NORAH BENEDICT, EIGHTH GRADER "It's kinda cool, I appreciate that we are able to be here right now." In a latest sign that life is returning to normal - students from around the U.S. are once again flocking to the nation's capitol... It's a trip thatās become a rite of passage for many students, but came to a screeching halt during to the health crisis.
A welcomed change for eighth graders like Evan Savoie - from Clarkston Junior High School in Clarkston, Michigan.
"All of a sudden instead of 'you guys can't even be doing your sports together, we don't recommend going to each other's houses' all of a sudden they're like 'alright get on the bus everybody, we're heading to Washington DC' which is great" Clarkston Junior High School had pushed back their Washington trip for a year, waiting until the COVID-19 case numbers were low and enough tourist sites were open to make their 10-hour bus trip worthwhile.
But it comes with new safety protocols that didnāt exist pre-pandemic says Clarkston history teacher Mike Greve: "Going out is a temperature chart every day, and checking their temperatures at the end of the day.
We all took COVID PCR tests before we came here to make sure that we were COVID free.
Even if you're vaccinated it was a lot of different hoops to jump through that we're not used to." Not all tourist sites are fully open yet...limiting school groups to mostly outdoor stops, including a walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery, photos outside the White House and a Nationals baseball gameā¦ The Washington Monument ā for example - was closed to visitors.
Still, students are happy to get back to some sense of normalcy.
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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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
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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
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
Watch as Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto catches a ball travelling at 104mph during their 2-1 win over the Washington Nationals. BBC Sport
Go behind closed doors as Kim Kardashian joins Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House for a crucial roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform. Witness their collaborative efforts and passionate advocacy for second chances and meaningful change.
#KimKardashian #KamalaHarris #WhiteHouse #WhiteHouseRoundTable #JoeBiden #TheKardashians #VPKamalaHarris #Oneindia
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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
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
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