coronavirus relief
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Next Round of Covid Vaccines to be Distributed to Senior Citizens and Essential Workers
Following a recommendation from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory committee, the next batch of COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed to senior citizens and certain essential workers. According to NBC News, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted in favor of the recommendation on Sunday, with the CDC set to give…
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Meghan Markle Praises 'Quiet Heroes' Who Helped Address Hunger During the COVID Crisis
Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance during the CNN Heroes special on Sunday night, giving thanks to those who have helped those in need during the coronavirus crisis. The appearance was the Duchess of Sussex’s first since penning a Thanksgiving week op-ed in which she revealed the loss of a recent pregnancy while acknowledging the…
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The Scam That Was the Paycheck Protection Program Paid Out Millions to Hate Groups
While Congress continues to dither over distributing another stimulus check to members of the American public during a pandemic that has stuttered the economy and left many unemployed and unable to meet the cost of their basic needs, it’s become increasingly clear that the Paycheck Protection Program—ostensibly meant to support workers in small businesses—has been…
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Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves Wants to Set Aside $3 Million on 'Patriotic Education Fund'
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) seems dead set on doing everything but addressing the pandemic currently ravaging his state. His latest venture into headassery is calling for $3 million of the state’s budget to be set aside for the “Patriotic Education Fund.” According to The Hill, the funding would go to schools that don’t engage…
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Pfizer Says Its Vaccine Is 90 Percent Effective as COVID Cases Are Set to Overwhelm the American Healthcare System
Can’t even lie, it felt incredibly good to see the whole world reenact the end of Return of the Jedi this weekend. I’m going to do my best to hold onto that feeling because the upcoming months aren’t looking too hot with regards to the ongoing pandemic. While Pfizer has shared a promising development on…
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Black Physicians to Independently Test the Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
The oldest organization of Black physicians has vowed to independently vet the safety and effectiveness of any potential COVID-19 vaccine. According to CBS News, the National Medical Association (NMA) is tracking the data due to fears that political motivations could outweigh safety concerns when it comes to a vaccine. “This is about ensuring safety for…
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American Express Launches 'Coalition to Back Black Businesses,' Applications for First Round of $5,000 Grants Now Open
The coronavirus pandemic has placed an extraordinary toll on the Black community. The virus has become the third-leading cause of death for Black people and the economic fallout has had a disproportionate effect on Black people, as well. A program launched by American Express intends to alleviate some of the economic stress. Fast Company reports…
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Pennsylvania Governor Wants to Legalize Marijuana to Help With COVID-19 Recovery Effort
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Tom Wolf included marijuana legalization as part of his legislative agenda for the state’s COVID-19 economy recovery plan. CNN reports that Gov. Wolf has asked the state legislature to work towards legalizing marijuana. A press release outlining his proposed plan states that 50 percent of marijuana sales be directed towards historically disadvantaged…
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Senate Democrats Pandemic Relief Bill Includes the $350 Billion 'Economic Justice Act' for Communities of Color
Given the sheer amount of fuckery popping off on a daily basis, it’s almost easy to forget that we’re currently in the midst of a pandemic that is decimating both public health and the economy. Almost. While the president and certain GOP governors try to deny and downplay the severity of the virus, it’s only…
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Coronavirus Expected to Wipe Out 40 Percent of Black-Owned Businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted American life in an unprecedented way. While a vaccine and antiviral treatment will eventually help mitigate the health effects, the economic cost of the pandemic is shaping up to be severe and long lasting. CBS News reports that 40 percent of black-owned businesses are not expected to make it through the…