Video Credit: Reuters - Politics - Duration: 01:16s - Published
Hospitals fill up as Delta surges across U.S.
Only eight intensive care unit beds were available on Monday in the state of Arkansas, its governor said, as the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus pushed cases and hospitalizations in the United States to a six-month high.
Hospitals in the United States are filling up rapidly, as the Delta variant sends COVID-19 cases surging to a six-month high.
The U.S. has averaged 100,000 cases for three days in a row, up 35% over the past week, according to a Reuters tally.
That's largely due to Delta sweeping through unvaccinated swathes of Southern states.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said Monday only eight intensive care unit beds were available in the state, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott asked hospitals to postpone elective surgeries for the time being.
In Florida, which set a single-day record on Sunday with over 28,000 cases, according to the CDC, hospitalizations have been at record highs for eight days in a row.
That's led to renewed debate over vaccine and mask mandates.
A growing number of top education officials have shifted gears, calling for mandatory vaccinations for teachers and mask mandates in schools.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced Monday it would seek the president's approval to require military members to get vaccinated.
Louisiana, Florida and Arkansas reported the most new cases in the past week, based on population.
10 Things You May Not
Know About St. Patrick's Day.
1. The shortest St. Patrick's Day
parade only runs for 98 feet and
takes place in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
2. Saint Patrick’s birth name was actually
Maewyn Succat. He changed it to
Patricius after becoming a priest.
3. Shamrocks are said to have
been used by Saint Patrick as a
metaphor for the Holy Trinity.
4. Corned beef doesn’t actually contain corn.
It's name come from the use
of salt "corns" to cure meat.
5. Saint Patrick famously wore a
light shade of blue, not the traditional
green that is constantly seen.
6. Green became a significant color for
Ireland during its 1641 rebellion. Its importance
then carried over to St. Patrick’s Day.
7. St. Patrick’s Day used to be a strictly
religious and alcohol-free holiday in Ireland.
8. Saint Patrick wasn't actually Irish.
He was born in Britain and kidnapped
by Irish pirates at a young age.
9. In traditional Irish folk tales,
female leprechauns don’t exist.
10. The U.S. has 32 million people of
Irish descent, while Ireland’s total
population is only 4.7 million
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:22Published
A Costco Membership Card , Is Now Needed to Eat in Its Food Court.
Even though Costco limited food court access to members only in 2020, enforcement of that policy has been lax until now, CBS News reports. .
The wholesale store is cracking down to
make sure that outsiders can no longer access Costco's $1.50 hot dog combo, among other items.
Effective April 8, 2024, an active Costco
membership card will be required to
purchase items from our food court. , Via a sign seen at a Costco store in Orlando, Florida .
You can join today. Please see our
membership counter for details, Via a sign seen at a Costco store in Orlando, Florida .
Ultimately, Costco doesn't think it's fair for non-members to access perks intended for members.
We don't feel it's right that non-members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members, Costco, via statement.
Costco made such statements last year when it started requiring photo IDs to be presented with membership cards at self-checkouts.
In January, some stores began requiring
membership cards to be scanned at store entrances to limit non-member entry and membership sharing.
A basic Costco membership is $60 per year.
An executive membership, which offers
perks such as cash back, costs $120 per year.
In 2023, membership fees accounted for
73% of Costco's total profit, CBS News reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
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Ron DeSantis Legalizes , Social Media Ban for Children.
The Florida governor signed the bill into law on March 25, 'The Guardian' reports.
It takes effect on January 1, 2025.
At that time, children under the age of 14 will not be allowed to have social media accounts in Florida.
14- and 15-year-olds will need parental permission
to have a presence on social media.
State House Speaker Paul Renner issued
a statement in support of the new law.
A child in their brain development doesn’t have
the ability to know that they’re being sucked
into these addictive technologies and to see
the harm and step away from it, and because
of that we have to step in for them, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, via statement.
Renner also said that social media companies will likely "sue the second after this is signed.".
But you know what? We’re going to beat
them. We’re going to beat them and
we’re never, ever going to stop, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, via statement.
Opponents argue that the new legislation is unconstitutional and a government overreach. .
This bill goes too far in
taking away parents’ rights, Anna Eskamani, Democratic state House representative,
via news release.
Instead of banning social media access,
it would be better to ensure improved
parental oversight tools, improved
access to data to stop bad actors, , Anna Eskamani, Democratic state House representative,
via news release.
... alongside major investments
in Florida’s mental health
systems and programs, Anna Eskamani, Democratic state House representative,
via news release
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Lil Wayne gave fans an extra treat by popping up at one of Drake's recent shows, but onlookers in the audience noticed the dynamic duo getting an onstage assist.. 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
Vince Young was involved in a wild bar fight last month -- one that ended after he was socked in the face and seemingly knocked unconscious. The fracas -- which.. TMZ.com
Robots are taking more jobs traditionally performed by humans ... and artists better watch their backs too ... 'cause machines can ink about as well as.. TMZ.com
These US Cities, Have the Highest Populations of, Millionaires.
According to a report by Henley & Partners,
the United States remains the top country in the
world for private wealth creation and accumulation.
Quartz reports that the U.S. accounts
for about 32% of global liquid investable
wealth, valued at approximately $67 trillion.
Here are some of the cities
with the largest populations of
millionaires, according to the report.
Austin, This Texas city had the biggest explosion
in millionaire growth in the U.S. over the past
ten years, reaching 32,700 by the end of 2023. .
Miami, This Florida city is home to
35,300 millionaires and 15 billionaires,
including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
Boston, While having just eight billionaires,
the fewest of any other city on the list,
this New England city is home to , 42,900 millionaires.
Seattle, This Washington State city is the home of
some of the largest corporations in the U.S.,
including Amazon and Microsoft. It's also
home to 54,200 millionaires and 11 billionaires. .
Chicago, Approximately 120,500 millionaires
live in this Midwestern metropolis. .
Los Angeles, The second-most populous city in the U.S. has about, 212,100 millionaires and 43 billionaires.
San Francisco, The tech hub of the U.S. boasts the most
billionaires with a whopping 68, as well as
the second-most millionaires with 305,700. .
New York, The city with the most high
net worth individuals has about , 349,500 millionaires
and 60 billionaires
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Appeals Court Freezes , Controversial Texas Immigration Law.
Hours after the Supreme Court allowed SB4
to take effect, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put it back on hold, 'The Hill' reports. .
The controversial measure allows Texas law enforcement to arrest anyone they suspect has entered the country illegally. .
They could then face deportation or jail time.
Critics say that the law could result in "civil rights violations and racial profiling," 'The Hill' reports. .
Critics say that the law could result in "civil rights violations and racial profiling," 'The Hill' reports. .
The White House previously referred to the law
as "another example of Republican officials politicizing the border while blocking real solutions.".
Dissenting Supreme Court Justices
Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson
argued that SB4 will only invite "further chaos
and crisis" regarding immigration enforcement.
Dissenting Supreme Court Justices
Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson
argued that SB4 will only invite "further chaos
and crisis" regarding immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, Mexico reiterated that it
will not "under any circumstances" accept
deportations of those who are not Mexican citizens. .
Mexico reiterates the legitimate
right to protect the rights of its
nationals in the United States
and to determine its own policies
regarding entry into its territory, Mexican government, via statement.
Texas officials did not report any arrests during the time the new law was in effect
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
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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In response to a significant oil spill last week, Trinidad and Tobago has declared a "national emergency." The government has pledged unwavering commitment to restore the island's beaches, promising no expense spared in the rehabilitation efforts. Meanwhile, a Clean Gulf Associates response vessel is actively engaged in skimming crude oil approximately 4 miles southeast of South Pass, Louisiana
#TrinidadAndTobago #OilSpill #NationalEmergency #Disaster #EnvironmentalCrisis #EmergencyResponse #CleanupEfforts #MarineLife #BeachCleanup #EnvironmentalDamage #OilPollution #CoastalDisaster #EmergencyManagement #SOS #SaveOurSeas #EcoCrisis #EnvironmentalThreat #ProtectOurShores #DisasterRecovery #CommunitySupport
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Link Uncovered, Between Forced Prison Labor , and Popular Food Brands, AP Reports.
A former slave plantation in Louisiana that is now
the nation's largest maximum-security prison
reportedly plays a hidden role in the U.S. food chain.
Associated Press reports that men imprisoned at the
Louisiana State Penitentiary are sentenced to hard,
forced labor, often for pennies an hour or nothing at all.
A two-year AP investigation revealed a hidden network
that links forced, prison labor with the world's
largest food manufacturers and popular brands.
A two-year AP investigation revealed a hidden network
that links forced, prison labor with the world's
largest food manufacturers and popular brands.
The investigation revealed that prison workers who
refuse work can lose their chance for parole or
face punishments that include solitary confinement.
Prison workers are also often excluded from protections
granted to nearly all other full-time workers, including
those regarding serious injuries or deaths on the job.
AP reports that goods produced by prisoners were found in
common household products, including Frosted Flakes
cereal, Ball Park hot dogs, Coca-Cola and Gold Medal flour.
AP reports that goods produced by prisoners were found in
common household products, including Frosted Flakes
cereal, Ball Park hot dogs, Coca-Cola and Gold Medal flour.
Products connected with prison labor can reportedly
be found on major supermarket shelves,
including at Kroger, Target, Aldi and Whole Foods.
The 13th Amendment of the Constitution
prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude,
except when it is a punishment for a crime.
The clause that permits forced prison labor has been
challenged at a federal level and efforts are underway
to remove similar language from state constitutions.
AP reports that some prisoners in Louisiana, with one of
the highest U.S. incarceration rates, are working on the
same plantation soil where slaves toiled over 150 years ago.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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
A stomach virus, identified as the 'norovirus,' is rapidly spreading across the northeast region of the United States, as per data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
#Norovirus #CDC #NorovirusOutbreak #CentersForDiseaseControl #NorovirusAwareness
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Health experts, elected officials and others are warning of a drastic increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations in northern Colorado to the point Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith is calling it a “time..
Hospitals tell us they're experiencing a record high COVID patient volume as the Delta Variant spreads. Among the hospitals seeing cases are children's hospitals.
A surge in the coronavirus delta variant is overwhelming hospitals and temporarily closing down classrooms in Placer County. The uptick in cases has health officials recommending high-quality masks for..
Credit: CBS 13 Sacramento Duration: 02:24Published