Senate votes to protect sea turtles and dolphins from driftnets
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill to phase out the use of mesh gillnets in federal waters, which are the only places in which these nets are still used in the U.S. According to the Good News Network, “The mesh driftnets, which are more than a mile long, are left in the ocean overnight to catch swordfish and thresher sharks. Other marine species including whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, fish, and sharks can also become entangled in the large mesh nets, injuring or killing them.” Annalisa Batanides Tuel, policy and advocacy manager for Turtle Island Restoration Network, said, “This legislation will ensure no more whales or dolphins fall victim.”
NSU announces new leadership appointments
On July 20, NSU announced in the NSU Newsroom that “[Dr.] Ronald J. Chenail will serve as provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, Steven I. Kaltman has been named dean of the College of Dental Medicine, José Roberto (Beto) Juárez, Jr. will become the Dean of the Shepard Broad College of Law and Terry Mularkey will lead as vice president of Advancement and Community Relations.” According to President Hanbury, “We are entering a very exciting chapter in this institution’s history as we strategically realign ourselves for Vision 2025.”
Hurricane Hanna makes landfall on Padre Island, Texas
On Saturday night, Hurricane Hanna made landfall in southeastern Texas with flooding and storm surges. Now, parts of the state are threatened by more flooding. In a news conference, Gov. Greg Abbott said, “Any hurricane is an enormous challenge… This challenge is complicated and made even more severe seeing that it is sweeping through an area that is the most challenged area in the state for COVID-19.” According to CNN, Albott warned Texans across the state to not forget about the pandemic and virus because of the storm.
Florida surpasses New York in COVID-19 cases
As of Saturday, the state of Florida became the U.S. state with the second-highest count of COVID-19 cases. On July 22, California passed New York for most cases of the virus, which was once the epicenter of the pandemic. Texas is the fourth state with the most cases of COVID-19. As of Sunday, Florida has reported over 424,000 total cases while California reported over 454,000 cases. On the other hand, New York reported 416,000 total cases while Texas has reported 392,000 cases.
Federal agents use tear gas on protestors in Oregon
On Friday night, thousands of people gathered in the streets of Oregon, Portland when a U.S judge denied the state’s request to restrict the actions of federal agents during protests against the Trump administration. On Saturday night, crowds filled the streets chanting “Black Lives Matter” and “Feds go home.” As fireworks were thrown around the state court, minutes later, federal agents threw tear gas into the crowds. According to Al Jazeera, “The agents have arrested dozens during nighty demonstrations against social injustice that often turn violent.”
