Will the Facebook, Instagram bans on Donald Trump stick?
Facebook’s Oversight Board on Wednesday will rule whether former President Donald Trump’s suspension on the platform should remain permanent. In January, the tech giant suspended Trump’s accounts on Facebook and Instagram after a group of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. The decision was praised at the time by Trump critics and had the support of most Americans, according a survey from the Harris Poll. But Trump supporters and free speech advocates warned it set a dangerous precedent. Whatever the oversight board decides, it cannot be overruled by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Meanwhile, Trump’s accounts on YouTube, Snapchat and Twitter remain suspended.
Look skyward! It’s the Eta Aquarid meteor shower
If it’s still dark where you are, you have an opportunity to step outside and catch one of spring’s top skygazing events: the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which comes from the debris trail of the famed Halley’s comet. The Aquarids will peak before dawn Wednesday but should also be impressive Thursday, according to EarthSky.org. In the Northern Hemisphere, Eta Aquarid meteors often appear as “earthgrazers” — long meteors that appear to skim the surface of the Earth at the horizon. Watchers can expect about 10 meteors an hour at its peak. If you’re a meteor shower newbie, give yourself at least an hour of viewing time, says EarthSky. Try a lawn chair!
’19 Kids and Counting’ star in court following arrest on child porn charges
Former “19 Kids and Counting” star Josh Duggar is expected to appear in federal court on Wednesday following his arrest on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. The court appearance will determine if the former reality star, who has been in jail since being arrested by the United States Marshals Service last week, will be eligible to be released on bail. Should he be released, a judge ruled that Duggar will not be able to go home to his pregnant wife and kids. His lawyers have argued that he poses “neither a risk of flight nor a danger to the community.” A federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas indicted Duggar, alleging that in 2019 he “knowingly” received images of children under the age of 12. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
FDA working to approve COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents
The Food and Drug Administration is likely to authorize the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents within the next week, allowing 12- to 15-year-olds to get the shots, according to The New York Times and CNN. Vaccines so far have been authorized for use only in adults and older teens.The CDC will need to give its blessing. But first, an advisory committee will meet to consider whether the vaccine is safe and effective enough to use in younger adolescents. No date has been set for COVID-19 discussions, but the panel has a meeting scheduled for Wednesday to discuss rabies and dengue vaccines.
Why Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo – which is Wednesday – doesn’t commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on Sept. 16. It actually marks the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. But the day has become popular for Americans to enjoy Mexican food, drinks and culture, and many fast-food chains are offering deals to help them celebrate.
