Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of November 29, 2021
It’s been a busy week, from Omicron variant updates to major snowstorms. 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
Photo Source: AP Photo/Bob Edme
- Vaccine Updates: On Monday, November 29, the CDC announced that all people should receive of Covid-19 booster shot due to the Omicron variant. The new advice is that boosters should be administered six months after the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and two months after the Johnson and Johnson jab. The booster is recommended for those 18 and over.[1] On November 30, advisors to the FDA voted in a 13-0 vote to authorize the Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics covid pill for emergency use. The pill, if approved by the FDA, would be the first oral antiviral treatment for Covid-19.[2]
- New Travel Restrictions: On Tuesday, November 30, the Biden Administration announced that it is strongly considering having everyone who enters the US - resident or not - test for Covid a day before their flight leaves and when they land. The new ruling would also apply to those who are vaccinated. The CDC is currently brainstorming how to make international travel the safest.[3] On Monday, November 29, the CDC announced that Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe have been added to the high-risk level for Covid-19. The CDC added these countries to a level 4 due to the Omicron variant and not actual case numbers.[4] On Wednesday, December 1, Nigeria recorded its first three cases of the Omicron variant. As a result, Nigeria has tightened restrictions, requiring negative Covid tests 2 days before people enter the country.[5]
- New Mandates: On Tuesday, November 30, the Defense Secretary announced that any unvaccinated National Guard members will not be allowed to participate in trainings or drills and thus will not be paid. The announcement comes a few days after Oklahoma’s governor asked the Defense Secretary to reconsider the legality of the vaccine mandate.[6] On Tuesday, November 30, Greece announced plans to impose a fine on those 60 and older who do not get vaccinated. After the vaccine for seniors becomes mandatory, those who don’t comply will be fined $100 each month they refuse. More than half a million people over the age of 60 still need to be vaccinated in Greece.[7] On Thursday, December 2, Germany announced a nationwide lockdown for those who are unvaccinated. Unvaccinated people will be barred from entering all but absolutely essential businesses, which include pharmacies and supermarkets. Under these restrictions, unvaccinated people will also only be allowed to meet with two people from other households, as Germany continues to push for higher vaccination rates.[8]
- Omicron Variant Cases: On Thursday, December 2, it was reported that cases in South Africa are rapidly increasing with the new Omicron variant. Over 11,000 new cases were reported in just 24 hours.[9]
- Brazil Supreme Court Update: On Saturday, December 4, Brazil’s Supreme Court announced that it was opening an inquiry into comments made by President Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro allegedly linked the Covid-19 vaccine to higher chances of contracting aids. The comments, which were made in a livestream, led to Bolsonaro’s temporary suspension from Facebook and YouTube under their new privacy laws.[10]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]BBC [8]CNN [9]BBC [10]BBC
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Supreme Court to Hear Arguments Regarding Abortion
Photo Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
On Thursday, December 2, former Vice President Mike Pence called on the Supreme Court to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the US. Just the day before, the Supreme Court had begun listening to arguments regarding the new Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks. Should the Supreme Court decide to overturn Roe v. Wade, millions of women will lose access to abortions.
Source: BBC
Violence and Tragedies Continue into December
Photo Source: AP Photo/Alphonce Garibaldi's
- Michigan School Shooting: On Tuesday, November 30, a school shooting at a Michigan high school left at least 3 people dead and another 8 wounded. All those killed were students under the age of 17. The suspect, a sophomore, was taken into custody without incident. Police are still investigating a motive.[1]
- Mali Attack: On Saturday, December 4, local authorities announced that Mali militants killed at least 31 people. The militants shot at a bus ferrying people to local markets. The armed men slashed the tires of the bus before firing at people in central Mali. Security forces quickly entered the scene.[2]
- Kenya Bus Crash: On Saturday, December 4, at least 23 choir members drowned after a bus crashed into a flooded river in Kenya. The passengers were headed to a wedding. Reporters stated that at least 12 people had been rescued. Kenya has experienced unusual levels of rain this year.[3]
Microsoft Under Fire
Photo Source: AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File
On Thursday, December 2, Microsoft came under fire after its announcement of a “buy now, pay later” feature on the web browser, Edge. While these schemes allow for buyers to divide purchases into chunks, they are also known to put people in debt. Angry users have accused Microsoft of becoming a greedy “cash grab.” There was so much outrage, angry tags now appear when people search for the announcement.
Source: BBC
Droughts and Intense Snow in Areas
Photo Source: Emil Helms / Ritzau via AP
On Sunday, November 28, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Peru, causing structural damage. Peru’s president has pledged to support those affected by the quake.[1] On Monday, November 29, extreme winds in Turkey killed at least 6 people and injured another 52, carrying over into Tuesday. Many rooftops were blown away, as well as structural damage to buildings. More than 30 planes were diverted and at least 10 cities suspended schools.[2] On Wednesday, December 1, it was reported that 26 million people are struggling for food due to a drought in the Horn of Africa. The lack of rainfall is so bad, livestock is dying in alarming numbers, creating the food shortage. Experts believe this will continue into mid-2022.[3] On Thursday, December 2, staff and customers were stranded in an Ikea store overnight due to heavy snow in Denmark. At least 25 people had the ultimate sleepover after becoming stranded. Elsewhere in the area, at least 300 people were stranded in the airport. Police have advised against driving due to the snow.[4] On Friday, December 3, it was reported that only two US states are under blizzard warnings, something that is highly unusual. The two states, Alaska and Hawaii are much colder than they’ve been previously and are expected to get a lot of snow. Shockingly, Hawaii has had more snowfall this season than Denver, Colorado.[5] On Saturday, December 4, residents in Indonesia fled as a volcano erupted. At least one person died from the explosion and dozens more were injured. Villages nearby were covered in smoke and ash. The smoke has hampered evacuation and rescue efforts.[6]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]BBC [4]BBC [5]CNN [6]BBC
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