Steve McGookinExasperated Biden prompts backlash with vaccine mandate
This week, America and the World remembered the events of September 11 2001, and in the wake of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, considered everything that followed from that day.
But no sooner had President Joe Biden ended one “forever war” than he has been forced to fight another – the relentless struggle against Covid and the politicization of vaccinations across the country.
Elsewhere in a divided US, the move to recall California Gov Gavin Newsom is reaching a climax, while the Justice Department brought a law suit against Texas, arguing that the state’s recently-passed abortion law is unconstitutional, likely setting up a clash between states’ rights advocates and the federal government.
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Biden Faces Perfect Storm Of Crises
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Congress heading for Budget showdown
One major obstacle still facing President Biden is passing his plan for rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, given heightened importance following recent extreme weather and ongoing climate concerns. Congressional committees are expected this week to draw up potential legislation for the administration’s $3.5 trillion Budget, with West Virginia Sen Joe Manchin again expected to be a pivotal voice in how the final version looks.
Meanwhile climate change is, of course, a global concern…
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Broadcasting As Usual As The Planet Burns
World Gets Yet Another Climate Wake-Up Call
‘Everything Is Getting Much Worse, Much Faster, Everywhere’ (2019)
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Tories scramble on social care as NHS creaks under Covid
Boris Johnson’s government was again in some disarray this week, this time over plans to raise revenue to tackle the burden of social care. The proposed increase in National Insurance was widely criticized and even described as “Poll Tax 2.0”.
Meanwhile, with Covid cases in the UK continuing to rise, the government announced it would not be going ahead with plans for a vaccine passport, intended to start at the end of this month.
Here in Northern Ireland, the Assembly was recalled this week to discuss the situation around Covid in schools; while Belfast Trust this weekend again appealed for off-duty nurses to come in, saying it was under “extreme pressure”.
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DUP warns of “unrest”; threatens to collapse Stormont
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson doubled down on opposition to the Brexit protocol, saying he feared “unrest on the streets” if a solution was not found that is acceptable to his party. He also said he was “not afraid to go to the country” and collapse the Stormont institutions over the issue.
European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič called for a dialing down of rhetoric when he visited Belfast this week to meet with politicians and business organizations, offering to bring forward “creative” ways to address concerns surrounding the protocol.
Meanwhile the broader economic impact of Brexit itself continues to unfold.
See Also:
The Protocol: Where Are We Now, And Where Does NI Go From Here?
Seismic Assembly Election On The Horizon?
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The Queen Of Queens
It was quite the sporting week, capped by a remarkable performance at the US Open tennis tournament when 18-year-old Emma Raducanu won the women’s singles title, setting the stage for a potentially massive, truly global, career.
Womens’ golf also has an exciting new star, as Ireland’s Leona Maguire went undefeated in her tournament debut to help Europe win the Solheim Cup.
Meanwhile it was announced that the British Open will be coming back to Royal Portrush in 2025.
Talking of returns, 36-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Old Trafford, where his “second debut” against Newcastle United became the most-watched game in Premiership history. He does not arrive without baggage, however.
Finally, it was a big weekend for the province at Croke Park as Antrim’s women beat Kilkenny to win the Intermediate Camogie title, while the Sam Maguire headed north following Tyrone’s defeat of Mayo in the All-Ireland Football Final.
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My First GAA Match: An All-Ireland Final (2018)
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