approved for the first two doses for those 16 and up, which will give more room for schools and businesses to mandate vaccination.^[3]
Covid Origin Report Released: On Wednesday, August 25, the US intelligence report regarding the origins of Covid came back as inconclusive. President Biden ordered the report after the WHO published an inconclusive report early this year; however, China has already called the report “anti-science. ^[4] On Friday, August 27, released more information regarding the report. The community has stated that two possibilities are plausible: that the virus was released from a lab or that it was naturally transmitted from animals to humans. ^[5]
Florida Updates: On Monday, August 23, it was reported that at least five South Florida police officers have died from Covid in the last week. The news comes as school districts continue to fight the legal battle over mask mandates.^[6] On Friday, August 27, Judge John Cooper ruled that DeSantis did not have the authority to place a ban on mask mandates. The new order is expected to take place next week, which could impact the legal battle amongst schools. Under the order, schools can now mandate masks, though it is unclear as to whether parents will be able to opt-out or not.^[7]
Southern States Are Struggling: On Friday, August 27, the Arkansas Medical Board announced that it was investigating a doctor who had been prescribing an anti-parasitic drug, usually used to treat parasites in livestock, to those suffering from Covid-19. Since March, the CDC has issued warnings about using this drug; however, in recent weeks, the CDC has seen a rise in cases of poisoning. Many people have begun using the drug rather than get vaccinated.^[8] On Sunday, August 29, it was reported that southern hospitals are no longer just out of ICU beds - they're also running low on oxygen. Some hospitals across Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina have already had to dip into their reserve supply of oxygen. Florida reached an all-time high of hospitalizations since the pandemic began.^[9] Despite these alarming numbers, the states that make up the Southeastern Conference (SEC) announced that stadiums will open to 100% capacity for college football starting next weekend. Many of the states in the SEC have some of the lowest vaccination rates, which could pose issues as the Delta Variant continues to spread.^[10]
International Doctors Speaking Out: On Sunday, August 22, in a rare show of criticism, Cuban healthcare workers spoke out against the government's handling of the pandemic. Months prior, hundreds of citizens flooded the streets to perform a rare anti-government protest. Healthcare workers are required to work for the state and have been overworked with the amount of hospitalizations. Many locations are short on ICU beds, oxygen, and medicines, with some workers even being required to buy their own protective equipment. Doctors have uploaded video footage of the abysmal conditions.^[11] On Friday, August 27, doctors in Nigeria went on strike to demand better pay and better conditions. Hospitals impacted have stated that they are not accepting patients with severe needs, which could be dangerous with the Delta Variant ravishing the country.^[12]
Hope for China and Taiwan: On Monday, August 23, China reported no new locally transmitted cases for the first time since July. The Delta Variant was discovered just over a month ago in healthcare workers. The outbreak led to 1,200 cases and very strict lockdowns as China attempted to stop the spread almost immediately, in a zero-tolerance policy.^[13]On Monday, August 23, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen received her first dose of the country's homegrown vaccine in a show of support for the new rollout, which is needed since the prior president did not support the Covid vaccine. Less than 5% of the Taiwanese population is vaccinated as the country has delayed second doses in an attempt to give more people at least one dose. With this new vaccine, some preventative measures will be decreased, allowing people to go to restaurants and cafes again.^[14]

Source: [1]CNN [2]BBC [3]CNN [4]BBC [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]CNN [8]CNN [9]CNN [10]CNN [11]CNN [12]CNN [13]CNN [14]CNN

Kidnapped Nigerian School Children Released

Photo Source: AP Photo

On Friday, August 27, nearly 100 kidnapped school children in Nigeria were released after the parents paid ransom. The parents managed to gather the $140,000 ransom through fundraising and donations. They stated that the government did not help during negotiations because it wasn't prepared to pay the ransom. The students, who were kidnapped three months prior, will be given medical attention since many looked feeble and malnourished. The reunion was an emotional scene of pure happiness and freedom.
Source: CNN

Scenes of Chaos Continue in Afghanistan

Photo Source: Cpl. Davis Harris/U.S. Marine Corps via AP

US Evacuation Efforts: On Monday, August 23, dozens of US Air Force planes headed to Kabul as 20,000 people remained at the airport. Stipulations have changed, but a total of 33 planes are scheduled. Only US citizens, those holding a green card, and citizens of NATO countries will be allowed aboard. The Taliban is outside the gates of the airports checking documentation; however, thousands were able to enter the airport before the new guidelines were put in place, so many could be stuck in limbo after the planes leave.^[1] On Wednesday, August 25, US officials announced that more than 82,000 people have left the country on airplanes, with thousands more still staying inside and outside the airport. The Taliban, however, has refused to extend the deadline of August 31, though it has promised to allow people to still leave the country after this date.^[2] On Wednesday, August 25, the US said that there's possible 1,500 more Americans still stuck in Afghanistan. Officials have been able to safely reach and evacuate 500 people, but are desperately trying to make contact with the rest.^[3] Unfortunately, two dozen San Diego students and their families are among those still stuck in Afghanistan. The group travelled there over the summer and have not been able to get to Kabul safely. The school district has said they've lost contact with the families who were there visiting relatives.^[4]On Friday, August 27, it was reported that 4 of the 5 San Diego families had been located and scheduled to return to the US. The fifth family has been located, but is not able to safely evacuate at this time. A sixth family has also been located, but no details have been released regarding them.^[5]
Potential Resistance from Afghan Nationals: On Tuesday, August 24, an anti-Taliban group stated that it has thousands of fighters ready. The National Resistance Front of Afghanistan's (NRF) goal is peaceful negotiations, but they are prepared should things escalate. The NRF believes the multicultural country needs multiple sources of power in order to best represent the people.^[6]
Countries Accept Refugees: On Wednesday, August 25, Mexico welcomed over 100 journalists and their families fleeing Afghanistan. At least 124 people landed in the airport on Wednesday, all of whom faced life-threatening danger under Taliban rule. Private sponsors and civil society organizations in Mexico have agreed to cover travel and living costs for the refugees, and Mexico's foreign minister has voiced his support for the work the journalists represent.^[7]
Women's Rights at Risk: On Wednesday, August 25, the Taliban warned Afghan women to not attend work because their soldiers are “not trained to respect them. This new development has caused much fear amongst women and girls. The Taliban previously said it was going to approach gender differently this time, but the current statement does not look promising. The UN has called for an investigation into the rights of citizens after this announcement.^[8]
ISIS-K Terrorists Join: On Thursday, August 26, a blast outside the Kabul airport left at least 170 people dead, including 13 US troops, and injured another 200. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack. Nearly 100,000 people were at the airport as the US continued evacuation efforts. President Biden has stated that the attack will not deter evacuation efforts, and has also stated that he will hunt down those responsible. Though it once worked with the Taliban, ISIS-K has spoken out about the Taliban, stating that it has abandoned some battlefields.^[9] On Sunday, August 29, the US carried out an airstrike against an ISIS-K planner. The attack was carried out amid warnings that another terror attack was in the works as the US entered its last phase of evacuation. Locals stated that at least three people were killed in the drone strike, and many more were wounded. However, the US reported that two high profile ISIS-K leaders were killed and another was injured.^[10]
Banks on the Verge of Collapse: On Friday, August 27, banks in Afghanistan were reported to be on the verge of collapse. Banks have been boarded up for the two weeks since the Taliban took control, leaving many without access to cash. The economy is heavily reliant on international aid and access to foreign currency, which has been blocked since the fall of Kabul. The Taliban ordered banks to open days ago, but they remain shuttered. A complete meltdown is possible.^[11]

Source: [1]CNN [2]BBC [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]BBC [7]CNN [8]CNN [9]BBC [10]CNN [11]CNN

Learn more about the Timeline of ISIS

Japan Crypto Heist

Photo Source: STRF/STAR MAX/IPx 2021 8/12/11

On Thursday, August 20, Liquid, a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange platform, was hit by some serious hackers. At least $100 million is suspected to have been stolen during the heist. Just one week prior, Poly Network had lost $600 million in a heist. Liquid is working to track the stolen currency, and has frozen wallets in a move of protection. Liquid services nearly 100 countries and has millions of customers around the world who have potentially been impacted by this heist.
Source: BBC

Learn more about virtual currency

Fires and Tropical Storms Continue to Ravage Areas

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa

Fires Across the US: On Sunday, August 22, the Caldor Fire continued to burn across Northern California, searing 98,000 acres. More than 320 structures have been burned with 13,000 more in danger. The fire is still 0% contained and isn't expected to be fully contained until the end of August. Increased winds pushed the fire further east and firefighters remain on the ground fighting, but the system is taxed.^[1] On Wednesday, August 25, it was reported that 7 states - Colorado, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana - are under air quality alerts as the smoke from wildfires becomes almost unbearable. As air quality becomes unhealthy, officials worry that paired with the pandemic, hospitals may be close to a crisis. Winds later in the week may help the situation, but it's too soon to tell.^[2] On Thursday, August 26, hundreds of California residents were placed under evacuation orders as the fires traveled up to 8 miles in just 24 hours. An incoming heatwave is only expected to worsen the flames. The Dixie Fire is only 45% contained. The Monument Fire, which is only 20% contained, has burned 157,287 acres. The Caldor Fire is only 12% contained and has burned 136,643 acres. The city of Lake Tahoe has declared a state of emergency as the fires continue to blaze.^[3]
Tropical Storm Henri: On Sunday, August 22, Tropical Storm Henri made landfall. Though the storm was intense, it wasn't a hurricane as previously thought once it made landfall. More than 130,000 people in the Northeast are without power, most of whom reside in Rhode Island. Heavy rainfall is expected to devastate parts of the area come Monday.^[4]
Flash Flooding: On Monday, August 23, rescue efforts after flash flooding in Tennessee continued. At least 21 people were killed and another 25 are missing after the floods suddenly took over the area. The flooding also damaged infrastructure and even swept away some buildings.^[5]
Hurricane Ida: On Friday, August 27, Hurricane Ida hit Cuba and made way towards US states, which it is expected to hit on Sunday. The Category 1 storm is expected to turn to a Category 3 storm by the time it hits Louisiana. Areas across the state have issued mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders. In Cuba, the storm has hit and is expected to cause some deadly flash floods across the area. It has mainly impacted the Cayman Islands.^[6] On Sunday, August 29, Hurricane Ida became a Category 4 storm, reaching winds as high as 150 mph. The storm is just 7mph away from becoming a Category 5. It is expected to be a deadly hurricane once it makes landfall in Louisiana. Both a hurricane warning and tornado warning are in effect for surrounding states. There have also been mandatory evacuation orders, as schools and casinos close and flights have been cancelled.^[7]