News recap for the week of Oct. 1
Taylor Deaton, Assistant Editor
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com
From Kavanaugh’s confirmation to Toys ‘R’ Us aiming for a comeback, the week of Oct. 1 was busy in terms of news.
Kavanaugh confirmed to the Supreme Court
Judge Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in to the Supreme Court on Oct. 6, 2018, following a lengthy confirmation process due to sexual assault allegations made against Kavanaugh. The senate voted 50-48, and Kavanaugh was sworn in after 4 p.m. Protesters steadily interrupted the vote and were being escorted out while the vote was occurring.
Shortly after, President Trump tweeted “I applaud and congratulate the U.S. Senate for confirming our GREAT Nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, to the United States Supreme Court.” President Trump has openly supported Kavanaugh throughout the entire process and has since shared his excitement with the voting turn-out.
Melania Trump raises heads in Africa
Melania Trump has just returned from her week-long trip to Africa, where she visited Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt. Trump’s trip included feeding baby elephants in a nursery in Kenya and engaging with children in the countries she visited.
When wrapping up her trip at the Great Sphinx in Egypt, Trump spoke to reporters about her husband, stating that “[she doesn’t] always agree with what [President Trump] tweets.”
Trump’s journey was short and impactful, and she aimed to spread the message that the United States cares about the nations.
Recovery in Indonesia
On Sept. 28, 2018, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 hit Indonesia, triggering an unexpected tsunami that quickly followed. The death toll has now risen to over 1,700 and over 70,000 people remain homeless.
The earthquake and tsunami combination have left a relief efforts team searching for those who are missing. The destruction was massive and much of Palu, Indonesia gave way into the sea. Along with this devastation, decaying corpses have posed many health warnings for rescuers searching for missing persons.
Relief efforts are underway, and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia has agreed to accept foreign aid in the wake of the recovery process.
Toys ‘R’ Us is back for more
Lenders of Toys ‘R’ Us Inc. are working on refacing the brand, and plan to reopen stores. Toys ‘R’ Us Inc. has faced major backlash since declaring bankruptcy and closing the remainder of stores, and it won’t be easy to revamp.
Major suppliers of Toys ‘R’ Us have already found new distributors and all of the stores and distribution centers have already been sold, but lenders are still fighting to reopen stores and make a new name for the infamous toy-store.
Awkwafina becomes the second Asian American actress to host SNL
On the first Saturday night in October, artist Awkwafina became the first Asian American woman to host NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” in 18 years, and the second Asian American woman to ever host the show.
The first Asian American actress to ever host SNL was actress Lucy Liu in 2000, and Awkwafina paid tribute to Liu in her opening monologue. Awkwafina recalls waiting outside of 30 Rockefeller Plaza to see Liu host SNL. “I remember how important that episode was for me,” Awkwafina stated, “And how it totally changed what I thought was possible for an Asian American woman.” Awkwafina thanks Liu for “opening the door” for other Asian American actors/actresses.
