Outside Iona
December 9, 2021
Throughout our hectic student lives, we should always remain aware of what is happening around us. In this column, I find some of the most significant things around us and provide you with a small blurb and nitty-gritty details. Here are some of the major events that have been taking place:
General COVID-19 update.
The Omicron variant has sparked concern across the country as states begin to announce new cases. Utah, California, Minnesota, Colorado, Hawaii, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Missouri, New York and New Jersey have all reported cases of the Omicron variant. San Francisco reported the first case of Omicron in the United States. Few details are known about this individual but it has been stated that this person is between the ages of 18-49, who traveled to South Africa and developed symptoms around Thanksgiving.
Currently there are more than 20 identified cases in the United States. Most who were infected are vaccinated and display mild symptoms. As of now, none have been hospitalized.
In New York, there have been eight confirmed cases: seven from New York City and one from Suffolk Country.
Officials advise to get more frequent testing and booster shots to stop the spread.
Information from The Los Angeles Times, CNBC News and the Guardian.
Oxford High School shooting.
On Nov. 30, four students of Oxford High School were killed by gunman Ethan Crumbley in a mass shooting: Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Hanna St. Juliana, 14; and Justin Shilling, 17. In addition, six students and one teacher were injured. Crumbley is currently held in custody. He is being charged as an adult with terrorism and multiple counts of first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder and gun crimes.
Prior to the shooting, he was posting questionable material on social media that foreshadowed what would occur.
Early Saturday morning, the parents of the accused James and Jennifer Crumbley were arrested after fleeing authorities on Friday. A resident in Detroit saw their vehicle and contacted the police. Crumbley’s father purchased the gun that was employed during the shooting as a Christmas present, while his mother posted about it the next day. It has been disclosed that the gun was stored unlocked in a drawer in their bedroom. The day before the shooting, they were made aware that he was searching for ammunition on his cellphone during class. The couple is being charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Information from Click on Detroit, CNN and Detroit Free Press.
Threat of Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Biden administration has become vigilant for a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine. Officials emphasize that the intentions of President Putin remain unclear. The United States believes as many as 175,000 troops can be deployed as soon as January.
Russia has denied the accusations and criticized Ukraine for their troop buildup. Instead, they claim the reason for more troops across the border is for military exercises. There are approximately 70,000 troops deployed at the opposite of Ukraine.
Information from the New York Times, BBC News and CBS News.
Sources:
General COVID-19 Update.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/04/covid-news-what-we-know-about-us-omicron-cases.html
Oxford Highschool Shooting.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/01/us/michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-victims-trnd/index.html
Threat of Russian Invasion of Ukraine.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/04/us/politics/russia-ukraine-biden.html
