Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of October 11, 2021

Updated October 16, 2021 | Infoplease Staff

It’s been a busy week, from low voter turnout in Iraq to absolute violence across the globe. 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 for the Week of October 11

Photo Source: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

• Mandates Continue to Affect Employment: On Monday, October 11, it was reported that Southwest Airlines cancelled at least 2,000 flights over the weekend, making it 1 in every 4 flights that was cancelled. The company originally blamed “weather and technical issues,” but later admitted that it is struggling with 7,000 less employees than before the pandemic.^[1] A report released on Tuesday, October 12, revealed that a record number of Americans have quit their jobs since the pandemic began, with 4.3 million people quitting since August. Mandates aren’t the only reason, many employees are demanding better wages, flexible arrangements, and healthier work environments.^[2] On Friday, October 15, Chicago stated that police need to show proof of vaccination, something the union has been arguing against. In a stance against the mandate, nearly half of Chicago’s rank-and-file police officers were placed on unpaid leave.^[3]
• Borders to Open and Lockdowns Ended: On Monday, October 11, Sydney, Australia finally ended its 107-day lockdown. Lines appeared outside of pubs and shops as people celebrated.^[4] On Wednesday, October 13, the US announced that come November 1, it will reopen the borders to fully vaccinated travelers. Canada and Mexico are some of the first approved countries.^[5] Shortly before, Thailand made a similar announcement, stating that it will open its border to fully vaccinated travelers from 10 low-risk countries. The US, UK, China, and Germany are on that list.^[6]
• Grim Numbers for Russia: On Saturday, October 16, Russia reported a record number of cases and deaths in a 24 hour period. Over 1,000 people have died from Covid and over 33,000 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours. However, lawmakers have made it clear that they refuse to impose a country-wide lockdown. Instead, President Putin urged lawmakers to highlight the importance of the vaccine. Despite being the first country to approve a vaccine, Russia is far behind other countries in vaccination numbers.^[6]

Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]BBC [5]CNN [6]BBC [6]CNN

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Violence Grips the World

Photo Source: AP Photo/Sidiqullah Khan

• Terrorist Attacks Across the World: On Wednesday, October 13, a suspect in Norway killed five people after attacking a crowd with a bow and arrow. The suspect is currently in custody, and police believe the attack may have some terroristic motives.^[1] On Friday, October 15, the UK was completely shaken after lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death while meeting with constituents. The suspect is currently in custody and police believe he is an Islamic terrorist. The attack has called to question the security and safety surrounding UK lawmakers.^[2] On Friday, October 15, ISIS-K claimed responsibility for another suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Kandahar. At least 32 people were killed and another 68 wounded as terrorist attacks become more common in Afghanistan.^[3]
• Protesters Attacked in Beirut: On Thursday, October 14, dozens of protesters marching towards Lebanon’s Justice Palace were attacked by gunmen and snipers hiding in buildings. The protesters were on their way to demand the removal of a judge foreseeing the controversial case regarding the Beirut explosion from last year. At least five people died during the hours of gunfire.^[4]
• Shootings Across America: On Monday, October 11, at least 1 person died and another were injured after a shooting at a Minnesota bar. Three suspects were taken into custody as police continued to investigate the event.^[5] On Tuesday, October 12, two postal workers were killed in Memphis after another employee opened fire on the workplace. The suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted wound. Police are still investigating.^[6]On Saturday, October 16, a gunman appeared out of nowhere outside a Houston bar and began firing at police detaining someone else. At least one deputy died and another two were taken to the hospital with injuries. The police have one person in custody, but it is unknown whether this person is the suspect or a witness. Police are still investigating the apparent ambush.^[7]

Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]CNN

Low Voter Turnout in Iraq

Photo Source: AP Photo/Hadi Mizban

On Monday, October 11, Iraq counted the votes after the lowest ever election turnout. According to officials, only about 41% of the country voted this time around. In Baghdad, the number was between 31% and 34%. This election was in response to the protests that occurred in 2019, with activists demanding jobs and services and political overhaul. Hundreds of protesters were killed by the military in a crackdown response.^[1] In the end, Shia Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's party won the most votes, earning his party more seats in the parliament. Sadr’s group however, still must join others in negotiations to form a new administration. Sadr made a live speech accepting his victory and promising to create a nationalist government that lacks foreign interference.^[2]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN

Floods, Volcanic Explosions, and Earthquakes Galore

Photo Source: AP Photo/Andi Husein

• Flooding in China: On Monday, October 11, severe flooding in China’s Shanxi province affected 1.76 million people. The area has faced torrential rain for the last week, causing houses to collapse and many landslides. Continuing torrential rain has hampered rescue efforts. More than 17,000 homes have been destroyed and multiple fatalities have been reported.^[1]
• La Palma Volcano Continues to Show Activity: On Monday, October 11, more lava spewed from the La Palma volcano, causing a cement factory to light on fire. Over 2,500 people were pushed into lockdown. Most of the danger was due to the smoke and gas being released from the fire. This is the volcano’s 23rd consecutive day of activity.^[2]
• Huntington Beach Reopens: On Monday, October 11, California announced that Huntington Beach will be able to reopen after the oil spill that occurred last week. After performing tests, officials were unable to detect any more chemicals.^[3]
• California Fires: On Wednesday, October 13, California shut down the iconic Highway 101 and Amtrak services in Santa Barbara due to the Alisal Fire. The Alisal Fire is 13,400 acres long and has only been aggravated by aggressive winds. Evacuations have been ordered as firefighters attempt to contain parts of the fire.^[4]
• Earthquake in Bali: On Friday, October 15, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit Bali, damaging homes and leaving people in rubble. At least 3 people died after the strike. As landslides have been triggered, rescue efforts have continued.^[5]

Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN