News Briefs

Stanley Colaço
Staff Writer 

National

Wall Street Journal report claims Facebook censorship works against conservative media

A Wall Street Journal report that has been collecting data from the last few years claims heavy censorship against conservative media, even after Facebook management took internal action to prevent this from occurring. While the Wall Street Journal examined numerous sources, one of their special focuses throughout the investigation was Breitbart, a well-known conservative media outlet that has been using Facebook and social media heavily, especially through the last five years. Facebook employees removed their content from the news feed and the report alleges that a similar move was made to remove CNN.

Florida governor works to legislate bonus for unvaccinated relocating police officers

On Sunday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he is pushing legislation through Florida that will allow police officers from other states to receive $5,000 bonuses if they move to Florida to escape vaccine mandates. Some of the examples the governor gave of states to be relocated from included New York and Minnesota, where police are being barred from service or suspended for noncompliance with their states’ vaccine mandates. The governor is doing this in direct response to a Biden administration announcement from earlier in the month that mandated vaccines for businesses which employed 100 or more employees.

Southwest Airlines removes controversial rule regarding unvaccinated employees

After earlier claiming that they would place all unvaccinated employees on unpaid leave while they wait for exemption requests to be reviewed, Southwest Airlines has backed out of their claim. Steve Goldberg, senior vice president of hospitality and operations, also released details as to the new system. Employees will have until November 24 to report any claims in regards to exemptions. This change was made after the initial report by the company caused many employees to threaten to walk off the job if no amends were made.

International

Turkish economy crumbles after aggression, threats toward US

The Turkish lira has reached its lowest value point in the currency’s history after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan threatened American and western nations. Erdogan ordered the Turkish foreign ministry Saturday to expel ambassadors from the United States and nine other countries after they requested the release of Osman Kavala. The other countries include France and Germany, two of Turkey’s bigger allies in trade. Kavala was initially imprisoned due to protests in 2013, but no charges or court dates have yet been announced. A German spokesperson claimed that Turkey is in violation of the European Human Rights Convention.

Iran threatens trillions in damage against Israeli attack

After Israel has announced $1.5 billion in attacks against Iran’s nuclear program, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, commented on Israel’s potential strike and said in a tweet, “Instead of allocating $1.5 billion budget for atrocities against Iran, the Zionist regime should focus … to repair the damage that is going to be caused by Iran’s shocking response.” In addition to this, Israeli Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman said that conflict with their neighbor Iran was inevitable. Liberman also said that “no diplomatic process” will lead to Israel negating the attacks, mainly based on Iran’s nuclear program.

Austrian Chancellor threatens new restrictions, lockdowns on unvaccinated

Alexander Schallenberg, the Chancellor of Austria, announced in a public meeting on Friday that the European nation will limit entrance into businesses for the unvaccinated if the ICU capacity reaches 25% and will order lockdowns on the unvaccinated if the ICU capacity reaches 33%. Currently there are 220 ICU beds occupied in Austria. To reach 25% there would be 500 beds occupied, while to reach 33% there would need to be 600 beds occupied.