Week in review, Sept. 5

•          Achmat Hassiem, a Paralympic swimmer from South Africa, says he uses the great white shark that bit off his leg as his motivation to perform well during his races. The Paralympics started Aug. 29 and are set to conclude on Sept. 9.

•          The chain most known for their Big Macs will be opening a meat-free retailer. McDonald’s announced that they will be opening vegetarian-only chains of their restaurant throughout India.

•          The National Debt edged over $16 trillion as announced by the Treasury Department.

•          President Obama is scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday clashing with the NFL’s original football schedule. The opening football game was originally planned for Thursday but was changed to Wednesday night as not to interfere with the President’s speech. 

•          Five pilot whales were transported to FAU after washing up onto a St. Lucie County beach over the weekend. A pod of 22 came ashore, but most of the whales had to be euthanized or died of natural causes. Experts say their goal is to eventually move the whales to Sea World for long-term care. It is unknown as to why the whales came ashore.