LOCAL

A new phase in the vaccine distribution processes is beginning soon as Minnesota essential workers are most likely receiving the vaccine in April. After 70% of the Minnesota seniors receive at least one dose the new phase can commence. There are a couple more distribution steps after this as those over the age of 50 will be able to receive it after this wave and soon it will be released to the general public. The highest priority individuals at the moment are those who work in food processing plants and those with severe medical conditions.

(Source: The Star Tribune)

Minnesota health officials want students who are attending school to be tested every two weeks. They say that the increased testing will help combat the spread of the virus in schools. They emphasize that routine testing is as important as wearing masks. However, schools won’t provide the tests or oversee the testing process, it will be up to the individual families to get their students tested. The average number of tests taken in Minnesota has dropped significantly recently from 60,000 to 24,000 tests per day possibly prompting this desire for more student testing.

(Source: The Pioneer Press)

NATIONAL

The military standards are changing as the Army eases upon its rules over women’s hair. The Army has issued new regulations to allow women to wear lipstick and no longer encourages them to wear their hair in a tight bun. Many women have had to use many products to get their hair how the rules allowed, but now they are able to wear their hair however they choose. These new regulations will allow women to wear their hair in a way that makes it easier for them to do their job. The military is very dependent on women mainly Black women who have had trouble with the earlier rules but now are able to keep their hair however they need while performing their duties.

(Source: The New York Times)

At Smith College, a student said she was racially profiled while eating lunch by a member of the school’s faculty and a police officer. There has been no evidence found of bias in the situation however many are frustrated at the event. Smith College’s president apologized to the student and the rest of the community while putting the member of the school’s faculty involved on paid leave. The encounter had left the student in an unstable state and she felt uncomfortable eating at her school.

(Source: The New York Times)

INTERNATIONAL

Mexico is vaccinating its poorest citizens first despite the medical expert’s wishes. They are prioritizing the countries most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens. They are using the vaccine distribution as reparation for past marginalization and discrimination. Many of these people are in the rural areas and the most vulnerable such as teachers and farmers will receive the vaccine soon.

(Source: The Washington Post)