Three things for September 10
1. Biden enacts vaccine mandate for 100 million Americans
On Thursday, President Joe Biden enacted a vaccine mandate for roughly 100 million Americans. Any employee of the executive branch or contractors who do business with the federal government will be required to be vaccinated with no opportunity to opt-out. All employers with more than 100 employees and employees at healthcare facilities that accept Medicare or Medicaid will be required to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.
“We’ve been patient. But our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us,” said Biden in a press release.
The mandate is meant to address the sharp rise the U.S. has seen in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, mainly among unvaccinated individuals.
Businesses with more than 100 employees will be held accountable by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration with fines of $14,000 per violation of Biden’s mandate.
2. ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ star Michael Constantine dead at 94
The Associated Press confirmed that Michael Constantine died of natural causes on Thursday, Aug. 31, at age 94.
Constantine was best known for his role as the father of the bride, Gus Portokalos, in the 2002 film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”
Constantine also made appearances in “The Twilight Zone,” “Bonanza,” “Hogans Heroes,” “MacGyver” and other classic television shows.
In the 1970s, Constantine broke into the world of acting as the principal in the TV drama “Room 222.”
Constantine reprised his role as Gus Portokalos in “My Big Fat Greek Life” in 2003 and again in 2016 in “My Big Fat Greek Life 2.”
3. James Spears files to end Britney Spears’ court conservatorship
James Spears, father of Britney Spears, filed to end his court conservatorship over his daughter on Tuesday.
James filed for the termination of the conservatorship in the Los Angeles Superior Court, where Judge Brenda Penny will review the request.
The conservatorship began in 2008 when Brittney Spears began publicly struggling with her mental well-being.
James relinquished his control over her life decisions in 2019 but remained in control of the singer’s financial assets.
Many fans and celebrities took to Twitter to celebrate the pending end of Brittney Spears’ conservatorship.
