National News - Page 118

Dangerous Covid-19 variants could mean all bets are off on the road to normalcy, expert warns

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By Travis Caldwell The evidence that Americans are gearing up for a return to normal life is growing apparent. States are relaxing capacity restrictions for public areas and private gatherings. More school districts are reopening for in-person learning. Travel is increasing, with TSA data showing more than 1 million daily passengers in US airports for two consecutive weeks, the longest such stretch since the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns in early 2020. However, many experts reiterate that Covid-19 is far from over. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on the “Today” show Thursday that

Obama calls for stricter gun laws following Colorado shooting to prevent more ‘random, senseless acts’ of gun violence

By Devan Cole Former President Barack Obama on Tuesday called for stricter gun laws following the mass shooting in Colorado, bemoaning what he called a national tolerance for “these kinds of random, senseless acts.” Obama said in a statement that he and former first lady Michelle Obama are grieving with the families of the victims of Monday’s massacre in Boulder, but also said they “are also feeling a deep, familiar outrage” for these types of tragedies. The statement by the former president came shortly before President Joe Biden publicly commented on the shooting, which took place at grocery store and

Tornadoes roll across 5 southern states causing at least 5 deaths and heavy destruction

By Mallika Kallingal A wave of tornadoes rolled across five southern states on Thursday, leaving at least five people dead and inflicting heavy damage in its wake, according to officials. Early Friday, the city of Newnan, Georgia, reported damage in and around its historic downtown area due to a tornado and repair crews were working on the scene to clear impacted areas. The National Weather Service had warned the Newnan tornado was a “particularly dangerous situation” and had told residents to take cover. The town was “hit hard and there is significant damage all over the city,” Gina Weathersby, Community

New AstraZeneca report says vaccine was 76% effective in preventing Covid-19 symptoms

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By Maggie Fox Drug giant AstraZeneca updated its data on how well its coronavirus vaccine works, saying late Wednesday the vaccine showed 76% efficacy against symptomatic coronavirus disease and 100% efficacy against severe or critical disease or the need for hospitalization. The vaccine was 85% effective in preventing symptoms in volunteers 65 and older, the company said. The numbers are not terribly different from data the company released in a statement Monday. As with Monday’s data, the company has released them via news release and not in a peer-reviewed report or as a formal submission for US Food and Drug

Georgia House set to pass sweeping bill that would restrict voting access

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By Kelly Mena, Dianne Gallagher and Pamela Kirkland The GOP-led Georgia House is expected on Thursday to approve a sweeping election bill that would limit voting rights by imposing restrictions like an ID requirement for absentee voting in a state that was key in determining control of the White House and Senate. The passage of SB 202, three days before the end of the 2021 legislative session, will inch the bill one step closer to becoming law as the GOP-led state Legislature hopes to successfully make election changes, part of a national Republican effort that aims to restrict access to

‘We are trying to live.’ Vaccine hesitancy is decreasing as call for equitable access intensifies

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By Nicquel Terry Ellis, Amara Walker and Maria Cartaya Getting a Covid-19 vaccine appointment was frustrating for Brenda Hong. The 75-year-old said the online registration system was tough to navigate and she waited weeks for an appointment confirmation that never came. Ultimately, Hong’s niece had to schedule her for the shot earlier this month at a community vaccine site. Hong fears the difficult sign-up process could discourage other elderly, Black people from getting vaccinated. “Somebody has to fix this,” said Hong, of Birmingham, Alabama. “It should not be about who you know, and how much money you have and your

Black-owned hair salons and barbershops provide a “safe haven” for the community in Northwest Arkansas

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By Veronica Ortega FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (KFSM) — Like many small businesses around the country, Black-owned barbershops and hair salons have had to adapt to operating during a pandemic. Many locally have had to evolve to survive, but business remains strong because it’s a staple for the Black community. Hair salons and barbershops are not just small businesses for the Black community but a safe haven. “I think we make up a small percentage, and when people come into the area, they feel that they can come for culture, conversation, or just being around a commonplace,” Nick Jones, owner, Trendsetter Barbershop,

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