Items

• 
  2021-04-03

  The whitewashing of Arab Americans impacted by Covid-19 is a catastrophic public health issue, experts say

  This article brings up important points regarding the underrepresentation of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) people and communities in U.S. This article focuses primarily on Arab Americans, but also sheds light on the fact that there are no identifiers for Middle Eastern and North African people on the U.S. Census as their only options are to choose “white” or “other”. As a result, there is a lack of Covid-19 data specific to these communities which prevents support and information being directed to those underrepresented – and often socioeconomically underprivileged – groups. This article is important in demonstrating the vulnerability of this group. Many MENA families live in multi-generational homes, have preexisting medical conditions or risk factors which may make them more vulnerable should they contract Covid, and still some do not have access to the information and support needed to prevent Covid or to receive the proper treatment if infected. Additionally, because MENA people are not able to self-identify on the U.S. Census, the information about how these communities are being affected is not accurate. The U.S. Census isn’t the only place where these identifiers do not exist. Job, scholarship, and college applications (to name only a few) do not provide accurate identifiers for MENA individuals. I think this article is important in revealing the lack of identifiers available to MENA people and how important it is that this is changed soon.
• 
  2020-01-28

  Predicting the Future

  I remember very specifically sitting in my Econ class my senior year of high school; we had to watch a CNN 10 video every week and explain how the things in the video could affect the economy. I remember looking my Econ teacher in her eyes and telling her that I thought the Coronavirus was going to be very serious and deadly. She told me that a few dead in China and a few cases in other countries doesn't mean that it will be a big problem. My whole class laughed at me because I was worried that the Coronavirus was going to come to the U.S. and kill a lot of people. That was January 28th, 2020. Cut to March 13th, 2020 Corona was in the U.S. and was spreading very rapidly. March 13th, 2020 was the last day of my senior year without me knowing it. We were told that we were getting an extended spring break and would be out of school for 2 weeks then we would be back. That did not happen. I never stepped foot into my high school again. We started Zoom classes on March 31st, 2020, and I never saw my high school teachers in person again. I didn't get a senior prom, proper graduation, or a school picture to show my future kids. Covid-19 ruined my senior year and would go on to ruin my first year of college, forcing me to drop out for the safety of my family and friends.
• 
  2021-07-22

  Hajj pilgrimage 2021

  This CNN article/photos show how the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is impacted by COVID for the second year in a row. The article states that, typically, 2 million Muslims worldwide go to Mecca for the Hajj, but this year, it is expected that only 60,000 residents will attend. Worshippers must be fully vaccinated and nonresidents are not allowed to attend.
• 
  2021-07-16

  COVID 19 cases are rising in 49 states

  Covid-19 cases are surging in nearly every state with the average of new cases at least 10% higher than a week ago -- and 38 states are seeing at least a 50% increase, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Many experts have attributed the rise to slowing vaccination rates with only 48.3% of the US population fully vaccinated, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We're seeing this because the public misunderstood the CDC guidance for fully vaccinated people as 'We can now do whatever we want. Even if we are unvaccinated, we can now behave as if we are vaccinated,'" CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Thursday. ⁠ (📸: Damian Dovarganes/AP)
• 
  2021-07-14

  Pop star Olivia Rodrigo visits White House to urge young people to get vaccinated against Covid-19

  "I am beyond honored and humbled to be here today to help spread the message about the importance of youth vaccination," Rodrigo said from the White House press briefing room podium. Youth vaccination rates continue to lag significantly behind the general American population. Rodrigo continued: "I'm in awe of the work President Biden and Dr. Fauci have done and was happy to help lend my support to this important initiative. It's important to have conversations with friends and family members encouraging all communities to get vaccinated, and actually get to a vaccination site, which you can do more easily than ever before, given how many sites we have and how easy it is to find them at vaccines.gov." The videos will be featured on the 18-year-old's social media channels as well as the White House's accounts. Rodrigo is the singer of hits "Drivers License," and "good 4 u," and has more than 28 million followers across her channels.
• 
  2021-06-01

  Peru

  As the US relaxes its COVID restrictions and business goes back to "normal" we quickly forgot that we were dealing with a global pandemic. Around the world countries are still suffering, people are still dying, COVID is not gone. CNN- "Peru has more than doubled its official death toll from the Covid-19 pandemic following a government review of the figures, leaving the country with the highest coronavirus-related death rate per capita in the world."
• 
  2021-04-15

  Maxine Waters tells Jim Jordan to ‘shut your mouth’ after GOP...

  Republican Rep. Jim Jordan and the nation’s top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci got into a heated exchange over the country’s Covid-19 mitigation measures, which ended with Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters telling Jordan to “shut your mouth"
• 
  2021-04-20

  Biden and Harris speak after Chauvin verdict

  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris speak after a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd. "A Measure of Justice is not the same as Equal Justice" President Biden and Madam Vice President Harris talk about social justice, racism, history, and plans moving forward.
• 
  2021-03-10

  unaccompanied migrant children in US Border Patrol facilities, which are akin to jail cells

  The number of unaccompanied migrant children in US Border Patrol facilities, which are akin to jail cells and not intended for kids, has reached dramatic highs, according to internal agency documents reviewed by CNN, underscoring the urgent challenge facing the Biden administration. More than 3,200 unaccompanied migrant children were in Customs and Border Protection custody, according to the documents dated Monday. Of those, around 2,600 were awaiting placement in shelters suitable for minors, but there were just over 500 beds available to accommodate them. The latest data comes on the heels of a trip to the US-Mexico border by senior administration officials to assess the situation on the ground amid an increasing number of arrests and indicates a rapidly increasing trend of unaccompanied children coming into the US. Less than a week ago, there were around 1,700 children in Border Patrol custody.
• 
  2021-03-15

  Covid-19 cases plunge 83% among US nursing home staff

  "After the rollout of Covid-19 vaccine, the number of new cases among nursing home staff members fell 83%, data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shows. "It's a big relief for me," said Joan Phillips, who works at the North Beach Rehabilitation Center outside Miami. More than 3 million doses of vaccine have been doled out in nursing homes across the US."
• 
  2021-03-13

  Smithsonian receives vial from the first Covid-19 vaccine does administered in the US

  "The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History received the vial from the first authorized Covid-19 vaccine does administered in the US. The museum formed a task force last April aimed at chronicling events from the past year as well as documenting the effects of the pandemic has had on businesses, work, politics, and culture, said a news release. "These now historic artifacts document not only this remarkable scientific progress but represent the hope offered to millions living through the cascading crises brought on by COVID-19," museum director Anthea M. Hartig said."
• 
  2020-03-11

  Meet Generation C, the Covid generation

  "Natalie Sanchez heard it in her children's voice when their birthday parties were canceled and saw it on their faces when they couldn't play with friends. It was more than just simple disappointment. It was fear that the world they once knew might have changed forever. "I think that it's something that's going to kind of scar them. I don't think that they'll forget," says the mom of three. Now, a year into a worldwide disaster it's no longer a question of if this pandemic will shape an entire generation, But how."
• 
  2021-02-05

  Democrats One Step Closer to Passing Covid Relief

  In a 51-50 partisan vote, the Senate Democrats inch towards passing President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion dollar relief package. The vote enables Democrats to move forward without fear of a filibuster blocking. There was little bi-partisan effort, but Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Susan Collins (R-ME) were able to strike a deal preventing high-income earners from receiving a $1,400 stimulus check. The bill is most likely to pass later this month after the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is over.
• 2020-12-03

  Joe Biden Asks American for 100 Days of Mask Following His Inauguration

  In an interview with CNN, President-Elect Joe Biden asks Americans to wear mask for his first 100 days in office, a symbolic time when Presidents exemplify how they will govern. He said he will mandate masks be worn on all federal land, buildings, and roadways. Americans might need to wear masks longer than the first 100 days as the first week of May would mark the end of the President-Elect's first 100 days.
• 
  2020-12-03

  Former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton Vow to Get Vaccinated once Approved

  In order to place faith and security in the mind of the American people, the three former presidents vow to get the COVID-19 vaccine once approved by the FDA, Dr. Fauci, and other leading experts. Some people have expressed criticism about the vaccine due to its relatively quick development, however once many prominent Americans get the vaccine these concerns might go away.
• 
  2020-11-12

  More COVID-19 Restrictions to Come

  As cases are rapidly rising in the United States many cities are imposing more restrictions again such a closing down certain public spaces and services. Chicago recently issued a 30 day stay at home advisory and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is floating the idea of imposing more restrictions if the high transmission rate continues. Officials are telling people to cancel any Thanksgiving plans people might have as a result of the rising cases all over the country.
• 
  2020-11-04

  North Dakota state legislature candidate won election but died from COVID

  A state legislator who died still won his election. I wonder how many people knew he was dead and how many people just checked the box because it was republican. Considering he died so early I wonder why he wasn't replaced.
• 
  2020-10-30

  Taiwan Went 200 Days without a Local Transmission

  Despite its close proximity to China, Taiwan just passed 200 days without a local transmission of COVID. The article states, "Taiwan has never had to enact strict lockdowns. Nor did it resort to drastic restrictions on civil freedoms, like in mainland China. Instead, Taiwan's response focused on speed. Taiwanese authorities began screening passengers on direct flights from Wuhan, where the virus was first identified, on December 31, 2019 -- back when the virus was mostly the subject of rumors and limited reporting." Taiwan's geography also helped its control of the virus. Being an island in the Pacific help it regulate the flow of people coming in and out.
• 2020-10-25

  Fauci says findings on Covid-19 vaccine will be here soon

  Fauci says findings on Covid-19 vaccine will be here soon. However, he also states that the vaccine will not be available for most of the public until a few months into 2021.
• 
  2020-10-22

  Governor Chris Christie

  I thought this story was important to preserve. Most politicians who follow President Donald Trump hold him up on a pedestal. In their devoted eyes the President can do no wrong. I was not surprised when Governor Chris Christie contracted COVID, I felt like it was just a matter of time for most of them after the President contracted it. The surprising part was his reaction and revelation after the entered the recovery phase. I was surprised to hear him admit that not wearing a mask was a mistake. I’m assuming that he felt immediate regret because COVID landed him in ICU. He also went on to urge people to wear a mask and protect themselves. This story makes me hope that other diehard Republicans will realize the importance of masks.
• 
  2020-10-12

  Let the countdown recommence: Dubai prepares for Expo 2020

  The World Expo 2020 Dubai, originally set to begin in October 2020, has been rescheduled to start October 1, 2021.
• 
  2020-10-15

  Senator Harris Suspends Travel Following Campaign Covid-19 Outbreak

  California Senator and Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee, Kamala Harris suspends her campaign travel following two positive cases in her campaign staff. This is a precautionary measure by the campaign. Neither Joe Biden nor Kamala Harris were exposed to either staffer.
• 
  2020-10-13

  Vaccine trials on hold

  CNN reports that Johnson and Johnson put their vaccine trials on pause after one of their volunteers is experiencing an unexplained illness. As if many people weren’t already sketched out about this vaccine race this is yet another reason why many are saying they’ll wait a while to get vaccinated. I for one, will wait until it’s ok’d by the CDC and the first wave of people vaccinated don’t have adverse reactions.
• 
  2020-10-13

  Rockstar mom

  CNN reports the story of Brianna Hill who went into labor in the middle of her bar exam, which had to be delayed because of the pandemic. Her water broke and she labored while still taking the exam. After having her baby boy, she continued on with her exam. This story not only highlights the wide effects of the pandemic but also shines a bright light on the resilience of motherhood and the power of determination.
• 
  2020-10-12

  Taking on COVID

  I found this CNN article really interesting. The best part was the comment section. It’s mixed feelings with some saying these people are essentially taking one for the team while others are saying these people are an extreme version of anti-maskers.
• 2020-05-07

  Junior at Home

  This pandemic had completely changed my lifestyle, but I'm not complaining entirely. Yes, staying at home is difficult but it has made my relationship with my parents much better as we often spend more time with each other instead of being caught of with work, school, or other activities. It would definitely be nice to get out and not have to worry about our favorite restaurants being closed or simple errands. Being at home also changed the usual rigor of an AP student as courses, lessons, and projects have to accommodate "at-home-learning". Just really hoping my loved ones remain safe and that the pandemic would end soon so we could focus our attention on more pressing domestic issues. #BLM
• 
  2020-05-29

  Are inmates attempting to infect themselves to gain early release?

  One response to the pandemic in the US has been to consider releasing some prison inmates early to quell the spread of the virus within the prison population. This is a valid strategy because social distancing in a prison is impossible. In this video it appears that inmates are all sharing a cup in an attempt to infect themselves. Is that what is actually happening? Are they doing this in hopes that they will be released?
• 
  2020-05-29

  What’s happening right now

  This photo shows the Minnesota protest. The Minnesota protest is about black people getting killed and murdered for no reason. An how people are trying to stick up for them. It’s horrible to hear that another person has died because of their skin color. *Lonely Pirate, Mepham High School *This makes me feel horrible
• 
  2020-04-02

  Joe Exotic in Quarantine for Coronavirus

  The man made famous as "Joe Exotic" in the Netflix documentary series "Tiger King" is reportedly in quarantine in a Fort Worth prison.
• 
  2020-03-18

  Why NBA players can get coronavirus tests but regular Americans are struggling to

  This reveals the inequalities in American society that persist and are further exposed by a pandemic such as COVID-19