A pause on the J&J vaccine

Daunte Wright protests, no discipline for Kenosha cop, what it's like at the US-Mexico border

THE BIG STORY   The US has recommended pausing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to study rare blood clotting issues   "Out of an abundance of caution," federal health officials called for a pause of COVID-19 vaccinations with Johnson & Johnson's shots citing concern over "extremely rare" blood clots reported in six people.   The numbers are important in this context: Out of some 6.8 million doses of the vaccine, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) clots were reported in six women under the age of 50 between 6 to 13 days after getting a shot.   One of the women died and another is in critical condition, officials said in a press briefing on Tuesday morning.   Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said the pause was expected to be "a matter of days," while the blood clots are reviewed — but the agency expects to see reports of more cases.   Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, said the pause in the vaccine will not slow down the rollout, because Johnson & Johnson vaccines make up less than 5% of recorded shots in the US. MediaNews Group / Getty Images STAYING ON TOP OF THIS   The police killing of Daunte Wright sparked a third night of protests: "It could've been me."   On Sunday, police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota killed Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. Police say Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was killed after a 26-year veteran of the department accidentally shot him with her gun instead of her Taser during a traffic stop.   For a third night in a row, protests continued in Brooklyn Center — even after the officer who shot Wright and the police chief both resigned.   After calling the gathering "unlawful" and giving orders to disperse, hundreds of demonstrators stood their ground at the Brooklyn Center police precinct, which was surrounded with National Guard members and fencing.   On Tuesday night, clashes ensued, echoing prior nights in which authorities used tear gas and other projectiles to disperse crowds. Dozens have also been arrested during the demonstrations, many of them peaceful. SNAPSHOTS   The Kenosha cop who shot and paralyzed Jacob Blake won't be disciplined. Officer Rusten Sheskey, the police officer who shot Jacob Blake in the back last year, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, acted in accordance with police policy and won't face any further discipline, according to his department.   Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua won't shoot their slavery movie in Georgia due to its voting laws. Georgia's new law has been decried by activists as a means to make it harder for Black people to vote in the state. Emancipation is the first major film or television production to pull out of Georgia in protest against the new law.   Disney announced big changes to the ways its park staffers can dress. The company said the changes on things like tattoos and jewelry will also permit staff more freedom of gender expression for things such as costumes and hairstyles. THE REALITY AT THE BORDER   The dire conditions immigrants face at the US-Mexico border   The situation at the US-Mexico border is tenuous. A record number of immigrants have been crossing the border this year, fueled by rumors of looser restrictions.   Meanwhile, the Biden administration has continued a policy of deporting most asylum seekers and shelters are packed with unaccompanied minors.   Journalists and activists at the border have reported a backlog of thousands of people willing to try their luck. Those who have been turned back often wait in encampments in Mexico before trying again.   We collected photos that highlight the dire conditions these immigrants face as they try to make it into the US.  A group of immigrants arrives in the US after crossing the Rio Grande in a raft piloted by smugglers on March 30, 2021, in Roma, Texas. Joe Raedle / Getty Images HELPFUL DIRECTIONS 8 simple habits for building better friendships   In Hallie Bateman's new book, Directions: Really Good Advice for Getting from Here to There, she offers thoughtful affirmations. The work began as colourful doodles born out of her own desire for guidance.   We published a few of those affirmations — all centered on the theme of friendship. It's a good place to start the day. Wishing you reminders of your resilience and strength, Elamin 📝  This letter was edited and brought to you by Elamin Abdelmahmoud and BuzzFeed News. You can always reach us here.     👉 Your support of BuzzFeed's journalism does not constitute a charitable donation, and your contribution is not eligible for a tax-deduction. This is part of an effort to explore a deeper relationship with our most active supporters. 🔔  Want to be notified as soon as news breaks? Download the BuzzFeed News app for iOS and Android (available in Canadian, UK, Australian, and US app stores). 💌  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up to get BuzzFeed News in your inbox! Show privacy notice and cookie policy. BuzzFeed, Inc. 111 E. 18th St. New York, NY 10003 Unsubscribe