WEATHER ALERT
Afghan women cannot pray loudly or recite in front of other women, says Taliban minister
Read full article: Afghan women cannot pray loudly or recite in front of other women, says Taliban ministerA Taliban government minister says Afghan women are forbidden from praying loudly or reciting the Quran in front of other women.
Czech government undergoes a reshuffle after a party leaves but retains a majority in Parliament
Read full article: Czech government undergoes a reshuffle after a party leaves but retains a majority in ParliamentPresident Petr Pavel has sworn in two new ministers as part of a reshuffle of the government following the decision of junior coalition partner, the Pirates, to leave the Cabinet.
Comic Relief US launches new Roblox game to help children build community virtually and in real life
Read full article: Comic Relief US launches new Roblox game to help children build community virtually and in real lifeA nonprofit's experiment building a Roblox game to develop charitable habits among children went so well that this year's campaign is expanding.
Taliban vice and virtue laws provide 'distressing vision' for Afghanistan, warns UN envoy
Read full article: Taliban vice and virtue laws provide 'distressing vision' for Afghanistan, warns UN envoyA top UN official is warning that the Taliban’s new vice and virtue laws provide a distressing vision for Afghanistan’s future.
China says it's 'hard to meet' discussions on Russia-Ukraine war, citing problems with arrangements
Read full article: China says it's 'hard to meet' discussions on Russia-Ukraine war, citing problems with arrangementsChina says it will be “‘hard to meet” calls for discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war because of problems with arrangements.
‘Hug A Newsperson Day’ is April 4 🤩 Here’s how we celebrated OURSELVES 🎉
Read full article: ‘Hug A Newsperson Day’ is April 4 🤩 Here’s how we celebrated OURSELVES 🎉In a world full of information, one profession stands out for its dedication to uncovering truth, disseminating knowledge, and keeping the public informed... journalism.
Prince William thanks public for messages to King Charles and Kate, says they mean 'a great deal'
Read full article: Prince William thanks public for messages to King Charles and Kate, says they mean 'a great deal'Prince William has returned to royal duties for the first time since his father King Charles III announced his cancer diagnosis and his wife, Kate, was hospitalized for abdominal surgery.
Suspect shot by US Marshal, Harris County deputy fired at officials first in NE Harris County
Read full article: Suspect shot by US Marshal, Harris County deputy fired at officials first in NE Harris CountyA man was shot by a US Marshal and a Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy while officials were serving a warrant in northeast Harris County, according to the authorities.
Fans unhappy at not seeing injured Messi play as Inter Miami cruises past Hong Kong XI 4-1
Read full article: Fans unhappy at not seeing injured Messi play as Inter Miami cruises past Hong Kong XI 4-1Hong Kong soccer fans and government have expressed their disappointment as Lionel Messi stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes while Inter Miami defeated a Hong Kong XI 4-1 in the latest stop on the MLS team’s preseason Asian tour.
Experts explain how to talk to your child about their emotional health
Read full article: Experts explain how to talk to your child about their emotional healthEach year, one in five children in the US experience a mental health disorder, and about 247 billion dollars is spent on treatment and management of these conditions. Ivanhoe explains how to talk to your child about their emotional health.
Argentina's annual inflation soars to 211.4%, the highest in 32 years
Read full article: Argentina's annual inflation soars to 211.4%, the highest in 32 yearsArgentina's statistics agency says the country has registered a monthly inflation rate of 25.5% in December and closed 2023 with an annual inflation of 211.4%.
“Modern Cajun Cooking” author and food blogger, Leigh Ann Chatagnier shares three easy meals for the new year
Read full article: “Modern Cajun Cooking” author and food blogger, Leigh Ann Chatagnier shares three easy meals for the new yearSoup, salad and slow cooking -- three easy meals for the new year
Northbound lanes of I-69/US 59 at Highway 36 in Rosenberg closed due to crash involving dump truck
Read full article: Northbound lanes of I-69/US 59 at Highway 36 in Rosenberg closed due to crash involving dump truckRosenberg Police say the northbound lanes of I-69/US 59 are closed at Highway 36 due to a crash involving a dump truck and heavy machinery.
A Russian missile hits a Liberia-flagged ship in Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port
Read full article: A Russian missile hits a Liberia-flagged ship in Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea portA Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian port of Odesa has hit a Liberian-flagged freighter, killing a port worker and wounding another, as well as three citizens of the Philippines, crew members on the ship.
Timeline: The Palestinian and Israeli conflict explained
Read full article: Timeline: The Palestinian and Israeli conflict explainedKPRC 2 spoke with US Ambassador David Satterfield, the current director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy about his insight on the conflict happening in Israel.
A federal judge again declares that DACA is illegal; Issue likely to be decided by US Supreme Court
Read full article: A federal judge again declares that DACA is illegal; Issue likely to be decided by US Supreme CourtA federal judge on Wednesday declared illegal a revised version of a federal policy that prevents the deportation of hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
This Free Course will Help You Navigate the Digital World with Ease
Read full article: This Free Course will Help You Navigate the Digital World with EaseComcast is investing in local programs to help you build or learn digital skills that will provide greater opportunities and help you navigate the digital world with ease. Learn about Digital Navigator courses here.
Venus Williams will begin her 24th Wimbledon appearance against Elina Svitolina
Read full article: Venus Williams will begin her 24th Wimbledon appearance against Elina SvitolinaFive-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams will begin her 24th appearance in the tournament against 2019 semifinalist Elina Svitolina.
43-year-old Venus Williams gets wild card to play singles at Wimbledon
Read full article: 43-year-old Venus Williams gets wild card to play singles at WimbledonVenus Williams is set to make her 24th appearance in the singles draw at Wimbledon after the 43-year-old American was given a wild-card entry.
Lanes reopen after truck hauling pallets crashes on US 90A at FM 1952 in Fort Bend County
Read full article: Lanes reopen after truck hauling pallets crashes on US 90A at FM 1952 in Fort Bend CountyA truck hauling pallets crashed and blocked multiple lanes on US 90A westbound at FM 1952 in Fort Bend County Wednesday, TxDOT said.
More than 1,000 flights canceled as major winter storm threatens to produce historic snowfall
Read full article: More than 1,000 flights canceled as major winter storm threatens to produce historic snowfallMore than 1,000 flights within, to and out of the United States have been canceled for Wednesday as severe weather wreaks havoc, with a massive storm threatening to bring record snowfall to parts of the country.
WATCH LIVE: President Biden delivers remarks about aerial objects US military shot down
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: President Biden delivers remarks about aerial objects US military shot downPresident Joe Biden plans to deliver his most extended public remarks yet — as early as Thursday — about the unidentified objects that the U.S. military has been shooting down, three people familiar with the matter said.
Southwest Airlines executives to be grilled on Capitol Hill after series of holiday flight cancellations
Read full article: Southwest Airlines executives to be grilled on Capitol Hill after series of holiday flight cancellationsCongress is expected to receive new evidence Thursday of what was considered to be “internal chaos” with Southwest Airlines over the Christmas holiday meltdown and cancellations, CNN reported.
Over 200 million under advisories or warnings from ‘historic winter storm,’
Read full article: Over 200 million under advisories or warnings from ‘historic winter storm,’Over 200 million people or around 60% of the population are under some form of weather warning or advisory from a “historic winter storm,” forecasters said Friday.
When toys go wrong: Hidden hazards to watch out for
Read full article: When toys go wrong: Hidden hazards to watch out forMake sure the most wonderful time of the year isn’t the most dangerous one. Moms and dads will spend an average of 300 dollars on their kids’ toys this holiday season but before you buy, make sure the toys are safe. According to the US consumer product safety commission, emergency rooms treated over 224 thousand toy-related injuries last year.
House passes bill to avert looming rail strike, sending it to Senate ahead of crucial deadline, report says
Read full article: House passes bill to avert looming rail strike, sending it to Senate ahead of crucial deadline, report saysThe House passed legislation Wednesday to avert a potentially catastrophic rail strike that President Joe Biden warned could threaten the U.S. economy just weeks before Christmas.
Political bad blood between US, Iran dominates run-up to World Cup showdown
Read full article: Political bad blood between US, Iran dominates run-up to World Cup showdownThe politics of anti-regime protests are dominating the run-up to a World Cup showdown between the U.S. and Iran, with coaches and players fielding politically charged questions before Tuesday’s match.
Man pleads guilty to stalking, releasing sexually-explicit photos of woman who refused to move with him, DOJ says
Read full article: Man pleads guilty to stalking, releasing sexually-explicit photos of woman who refused to move with him, DOJ saysA 47-year-old Colorado man has admitted to threatening a Houston woman with releasing sexually-explicit images unless she moved with him across the country, the US Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday.
NASA, Rice University mark 60th anniversary of JFK’s moon speech
Read full article: NASA, Rice University mark 60th anniversary of JFK’s moon speechRice University and NASA partnered Monday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s landmark “We choose to go to the moon” speech at Rice Stadium.
US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visits Houston Thursday
Read full article: US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visits Houston ThursdayU.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm visited Houston Thursday to tour a state-of-the-art union worker training facility in the area focused on energy jobs.
Arizona AG says most alleged 2020 dead voters were alive
Read full article: Arizona AG says most alleged 2020 dead voters were aliveThe Republican attorney general of Arizona says his investigators found just one dead voter after thoroughly reviewing findings from a partisan review of Arizona's 2020 election.
5 ways to get a tee time on The Old Course at St. Andrews
Read full article: 5 ways to get a tee time on The Old Course at St. AndrewsWith St. Andrews fresh on people’s minds after seeing the images this weekend, one might wonder the following: How hard is it to play a round at the Old Course, the home of golf?
2.2 million Americans living without clean drinking water, new report shows
Read full article: 2.2 million Americans living without clean drinking water, new report showsMore than one and a half million Americans don’t have access to clean drinking water in their homes, and according to a new report, allowing 2.2 million Americans to live without a tap or toilet in their homes is costing the US economy a staggering $8.58 billion each year.
Portugal’s interior minister quits after series of scandals
Read full article: Portugal’s interior minister quits after series of scandalsPortugal’s interior minister has resigned after a series of gaffes and missteps that could have made him a political liability for his center-left Socialist Party ahead of elections for a new government on Jan. 30.
‘It was a big emotional drain’: Local attorney who represented Enron victims recalls aftermath of scandal 20 years later
Read full article: ‘It was a big emotional drain’: Local attorney who represented Enron victims recalls aftermath of scandal 20 years laterA local attorney who worked with employees and investors of the Enron scandal recalls the impact it had on their lives.
Texas Dreamer, attorney providing a voice for others like him
Read full article: Texas Dreamer, attorney providing a voice for others like himJust last month, the Biden administration moved to publish a federal rule to protect Dreamers, children brought to the US illegally by their migrant parents. Currently, the Department of Homeland Security is not accepting new DACA applications, to comply with a federal court ruling.
Watch live: Simone Biles to testify before Senate about Larry Nassar
Read full article: Watch live: Simone Biles to testify before Senate about Larry NassarGold medalist Simone Biles and other star gymnasts are testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee for the investigation into Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor who was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of girls and women.
Despite rise in COVID-19 cases, Gov. Greg Abbott says he will not issue another mask mandate in Texas
Read full article: Despite rise in COVID-19 cases, Gov. Greg Abbott says he will not issue another mask mandate in TexasDuring a live interview on KPRC 2 News at 5, Gov. Greg Abbott said despite the rise in COVID-19 cases in the US, he will not impose another mask mandate.
Big gaps in vaccine rates across the US worry health experts
Read full article: Big gaps in vaccine rates across the US worry health expertsA distinct geographic pattern has emerged in the U.S. drive to vanquish the coronavirus: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South.
Travel series ‘George Goes Everywhere’ features Houston spots to visit on a budget
Read full article: Travel series ‘George Goes Everywhere’ features Houston spots to visit on a budgetIf you’re looking for travel ideas that won’t break the bank, there’s a new digital series offering inexpensive tips to help you explore top US cities such as New Orleans, Savannah, Nashville, Boston, New York City, and even Houston.
Man accused of killing Thai wife prosecuted for abuse in US
Read full article: Man accused of killing Thai wife prosecuted for abuse in USA U.S. citizen charged with killing his pregnant Thai wife in Thailand was accused of attempting to kill what appears to be the same woman while living in Colorado in 2019.
China bashes US over racism, inequality, pandemic response
Read full article: China bashes US over racism, inequality, pandemic responseChina lashed out Wednesday at the U.S. over racism, financial inequality and the federal government's response to the coronavirus in an annual report that seeks to counter U.S. accusations of human rights abuses by China's ruling Communist Party. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)BEIJING – China took the U.S. to task Wednesday over racism, financial inequality and the federal government’s response to the coronavirus in an annual report that seeks to counter U.S. accusations of human rights abuses by China’s ruling Communist Party. Ad“Vulnerable groups became the biggest victims of the government’s reckless response to the epidemic," it said. “The United States has mountains of human rights problems in its own country," said Li Xiaojin, a human rights official from the State Council Information Office. "However, it is more intensively interfering in the internal affairs of other countries under the banner of human rights.
Spacewalkers finish solar panel prep for station power boost
Read full article: Spacewalkers finish solar panel prep for station power boostMore mounting brackets and struts need to be installed for new and improved solar panels due to arrive in June. (NASA via AP)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Spacewalking astronauts completed the first round of prep work Friday for new solar panels, part of a major power upgrade at the International Space Station. NASA’s Kate Rubins and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi installed mounting brackets and struts for the improved solar wings due to arrive in June. The eight solar panels have degraded over time; the oldest were launched 20 years ago. Noguchi, Glover and two other NASA astronauts will fly SpaceX back in late April or May.
Ford to go all electric in Europe by 2030
Read full article: Ford to go all electric in Europe by 2030Ford says it will spend $1 billion to modernize its Cologne, Germany, manufacturing center, converting it into a European electric vehicle factory. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)DETROIT – Ford is vowing to convert its entire passenger vehicle lineup in Europe to electric power by 2030 in just the latest sign of the seismic technological changes sweeping the auto industry. Ford expects two-thirds of its European commercial vehicle sales will be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2030. “We are going all in on electric vehicles,” Rowley said. The investment is part of Ford's goal of spending at least $15 billion on electric vehicles from now through 2025.
Bernie bobblehead inspired by Inauguration Day meme available for pre-order
Read full article: Bernie bobblehead inspired by Inauguration Day meme available for pre-order(Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)Jokesters quickly got to work on a hilarious new gag gift inspired by Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sanders made waves on social media Wednesday as he became the new target for several memes online after trending for his Inauguration Day appearance. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum announced hours after the inauguration that a Bernie-inspired bobblehead would be included in its political lineup celebrating the new presidency. According to the store website, the bobblehead commemorating the Vermont senator’s viral Inauguration Day meme is high quality and produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum and will be individually numbered. The last-minute addition of Sanders is currently available online for pre-order and expected to ship in May.
Bernie Sanders’ viral mittens were crafted by a Vermont elementary school teacher
Read full article: Bernie Sanders’ viral mittens were crafted by a Vermont elementary school teacherWhile most attendees dressed in formal winter fashion, Sanders sported a more casual look complemented with fleece-lined mittens. According to NBC Boston, the mittens that have become a part of several viral memes were made by Jen Ellis, an elementary school teacher whose daughter went to a child care center owned by a relative of Sanders. “I love it that he loves them, and that he wears them,” Ellis said according to NBC Boston. “The fact that these mittens, which were made from recycled and repurposed materials, made it to the national stage is really a shoutout to Vermont,” Ellis said. “I’m really proud that he took them to D.C. and that he was there for this historic moment.”
UK, EU in spat over diplomatic status of bloc's ambassador
Read full article: UK, EU in spat over diplomatic status of bloc's ambassadorBritain has sparked a post-Brexit spat with the European Union on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 by declining to grant the blocs first-ever ambassador to the country full diplomatic status. David Ake, file)LONDON – Britain has sparked a post-Brexit spat with the European Union by declining to grant the bloc’s first-ever ambassador to the country full diplomatic status. The EU says he should be given the same status as a national ambassador, like the rest of the bloc's 143 envoys around the world. Stano noted that Britain "was cognizant and supportive of this status while it was a member of the European Union. “Nothing has changed since the U.K.’s exit from the European Union to justify any change in stance on the U.K.’s part,” he said.
Nearly 190,000 ceiling fans recalled because blades detach, fly off
Read full article: Nearly 190,000 ceiling fans recalled because blades detach, fly offMore than 190,000 have been recalled because the blades were detaching while in use. There is a recall on the Mara ceiling fan in matte white, matte black, black, and polished nickel finishes. King of Fans, the Florida company that made the fans, says it received 47 reports of the blades disconnecting. According to CNN, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said two of those reports said a detached fan blade hit someone. If you have this fan, you are urged to immediately stop using it and contact the company for a replacement.
US allows emergency COVID-19 vaccine in bid to end pandemic
Read full article: US allows emergency COVID-19 vaccine in bid to end pandemicWASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense held a briefing with Operation Warp Speed on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. View the briefing below:The Food and Drug Administration held a briefing Saturday following its authorization of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use Friday. View the briefing in its entirety below:The U.S. gave the final go-ahead Friday to the nation’s first COVID-19 vaccine, marking what could be the beginning of the end of an outbreak that has killed nearly 300,000 Americans. The U.S. is considering a second vaccine, made by Moderna Inc., that could roll out in another week. In addition, the FDA insisted that large COVID-19 vaccine studies track at least half the participants for two months to look for side effects, a time period when historically any vaccine problems appear.
Rockets and Second Servings of Houston host ‘Thanksgiving’s on Us’ Food Distribution presented by Kroger
Read full article: Rockets and Second Servings of Houston host ‘Thanksgiving’s on Us’ Food Distribution presented by KrogerHOUSTON – The Houston Rockets and Second Servings of Houston came together to serve over 1,000 families Thursday. Presented by Kroger, “Thanksgiving’s on Us” is a contactless drive-thru distribution that focuses on providing perishable and non-perishable Thanksgiving-themed items to Houstonians in need for the holiday. “We know Thanksgiving will look different for so many Houstonians this holiday season,” said Rockets Community Relations Director Sarah Joseph. “This is like a blessing for the community and to give a Thanksgiving meal to a family means so much,” said Sharon Houston. This year marked the third food distribution between the Houston Rockets and Second Servings of Houston.
Johnny Depp loses UK libel case over 'wife-beater' claims
Read full article: Johnny Depp loses UK libel case over 'wife-beater' claims“They must have been terrifying.”In court, Depp accused Heard of making up her allegations, while acknowledging wide-ranging drug problems. The judge found that 12 of the 14 instances of domestic violence had occurred and said that was sufficient to rule against Depp. Depp and Heard met on the set of 2011 comedy “The Rum Diary” and married in Los Angeles in 2015. “What woman has ever benefited from being a victim of domestic violence?” she asked in court. “Johnny Depp is only going to be able to rehabilitate himself if he accepts this judgment," he added.
UK judge to rule Nov 2 on Depp's libel suit against tabloid
Read full article: UK judge to rule Nov 2 on Depp's libel suit against tabloidBritains judicial office said Tuesday Oct. 27, 2020, that judge Andrew Nicol will deliver his verdict in writing on Nov. 2, ruling on whether Johnny Depp was libelled by a tabloid newspaper that branded him a wife-beater. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos, FILE)LONDON – A British judge will rule next week on whether Johnny Depp was libelled by a tabloid newspaper that branded him a wife-beater — an accusation his lawyer called a “reputation-destroying, career-ending” false allegation. Over several days in the witness box, Depp, 57, branded he allegations a “hoax” and claimed Heard was the aggressor during their volatile relationship. “He has never hit a woman in his entire life — period, full stop, nada,” Depp’s lawyer David Sherborne said in closing arguments. Depp is also suing Heard for $50 million in Virginia over a Washington Post story about domestic violence.
Worldwide death toll from coronavirus eclipses 1 million
Read full article: Worldwide death toll from coronavirus eclipses 1 millionThe worldwide death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed 1 million, nine months into a crisis that has devastated the global economy, tested world leaders' resolve, pitted science against politics and forced multitudes to change the way they live, learn and work. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)NEW DELHI – The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus has eclipsed 1 million, nine months into a crisis that has devastated the global economy, tested world leaders’ resolve, pitted science against politics and forced multitudes to change the way they live, learn and work. After the virus killed the 27-year-old Chaudhary in late July, his mother wept inconsolably. The virus’s toll is approaching the 1.5 million global deaths each year from tuberculosis, which regularly kills more people than any other infectious disease. For all its lethality, the virus has claimed far fewer lives than the so-called Spanish flu, which killed an estimated 40 million to 50 million worldwide in two years, just over a century ago.
TikTok in Fort Bend County? Judge invites TikTok Global to open headquarters in Houston area
Read full article: TikTok in Fort Bend County? Judge invites TikTok Global to open headquarters in Houston areaHOUSTON – Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George invited video-sharing social networking service, TikTok Global, to open its headquarters in the county. “Fort Bend County is a unique place,” George wrote in a letter. He also noted the success of the Fort Bend County schools and master-planned communities, which allows the county to serve as a great place to live and work. On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he spoke with President Donald Trump regarding the TikTok deal.
US bans WeChat, TikTok from app stores, threatens shutdowns
Read full article: US bans WeChat, TikTok from app stores, threatens shutdownsTikTok won't face the most drastic sanctions until after the Nov. 3 election, but WeChat users could feel the effects as early as Sunday. The order, which cited national security and data privacy concerns, follows weeks of dealmaking over the video-sharing service TikTok. Trump had said this week that he does not like the idea of ByteDance keeping majority control of TikTok. The administration, however, has provided no specific evidence that TikTok has made U.S. users’ data available to the Chinese government. Some cybersecurity experts question whether the administration's efforts are more political than rooted in legitimate concerns about Chinese threats to data security.
US charges 5 Chinese citizens in global hacking campaign
Read full article: US charges 5 Chinese citizens in global hacking campaignDeputy Attorney General Jeffery Rosen listens, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 at the Justice Department in Washington. The Justice Department has charged five Chinese citizens with hacks targeting more than 100 companies and institutions in the United States and abroad, including social media and video game companies as well as universities and telecommunications providers. The Justice Department did not directly link the hackers to the Chinese government. Rosen criticized the Chinese government for what he said was a failure to disrupt hacking crimes and to hold hackers accountable. There was no immediate response Wednesday to an email seeking comment from the Chinese Embassy in Washington.
Chinese diplomats return from Houston consulate shut by US
Read full article: Chinese diplomats return from Houston consulate shut by USBEIJING The staff of the Chinese consulate in Houston that was ordered shut by the U.S. government has returned to China. Wearing face masks because of the coronavirus pandemic, they were greeted on the tarmac by Foreign Minister Wang Yi after disembarking from a chartered Air China flight in Beijing on Monday night. In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, staff members from the Chinese Consulate in Houston, USA, arrive at an airport in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. A charter flight carrying employees of the consulate, which was ordered closed by the U.S. government in July amid escalating diplomatic tensions, arrived in Beijing on Monday night. Three days later, China ordered the U.S. consulate in Chengdu to close in retaliation.
For Americans waiting on virus aid, no new relief in sight
Read full article: For Americans waiting on virus aid, no new relief in sightNegotiations over a new virus relief package have all but ended, with the White House and congressional leaders far apart on the size, scope and approach for shoring up households, re-opening schools and launching a national strategy to contain the virus. The White House is not budging, Pelosi and Schumer said in a joint statement. Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows briefed GOP senators privately on Wednesday. Because McConnell has such cool support from his ranks for any bill, Democrats are trying to push the White House to go bold. The Democrats said they are waiting for the White House to put a new offer on the table.
Companies test antibody drugs to treat, prevent COVID-19
Read full article: Companies test antibody drugs to treat, prevent COVID-19The antibody drugs are very promising and, in contrast, could be available fairly soon," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration official who is leading government efforts to speed COVID-19 therapies. One company, Eli Lilly, has already started manufacturing its antibody drug, betting that studies now underway will give positive results. Another company that developed an antibody drug cocktail against Ebola Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. now is testing one for coronavirus. Others working on antibody drugs include Amgen and Adaptive Biotechnologies. All the antibody drugs are given through an IV and must make their way through the bloodstream to wherever theyre needed.
Health officials are quitting or getting fired amid outbreak
Read full article: Health officials are quitting or getting fired amid outbreakA review by the Kaiser Health News service and The Associated Press finds at least 48 state and local health leaders have resigned, retired or been fired since April across 23 states. At least 38,000 state and local public health jobs have disappeared since the 2008 recession, leaving a skeletal workforce for what was once viewed as one of the worlds top public health systems. In Oklahoma, both the state health commissioner and state epidemiologist have been replaced since the outbreak began in March. She said she knows many public health department leaders who are considering resigning or retiring because of the strain. Our elected officials in positions of power, whether presidents, governors or mayors, they arent supporting staff better or aligning messages," forcing public health officials to bear the political pressure, Brown said.
How social media reacted to President Trumps Executive Order against TikToks parent company
Read full article: How social media reacted to President Trumps Executive Order against TikToks parent companyHOUSTON President Donald Trump issued executive orders against TikTok and WeChat Thursday night, prompting reactions from social media users on Twitter. The Executive Order came after the U.S. accused Chinese tech firms ByteWave and Tencent of automatically capturing vast swaths of information from its users, such as location data and browsing information. The executive order is set to go in effect for 45 days. Stephanie Jill Roberts (@Stepherpsu) August 7, 2020Hopefully this supposed Tiktok ban wakes people up to how their data is mined and packaged for sale. Adolwulf MUFC (@Adolwulf) August 7, 2020Ban Facebook instead of Tiktok cheese connoisseur (@Isabellecreager) August 7, 2020instagram: *sees tiktok is getting ban*instagram: this is our chanceinstagram: NOW INTRODUCING REELS dacia (@Dacia_k_) August 7, 2020alright trump can you NOT ban tiktok please.
FDA has fast-tracked promising drug to treat COVID-19 patients and it is in trial at Houston Methodist
Read full article: FDA has fast-tracked promising drug to treat COVID-19 patients and it is in trial at Houston MethodistHOUSTON – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has fast-tracked a promising drug to treat COVID-19 patients and it is in trial at Houston Methodist Hospital. The drug is called RLF-100 and is also known as aviptadil. It has been approved by the FDA for emergency use at multiple clinical sites in patients who are too ill to enter the FDA’s Phase 2/3 trials. According to a press release from the drug maker NeuroRX, independent researchers have reported that aviptadil blocked replication of the SARS coronavirus in human lung cells and monocytes. The drug has been successful in reducing lung inflammation and so the FDA now says any doctor at any hospital can request this treatment to help severely ill COVID-19 patients.
Texas biotech facility in College Station tapped to mass-produce potential COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Texas biotech facility in College Station tapped to mass-produce potential COVID-19 vaccineA biotech production facility in College Station could begin manufacturing a COVID-19 vaccine as early as next year. President Donald Trump, appearing Monday afternoon at a North Carolina Fujifilm facility where the vaccine candidate is being developed for clinical trials, praised the progress of the Novavax vaccine and of other therapeutics. If clinical trials for the Novavax vaccine prove successful, the bulk production will be moved to the College Station facility — “which is quite the place,” the president said Monday — starting next year. Novavax, which has never brought a vaccine to market, received the federal government’s largest-yet vaccine contract of $1.6 billion earlier this month. The A&M System facility was founded in 2012 as one of the U.S. government’s three national biosecurity centers, intended to develop and produce drugs that would fight pandemics and bioterrorist threats.
US wont expel migrant children detained in Texas hotel
Read full article: US wont expel migrant children detained in Texas hotelThe Trump administration is detaining immigrant children as young as 1 in hotels before deporting them to their home countries. Government data obtained by AP showed the U.S. had detained children nearly 200 times over two months in three Hampton Inn & Suites hotels in Arizona and two Texas border cities. But the Trump administration has not said it will stop using hotels to detain children. Their agreement only covers 17 children known to have been detained as of Thursday at the Hampton Inn in McAllen. The Trump administration responded by questioning Ordin's authority to issue the report.
China tells US to close consulate in Chengdu after closure in Houston
Read full article: China tells US to close consulate in Chengdu after closure in HoustonBEIJING China on Friday ordered the United States to close its consulate in the western city of Chengdu in an increasingly rancorous diplomatic conflict. The order followed the U.S. closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston. WHAT HAPPENED: US orders China to close Houston consulate amid swirling accusations of espionage, theftThe Chinese foreign ministry appealed to Washington to reverse its erroneous decision.The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered the Houston consulate closed within 72 hours. The United States has an embassy in Beijing and consulates in five other mainland cities Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Wuhan. WATCH: Videos show flames, activity in courtyard of Consulate General of China in HoustonEXPLAINED: Most important things to know about whats going on with the Consulate General of China in Houston
China tells US to close Chengdu consulate in growing spat
Read full article: China tells US to close Chengdu consulate in growing spatBEIJING China ordered the United States on Friday to close its consulate in the western city of Chengdu, ratcheting up a diplomatic conflict at a time when relations have sunk to their lowest level in decades. The measure taken by China is a legitimate and necessary response to the unjustified act by the United States, said a foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin. On Tuesday, the Trump administration ordered the Houston consulate closed within 72 hours. The United States has an embassy in Beijing and consulates in five other mainland cities Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Wuhan. Alongside the eviction of the Houston Chinese Consulate, the risk of the U.S.-China conflict escalating into a Cold War is worrying, Hayaki Narita of Mizuho Bank said in a report.
China faces repeated espionage accusations amid closure of Houston consulate
Read full article: China faces repeated espionage accusations amid closure of Houston consulateHOUSTON A video of personnel appearing to burn documents at the Consulate General of China in Houston Tuesday night spread like wildfire overnight. You know I would like to know what those documents held, McCaul said from his Washington D.C. office. McCaul isnt the only one to accuse China of making sinister moves against the U.S. The incendiary actions captured by a Montrose resident in a neighboring building took place after President Donald Trumps administration ordered the shutdown of Chinas Houston consulate Tuesday. This video shared with us by a viewer who lives next to the Consulate General of China in #Houston shows fire and activity in the courtyard of the building.
WATCH LIVE: President Donald Trump gives update on coronavirus response in US
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: President Donald Trump gives update on coronavirus response in USRepublicans wanted $25 billion but the Trump administration said the $9 billion in unspent funds from a previous aid deal was sufficient. Despite deep differences among Republicans, McConnell is trying to push forward with what he calls a starting point in negotiations with Democrats. Were still on the 20-yard line? Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, referring to White House comments. Where have the Republicans been?The White House negotiators, Mnuchin and Mark Meadows, the presidents acting chief of staff, arrived late at the Capitol. Were still struggling.Congress approved a massive $2.2 trillion aid package in March, the biggest of its kind in U.S. history.
Amber Heard accuses Depp of throwing bottles like 'grenades'
Read full article: Amber Heard accuses Depp of throwing bottles like 'grenades'US actress Amber Heard arrives at the High Court in London in London, Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Actor Heard's ex-husband Johnny Depp is suing News Group Newspapers, publisher of The Sun, and the paper's executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an April 2018 article that called him a "wife-beater." Depp strongly denies all allegations. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Houston fire and police responding to reports of documents being burned at Consulate General of China
Read full article: Houston fire and police responding to reports of documents being burned at Consulate General of ChinaHOUSTON Houston police and fire officials are responding to reports that documents are being burned in the courtyard of the Consulate General of China in Houston, according to the Houston Police Department. Houston police say they began receiving the reports that documents were being burned just after 8 p.m. at 3417 Montrose Boulevard where the Consulate General of China is located. Houston fire officials confirmed they are responding to the scene and HPD officials were needed for traffic control in the area. Dozens of Houston first responders are at the scene. Please check back for updates.