News Roundup: Clarence Thomas Admitted to Hospital with Flu-Like Symptoms

BY JACK CROWE

March 21, 2022

Good morning and welcome to the News Editor's Roundup, a weekly newsletter that will ensure you're up to date on the developments in politics, business, and culture that will shape the week's news cycle — as well as those that might escape mainstream attention.

Clarence Thomas Admitted to Hospital with Flu-Like Symptoms

Justice Clarence Thomas was admitted to the hospital on Friday evening with "flu-like symptoms" but he expects to be discharged in a "day or two."

"He underwent tests, was diagnosed with an infection, and is being treated with intravenous antibiotics. His symptoms are abating, he is resting comfortably, and he expects to be released from the hospital in a day or two," a statement from the Supreme Court read.

The Court's description of Thomas's symptoms does not suggest that he contracted Covid-19. Thomas is vaccinated and boosted against the disease, as are all the justices on the bench.

Virginia Tech Swimmer Blasts NCAA after Losing Finals Spot to Lia Thomas

A former Olympian and Virginia Tech female swimmer blasted the NCAA in a letter Sunday over their policy of allowing biologically male swimmers to compete against women.

Reka Gyorgy argued in the letter that the participation of Lia Thomas, the transgender University of Pennsylvania swimmer, effectively resulted in her disqualification, since she came in one spot short of making the finals.

"I swam the 500 free at NCAA's on March 17, 2022, where I got 17th, which means I didn't make it back to the finals and was first alternate. I'm a 5th year senior, I have been top 16 and top 8 before and I know how much of a privilege it is to make finals at a meet this big," Gyorgy wrote in a letter to the NCAA obtained by Mary Margaret Olohan of the Daily Wire.

"This is my last college meet ever and I feel frustrated. It feels like that final spot was taken away from me because of the NCAA's decision to let someone who is not a biological female compete. I know you could say I had the opportunity to swim faster and make the top 16, but this situation makes it a bit different and I can't help but be angry or sad. It hurts me, my team and other women in the pool," she wrote.

U.S. Surgeon General Urges Calm in Response to New Covid Wave in Europe

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy urged calm on Sunday as a Covid-19 wave fueled at least partially by a new sub variant of the virus spread across Europe, adding that the pandemic should "not define our lives."

During an appearance on Fox News Sunday with Trace Gallagher, Murthy said the country needs to exercise caution with the new spike in Europe but shouldn't live in fear because of all of the tools at our disposal to combat the disease.

"We should be prepared that Covid hasn't gone away. There may be rises and falls in the months ahead, but here's the key: Our goal is to keep people out of the hospital, it's to save their lives. We have more tools to do that than ever before," he said. "If we get people these tools — vaccines, boosters, treatments — then we can actually get through waves that may come and go."

Zelensky Suspends Ukrainian Opposition Parties with Ties to Russia

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council has reportedly banned the activities of eleven opposition parties with ties to Russia, and has merged the national TV channels in the country under one platform.

The largest party to be targeted is the Opposition Platform for Life, which holds 44 out of 450 seats in the Ukrainian parliament and has the second-largest bloc in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Parliament, Aljazeera noted. Most members are from the Russian-speaking eastern region Ukraine, according to Radio Free Europe. Its leader is Viktor Medvedchuk, who reportedly has a friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. About 19 percent of Ukrainians support the OPFL.

In his overnight announcement Sunday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "The activities of those politicians aimed at division or collusion will not succeed, but will receive a harsh response." Ukraine's government imposed martial law after the Russian invasion, and the party limitations will continue for the duration. The Justice Ministry of Ukraine will enforce the decision, Zelensky said.

ESPN Broadcasters Hold Moment of Silence to Protest Florida's Parental-Rights Bill on LGBT Ed

Several ESPN broadcasters on Friday participated in an on-air moment of silence to protest Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill, which would prohibit classroom instruction relating to sexual orientation or gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade.

ESPN's Elle Duncan on Friday spoke out against the Florida bill and similar proposals in other states, claiming they are "targeting our LGBTQIA+ communities."

She added that many of her ESPN colleagues planned to walk out on Friday afternoon.

ESPN Broadcasters Hold Moment of Silence to Protest Florida's Parental-Rights Bill on LGBT Ed

ESPN's Elle Duncan on Friday spoke out against the Florida bill and similar proposals in other states, claiming they are "targeting our LGBTQIA+ communities."

She added that many of her ESPN colleagues planned to walk out on Friday afternoon.

Ohio GOP Senate Candidates Have Heated Face-to-Face Exchange during Debate

Two Republican candidates for U.S. Senate in Ohio had a heated exchange during a primary debate on Friday, with the pair arguing in each other's faces until a moderator pulled them apart.

The incident between candidates Josh Mandel and Mike Gibbons began with Mandel saying Gibbons had "made millions" from business dealings with Chinese companies.

Gibbons then said Mandel has never worked in the private sector, causing Mandel to rise from his seat and get in Gibbon's face during the primary forum hosted by FreedomWorks outside of Columbus.

"You don't know squat," Gibbons said.

"Two tours in Iraq, don't tell me I haven't worked!" Mandel replied.

A moderator ultimately steps in to pull the two apart.

Alaska Representative Don Young, Longest Serving Member of the House, Dies at 88

Representative Don Young (R., Alaska), the longest serving member of the current Congress, died on Friday at the age of 88, his office said in a statement.

"It's with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young (R-AK), the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska, passed away today while traveling home to Alaska to be with the state and people that he loved," the statement said. "His beloved wife Anne was by his side."

Young was the dean of the House, the most senior member of either party, and was reelected in 2020 to serve his 25th term. He was running for a 26th.