[NFA] Alabama's governor on Thursday extended for another month an order mandating residents to wear face masks to protect against COVID-19, breaking with Mississippi and Texas as the issue again becomes the focus of political debate.
[ALABAMA GOVERNOR KAY IVEY] “Folks, we're not there yet, but goodness knows we're getting closer.” Heeding the advice of public health experts and breaking with decisions of southern neighbors Mississippi and Texas, Alabama governor Kay Ivey on Thursday extended her state’s mask mandate for another month.
“We need to get past Easter, and allow more residents to get their first vaccine shot, before we take a step that some other states have taken to remove the mask order altogether and lift the restrictions." The extension of Alabama’s mask mandate stands in contrast to decisions this week in Texas and Mississippi to end the mask mandate, and in Texas open businesses 100 percent.
[TEXAS GOVERNOR.
GREG ABBOTT] "It is now time to open Texas 100-percent." The relaxing of rules was blasted by the nation's top health expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, saying (quote) “Now is not the time for states to pull back.” At the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden this week said it was "Neanderthal thinking": “I think it is a big mistake I hope everyone realize by now these masks make a difference.
(flash) The last thing, the last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that in the meantime everyone is fine to take off your mask and forget it.
It still matters." The contrasting moves on masks in the three Republican-led Southern states comes at a time when the number of new coronavirus infections, hospitalizations and deaths had been sharply falling in the United States after a surge that followed the holiday season.
Though all three - Texas, Mississippi and Alabama - are near the bottom of the list of states in administering vaccines.
While the masks mandates go away in Texas and Mississippi in the coming days, Alabama’s will last until April 9th.
After that, the governor says it will be a matter of "personal responsibility."
These Are the Women’s , NCAA Final Four Teams.
On April 1, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Angel Reese and
the LSU Tigers 94-87, NPR reports. .
On April 1, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Angel Reese and
the LSU Tigers 94-87, NPR reports. .
Also on April 1, the University of Connecticut
beat the University of Southern California 80-73.
Also on April 1, the University of Connecticut
beat the University of Southern California 80-73.
Both teams will join North Carolina State
and South Carolina in the Final Four.
Both teams will join North Carolina State
and South Carolina in the Final Four.
On April 5, Iowa will go up against
UConn, and North Carolina State will
face off against South Carolina.
On April 5, Iowa will go up against
UConn, and North Carolina State will
face off against South Carolina.
On April 5, Iowa will go up against
UConn, and North Carolina State will
face off against South Carolina.
On April 5, Iowa will go up against
UConn, and North Carolina State will
face off against South Carolina.
The back-to-back games will
kick off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Women's college basketball has garnered record TV ratings this year as popular
players such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, .
Women's college basketball has garnered record TV ratings this year as popular
players such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, .
JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers have become household names, NPR reports. .
JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers have become household names, NPR reports. .
The men's teams at UConn and NC State
have also made it to the Final Four.
The men's teams at UConn and NC State
have also made it to the Final Four.
The men's Final Four games will kick off
on April 6 when Purdue battles NC State,
and UConn goes up against Alabama.
The men's Final Four games will kick off
on April 6 when Purdue battles NC State,
and UConn goes up against Alabama.
The men's Final Four games will kick off
on April 6 when Purdue battles NC State,
and UConn goes up against Alabama.
The men's Final Four games will kick off
on April 6 when Purdue battles NC State,
and UConn goes up against Alabama.
The women's title game will take place
on April 7 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
The men's title game will happen on April 8
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Alabama Governor Signs, IVF Protection Bill .
On March 6, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed
legislation aimed at protecting in vitro fertilization
patients and providers from legal liability.
CNN reports that some clinics
are ready to lift a hold on certain
IVF services as early as this week. .
The Alabama bill comes after an
unprecedented state Supreme Court
ruling cast the future of IVF care into doubt.
The Supreme Court case reportedly
stemmed from the accidental destruction
of frozen embryos at a fertility clinic.
The state Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos
are human beings, meaning that those who destroy
them could be held liable for wrongful death.
The latest bill signed into law by the governor
aims to provide both civil and criminal
immunity to providers and patients in the case
of embryos being damaged or destroyed.
However, the fertility clinics say that the new law
doesn't address the core issue and fails to provide
the legal protection necessary to resume care.
The law does not nullify
the Supreme Court’s analysis
that says the law ought to
treat embryos just like people, Katherine Kraschel, assistant professor at
Northeastern University School of Law, via CNN.
CNN reports that experts have warned that
the latest bill could also insulate providers
from standard medical malpractice claims.
The governor stressed that the new law is meant to be
a "short-term measure" and reassured that "there will
be more work to come" on ensuring IVF protections.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Senate Democrats Will Attempt , to Pass Legislation Protecting IVF.
On Feb. 27, Democratic Senator
Tammy Duckworth said that she will seek
an immediate vote on Feb. 28 to pass her
Access to Family Building Act, Reuters reports. .
The push comes after Alabama ruled that embryos are essentially children, causing widespread implications for patients and doctors. .
If you truly care about the sanctity of families,
and you’re genuinely actually honestly interested in protecting IVF, then you need
to show it by not blocking this bill on
the floor tomorrow. It’s that simple, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, via statement.
Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran,
and her husband turned to IVF after
not being able to conceive for 10 years.
They currently have two children. .
I have five embryos that were created
(using IVF); three that were deemed
to be nonviable, would not survive, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, via statement.
Under "personhood laws" such as those
enacted in Alabama, Duckworth said, "I could
be convicted of manslaughter or murder for discarding these three eggs that were nonviable.".
Under "personhood laws" such as those
enacted in Alabama, Duckworth said, "I could
be convicted of manslaughter or murder for discarding these three eggs that were nonviable.".
While many Republicans have objected to Alabama's ruling, they are expected to block Duckworth's bill despite indicating otherwise, Reuters reports. .
Duckworth said that if Republicans end up objecting to the bill, she'd "love" to have those individuals named on the record. .
I expect them to, if they live up to the words
that they’re saying, to not block it. But we’ll
see tomorrow when the rubber hits the road, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
This Day in History:, New Orleanians Take to
the Streets for Mardi Gras.
February 27, 1827.
Groups of masked students
danced in the streets,
marking the beginnings of the
city's Mardi Gras celebrations.
The Mardi Gras celebration
was brought to the region by French
settlers towards the end of the 1600s.
By the time students in
New Orleans danced in the
streets in costumes and masks.
the celebration of Carnival
had been popular in Mobile, AL,
for more than 100 years.
The New Orleans student
celebrations were inspired by their Paris studies.
Within five years, a French plantation
owner had begun raising money
to fund the celebration.
The first fully organized
Mardi Gras occurred in 1857
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:50Published
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
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
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
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
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
Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism , of Trans Visibility Day , ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’.
This year, Trans Day of Visibility
coincidentally fell on Easter Sunday.
President Joe Biden was attacked by Conservatives for making a declaration about the day, as he does every year, because it fell on the Christian holiday.
One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous
and abhorrent" attack on the religion. .
One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous
and abhorrent" attack on the religion. .
Senator Raphael Warnock, a reverend,
has denounced GOP criticism, calling it the
"opposite of the Christian faith," 'The Hill' reports. .
Apparently, the Speaker finds trans
people abhorrent, and I think he
ought to think about that, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash.
This is just one more instance
of folks who do not know how
to lead us trying to divide us, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash.
This is the opposite of the
Christian faith. Jesus centered the
marginalized. He centered the poor, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash.
And in a moment like this, we need
voices, particularly voices of faith,
who would use our faith not as a
weapon to beat other people down but
as a bridge to bring all of us together, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash.
The White House also issued a statement.
As a Christian who celebrates
Easter with Family, President
Biden stands for bringing people
together and upholding the dignity
and freedoms of every American, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement.
Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians
are seeking to divide and weaken
our country with cruel, hateful,
and dishonest rhetoric. President
Biden will never abuse his faith for
political purposes or for profit, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
n a shocking incident, hundreds of Bibles were deliberately set ablaze outside an evangelical church in Tennessee on Easter morning. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this disturbing event.
#Bible #BibleBurnt #US #USNews #USA #Bibles #Tennessee #TennesseeChurch #Easter #EasterCelebrations #EasterNews #Oneindia
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Watch as we delve into the shocking shooting incident at Roasted, a popular Nashville restaurant, where one person lost their life and four others were injured during an Easter Sunday brunch. Learn more about the unfolding tragedy and the search for suspect Anton Rucker as authorities work to bring justice to the victims.
#Nashville #NashvilleRestaurant #NashvilleShooting #ShootingatNashville #NashvilleRestaurantShooting #Easter #EasterCelebrations #EasterSunday #Oneindia
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President Biden faced backlash for proclaiming Easter Sunday as Transgender Day of Visibility. Trump's campaign criticized it as "appalling and insulting," demanding an apology to Christians. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy called it a "slap in the face," emphasising the importance of Easter. Biden's decision sparked debate over religious expression and transgender rights, highlighting the cultural and political divide in the United States.
#Biden #JoeBiden #TransgenderDay #Eastersunday #Easter #HappyEaster #Christians #DonaldTrump #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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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 – 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.
There’s 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, , “We know what Republicans are going to do; we can’t
stop them from that. But it’s also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said on Thursday she was extending the state's mask mandate for another month, heeding the advice of public health experts and breaking with decisions by neighboring..