Friday, July 10 top news briefs
Hello, it is Friday, July 10. Ready for news?
Possible second round of stimulus checks
The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers said they support the idea of a second round of stimulus checks as a part of a new coronavirus relief package. It is possible that the checks will only go to those earning $40,000 or less a year. Some news analysts said based on lawmakers’ comments, it could be $1,200 per eligible person. It’s still early, but we’ll know more in the next few weeks.
60% more Covid-19 cases over past two weeks
The New York Times’ Covid-19 tracker said there are 60% more cases in the U.S. when compared with the numbers from 14 days ago. The number of deaths is up 5%, so it’s relatively stable. The rise in cases could be because of expanded testing, but it can be attributed to states reopening in the past month.
Kentucky’s governor has ordered everyone to wear a mask if they are out in public, especially in buildings or areas where people can’t be six feet apart. Michigan’s governor issued a similar order, but with a requirement that businesses are to refuse service or entry if a person is not wearing a mask.
Starbucks will require all customers in the U.S. to wear masks in their stores starting July 15. Those using the drive-thru will not be required to wear a mask.
Updates on international student visa policy change
Earlier this week the Trump administration announced a policy change that would bar international college students from having a visa to stay in the U.S. if their classes this fall are entirely online. Harvard and MIT filed a lawsuit to challenge the policy, saying it was cruel and reckless. Gallaudet University announced they are very concerned and are opposed to the policy change and are mobilizing their international, legal, and academic teams to make sure their international students can continue to receive their education. RIT said they will not be operating entirely online this fall with both in-person and hybrid models, so some parts of the policy change does not apply to them.
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Tropical Storm Fay
There is a topical storm named Fay that is moving off the New York coast with 60 mph winds. It is expected to make landfall in the New York City area this afternoon, then continue moving into New England, bringing strong winds and flash flooding. The storm has caused a planned Trump rally in New Hampshire to be postponed.
Seattle City Council members support defunding police
The Seattle Times reported that a majority of Seattle City Council members say they support a proposal to “defund the Seattle Police Department by 50% and reallocate the money to other community needs.” This is considered a victory for Black Lives Matter and CHAZ/CHOP protesters. The police budget is $409 million a year. The money that is cut would go to more community-based solutions to public safety. One activist said, “Police don’t stop crime, they respond to crime” — and said what prevents crime is access to resources.
Hagia Sophia to become a mosque again
Turkish President Erdogan ordered the Hagia Sophia, an ancient and internationally revered building in Istanbul that was built in AD 537, to be allowed to become a mosque. The building was originally built as a Christian cathedral, remained that way for almost 1,000 years, but then it was converted to a mosque for about 500 years, then converted into a museum for the past 80 years. A Turkish court said the building’s status as a museum was revoked, which allowed Erdogan to sign a decree that would make the building a mosque. It is a controversial decision.
NBA to resume season in “bubble”
The NBA is planning to resume their season on July 30 and keep all 22 teams in a “bubble” at Walt Disney World’s sports complex to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Players and staff will stay at designated hotels, be tested daily, and family and guests of the players will not be able to come until the playoffs begin. There will be three weeks of seeding games with the playoffs set to begin on August 17 and the finals taking place on September 30. There will be no fans — the games will be televised.
That is all the news for this week. Have a great weekend. Stay with the light.
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/09/business/starbucks-face-coverings-masks/index.html
https://mailchi.mp/gallaudet.edu/affirming-gallaudets-commitment-to-its-international-students
https://abcnews.go.com/US/tropical-storm-fay-path-heading-york-city-jersey/story?id=71706377
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/10/world/europe/hagia-sophia-mosque-turkey.html
https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/sports/2020/07/09/nba-bubble-takes-shape-disney-world/5387760002/