By The Kayseean Staff
Fall semester has come to a close and the holiday season is upon us. So in between hanging up your stockings and prepare your new year’s resolutions, take some time to reflect back on the semester that has passed us by.
World News
News from around the world this semester.
The US Left Afghanistan
After 20 years of war in Afghanistan, the US officially withdrew from the country on August 30, 2021. The withdrawal initially began under the Doha agreement, signed by the Trump administration in February 2020, but was finally completed this fall under the new Biden administration. As predicted by political scientists, the government of Afghanistan quickly fell to Taliban control following the withdrawal of US forces.
Get Your Booster Shots
All adults in the US became eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine back in April, but it was in recent months that third doses, or booster, vaccines were authorized for the general populace. Every adult is now eligible for a Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson booster shot six months after the initial two doses. In fact, the CDC strongly encourages all individuals that are physically able to get the vaccine to get their third shots after the
Variants on the Rise
Variants of the Covid-19 disease have been spreading rapidly across the globe. The Delta variant, first spotted in India in 2020, has grown to become the leading cause of Covid-19 in the US. Similarly, the Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa on November 14, 2021 and can now be found in many different regions throughout the US. The CDC has warned that more variants are expected to arise.
Campus News
News from around campus this semester.
Traditions Return
Many beloved traditions have returned this semester, after having either been canceled or delayed in previous semesters due to the on-going pandemic. Some of these events include Help Portrait, Late Night Breakfast, theatre productions, King Fest, and many more!
The Masks Come Off
In August the administration updated the mask policy to make them optional for fully vaccinated students, faculty, and staff with the exception of certain enclosed spaces where social distancing is difficult. Masks continue to be a requirement for unvaccinated individuals.
Staff’s Favorites from Fall 2021:
Articles:
- “I Have Indeed Lived a Grace-Filled Life”: Katherine Paterson on Finding Grace in Life (read it here!)
- The Cryptids of Tennessee (read it here!)
- Culture Shock: International Students Comment on Appalachia (read it here!)
Comic:
- The Birth of Maple (see it here!)
