It remains more deadly today than at any point in the history of this pandemic." California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Monday that COVID-19 has killed 4,000 Californians in the last two weeks and expects numbers to rise as a result of the holidays.
"Well, we anticipate the surge on top of a surge.
It's going to put a lot of pressure on hospitals and ICUs, coming out of the holidays." Already with intensive care units stretching capacity, nearly 100 patients have been transferred to what the state calls 'alternate care' facilities and members of the National Guard have been deployed to assist overwhelmed medical staff.
Meanwhile, a more infectious variant has reared its head in states across the country.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed the state's first case of the variant in his remarks on Monday and that it is, in fact, more contagious.
It still remains to be seen if the variant increases hospitalisations.
If it does, Cuomo says it would be a quote 'game changer.'
Fast Food Chains Warn Consumers , That Worker Pay Increases
Will Impact Prices.
'Newsweek' reports that franchises have
warned an increase of the minimum wage
for fast food workers in California could also
force menu prices to climb.
As of April 1, fast food restaurants in California
will have to pay employees at least $20 an hour, an
increase of four dollars from the current $16 an hour. .
Business owners have warned that the new law,
signed in by Democratic governor Gavin Newsom,
will have an impact on margins and consumer costs. .
At the end of October, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski
said that the impact of the minimum wage rise would
be partially "worked through with higher pricing.".
At the end of October, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski
said that the impact of the minimum wage rise would
be partially "worked through with higher pricing.".
According to McDonald's numbers, the price of
the signature Big Mac burger is currently $5.89
in California, the 10th highest in the United States.
The latest data compiled by 'The Economist' shows that
the average price of a Big Mac nationwide is currently
$5.69, which is up from $5.36 at the same time in 2023. .
Last year, McDonald's , reported net profits of , almost $8.5 billion.
According to the company's latest financial reports,
sales increased 8.7% in the U.S. in 2023, which the
company attributed to "strategic menu price increases.".
According to the company's latest financial reports,
sales increased 8.7% in the U.S. in 2023, which the
company attributed to "strategic menu price increases.".
Meanwhile, Jack Hartnung, the CFO of fast food
chain Chipotle, told investors that the wage
increase would impact consumer prices with a
"mid-to-high single digit" percentage increase.
Meanwhile, Jack Hartnung, the CFO of fast food
chain Chipotle, told investors that the wage
increase would impact consumer prices with a
"mid-to-high single digit" percentage increase.
In December, Pizza Hut cited the wage
increase as the reason behind laying off
the company's in-house delivery drivers. .
In December, Pizza Hut cited the wage
increase as the reason behind laying off
the company's in-house delivery drivers.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
California Voters Pass Proposition 1 , to Address Homelessness Crisis.
In a state that accounts for close to a third
of all homeless people in the United States.
California counties will now be required to
spend money "on housing and drug treatment programs" to fight homelessness, NPR reports. .
Gov. Gavin Newsom raised over
$13 million to promote the measure.
Proposition 1 represents California's first mental health system update in 20 years, NPR reports. .
This is the biggest change in
decades in how California tackles
homelessness, and a victory for
doing things radically different, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
Now, counties and local officials must
match the ambition of California voters. , Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
This historic reform will only
succeed if we all kick into action
immediately – state government
and local leaders, together, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
Revenue from a tax on millionaires, enacted in 2004, brings in about $2 billion to $3 billion a year toward California's mental health budget, NPR reports. .
Counties will now be required to spend two-thirds
of that money to tackle homelessness. .
The state will also be allowed to borrow
$6.3 billion to create an additional 6,800 beds for mental health and addiction treatment.
That money can also be used to
construct 4,350 housing units. Half of
those housing units will be for veterans
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, “including non-participating
bystanders during last week’s protests.”.
Google’s aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, “every single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
California was definitely hit with a few good April showers this year ... but as the warmer weather washes over the West Coast, we are bubbling up some of.. TMZ.com
How Did '4/20' Become
a Holiday for Weed?.
One common theory is that it stems
from a California criminal code for
those who distribute the drug.
According to CNN, California's 420 code is actually for obstructing entry on public land.
The state's medical marijuana
program was created from a bill
with the number 420.
Oaksterdam Cannabis Museum's Chris Conrad
says "4/20" started as a code in
Marin County, California, at San Rafael High School.
In the 1970s, a group called
"The Waldos" would get together at
4:20 PM to smoke pot.
The time of the day was convenient as it
was right after school ended with
no parental supervision just yet.
"4/20" became a code word that allowed
them to notify each other in front of
unsuspecting parents.
From there, the phrase likely
spread across the country
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:02Published
The world's first known combat between a human pilot and a fighter jet controlled by AI has been carried out in California, the US military has said. Sky News
Prince Harry Officially Considers America , to Be His Home Instead of Britain.
After stepping away from
royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry
and Meghan Markle moved to California.
At the time, Harry suggested
that the move was temporary. .
The U.K. is my home and a place
that I love, that will never change. , Prince Harry, via previous statement.
We both do everything we can to
fly the flag and carry out our roles
for this country with pride, Prince Harry, via previous statement.
But a Travalyst Ltd filing on April 17 shows that the U.S. is now the prince's primary residence, NBC News reports. .
The company is based in London
and is 75% owned by Harry.
The new listing shows Harry's full name,
Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke Of Sussex.
and then reads, "New country/State
Usually Resident: United States.".
While the residency change was filed this week, it was actually made on June 29, 2023, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left Frogmore Cottage. .
While the residency change was filed this week, it was actually made on June 29, 2023, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left Frogmore Cottage. .
In February of this year, Harry told a journalist that he was thinking about becoming an American citizen, NBC News reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
WHO consultation proposes 'through the air' descriptor for disease transmission, aiming to clarify pathogen transmission methods. Experts like Dr Neeraj Nischal.. IndiaTimes
These Foods Will Either
Boost or Drain Your Energy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it can be a struggle to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
While a cup of coffee can provide a
much-needed boost of energy, experts say eating the
right food is actually a better option. .
Here are 10 foods that'll either boost or drain your energy,
according to three registered dietitian nutritionists. .
1. Black Beans
(Energy Booster) .
2. Caffeine/Energy Drinks
(Energy Drainer).
3. Bananas
(Energy Booster).
4. Candy
(Energy Drainer).
5. Eggs
(Energy Booster).
6. Steak
(Energy Drainer).
7. Water
(Energy Booster).
8. Fruit Smoothies
(Energy Drainer).
9. Pistachios
(Energy Booster).
10. Low-Calorie
Frozen Meals
(Energy Drainer)
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Study Investigates Link Between, COVID, Mental Health and Insomnia.
PsyPost reports that a new study by Phenikaa University
in Vietnam has highlighted one of the more common and
lingering symptoms of COVID-19: insomnia.
PsyPost reports that a new study by Phenikaa University
in Vietnam has highlighted one of the more common and
lingering symptoms of COVID-19: insomnia.
As a sleep researcher, I received
many questions and complaints
from relatives, friends, and colleagues
about their sleep disturbances
after recovering from Covid-19, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
I found that the majority of papers
focused on hospitalized patients.
The environment of their treatment
and quarantine would differ greatly
from those with milder symptoms, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
Patients were asked to compare the quality and length
of their sleep, as well as how easy it was for them to
fall asleep, before and after they contracted COVID.
Patients were asked to compare the quality and length
of their sleep, as well as how easy it was for them to
fall asleep, before and after they contracted COVID.
Of the 1,056 people surveyed, over 76.1% of
participants said they experienced insomnia.
22.8% of those surveyed reported
experiencing severe insomnia.
The study found that two groups experienced
a statistically significant increased rate of insomnia,
including those with depressive or anxious symptoms.
The authors of the study note that further
investigation of the connection between COVID,
mental health problems and insomnia is needed.
Since this is a cross-sectional
study, the relationship of anxiety
and depression with insomnia
cannot be fully investigated, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
In addition, collecting data
online and a convenience
sampling method can cause
recall bias and selection bias. , Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Colt Ford is doing a little better after suffering a heart attack -- but he's far from out of the woods, and won't be well enough to hit the stage anytime soon.. TMZ.com
Aerosmith Announces , Rescheduled ‘Peace Out’ Tour Dates.
The veteran rockers postponed their farewell tour nearly seven months ago after singer Steven Tyler "fractured his larynx," CNN reports. .
The band issued a statement
about Tyler's condition at that time.
To our fans: Unfortunately, Steven’s vocal
injury is more serious than initially thought.
His doctor has confirmed that in addition to
the damage to his vocal cords, he fractured
his larynx which requires ongoing care, Aerosmith, via Facebook.
He is receiving the best medical
treatment available to ensure his recovery
is swift, but given the nature of a fracture,
he is being told patience is essential. , Aerosmith, via Facebook.
As a result, all the currently scheduled
PEACE OUT shows must be postponed
to sometime in 2024, with new dates to
be announced as soon as we know more, Aerosmith, via Facebook.
On April 10, the band took to
Instagram to announce that they are
"thrilled" to have rescheduled tour dates.
The tour will begin Sept. 20 in Pittsburgh, PA.
The 40-date run will
end in Buffalo, NY, on Feb. 26.
The Black Crowes will
serve as the supporting act.
"All previously purchased
tickets will be honored for the
rescheduled shows," Aerosmith said.
The farewell North American tour is
intended to be a celebration of the band's
50 years together, CNN reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
4.8-Magnitude Earthquake , Hits US East Coast.
NBC reports that the East Coast of the United States
was struck by an earthquake on April 5
which was felt from Maryland to Maine.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey,
the earthquake struck just before 10:30 a.m. local
time and was measured at a 4.8-magnitude. .
There were no initial reports
of any major damage.
According to New York Governor
Kathy Hochul, the quake could
be felt across the state. .
My team is assessing impacts
and any damage that may have
occurred, and we will update
the public throughout the day, Kathy Hochul, New York Governor, via NBC.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
said that the state's emergency
operations center had been activated.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
said that the state's emergency
operations center had been activated.
As a result of the quake, the Port
Authority Transit Corp. suspended service
between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. .
Crews will inspect the integrity
of the line out of an abundance
of caution. Once inspection is
complete, service will resume.
No timeframe. Updates to follow, Port Authority Transit Corp. statement, via X.
Meanwhile, New York’s Metropolitan Transportation
Authority said service would not be impacted by the quake,
and teams would be inspecting train lines for damage.
NBC reports that earthquakes are a rare occurrence in
the Northeast, however in February of 2023, Buffalo,
New York, was struck by a 3.8-magnitude quake
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Former President Donald Trump secures a temporary halt to his $454 million civil fraud judgment by posting a $175 million bond within 10 days. This pause shields his assets from seizure by New York state authorities. Trump maintains innocence, denouncing the case as politically motivated. He faces mounting legal expenses amid upcoming criminal trials, including charges related to his 2020 election loss and financial misconduct allegations.
#DonaldTrump #Trump #NewYorkCivilFraud #Trumpelection #ElectionFraud #NewYorkCourt #JudgeEngoron #Trumpnews #Trump2024 #USnews #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
~PR.152~ED.101~GR.122~HT.96~
Join us as we explore the bold protest of over 800 Hasidic women in Kiryas Joel, New York, who have initiated a Sex strike to challenge centuries-old Jewish divorce laws. Learn about their fight for justice and equality as they refuse Intimacy with their husbands to demand legal reforms.
#JewishWomen #Jews #Strike #JewishWomenProtest #USLaws #USNews #JewishDivorceLaws #JewsinUS #JewsProtest #IsraelHamasWar #JoeBiden #Oneindia
~HT.178~PR.274~ED.103~GR.123~
More and More , US Locations Offering , Lucrative Relocation Programs.
CNN reports that a growing number of smaller cities
and towns in the United States have started offering
relocation packages to attract potential new residents.
Perks can include financial incentives, free gym
memberships, access to co-working facilities
and even a dinner with the mayor. .
The most lucrative of these relocation incentives
have reportedly offered as much as five figures. .
MakeMyMove.com is an online marketplace
connecting remote workers with locations across
the U.S. that are offering relocation packages.
In 2023, over 50,000 people applied
for programs through the platform. .
In 2018, Tulsa Remote became the first company to offer
a $10,000 relocation package to entice remote
workers and entrepreneurs to relocate.
Ascend West Virginia offers a $12,000 cash incentive,
along with a number of outdoorsy perks, to attract
people to a number of Ascend communities.
CNN reports that Indiana has been
one of the most ambitious when it
comes to offering relocation benefits. .
According to MakeMyMove.com, there are
dozens of Indiana cities offering incentive
packages, including Noblesville and Evansville.
Other locations with relocation programs
in place include: Kansas, Kentucky,
Alabama, New York and Alaska. .
Other locations with relocation programs
in place include: Kansas, Kentucky,
Alabama, New York and Alaska. .
Other locations with relocation programs
in place include: Kansas, Kentucky,
Alabama, New York and Alaska.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
National Guard Deployment , Among Precautions Taken for , Upcoming Solar Eclipse.
National Guard Deployment , Among Precautions Taken for , Upcoming Solar Eclipse.
'Newsweek' reports that the Oklahoma
National Guard will be deployed during
the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse.
On March 20, the state said the guard would be
deployed to assist emergency management dealing
with "an unprecedented number of tourists.".
On March 20, the state said the guard would be
deployed to assist emergency management dealing
with "an unprecedented number of tourists.".
McCurtain County, in the southeast
part of the state, is expected to see as
many as 100,000 tourists visit the area. .
This influx of visitors has the potential
to overtax local resources and thanks
to the training and experience our
Guardsmen have working alongside
local agencies all across Oklahoma,
the CST is uniquely qualified to
support our fellow Oklahomans, Lt. Col Jabonn Flurry, Commander of the
63rd Civil Support Team, via 'Newsweek'.
According to NASA, McCurtain County's city of
Idabel is predicted to be one of the 13 best spots
in the country to see the rare celestial event.
Officials across the eclipse's path of totality have
expressed concerns that public safety resources will be
stretched thin as the spectacle draws massive crowds.
Similarly, schools along the path of
totality have announced they would close
for the day, citing concerns for student safety.
In at least four states, residents have been urged to
stock up on groceries and gas ahead of the event,
as local roads are expected to be overrun with tourists.
In at least four states, residents have been urged to
stock up on groceries and gas ahead of the event,
as local roads are expected to be overrun with tourists.
The Federal Highway Administration has warned that
increased traffic could lead to a number of safety
concerns, including the potential for wildfires.
The Federal Highway Administration has warned that
increased traffic could lead to a number of safety
concerns, including the potential for wildfires.
The April 8 eclipse's path of totality
stretches from northern Mexico
across the eastern U.S. into New England.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Most Southern California Counties say they will abide by the state's return to the tier system after Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday lifted the regional stay-at-home order.
California’s governor goes through the details of why the decision was made to lift the stay-at-home order and move back into the color-coded tier-based reopening plan.
Credit: CBS 13 Sacramento Duration: 16:56Published