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: OSCAR FOCK / NEWS CO-EDITOR
Police Move In As Bridge Blockade Continues
Since Monday, Feb. 7, demonstrators have been blocking the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, effectively cutting off a major trade route between the U.S. and Canada. On Sunday morning, in the first major action by police against the protesters, Ontario police moved in on the blockade and began making arrests. The arrests come after a state of emergency was declared by Ontario premier, Doug Ford, and an order to clear a road in front of the bridge was issued by the Ontario Superior Court on Friday. Ford warned that consequences would be severe if the blockade was not dissolved. ”Your right to make a political statement does not outweigh the right of thousands of workers to make a living,” Ford said.
States Ease COVID-19 Restrictions, Eliminate Mask Mandates
In the latest COVID-related news, New York State will now be putting an end to its mask-or-vaccine mandate which requires proof of full vaccination or mask-wearing in all indoor public spaces according to Gov. Kathy Hochul who announced the news on Wednesday. As reported COVID-19 cases keep dropping, many other states have also elected to eliminate their mask mandates policies as well. In California, masks will no longer be required indoors for those who are vaccinated and in states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New Jersey, rules for mask use in schools will likely also be removed in the coming weeks. However, the fact that some states are loosening their mask rules does not mean that masks will no longer be required in some places. In California, local governments still have the authority to keep mask mandates in place, and in New York City masks and proof of vaccination will still be required, until a decision is made by Mayor Eric Adams. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the use of masks is a good way of reducing transmission of COVID-19.
As Deadline To Get Vaccinated Passes, Thousands Risk Losing Their Jobs
This Friday was the last day for New York City workers to get vaccinated forcing those who did not comply to risk losing their jobs. The policy, enacted by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, has proved effective given the increase in city workers with at least one dose, from 84 percent in October to today’s 95 percent. However, the vaccine mandate has still left up to 3,000 workers, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, at risk of being dismissed.
As the deadline came and passed, it remains unclear exactly how many were fired but Mayor Adams said that exact numbers would be released over the weekend. If the 3,000 workers were all to be dismissed, it would be a drastic reduction of city employees at a time when employment has been at risk. However, the city has indicated that the number is likely lower, as some of the unvaccinated got their first shot on Friday.
Video of Animal Abuse Sparks Outrage Inside and Outside the World Of Soccer
On Wednesday, a video emerged of soccer player Kurt Zouma kicking and slapping his cat. Zouma, a 27-year-old defender for Premier League side West Ham, received major backlash for his actions. His club decided to fine him two weeks salary, an amount reported by British media to be over $300,000, and sportswear brand, Adidas, quickly announced that Zouma would no longer be sponsored by the sports brand. West Ham condemned their player’s actions and is investigating the situation, but Head Coach, David Moyes, said that Zouma will still be available for selection. Shortly after the clip went viral, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said on Twitter that the cat was safely in their care and that they too would launch an investigation.
’The Power of the Dog’ Receives 12 Oscars Nominations
The nominees for the 2022 Oscars awards were revealed on Tuesday with western, ”The Power of the Dog,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, leading the charge with 12 nominations, including Best Picture. Among the nominations for Best Picture were also Netflix’s ”Don’t Look Up,” HBO Max’s ”Dune,” ”King Richard,” and Steven Spielberg’s rendition of ”West Side Story.” To the surprise of some, the box-office mega-hit ”Spider-Man: No Way Home” only received one nomination, for best visual effects. Many also argued that Lady Gaga and Jared Leto were snubbed of nominations for their respective roles in ”House of Gucci.”
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