1 Officials Confirm 5.9 Earthquake Hits East Of Tokyo
Japan is dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake that hit an area east of Tokyo last night. Initially reported as a 6.1-magnitude quake, the U.S. Geological Survey has since confirmed it as a magnitude 5.9, with a depth of more than 38 miles. Either way, it’s the strongest earthquake since the country’s 2011 disaster. And while there are no reports of serious injuries, local television stations have shown footage of a partially derailed passenger train and darkened railway stations full of stranded passengers. At last check, more than 20 commuter rail lines are offline. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno says there are no abnormalities reported at nuclear facilities. Separately, the country’s newly installed Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, said he had instructed officials to "do the utmost to help victims and prevent further damage."
2 Senate Approves Extending Debt Limit
The Senate is approving a short-term extension of the nation's debt limit. Senators voted to raise the debt limit through early December after a deal was reached among leaders in the chamber. It overcame a Senate GOP filibuster, 61-38. No one should be celebrating quite yet, however. The measure will have to be approved by the House before heading to President Biden's desk – something the White House says Biden "looks forward" to doing. On that note? The House is planning to interrupt a scheduled recess and take up the bill Tuesday – that’s the word from Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. If they don’t get it through, the US will default on debt obligations on October 18th.
3 Pfizer Submits Emergency Authorization Request For Kids 5-11 To Get COVID Vax
Pfizer is asking federal officials for permission to administer its coronavirus vaccine to kids age five through eleven. The vaccine that requires two doses is currently available to individuals 12 and older. Pfizer Senior Vice President of Vaccine Clinical Research and Development Bill Gruber says the data is promising and that’s why the company and its partner BioNTech have submitted a request for emergency use authorization to the FDA. A meeting will be held later this month to discuss giving it approval. The vaccine has been given full approval for those 16 and older.