Apparently, people want to have personal freedoms everywhere.

Happening in the World: People in more than 160 towns and cities across Brazil are protesting against Jair Bolsonaro, the country’s president. Protestors cite corruption and his failed handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as key motivations. The protests are coordinated by political opposition parties and labor unions (BBC).

Happening in the US: Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in all 50 states in support of abortion rights. These demonstrations come on the heels of a series of incredibly restrictive abortion laws that have been passed in many states throughout the country. One notable bill is the “Heartbeat Act,” passed in Texas, which allows anyone to sue a doctor who performs an abortion more than six weeks into pregnancy. At this stage, some women don’t yet know they are pregnant (BBC). 

Happening in NYC: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has rejected a challenge to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s COVID-19 public school vaccine mandate. The mandate will require all NYC school staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As of now, more than 90% of all school employees have been given at least one dose of the vaccine (Gothamist).

Happening in the Community: Be sure to register for “Epidemic Empire,” a discussion about terrorism and the spread of violence led by Anjuli Fatima Raza Kolb. This event will be held online tomorrow (Monday) from 12 to 1 pm. 

abortion protests via Flickr