Despite not being the first variant of the coronavirus, this new variant spreads far more quickly than its predecessors. Experts believe that the vaccines should work against this, but believe that it could develop so that the vaccine needs regular changes, similar to a flu shot.

After much deliberation, Congress reaches an agreement about a stimulus package worth nearly $900 B. This package will include payments of $600 to eligible Americans. Final votes on this agreement are expected to happen as early as Monday to clear it for President Trump to sign.

Israel dissolved its parliament, which was only established in May after Prime Minister Netanyahu did not pass a budget in time. Israel will hold national elections for the fourth time within two years on March 23rd. In addition, Netanyahu will be tried for corruption in January.

Happy New Years from everyone at FPYC!! 🥳🥳

All eyes are on Georgia, where the results of the Senate runoff elections will be decided tomorrow. It is anticipated that the races will be close, and a record $500 million has been spent between the two. Tomorrow’s election will determine the power balance of the US Senate

Our statement regarding the events of January 6th, 2021:

With the second-highest number of cases worldwide, India rolls out two vaccines: Covishield, the local name for the AstraZeneca vaccine, and Covaxin, made by local pharma company Bharat Biotech. The goal is 300 immunizations by August.

Brazil also sends out the Oxford and China manufactured vaccines to its 27 states, as it currently holds the second-highest COVID death total worldwide. President Bolsonaro has been largely unclear about vaccination plans until now, so this comes as a relief to many Brazilians.

Well wishes come from around the world congratulating President Biden, applauding his message of unity and expressing hope for the furthering of diplomatic relations; from Ireland to Japan and even spiritual leaders, optimism is by far the buzzword of the day.

Interested in learning Arabic? A group of Lebanese teens are offering Arabic lessons to raise money for refugee families in the Beqaa region. They will be offering both Modern Standard Arabic and Lebanese Arabic and aim to provide food for 150 families, so please check it out!

President Biden has approved an executive order sanctioning military leaders involved in Myanmar's coup. This involves freezing U.S. assets that benefit the Burmese government while maintaining support for health care and other areas that benefit the people of Burma directly.