President Biden calls treatment of Haitian immigrants “beyond an embarrassment”

The U.S. Border Patrol was shown on horseback whipping and nearly running over Haitian immigrants in images that captured national attention last Tuesday, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Biden made his first public remark on the matter during a press conference Friday.

“Of course I take responsibility. I’m president,” said Biden. “I promise you those people will pay.”

Biden has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to complete an investigation on the issue and suspend the use of horse patrols in Del Rio, Texas.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said, “What we witnessed was worse than what we witnessed in slavery.”

Alejandro Mayorkas, Homeland Security secretary, expects the investigation to be completed in a few days.

The release of the iPhone 13 has people waiting in lines

On Friday, Apple released the latest model of their smartphone, the iPhone 13, according to USA Today.

There are four versions of the device: iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Prices range from $699 for the iPhone 13 Mini and up to $1,099 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

One improvement that many consumers are excited about is the new “Cinematic Video” feature, which allows the camera to automatically adjust to any setting or subject.

During the 2020 release of the iPhone 12, Apple discouraged customers to join large crowds in line due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Apple created a reservation system to prevent overcrowding.

One year later, people are eager to get their hands on the newest iPhone with no reservation needed.

CDC Chief recommends Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot

On Friday, the director of the Centers for Disease Control Prevention advised people to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, according to NBC News.

Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky signed off on the third dose of the Pfizer vaccine last Thursday.

The booster shot is to be given six months following a person’s second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

According to FDA experts, this updated information from the CDC will allow for millions of Americans who are at the highest risk for COVID-19 to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot to help increase their protection.

Walensky and other CDC experts suggest that people from all age groups get the booster shot. However, she prioritizes the importance of the booster shot for older age groups and people with underlying health conditions.

18 states have still not vaccinated at least half of their residents

On Friday, CDC data reported that eighteen states still have at least half of their residents unvaccinated, according to CNN.

Although 55% of Americans are now vaccinated, vaccination rates remain low in the following eighteen states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Due to the nationwide surge of the Delta variant, government officials from these states are hoping to increase vaccination rates.

“Eighty percent of those hospitalized are unvaccinated,” said Scott Bookman of Colorado’s department of public health and environment.

States with higher infection rates continue to encourage vaccinations for children and booster shots for older age groups.