5 things to know this weekend
Texas abortion law is back as appeals court weighs issue
Just as abortion clinics across Texas began rushing to serve patients for the first time since early September they find themselves again bound by the state’s abortion law as the weekend gets underway. A federal appeals court Friday night quickly allowed Texas to resume banning most abortions, per the law. It took effect in September but had been suspended just Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pitman. Now the New Orleans-based appeals court has temporarily set aside Pitman’s ruling while it considers the state’s appeal to reinstate the law. The court gave the Biden administration, which is fighting the Texas law, until Tuesday to respond.
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BB&T to shut down online banking, branch systems until Sunday
BB&T, now known as Truist after its merger with SunTrust, is shutting down its online banking system and branch computers over part of the Columbus Day weekend. The bank is doing this in order to update its computer systems. In an online FAQ, BB&T said customers will not be able to make mobile deposits, transfer funds, access online bill pay services or set up a new Zelle payment through the website or mobile app during the planned outage. “We expect all systems including mobile app, online banking, BB&T ATMs, and the Truist Contact Center to be back up and running by Sunday, Oct. 10,” the bank estimated. Branches will also be unable to process transactions and ATMs will be offline during the outage. BB&T customers can use SunTrust ATM machines without paying a fee.
NASA to temporarily suspend commands to Perseverance rover
NASA will put sending command signals to its Mars missions on hold starting Saturday until Oct. 16. This is because of the Mars solar conjunction, where Mars and Earth are on opposite sides of the Sun. This biennial occurrence can interfere with signals sent between the planets. “Percy,” as the rover has been nicknamed, has made history since its Mars landing on Feb. 18. The rover is currently in Mar’s Jezero Crater, described by NASA as “a series of ridges covered by sand dunes, boulders and rock shards,” awaiting further instructions.
Consider unplugging for World Mental Health Day
Did the Facebook and Instagram outages this week have you on edge? That may be a sign to unplug this weekend for World Mental Health Day Sunday. According to the World Health Organization website, the objective of World Mental Health Day is “to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.” Too much time on social media is linked to depression, anxiety and stress, explains Dr. Shahla Modir, chief medical officer at All Points North Lodge, an addiction treatment center. We asked experts to weigh in on what signs to look for and how to form healthier habits with social media.
Comic Con is back in the Big Apple
Comic Con is back in New York City after last year’s virtual event amid the coronavirus pandemic. The event at Manhattan’s Javits Center started Friday and ends Sunday. Anyone 12 and older must have proof of being fully vaccinated, while those 11 and under must have proof of a negative COVID test. It’s an event where “you can experience the best in pop culture because no matter what fandom you’re passionate about, we have it waiting here for you,” the convention’s website says.
The Associated Press contributed.
