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: MELISSA FISHMAN / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
FDA Authorizes Pfizer Vaccine for Kids 5-11
On Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration announced their emergency authorization of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years and older. The FDA unanimously approved the vaccine, which is said to have a 90 percent efficacy rate for young children despite the lower dosage that is being distributed to them. However, this recent development does not guarantee that children will receive the vaccine anytime soon due to the fact that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is next in line to approve of it before it is allowed to begin distribution.
Biden Meets with Pope Francis
President Biden is in Europe this weekend to speak with world leaders about the effects of climate change in this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) but made time to talk to Pope Francis in Rome on Friday. Biden, who has met with the Pope previously on a few occasions, spoke privately with the pontiff for 75 minutes in which they are said to have discussed many things but the foremost was Biden’s right to communion. In recent months, many Catholic bishops called on the Pope to deny Biden the holy sacrament due to his support of abbortion rights. The Pope, however, denied their request and instead gave Biden his stamp of approval, calling Biden “a good Catholic.”
Dune is Released in Theaters
The long-awaited movie premiere of “Dune” starring Timothée Chalamet, Jason Mamoa, and Zendaya was released this week much to critical disdain. Dune, the movie adaptation of the 1965 sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert of the same name, was released in theatres and on HBO Max to an audience hungry to see one of Hollywood’s favorite couples, Chalamet and Zendaya, interact on the big screen. Hopes for this were immediately dashed with movie-goers realised that Zendaya’s part was pitifully small in comparison to Chalamet whose role was more prominently featured. Nevertheless the film’s director, Denis Villeneuve, has already announced “Dune: Part Two” which is projected to be released in October of 2023.
Megan Thee Stallion Visits the LIU Brooklyn Campus
Students on the LIU Brooklyn campus were treated to a surprise appearance but pop legend, Megan Thee Stallion, on Wednesday night. Megan Thee Stallion, whose speedy rise to fame in recent years has made her a multi-time Grammy and BET Award winner, has also become a part of the LIU family. Early last spring, she announced that she would be offering one four-year scholarship to a student of the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment as well as a guest lecture at the University. While it was unclear why the superstar was on campus, it likely has to do with her partnership with the Roc Nation School.
Atlanta Braves Make the World Series
In Game 3 of the MLB World Series, the Atlanta Braves won 2-0 on their Friday night. The game was a consistent no-hitter until the top of the eighth inning, which broke up the tension; however this hit was only one of two for the whole night. Players Travis d’Arnaud and Austin Riley were the key to victory that night where the Braves took a 2-1 series lead.