National News Archives

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

March 25, 2021April 5, 2021

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

March 25, 2021April 5, 2021

National News/Politics

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

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021

COVID-19/National News

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

March 1, 2021March 24, 2021

Business/National News

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,