Outside Iona
May 5, 2022
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 Updates.
As of last week, Dr. Fauci has declared that in the U.S. COVID-19 is no longer considered to be the pandemic stage. He urges that in order for the nation to continue to have low levels of cases, the vaccine possibly has to be administered every year. Additionally, WHO announced that the global death count has fallen to its lowest level since the beginning of the pandemic. Yet, they note that in Europe and other regions there have been some spikes.
China has been one of those regions with rising cases, ushering in restrictions and lockdowns. Beijing and Shanghai have been put on lockdown with the former reporting upwards of 15,000 cases. Last March, the country started to see numbers similar to the start of the pandemic, which alarmed officials. Now, some neighborhoods have begun to ease their restrictions with the threat of one case reinstating the lockdown.
Information from PBS and CNN.
Russian-Ukraine War Updates.
The Azovstal plant was a symbol of pride for the Ukrainians in their fight to protect their home. The plant produces approximately 4 million tons of steel annually, exporting it globally. Unfortunately, at least 150 employees have been killed with thousands remaining unaccounted for. Almost every building at the plant has been destroyed. Civilians near Azovstal have started to be evacuated after a ceasefire. As of this Sunday, more than 100 civilians have evacuated. President Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian government will continue to evacuate people. Around 69% of the de-occupied settlements in the country have been returned to the hands of local government. In addition, humanitarian work has begun in 93% of liberated regions.
According to the prosecutor general of Ukraine there is a total of 9,518 criminal cases involving war crimes committed by Russian forces. So far, 15 individuals in the Kyiv region and 10 in Bucha have been identified. Lat week the prosecutor recognized 10 Russian forces that were suspected of a variety of crimes in Bucha. However, every day there is a possibility to open new cases.
Information from CNN and New York Times.
2022 White House Correspondents Dinner
After two years, the annual White House Correspondents dinner was held. In addition, after six years the president of the United States was in attendance. Negative COVID tests and vaccination proof were required for attendance. Some, including President Biden, made jokes of anti-vaccine rhetoric and the previous administration.
There were many notable celebrities in attendance. Although, Dr. Fauci skipped the event, taking precaution. The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah delivered a roast. Kim Kardasian and Pete Davidson were spotted among others walking the carpet.
Information from Politico and the Washington Post.
Sources:
General COVID-19 Updates.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/28/china/china-covid-lockdown-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html
Russian-Ukraine War Updates.
https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-05-01-22/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/28/europe/mariupol-azovstal-steel-plant-intl-cmd/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/05/01/world/ukraine-russia-war-news
2022 White House Correspondent Dinner.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/05/01/white-house-correspondents-dinner-parties/
