Shark Scoop is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in global, national and local news, as well as a top headline in entertainment and sports.
By: REYNA IWAMOTO / MANAGING EDITOR
Biden Pushes Border Policy, Deporting Haitian Families
The Biden Administration has taken up an aggressive effort in clearing out a makeshift migrant camp in Del Rio, Texas, made up of nearly 15,000 Haitian migrants. This effort has included Border Patrol agents mounted on horseback, brandishing whips, and rounding up Haitian families for deportation. While the Department of Homeland Security is investigating the Border Patrol’s treatment of Haitian migrants, President Biden responded to images of this conduct, vowing that these Border Patrol agents would “pay.” Despite President Biden’s promise of a “fair and humane” immigration system, as well as the criticism from human rights groups and Democratic lawmakers, the Biden Administration has deported hundreds of Haitians and is continuing efforts to relieve the overflow of migrants in Del Rio and deter Haitian migrants from attempting to come to the U.S.
As Taliban Presence Nears China, Afghan Uyghurs Fear Deportation
As members of the Taliban met with Chinese officials on Thursday, September 23 — eager to establish warm relations and gain favor with China — many Uyghurs who have fled to Afghanistan fear being sent back to China. For years, China has taken efforts to suppress the Uyghur Muslim population, including keeping families interned in camps in Xinjiang, where allegations of human rights abuses have emerged. While Chinese officials have previously called on leaders in Afghanistan to deport Uyghur militants they claimed were part of an extremist group called the East Turkestan Isalmic Movement, Uyghurs in Afghanistan are now living in fear of being branded as terrorists and what their future may hold if they are deported and sent to Xinjiang.
New York State Health Commissioner Resigns
On Thursday, September 23, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the resignation of Dr. Howard Zucker, the New York State Health Commissioner who led former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s pandemic response in 2020. Dr. Zucker’s resignation follows political pressure for his removal after coming under fire for the Health Department’s role in helping to obscure the COVID-19 death toll in nursing homes and withholding health data from the legislature in 2020. The state’s response to the pandemic and the handling of death data is the subject of a current federal investigation and inquiry led by the State Assembly. Despite the announcement of his departure, Dr. Zucker has agreed to retain his position until a replacement is found.
Highlights from the 73rd Annual Emmy Awards
On Sunday, September 19, the 73rd Emmy Awards, hosted by comedian Cedric the Entertainer, kicked off the 2021-2022 award season. Highlights from the night include two major wins by Netflix, with “The Crown'' winning best drama and “The Queen’s Gambit” winning best limited series, while “Ted Lasso'' on Apple TV+ won best comedy. Winners in the acting categories included Josh O’Connor, Olivia Colman, Kate Winslet, and Jason Sudeikis.
Kevin Durant Ranked as Top NBA Player
Sports Illustrated annual Top 100 list has been published and Kevin Durant has taken the cake, ranked as the #1 player for the 2021-2022 NBA season. The rankings, determined by a group of NBA writers through data and evaluation, are specifically for the upcoming season and do not take into account the players’ long-term prospects. Durant, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets, spent the 2019-2020 season recovering from a torn Achilles and was previously ranked #6 in the Top 100 list. Following a successful performance at the 2021 playoffs, averaging a hyper-efficient 35.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists against the Bucks, there was no question that Durant would be ranked at the top. The rest of the top 5 players following Durant include Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks at #2, LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers ranked third, Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors at #4 and finally Nikola Jokić from the Denver Nuggets at #5.
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