The United States on Monday crossed the staggering milestone of 500,000 COVID-19 deaths just over a year since the coronavirus pandemic claimed its first known victim in Santa Clara County, California.
"Today we mark a truly grim, heartbreaking milestone." President Joe Biden commemorated the deaths of 500,000 Americans from COVID-19 at the White House on Monday, just over a year since the coronavirus pandemic claimed its first known victim in the country.
"As a nation, we cannot accept such a cruel fate." Biden also called on Americans to remain vigilant, continue wearing masks, and set aside partisan differences... and fight the pandemic together.
"We must end the politics of misinformation that have divided families, communities and the country.
It's cost too many lives already." In an interview with Reuters on Monday, Biden's top adviser on COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said political divisiveness contributed significantly to the "stunning" death toll.
"There's red states and blue states that, you know, are almost hostile to each other in some respects because of political differences.
I think that's the worst possible ingredients to be able to address an outbreak of an infection that - even under the best of circumstances - would be a formidable challenge." About 19% of total global coronavirus deaths have occurred in the United States, an outsized figure given that the nation accounts for just 4% of the world's population.
Kim Kardashian went back to the White House to advocate for criminal justice reform -- only here, it was with Biden's camp ... proving she's loyal to the cause,.. TMZ.com
Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production.
On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. .
This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse.
Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a
great return" on the government's investment.
A factory will also be built in
Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. .
That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029.
The White House estimates that
the projects could create 20,000 jobs
in construction and manufacturing.
in addition to "tens of thousands of
indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. .
The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
President Biden signs historic legislation securing billions in US aid for Ukraine and Israel, reaffirming America's commitment to global security. Despite criticisms over human rights abuses in Gaza, Biden emphasizes the 'ironclad' nature of US support for Israel's defense. Stay informed with the latest developments on international affairs.
#JoeBiden #Israel #Gaza #IsraelHamasWar #IsraelPalestine #IsraelPalestineWar #USPresident #USNews #USAidBill #RussiaUkraineWar #Oneindia
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President Biden had yet another teleprompter gaffe while speaking at a conference Wednesday ... and it's not the first time the prez fumbled a speech, far from.. TMZ.com
Chris Pine's got the California surfer look down ... a style he seemingly raided from the set of his new movie "Poolman," and seems comfortable keeping long.. TMZ.com
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, āincluding non-participating
bystanders during last weekās protests.ā.
Googleās 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, āevery single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.ā
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
The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore raised millions for the NHS during the COVID pandemic by walking 100 laps of the garden is up for sale for Ā£2.25m. Sky News
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
Kamala Harris' Secret Service team faced a violent threat this week, having to defend one of their agents ... from one of their own!!! Secret Service.. TMZ.com
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is saying he will not be endorsing Joe Biden for President as he once did during the last presidential election. During an interview with Fox News, Johnson expressed some regret about his 2020 endorsement for Biden and Kamala Harris saying he won't endorse any candidate this year.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:30Published
White House Issues New Rules , on How Government Can Use AI.
White House Issues New Rules , on How Government Can Use AI.
The policy was released by the White House on March 28, 'The Hill' reports. .
It is intended to reduce AI risks
within the government.
According to a White House memo, federal agencies must now appoint a chief AI officer, add safeguards and issue reports about how AI is being used. .
Those reports will also be made public, according to 'The Hill.'.
However, some AI uses, such as those
employed by the Department of Defense, do not require reports because they would be "inconsistent with applicable law and government policy.".
Agencies will have 60 days
to appoint a chief AI officer.
Safeguards to protect Americans' rights and safety must be implemented by December.
Vice President Kamala Harris
weighed in on the development.
I believe that all leaders
from governments, civil society
and the private sector have a
moral, ethical and societal duty... , Vice President Kamala Harris, via call with reporters.
... to make sure that artificial
intelligence is adopted and advanced
in a way that protects the public from
potential harm, while ensuring everyone
is able to enjoy its full benefits, Vice President Kamala Harris, via call with reporters
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Kamala Harris said a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas would "get the hostages out" and a "significant amount of aid in" to the Palestinian enclave.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:18Published
FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt ā no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
Thereās no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , āWe know what Republicans are going to do; we canāt
stop them from that. But itās also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.ā
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Trader Joeās Recalls Basil , After Reports of Salmonella Infections.
On April 17, the grocery chain
recalled Infinite Herbs organic basil.
The basil has been "linked to a dozen Salmonella infections in seven states," CNN reports. .
One person has been hospitalized.
The 2.5-ounce packages were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., from Feb. 1 through April 6. .
The CDC is advising consumers to dispose of any Infinite Herbs organic basil that was bought from Trader Joe's.
The agency also says to clean anything that the contaminated basil may have come in contact with. .
Investigators are trying to determine if any other products have been contaminated, CNN reports. .
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, the CDC says. .
Symptoms can develop anywhere between
6 hours and 6 days after consuming the bacteria.
Most people don't need treatment
and recover within 4 to 7 days. .
If your symptoms are severe, or if you experience diarrhea and dehydration for more than three days, the CDC recommends contacting your health care provider
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Homicide and Other Violent Crimes , Declining in Cities Across the US.
'The Guardian' reports that a recent crime analysis found that homicides in major cities across the United States are falling at , āone of the fastest rates of decline ever recorded.".
Thereās just a ton of places that
you can point to that are showing
widespread, very positive trends, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'.
According to AH Datalytics' sample of nearly
200 cities, murder was down by 20.8% in 2024,
when compared to the same time in 2023.
Some cities, including Washington DC,
New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee,
saw murder rates decline by over 30%.
Some cities, including Washington DC,
New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee,
saw murder rates decline by over 30%.
The analysis is based on the FBI's Uniform Crime
Reporting program, which consists of data collected
by local law enforcement agencies across the nation.
While the FBI's 2023 report will not be audited or made
official until October, preliminary figures suggest
that murder rates significantly dropped in 2023. .
The latest data suggests that this
year's declines will continue at an even
faster clip, nearing pre-pandemic levels. .
'The Guardian' reports that the latest
data mirrors another drastic decline
in homicides during the 1990s.
Nationally, youāre seeing
a very similar situation to what
you saw in the mid-to-late 90s.
But itās potentially even larger
in terms of the percentages
and numbers of the drops, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'.
The AH Datalytics data also found that nearly
all other violent crimes saw significant
declines in 2023 compared to 2022. .
The quarterly data in particular
suggests 2023 featured one of the
lowest rates of violent crime in the
United States in more than 50 years, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The heads of state from Japan, the Philippines, and the United States have jointly expressed "grave concern" regarding China's conduct in the contested South China Sea. Over recent years, Beijing has intensified its presence in this crucial maritime region, leading to heightened tensions, notably with the Philippines. This nation, among others in Southeast Asia, asserts territorial claims over portions of the sea adjacent to its shores. In response to a recent altercation near Second Thomas Shoal that resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers and damage to vessels, President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines declared Manila's intention to enact countermeasures against China. The leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States expressed shared concerns over the People's Republic of China's (PRC) provocative actions in the South China Sea during the inaugural summit held in Washington, DC. This joint statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region.
#SouthChinaSea #China #Japan #Philippines #US #Tensions #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #SecurityConcerns #GeoPolitics
~HT.97~PR.152~ED.102~
This Day in History: , President Reagan Is Shot.
March 30, 1981.
Outside of a Washington D.C. hotel,
25-year-old John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at
the president, hitting him once in the chest.
Press Secretary James Brady,
Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and
D.C. policeman Thomas Delahaney were also hit.
As Hinckley was overpowered,
Reagan was rushed to the trauma center
at George Washington University Hospital.
As he was prepared for surgery, Reagan quipped
to First Lady Nancy, "Honey, I forgot to duck.".
The president returned to the
White House less than two weeks later.
Found "not guilty by reason of insanity,"
Hinkley was institutionalized until 2016
and now lives in Colonial Williamsburg, PA
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:01Published
President Joe Biden says Americans are āone step closerā to relief after the House voted to approve the $1.9 trillion pandemic aid package. CNNās Joe Johns explains the presidentās short..
The House of Representatives voted early Saturday morning to approve President Joe Bidenās $1.9 trillion pandemic aid package, a major step toward enacting the first legislative priority of the new..
Speaking at an event hailing the 50 millionth vaccine administered in the United States, President Joe Biden cautioned Americans not to let their guard down just yet.