If you look at the top news stories of 2022, you will see a lot of different things. You’ll find articles about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Betty White’s 100th birthday, and Brazilian elections, to name a few.
COVID-19 pandemic
If the COVID-19 pandemic was a news story of 2022, it would not only be a disaster for humanity, but a huge economic burden as well. The number of deaths could be in excess of 2 million. This would have economic impacts for years to come, including postponements, cancellations, and unemployment.
In early 2019, the World Health Organization began tracking the spread of a novel coronavirus. It also began working with global experts to expand scientific knowledge. WHO and other partners are working to reduce the risk of infection.
While the virus has not yet reached epidemic levels, the number of cases continues to increase. The virus is a member of a large family of viruses, known as coronaviruses. Coronaviruses are capable of causing more severe disease than the common cold.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than one million Americans have died. But this figure represents just the first two years of the global outbreak. A massive vaccine effort has begun in conjunction with the World Bank Group and other partners.
In China, where the population is undervaccinated, and has limited supplies of treatments, the COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of survival. The country’s health authorities have started going door to door to distribute vaccines. However, they are concerned about the side effects of the vaccine.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, the World Bank Group is working on the largest vaccination program in history. WHO is working with partners to expand the understanding of this new coronavirus.
Russian invasion of Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered forces to invade Ukraine on February 24. The resulting invasion began a nine-month battle, and has left nearly seven million Ukrainians displaced. It has also deepened Ukrainian national identity.
A poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed that 86% of Ukrainians supported the war. However, the majority of Ukrainians had a “bad” attitude towards Russia.
A Gallup poll found that 70% of Ukrainians are determined to fight to the end against Russia. Interestingly, the New York Times reported that an uptick in support for the Russian invasion had occurred.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he has doubts about the Russia-China relationship. He wants to discuss Ukraine with his counterpart, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At a G20 Foreign Ministers meeting, Wang Yi reiterated China’s neutral stance on the war. While Wang Yi did not acknowledge Russia’s invasion, he urged maximum restraint on all sides, and called for curbing the “spillover effects” of the conflict.
China’s customs administration eased restrictions on Russian wheat imports after the inauguration of President Putin. Meanwhile, the Red Cross Society of China will provide $791.5 thousand in aid to Ukraine.
In the meantime, a Chinese government spokesperson has outlined four priorities for resolving the conflict. Specifically, Beijing has asked that the conflict be halted around nuclear facilities, and it has urged for humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile, Xi and Putin met in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the SCO summit. Xi did not mention the Ukraine invasion in his discussion with Putin. But he did ask for Germany’s participation in a Global Security Initiative.
Animal relocation is helping euthanasia rates plummet
Despite some progress, many animals are still being euthanized in our homes and on our streets. The ASPCA’s Relocation program is doing its part to save a few of these creatures by partnering with high-kill shelters and bringing them to locations where they can get adopted.
Besides helping euthanasia rates plummet, the ASPCA also helps to strengthen programs in partner shelters. To date, 70 shelters have shut down gas chambers. In fact, the ASPCA’s relocation program is also helping to keep cats and dogs from spreading diseases like rabies.
Some animal welfare organizations, like PETA, have even gotten in on the action. For instance, in 2019, they euthanized 1,614 animals. Not only is this an improvement on the previous year, it is the best year since the group started tracking euthanasia rates.
In addition to pet euthanasia, shelters are euthanizing a wide range of other creatures. Dogs and cats, for instance, are killed for reasons ranging from overcrowding to medical issues. Among these are behavioral problems. Aside from the aforementioned sexism, a sex-related issue can also cause an animal to be left in a high-kill shelter, resulting in the dreaded death.
As for the ASPCA’s Relocation program, they do a great job in keeping cats and dogs from dying a miserable death. Their relocation efforts include providing guidance and resources to partner shelters. Having an active relocation program is a good idea because it allows the organization to source the shelters they work with. It is also a good way to reduce overcrowding.
Brazilian elections
Brazilians cast their ballots for president on Sunday. A vote that was widely seen as a rebuke to the nation’s erratic leadership. The election was marked by an ugly campaign, which raised concerns that the nation’s democratic institutions are in decline.
The race has been marred by allegations of fraud, and Brazil’s electoral authorities are working to increase transparency. However, the election has roiled the country, with a number of violent attacks on candidates and police, and a high rate of voter dissatisfaction.
In a recent survey, voters said the economy and corruption were the top two concerns. But the election has sparked deep divisions between supporters of the two candidates. Both have promised to fight corruption, while tackling crime and growth.
Lula da Silva, a former Brazilian president, ran on a platform of social justice, poverty reduction, and environmental protection. His Workers’ Party also pledged to boost taxes on the rich, and a debt forgiveness program.
Bolsonaro, a right-wing nationalist, has promised to crack down on graft and corruption, and increase spending on education and health. He has also loosened gun laws and rolled back environmental regulations.
Bolsonaro’s efforts have drew international attention and a flurry of accusations. Bolsonaro has said that da Silva was a pedophile, cannibal, and Satanist. And his allies have questioned his sexual morals and the way he treats Indigenous communities.
The first round of legislative elections is set for October 30. If no candidate gains 50% of the vote, a runoff will take place.
Betty White’s 100th birthday
Betty White was a popular entertainer who has appeared on numerous television shows. She was also a dedicated animal rights activist. Her career spanned eight decades.
White became a household name in her 80s. After appearing on sitcoms and game shows, she was a star on the small screen. Among her many accomplishments, she was a member of the Television Hall of Fame. As the first woman to be a producer of a national TV show, she was a pioneer.
She was awarded eight Emmys, three American Comedy Awards, and a Grammy. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1988.
Betty White is known for her performances on “Hot in Cleveland,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and “The Golden Girls.” She received accolades for her work on these and other shows.
The anniversary event was to be held at her Brentwood home. It was to include special guests such as Clint Eastwood, Ryan Reynolds, and Tina Fey.
A documentary about the actress will premiere on January 17, 2022. This movie will explore the highlights of her long career.
The film will also examine the importance of her advocacy on behalf of animals. Several actors and celebrities will participate in the film, including Ryan Reynolds, Robert Redford, and Morgan Freeman.
In addition to the stars, the film will also showcase key interviews that reveal the life and career of Betty White.
By Norman Gregory
