National News
National News
Early CDC Coronavirus Test Came With Inconsistent Instructions, Cost U.S. Weeks
A flawed coronavirus test distributed by government scientists early in the pandemic was poorly designed and came with erroneous instructions that made it doubly difficult for labs to rely on the test’s results, new records show. The shortcomings of the test kits cost the nation precious weeks as officials sought to detect virus hotspots and manage the outbreak.
A Team Of Mostly Women Races To Make History At The Indianapolis 500
The 105th Indianapolis 500 is about to run — and this year’s race could mark a first. Over the years, only nine women have driven in the marquee event. But this time, one of 35 teams competing to qualify is made up mostly of women, including the driver, owner and crew.
‘Vulture’ Fund Alden Global, Known For Slashing Newsrooms, Buys Tribune Papers
The New York-based hedge fund Alden Global Capital – known for slashing its newspapers’ budgets to extract escalated profits – won shareholder approval Friday for its $633 million bid to acquire the Tribune Publishing newspaper chain.
Israel And Hamas Agree To A Cease-Fire In The Gaza Conflict
The Israeli Cabinet voted to accept an Egyptian initiative for a cease-fire, according to a statement from the Cabinet. A Hamas spokesman said, “The Palestinian resistance will commit itself to this deal as long as the occupation is committed.”
Here’s What The New Hate Crimes Law Aims To Do As Attacks On Asian Americans Rise
Following overwhelming support from both chambers of Congress, President Biden signed legislation Thursday that addresses hate crimes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular emphasis on the increase in violence against Asian Americans.
Pfizer Vaccine Can Stay Longer At Warmer Temperatures Before Being Discarded
The Food and Drug Administration says it’s now OK to store the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at normal refrigerator temperatures for up to a month. This is much longer than was previously allowed under the FDA’s emergency authorization and will make storage and distribution of the vaccine easier.
Former Officers Who Arrested A 73-Year-Old Woman With Dementia Face Charges
Multiple charges have been filed against two former Colorado police officers for their roles in the arrest of a 73-year-old woman with dementia last year.
House Passes Bill To Investigate Capitol Riot, But Fate In Senate Is Unclear As McConnell Opposes
The House has passed a bipartisan plan to create a 9/11-style commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, despite significant opposition from Republican lawmakers.
He Risked His Life For His Platoon In Korea. At 94, He Will Get A Medal Of Honor
Col. Ralph Puckett, Jr. will be honored at the White House on Friday and awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts of “conspicuous gallantry” during the Korean War. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who will be in town to conduct diplomacy talks with President Biden, will attend the ceremony.
Half Of The World’s Single-Use Plastic Waste Is From Just 20 Companies, Says A Study
In 2019, more than 130 million metric tons of single-use plastics were thrown away, with most of that waste burned, buried in a landfill or dumped directly into the ocean or onto land. Now, a new report finds that just 20 companies account for more than half of all single-use plastic waste generated worldwide.
WNYC Fires ‘On The Media’ Co-Host Bob Garfield For Alleged Bullying
Bob Garfield, host of the public radio show and podcast On The Media, has been fired. According to a statement from New York Public Radio, an outside investigation found that Garfield violated the company’s anti-bullying policy. Garfield was the subject of a similar investigation in 2020 that resulted in, “disciplinary action and a warning about consequences if the behavior continued.”
A Dangerous Fire Season Is Looming As The Drought-Stricken West Heads Toward Water Crisis
Just about every indicator of drought is flashing red across the western U.S. after a dry winter and warm early spring. The snowpack is at less than half of normal in much of the region. Reservoirs are being drawn down, river levels are dropping and soils are drying out.
