Three things for August 24
1. FDA approves Pfizer vaccine
On Aug. 23, the Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the first vaccine to be approved for COVID-19.
“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.
“While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic,” said the FDA’s immediate press release.
While cases are rising across many states and public concerns are increasing over new variants, this new approval for the vaccine has been celebrated among many leaders who hope to rid the public of COVID-19.
2. More than 20 casualties reported in Tennessee flash flooding
After days of flash flooding in Middle Tennessee, 22 individuals have been added to the death count while at least 50 people remain missing.
“Things are moving fast and we are finding people left and right,” said Chief Deputy Rob Edwards of the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office in an email, adding that he expected the death toll to rise.
Among those killed were several children, including twin 7-month-olds, reports the New York Times.
“It is a devastating picture of loss and heartache,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said at a news conference on Sunday night.
Just 60 miles west of Nashville, small town Waverly has taken an incredibly hard hit.
With Three Rivers Hospital already suffering from an influx of COVID-19 patients, the task of rescuing the injured from the floods has proven difficult.
“Two trailers parked outside the hospital were used as mobile morgues,” hospital CEO Freda Russell told The Tennessean. “Families came to identify and claim the bodies of their loved ones when notified by law enforcement.”
At the beginning of a news conference on Tropical Storm Henri’s impact on New England, President Joe Biden offered condolences to the people of Tennessee and directed federal disaster officials to talk with the governor and offer assistance.
3. SLC to host Open Mic Night
On Friday, Aug. 27, the Student Leadership Council will host an open mic night for students. The event will be located at the amphitheater on the pedestrian mall at 7 p.m.
SLC will be providing free food and drinks for students who attend.
To sign up, click here.
