States relax COVID rules as health officials push back
Video Credit: Reuters - Politics - Duration: 02:50s - Published
States relax COVID rules as health officials push back
[NFA] U.S. states across the nation from Michigan, Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts and Mississippi are loosening or lifting COVID-19 restrictions as reported infections are on the decline, but health officials are strongly warning against it.
U.S. states across the nation from Michigan, Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts and Mississippi are all loosening or lifting COVID-19 restrictions as reported infections are on the decline, but health officials are strongly warning against it.
GOV.
GRETCHEN WHITMER: “Today, we are announcing that restaurants and bars can operate at 50 percent capacity.
That's up from 25 percent.” On Tuesday Michigan and Louisiana eased limits on capacity for indoor dining and other businesses with Michigan’s Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer saying venues like movie theaters, bowling alleys and banquet halls will be able to have up to 300 patrons inside or 1,000 outside, with the revised order taking effect on Friday and lasting through mid-April .
GOV.
GRETCHEN WHITMER: “Michigan is number nine nationwide for total vaccines administered and our case count and positivity rates remain among the lowest in the nation… The increased capacity limits outlined in this order will still give us the ability to protect public health as we carefully track variants and continue leading with science and data.” Arkansas and Massachusetts this week ordered that restaurants no longer have capacity limits, and in Texas... GOV.
GREG ABBOTT: “It is now time to open Texas 100 percent” The governor went even further – lifting its mask mandate entirely.
GOV.
GREG ABBOTT: “Removing statewide mandates does not end personal responsibility.
It's just that now state mandates are no longer needed.” There were mixed reactions from residents near Houston.
RESIDENT LINDEE RAMBEAU: "Wahoo!
I'm about done with masks." RESIDENT DONNIE DEVAULT: "I know everybody is anxious.
I'm anxious, but I think a few more weeks, a month, shouldn't hurt anybody." Mississippi also ending its mask mandate effective on Wednesday with the Republican Governor Tate Reeves tweeting “it is time!” ROCHELLE WALENSKY: “Now is not the time to release all restrictions.” But on Wednesday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky cautioned against relaxing restrictions and urged Americans to continue public health precautions despite what their states permit.
ROCHELLE WALENSKY: “The next month or two is really pivotal in terms of how this pandemic goes, as we scale up vaccination.
Every individual is empowered to do the right thing here.
Regardless of what the states decide.
For personal health for public health.
For the health of their loved ones and communities...” And President Biden on Wednesday echoed that sentiment.
PRESIDENT BIDEN: “Texas I think is a big mistake… the last thing we need is neanderthal thinking that in the meantime everything is fine take off your mask, forget it.
It still matters.” The number of new coronavirus cases in the United States dropped sharply for six weeks before plateauing last week, according to a Reuters analysis, and remains well below levels hit in January.
Deadly Storms , Forecast to Cross , 1,000 Miles of the US.
'Newsweek' reports meteorologists have warned
that a life-threatening storm could impact millions of
people across the central United States this week.
On April 23, AccuWeather issued a warning regarding , "one of the most widespread severe
weather events so far in 2024.".
According to AccuWeather, the incoming storm , "will unleash tornadoes, hard-hitting hail
and damaging winds across a dozen states.".
On April 25, the first storm of the system is set
to arrive, closely followed by subsequent storms
expected to last throughout the weekend.
AccuWeather warned the storms are expected to pose a , "significant risk to lives and property.".
All modes of severe weather
are likely with the multiple-day
event in the central U.S, Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather Chief
On-Air Meteorologist, via 'Newsweek'.
Two storms, off the Pacific
coast on Tuesday, will swing
across the West and cause
moisture to surge northward from
the Gulf of Mexico while, at the
same time, temperatures surge, Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather Chief
On-Air Meteorologist, via 'Newsweek'.
'Newsweek' reports that the
states at greatest risk are:, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas,
Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee,
Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
According to AccuWeather, the storm is expected to cross
an estimated 1,000 miles on April 26, passing into
central Texas all the way from southern Minnesota. .
In addition to dangerous storm conditions,
the National Weather Service has warned
that critical fire weather conditions, "will also be present across parts of the
Southwest into the southern High Plains."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden and Trump Secure Nominations, , Sealing 2024 Rematch.
Biden and Trump Secure Nominations, , Sealing 2024 Rematch.
On March 12, both presidential candidates
were victorious in Georgia, Mississippi and Washington State primaries, 'The Guardian' reports. .
On March 12, both presidential candidates
were victorious in Georgia, Mississippi and Washington State primaries, 'The Guardian' reports. .
This means that each of them has secured the nomination from their respective parties and will face off for the nation's highest office yet again. .
This means that each of them has secured the nomination from their respective parties and will face off for the nation's highest office yet again. .
The development comes at a time when much
of the country would prefer to see different candidates on the ballot, 'The Guardian' reports. .
“I don’t like Trump. I don’t like Biden. I just
wanted a different choice,” said Scott Carpenter
of Roswell, Georgia, who voted for Nikki Haley. .
“I don’t like Trump. I don’t like Biden. I just
wanted a different choice,” said Scott Carpenter
of Roswell, Georgia, who voted for Nikki Haley. .
“I don’t like Trump. I don’t like Biden. I just
wanted a different choice,” said Scott Carpenter
of Roswell, Georgia, who voted for Nikki Haley. .
Others voiced their opposition to the
current conflict in the Middle East.
I voted a protest vote against the
war in Gaza because I think it is
horrible what is happening and I’m
ashamed of my country right now, Robin Hawking, 56, who voted for recent
dropout Dean Phillips, via 'The Guardian'.
I’m hoping if enough people
vote for not-Biden, he’ll get the
message that he’s going to lose this
election unless he does a ceasefire, Robin Hawking, 56, who voted for recent
dropout Dean Phillips, via 'The Guardian'.
Both Biden and Trump took to social media
to celebrate their respective nominations.
Both Biden and Trump took to social media
to celebrate their respective nominations.
Today’s a day, a call to action. With your voice,
with your power, with your vote – come
November, we will vote in record numbers,
and can do it, we have the power to do it. , Joe Biden, via X.
Are you ready? Are you ready to defend
democracy? Are you ready to protect our
freedom? Are you ready to win this election?, Joe Biden, via X.
This was a great day of victory. Last week
was something very special – Super Tuesday –
but now we have to get back to work
because we have the worst president
in the history of [our] country. , Donald Trump, via X.
His name is Joe Biden, sometimes
referred to as crooked Joe Biden,
and he must be defeated, Donald Trump, via X
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
The Kansas City Chiefs can breathe a big sigh of relief after night one of the NFL Draft ... 'cause their decision to select Texas receiver Xavier Worthy in the.. TMZ.com
Tragedy strikes as an Indian-origin man is fatally shot by US police in San Antonio, Texas. The man, wanted for assaulting his roommate, faces a fatal encounter with law enforcement. Join us as we delve into the details of this heartbreaking incident and the questions surrounding the use of force by police.
#IndianOriginMan #USNews #IndianAmericans #IndiaUSTies #IndiaUSRelations #USPolice #USPolice #SanAntonio #EncounterinUSA #Oneindia
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Cops in Texas have launched an investigation with the help of the FBI after a small town's Mayor received a threatening package in the mail ... which included a.. TMZ.com
FDA Testing Reveals , Bird Flu Virus , in 1 in 5 Milk Samples.
'Time' reports that the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has warned that traces of bird flu have been found
in nearly one-fifth of commercial milk samples tested. .
In a statement released on the agency's website,
the FDA said that traces of the virus do not
necessarily indicate a risk to consumers. .
According to the FDA, more tests are needed
to confirm if intact pathogens that remain
infectious are present in the samples.
Those tests would determine , "whether there is any risk of illness
associated with consuming the product.".
'Time' reports that the results of the study
come as a stark warning of how quickly the
virus is spreading among dairy cows in the U.S.
The virus has already killed millions of birds globally,
raising both health and food security concerns,
as well as spooking global markets.
The virus has already killed millions of birds globally,
raising both health and food security concerns,
as well as spooking global markets.
So far, the Department of Agriculture has already
confirmed 33 infected herds across eight states,
including Texas, Michigan and Ohio.
So far, the Department of Agriculture has already
confirmed 33 infected herds across eight states,
including Texas, Michigan and Ohio.
In an effort to understand the extent of the outbreak
and potentially contain it, the USDA has implemented
mandatory testing of cows moving across state borders.
Authorities have stressed that the current
risk to humans remains low, with only one
identified human case in the U.S. this year. .
To date, the retail milk studies
have shown no results that would
change our assessment that the
commercial milk supply is safe. , FDA statement, via 'Time'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Former President Donald Trump decisively won Republican caucuses in Michigan, Idaho, and Missouri, defeating Nikki Haley in all three states. Trump's landslide victory solidifies his frontrunner status for the GOP presidential nomination. Despite internal party tensions, Trump's overwhelming support underscores the party's shift towards working-class interests. The win sets the stage for a potential rematch with Democrat President Joe Biden in the general election.
#DonaldTrump #NikkiHaley #Michigan #Idaho #Missouri #Trump2024 #Haley2024 #Worldnews #USPresidentialelections #USelections2024 #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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A dolphin that washed ashore in Louisiana was riddled with bullet holes -- something federal officials are now offering a huge reward for to track down the party.. TMZ.com
NBA Youngboy was arrested on Tuesday evening in Utah on multiple charges after allegedly violating his house arrest -- and the Louisiana rapper may be in for an.. TMZ.com
EPA Takes Aim at, US Chemical Emissions, That Are Likely Carcinogens.
'The Independent' reports that over 200 chemical
plants in the United States will be required
to reduce toxic emissions under a new rule. .
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
released the new rule regarding toxic
emissions likely to cause cancer on April 9.
The rule is meant to deliver critical health protections
for communities faced with industrial pollution from
dangerous chemicals, such as chloroprene and ethyl oxide.
The rule will significantly reduce
emissions from the Denka Performance
Elastomer facility in LaPlace, Louisiana.
The facility is the largest producer of
chloroprene emissions in the U.S., according
to EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
Every community in this country
deserves to breathe clean air.
That’s why I took the Journey
to Justice tour to communities
like St. John the Baptist Parish,
where residents have borne
the brunt of toxic air for far too long, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via 'The Independent'.
We promised to listen to folks that
are suffering from pollution and act
to protect them. Today we deliver
on that promise with strong final
standards to slash pollution,
reduce cancer risk and ensure
cleaner air for nearby communities, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via 'The Independent'.
According to officials, the changes
are meant to reduce ethylene oxide and
chloroprene emissions in the U.S. by nearly 80%.
'The Independent' reports that the rule updates
several regulations on chemical plant emissions
that have not been altered in nearly 20 years.
The EPA said that the new rule will reduce a total of over
6,200 tons of toxic air pollutants annually in an effort
to address health risks in neighboring communities
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
In Louisiana's presidential primary on Saturday (Mar 23), both US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump secured victories, further solidifying their positions after securing their respective party nominations. With no races hanging in the balance, the outcome merely reaffirmed their dominance over their major competitors. Biden collected the 48 delegates up for grabs for Democrats, and former President Donald Trump collected the 47 delegates for Republicans.
#Biden #Trump #LouisianaPrimary #PresidentialElection #ElectionVictory #PartyNominations #USPolitics #DemocraticParty #RepublicanParty #PoliticalContest #PrimaryElection #ElectionResults #CampaignTrail #PresidentialNominees #VoteCount #PoliticalLeadership #VictorySpeech #PoliticalMilestones #PoliticalSuccess #DemocraticProcess
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This Day in History:, The Boston Massacre.
March 5, 1770.
A skirmish in front of the Boston Custom House
between British soldiers and angry colonists ended in
violence when the troops opened fire on the crowd.
Three Americans were killed instantly and several
other men eventually died from their injuries.
The incident followed several years of tensions
and violence in colonial Massachusetts.
... partly due to revenue duties imposed on the colonists by
the Townshed Acts passed by British Parliament.
The violence turned colonial sentiment against
the British and King George in the years leading
up to the American Revolution.
John Adams wrote that the "foundation of
American independence was laid" by the massacre
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:48Published
This Day in History: , Dr. Seuss Is Born.
March 2, 1904.
Theodor Seuss Geisel —
best known by his pen name
Dr. Seuss — was born in Springfield, MA.
Geisel first used the pseudonym
Seuss at Dartmouth College as a
contributor to the school's humor magazine.
After returning from his
studies at Oxford, Geisel
pursued cartooning full time.
His first book under the name Dr. Seuss,
'And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street,'
was rejected 27 times.
In 1957, Dr. Seuss wrote
The Cat in the Hat as a
vocabulary primer for children.
The book was a massive success
and a major turning point in
the career of Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss published more than 60 books,
won the 1984 Pulitzer Prize, an Academy
Award, three Emmys and three Grammys.
His artwork shares space
in galleries with Rembrandt and Picasso
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:56Published
Joe Biden's opening up about his mental health struggles ... saying he once considered taking his own life in one particularly low moment -- but, his kids saved.. TMZ.com
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday as he wrapped up a three-day visit to China dominated by contentious issues and warnings from his hosts of another “downward spiral” in relations. The two met Friday afternoon local time at the Great Hall of the People, an ornate and cavernous building next to Tiananmen Square. Blinken told Xi that President Joe Biden had sent him to China to “seek to deepen areas of cooperation as well as to responsibly manage the differences that we have.” Xi noted that this year is the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and China, and said the two countries “should be partners rather than adversaries.”
#BlinkenXiMeeting #ChinaUSRelations #DiplomaticTalks #GlobalIssues #BilateralRelations #ForeignPolicy #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #USChinaDialogue #XiJinpingMeeting
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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
Artists and Speakers Boycott SXSW , in Protest of Military and Defense Industry Sponsorships.
As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on,
dozens have canceled their South by Southwest appearances to protest event sponsorships from defense companies
and the U.S. Army, CNN reports. .
As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on,
dozens have canceled their South by Southwest appearances to protest event sponsorships from defense companies
and the U.S. Army, CNN reports. .
The protest is meant to show solidarity
with Palestinians in Gaza.
The protest is meant to show solidarity
with Palestinians in Gaza.
A music festival should not include
war profiteers. I refuse to be
complicit in this and withdraw
my art and labor in protest, Singer-songwriter Ella Williams, via Instagram.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took to social
media to respond to the protest.
Bye. Don’t come back, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, via X.
We are proud of the
U.S. military in Texas. If you
don’t like it, don’t come here, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, via X.
However, SXSW "does not agree" with Abbott's approach, CNN reports. .
We fully respect the decision
these artists made to exercise
their right to free speech, SXSW organizers, via statement.
The defense industry has historically
been a proving ground for many of
the systems we rely on today. , SXSW organizers, via statement.
These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe it’s better to understand how their approach will impact our lives. , SXSW organizers, via statement.
The Army’s sponsorship is part of
our commitment to bring forward
ideas that shape our world, SXSW organizers, via statement.
The annual Austin, Texas,
festival lasts until March 16
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
House GOP Advances Aid Bills , for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.
The foreign aid bills were advanced by a
9-3 vote, thanks to the help of four Democrats on the committee, CBS News reports. .
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández.
Conservatives who voted against the bills,
because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. .
Conservatives who voted against the bills,
because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. .
A final vote on the foreign aid package
will take place on April 20. .
The three bills would support Israel,
Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion,
$60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. .
The three bills would support Israel,
Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion,
$60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. .
The three bills would support Israel,
Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion,
$60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. .
$9.1 billion of the Israel package would go toward Palestinian humanitarian efforts. .
A fourth bill seeks to allow the sale of Russian oligarchs' assets that have been frozen in order to continue funding Ukraine.
possibly "force the sale of TikTok
and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. .
possibly "force the sale of TikTok
and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. .
Some far-right Republicans have threatened to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position for supporting additional Ukraine funding.
Johnson defended his actions, calling lethal aid for Ukraine "critically important.".
If I operated out of fear over
a motion to vacate, I would
never be able to do my job, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement.
Look, history judges us for what we
do. This is a critical time right now
critical time on the world stage. , House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement.
I could make a, you know I can make
a selfish decision and do something that, that's different. But I'm doing here
what I believe to be the right thing, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
South Korea’s Opposition , Dominates Parliamentary Elections.
South Korea's Democratic Party won
"175 seats in the 300-member single-chamber parliament" on April 10, NPR reports.
The ruling right-wing People Power Party became a smaller minority with only 108 seats. .
The outcome is considered to be a blow to conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The country's prime minister and
other presidential officials offered
to resign after the crushing defeat. .
The country's prime minister and
other presidential officials offered
to resign after the crushing defeat. .
I apologize to the people on behalf
of our party, which wasn’t good
enough to win the people’s choices, Han Dong-hoon, People Power Party leader, via statement.
While Yoon said that he intends to
"humbly uphold" the will of the people
as indicated by the election results, .
it is not known if he will accept his
staff's offers to resign. .
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader who
is considering running for president again, .
said there is a need for both parties to
"pull together" to "resolve economic
and public livelihood problems.".
The results of the parliamentary
elections are not the victory by
the Democratic Party, but the
great victory by our people, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader.
Now, the elections are over. Both
the ruling and opposition political
parties must pull together all their
strength to resolve economic and
public livelihood problems, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader.
According to the National Election Commission, voter turnout reached its
highest level in over three decades for
a parliamentary election, NPR reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Donald Trump Says States , Should Decide Abortion Legislation.
On April 8, the former president set
the record straight about where he
stands on abortion rights, CNN reports. .
My view is now that we have abortion
where everyone wanted it from a legal
standpoint, the states will determine by
vote or legislation, or perhaps both. , Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
And whatever they decide must
be the law of the land. In this
case, the law of the state, Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
Many states will be different. Many will
have a different number of weeks, or
some will have more conservative than
others, and that’s what they will be. , Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
At the end of the day, this is all
about the will of the people, Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
Trump also said he was "proudly the
person responsible" for Roe v. Wade
being overturned in 2022.
He went on to say that the decision removed the issue from "federal hands and brought it into the hearts, minds and vote of the people in each state.".
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said that her organization was "deeply disappointed"
by what Trump had to say, CNN reports. .
Saying the issue is ‘back to the states’
cedes the national debate to the Democrats
who are working relentlessly to enact
legislation mandating abortion throughout
all nine months of pregnancy. , Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life
America president, via statement.
If successful, they will wipe
out states’ rights. , Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life
America president, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A recent poll suggests that Donald Trump holds a lead over Joe Biden in six of the seven swing states, with margins ranging from 2 to 8 percentage points. Negative perceptions of Biden's performance outweigh positive ones in several states, while Trump is seen as a better fit for the presidential role, particularly regarding mental and physical health.
#DonaldTrump #JoeBiden #BidenvsTrump #Trump #USelections #PresidentialElections2024 #USelections2024 #Biden2024 #Trump2024 #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Nevada health officials say they're hopeful about the direction of the state's COVID-19 outbreak as reported cases, deaths and hospitalization trends remain favorable and the state gradually reopens..
Credit: KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas Duration: 00:13Published
California is on the cusp of making the COVID vaccine available to almost everyone in the state, but local health officials are expecting delays and backups as lines get longer.
Credit: CBS 13 Sacramento Duration: 01:55Published