Mar 04 How to address the surge of anti-Asian hate crimes By Amna Nawaz, Vignesh Ramachandran In the year since COVID-19 entered the U.S., incidents of racially motivated harassment of Asian Americans have been on the rise. See our conversation about the history of AAPI hate crimes and how communities are responding now. Continue reading
Mar 04 U.S. jobless claims tick up to 745,000 as layoffs remain high By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving. Continue reading
Mar 03 ‘The system was never created for us.’ Business owners of color still struggle to get enough COVID aid By Courtney Vinopal Black and Hispanic business owners said they feel disparities in PPP distribution highlight longstanding systemic inequities in the U.S. that have kept entrepreneurs who are not white from accessing capital. Continue reading
Mar 03 Water crisis continues in Mississippi, weeks after cold snap By Jeff Martin, Leah Willingham, Emily Wagster Pettus, Associated Press Mississippi's largest city is still struggling with water problems, more than two weeks after winter storms and freezing weather ravaged the system. Continue reading
Mar 03 AP report: House to wrap early amid threat of violence By Associated Press The news comes nearly two months after a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the iconic building to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Continue reading
Mar 03 Watch 5:53 News Wrap: Biden denounces loosening of COVID restrictions in some states In our news wrap Wednesday, President Biden denounced decisions some state leaders are making to loosen COVID restrictions a day after Texas and Mississippi lifted mask mandates, the U.S. House moved to pass major election changes, at least 34 protesters… Continue watching
Mar 03 Watch 8:01 Answering viewers’ questions about COVID-19 vaccines Although the U.S. should have enough vaccines on hand for all adults by the end of May, it may take longer to inoculate enough Americans to provide adequate protection. There are many reasons for that, but key among them, lingering… Continue watching
Mar 03 Watch 7:44 Millions of Americans saddled with student debt as debate continues over relief By Paul Solman, Diane Lincoln Estes As Washington debates how to provide economic aid during the pandemic, many say one critical component should be part of future deals: forgiving student debt. But determining how much could or should be forgiven is a complicated question. Paul Solman… Continue watching
Mar 03 States rapidly expanding vaccine access as supplies surge By Mark Pratt, Tammy Webber, Associated Press Buoyed by a surge in vaccine shipments, states and cities are rapidly expanding eligibility for COVID-19 shots to teachers, 55-and-over Americans and other groups as the U.S. races to beat back the virus and reopen businesses and schools. Continue reading
Mar 03 Police uncover ‘possible plot’ by militia to breach Capitol By Michael Balsamo, Associated Press The new threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Trump will rise again to power on March 4. Continue reading