Morning Reads for the International Day of Democracy (September 15)

Good morning, and happy International Day of Democracy, a day to review the state of democracy in the world. COVID-19 has posed challenges worldwide – and not just here at home – for how best to face a global pandemic and still uphold the values of “freedom, respect for human rights, and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage.” Here are some ways to participate.

Now, let’s get to the news.

Pat Conroy

• Most COVID outbreaks in Georgia are happening in K-12 schools. (Alternate link.)
• Researchers at Augusta University have found that the delta variant is mutating amongst the area’s large unvaccinated population.
• The City of Decatur schools are the first to implement a vaccination mandate for employees in the state.
• Faculty and students around the 26 University System of Georgia campuses are letting the chancellor and regents know how they feel about not having practical COVID safety precautions in place.
• The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into Georgia’s prisons. (Alternate link.)
• Accidental shootings, already the leading cause for death among Georgia children and teens, are on the rise again.
• The U.S. Transportation Safety board has released its report on the capsizing of the Golden Ray, citing officer error as the cause.

Alice Walker

• California Governor Gavin Newsom remains governor of California today, having resoundingly beat back a recall effort.
• Former Vice President Dan Quayle is a real American hero. (Alternate link.)
• Tennessee now has the most COVID cases per capita in the United States.
• The U.S. Department of Justice has asked a federal judge in Texas to block the implementation of the state’s new abortion law.
• Facebook’s algorithm change in 2018 meant to make the site healthier instead made it worse. (Alternate link.)
• Last week’s shooting of South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was part of a wild insurance fraud scheme.
• Canada has an election on Monday. CBC has a poll tracker here.
• Three former U.S. intelligence officers have admitted to spying for the United Arab Emirates.
• North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles off of its coast. (Alternate link.)
• Spain has resumed talks in hopes of easing tensions over the Catalonian secession movement.
• A Climate Action Tracker analysis shows that no country – including the members of the G20 – is in line with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
• Pope Francis had harsh words for those who wield Christian symbols as political tools. (Alternate link.)

Flannery O’Connor

• Authorities in Louisiana have found and killed the 500 lb. alligator that ate someone during Hurricane Ida.
• A prison escapee in Canberra, Australia has turned himself in after 30 years due to not being able to work during COVID.
• A cat that fell in the stadium during Saturday’s Miami Hurricanes-Appalachian State Mountaineers game was saved by some quick-thinking fans.