Pandemic, Week 82

This week, the Senate approved a temporary lifting of the debt ceiling, thereby avoiding default by the US government until December, which coincidently is when the continuing resolution for the budget expires. Facebook and its affiliated platforms of Instagram and WhatsAp all crashed on Monday for roughly six hours – Twitter meanwhile was fine. Whistle Blower Frances Haugen testified before Congress this week, detailing how Facebook knowingly harmed user by using algorithms the amplify insecurities, particularly those related to young people. The Pandora Paper were released, which expose an offshore system that allowed government leaders, billionaires and criminals to hide financial accounts. A pipeline leak off the coast of California caused more than 100,000 gallons of oil to spew into the Pacific Ocean. Washington National player Juan Soto flew out to LA to support former teammates Trea Turner and Max Scherzer in the NL Wildcard game.

The world reached 238.5 million COVID cases this week and 4.9 million deaths, of which the US accounted for 45.2 million cases and 733,000 deaths. 217 million people (65%) in the US have received at least one full dose of the vaccine and 187 million people (56%) are fully vaccinated. Pfizer requested emergency authorization for its COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11 which, if approved, could mean younger children could have their first dose before Halloween.

The kids were off of school for the latter half of the week due to the conferences (FYI: they're both doing well and their teachers love them), but we cancelled our planned trip to NYC in order to stay closer to home. Nora got a new viola and restarted in-person lessons; Owen ordered his full Dr. Who Halloween costume; and Allen submitted the draft Long Term Strategy to the White House for review. Other than that, we mostly spent the week being there for our friends and each other as we navigate the loss of our friend and loved one.

(To see this and last week's pictures, click here.)