WBEZ’s Rundown Of Today’s Top News: A Blow To Biden’s COVID Booster Plan

pharmacy technician loads a syringe with Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine
In this March 2021 file photo, a pharmacy technician loads a syringe with Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. An influential federal advisory panel overwhelmingly rejected a plan Friday, Sept. 17, to offer Pfizer booster shots against COVID-19 to most Americans. Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press
pharmacy technician loads a syringe with Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine
In this March 2021 file photo, a pharmacy technician loads a syringe with Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. An influential federal advisory panel overwhelmingly rejected a plan Friday, Sept. 17, to offer Pfizer booster shots against COVID-19 to most Americans. Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press

WBEZ’s Rundown Of Today’s Top News: A Blow To Biden’s COVID Booster Plan

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Hey there! It’s Friday, and it’s been a long week. To quote Green Day: Wake me up when September ends! Here’s what you need to know today.

(By the way, if you’d like this emailed to your inbox, you can sign up here.)

1. FDA advisers reject Biden’s booster plan

President Joe Biden’s plan to roll out COVID-19 booster shots received a major blow today when a panel of Food and Drug Administration experts decided not to recommend a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine to most Americans.

While there’s been a debate over whether boosters are necessary or ethical while much of the world remains unvaccinated, today’s vote centered only on whether or not a third Pfizer shot is safe and effective. The group of advisers said Pfizer hadn’t provided enough data about the extra doses and that Israel’s booster campaign might not be an accurate comparison.

However, the panel did vote to support authorization of booster shots for people 65 and older and at high risk of severe COVID-19. [AP]

The setback comes as the Biden administration has yet to impose any vaccination rules when it comes to domestic travel. While support for a mandate appears to be growing, NPR’s David Schaper reports travel rules could be hard to enforce. [NPR]

Curious City has this fascinating look at the complicated history of resistance to vaccine mandates and how some have used religious exemptions to get around them. [WBEZ]

2. Minneapolis residents vote on the future of the city’s police department

Minneapolis residents began voting today on a ballot question that could drastically change what policing looks like in the city.

Drafted in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, the amendment would replace the city’s police department with a reimagined Department of Public Safety. While opponents had challenged the ballot language in court, arguing that it didn’t clearly explain how the new department would work, the state Supreme Court ruled late Thursday that the proposal could be presented to voters. [AP]

Meanwhile, Chauvin, who was convicted of Floyd’s murder in April, was back in court this week on federal charges. He and three other officers pleaded not guilty to violating Floyd’s civil rights during a May 2020 arrest. Chauvin later pleaded not guilty to using unreasonable force on a 14-year-old Black teenager in 2017. [CNN]

3. Far-right activists will rally to demand “justice” for those arrested in connection to Jan. 6 insurrection

A rally that’s drawn the attention of extremist groups is expected to be held near the U.S. Capitol on Saturday — presenting law enforcement officials with the first large-scale security test to the complex since the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Called “Justice For J6,” the far-right demonstration was planned in support of people facing criminal charges connected to the violent pro-Trump siege on the Capitol. Organizers have pledged the protest will remain peaceful, but Capitol Police have asked the National Guard to be on standby. Perimeter fencing has also been reinstalled on Capitol grounds. [NPR]

4. The U.S. and the EU reach new deal to combat climate change

President Biden unveiled today a new agreement with the European Union to significantly reduce methane leaks that contribute to climate change.

The announcement, which came as Biden met with fellow world leaders to discuss how nations can work together to combat the worsening climate crisis, aims at cutting methane emissions in both the U.S. and EU by 30% by the end of this decade. [AP]

Wondering what this all could mean for the Chicago region? Each week, we ask our on-air experts to break down what to know about climate, weather and more. Check out past conversations in our new climate blog. [WBEZ]

5. New exhibit reimagines themes from A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun made its debut on Broadway more than 60 years ago, but the seminal play is back in the spotlight this fall thanks to a new North Side art exhibit.

Titled simply “Raisin,” the show is inspired by the themes explored in Lorraine Hansberry’s story of a Black Chicago family trying to buy a home in a white neighborhood. The 1959 drama became hugely popular both in the U.S. and abroad, and the exhibit features work from 37 artists hailing from the South Side to Beijing.

Interested in adding a visit to your weekend itinerary? “Raisin” opens today at the 6018North Gallery in Edgewater and runs through Dec. 18. [WBEZ]

Here’s what else is happening

  • A U.S. drone strike killed 10 civilians, including seven children, last month in Afghanistan. [New York Times]

  • A Chicago-area company allegedly bribed an Amtrak official with Bruno Mars tickets, trips, steaks and cigars. [Chicago Tribune]

  • Prince Phillip’s last will and testament will be kept secret for at least 90 years. [BBC]

  • Most Illinois schools are behind on weekly COVID-19 saliva testing. [Chicago Tribune]

Oh, and one more thing …

As a single woman who lives alone with my cat and two somewhat sickly houseplants, it can get pretty quiet in my apartment. Luckily, WBEZ is out with some new podcasts to keep me company this weekend.

The newest episode of Art of Power features Robin Arzón, a one-time lawyer whose experience being held hostage at gunpoint prompted a major professional pivot. Now the head instructor at Peloton, she shared her tips for how to change careers with host Aarti Shahani. (Don’t worry, BEZ bosses — I’ll try not to get too inspired.)

Next on my list is this week’s Nerdette. With cold weather just around the corner, Greta Johnsen checked in with University of Chicago epidemiologist Dr. Emily Landon for a COVID-19 update, including the latest on a vaccine for kids.

Looking for something a little lighter? Curious City’s Jason Marck answered the question that’s on all of our minds: Why are cicadas so loud? Plus, Reset caught up with comedian Chris Witaske, aka Twitter’s Chicago Party Aunt, about his new Netflix series out today.

Tell me something good …

Fall is quickly approaching, with its Halloween costumes, pumpkin spice lattes and a slate of new TV shows. So I’d like to know: What do you enjoy the most about fall?

Lee writes:

“Fall clothes are the best! The return textures, layers, and yes, boots inspires the fashionista in all, even horror flick mass murderers. Google Michael Myers and Jason and note their fall fashion ensemble.”

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