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COVID-19

Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar
Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar President-elect Donald Trump has picked one of his strongest allies in Congress to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations and a former member of his first administration as border czar. Rep. Elise Stefanik, age 40, was first elected to New York's 21st District in 2014 and is the House Republican Conference Chair, the youngest woman to hold that post. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to CBS News. CNN first reported the news late Sunday, Nov. 10. Trump also decided on another native New Yorker for a…
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants Casual dining chain TGI Fridays has filed for bankruptcy several weeks after at least 12 of its restaurants suddenly closed. The company filed the Chapter 11 petition on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Texas, near its Dallas headquarters. Founded in New York City in 1965, TGI Fridays has 95 restaurants in the US, 39 of which the company owns and operates. The other 56 are independent franchises not involved in the bankruptcy petition. The company said that all those locations will remain open. According to the TGI Fridays website and other reports, the following locations are now listed as permanent…
Here's Where Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care Is Opening New Location In Virginia Here's Where Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care Is Opening New Location In Virginia
Here's Where Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care Is Opening New Location In Virginia A new urgent care facility has opened up in Virginia as Inova continues to expand its footprint in the region. Officials announced this week that Inova-GoHealth will open its second location in Prince William County, this time at a prominent location in Gainesville. This week, the center opened near the Virginia Gateway Shopping Center in the 7600 block of Linton Hall Road, near the Giant Food location. The center is located near the Virginia Gateway Shopping Center at 7637 Linton Hall Road, next to Giant Food. Contributed via Berg & Associates The new spot will "provide&n…
DMV Native Noah Lyles Wins Bronze In 200-Meter Olympic Final While Battling COVID-19: Reports DMV Native Noah Lyles Wins Bronze In 200-Meter Olympic Final While Battling COVID-19: Reports
DMV Native Noah Lyles Wins Bronze In 200-Meter Olympic Final While Battling Covid-19: Reports Virginia native Noah Lyles sprinted his way to a bronze medal in his signature race and was wheeled out after revealing a COVID-19 diagnosis. Lyles earned the medal in the 200-meter race before laying on the track and motioning for water on Thursday after the race.  The Alexandria resident - who notoriously suffers from asthma - then had to be helped off the track in a makeshift wheelchair.  He later revealed that he tested positive for the virus two days earlier and has been hydrating and quarantining until the race. Lyles finished the race milliseconds after gold medalist Lets…
'We're Not Going Back': Harris, Walz Lay Out Vision For Future In First Rally Together 'We're Not Going Back': Harris, Walz Lay Out Vision For Future In First Rally Together
'We're Not Going Back': Harris, Walz Lay Out Vision For Future In First Rally Together Kamala Harris introduced her new running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the "Vice President America deserves" during their first campaign stop at Temple University in Philadelphia. Speaking together on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in their first joint rally since Harris tapped Walz as her running mate, Vice President Harris, age 59, said this election will come down to one thing: freedom.  "The freedom from gun violence, freedom to vote, freedom to love who you wish to with pride, and the freedom for women to do what they wish with their body and not have the government tell them what to do," she…
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee President Joe Biden has just announced he is pulling out of the 2024 race against Republican nominee Donald Trump. In a letter to "My Fellow Americans" released just before 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, Biden said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.” The news comes amid concerns over the 81-year-old Biden's health, which were loudly …
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets Covid-19 Again Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 — again, White House officials announced on Wednesday, July 17. The 81-year-old Biden has tested positive for COVID while in Las Vegas, Nevada ahead of the DNC, officials with the White House explained. His symptoms are mild. His doctor noted that he presented with upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, a non-productive cough, and "general malaise," as stated in the release.  Since his condition did not improve throughout the day, a COVID test was conducted on Wednesda…
Virginia Army Reservist Used COVID Scam To Pay Swindlers Overseas: Feds Virginia Army Reservist Used COVID Scam To Pay Swindlers Overseas: Feds
Virginia Army Reservist Used COVID Scam To Pay Swindlers Overseas: Feds A Virginia Army reservist was apparently no better than the people he thought he was fooling. Russell Laraway, 56, of Leesburg, admitted he fraudulently claimed more than $400,000 in a COVID relief fund scheme, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica D. Aber said. Being busted by the feds ultimately may have saved Laraway, though, who allegedly gave some of his hard-earned cash to foreign entities "in scams of which he was a victim," Aber's office said. According to court documents, Laraway incorporated two business entities that he purported to operate out of …
COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…
Community Rallying Around Immigrant Family Whose American Dream Was Dashed By DC Explosion Community Rallying Around Immigrant Family Whose American Dream Was Dashed By DC Explosion
Community Rallying Around Immigrant Family Whose American Dream Was Dashed By DC Explosion An immigrant couple who came to the nation's capital looking to live the American Dream is reeling after the gas explosion in Anacostia that leveled their convenience store.  On Jan. 18, there was a gas explosion in the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue that led to the destruction of Ishaq Hussen's Danakil Convenience Store and left other nearby businesses with severe damage. Video from the dash-cam of the first engine on scene captures the moment when the second of two explosions takes place at a convenience store on Marion Barry Ave SE minutes after the initial daycare explosion #…
Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC
Surge In Covid-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm, warning that low vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) could strain healthcare systems across the nation in the weeks ahead. Hospitalizations among all age groups in the last month increased by 200 percent for influenza, 51 percent for COVID, and 60 percent for RSV, the CDC said. Meanwhile, coverage for the seasonal 2023-2024 flu shot is low in all age groups compared with the same period of the 2022–2023 season. Just 17 percent of adults had received the updated COVID vac…
Gone Fishin' Forever: Popular Oyster, Seafood Restaurant Shutting Down Two DC Locations Gone Fishin' Forever: Popular Oyster, Seafood Restaurant Shutting Down Two DC Locations
Gone Fishin' Forever: Popular Oyster, Seafood Restaurant Shutting Down Two DC Locations Foodies in the District are running out of time to try a popular seafood spot that is getting ready to permanently close its doors. Owners of the Brine Oyster & Seafood House announced that they will be serving their final meals this weekend at both the H Street NE and Dupont locations with one final dinner service for fans of the restaurants' wide variety of fresh and local fish products. The final dinner service at both locations is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11.  It may come as a surprise to some that Brine's will be closing after the eatery ranked among the best Yelp reviews in …
COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Virginia COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Virginia
Covid-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Virginia The most likely symptoms of a new COVID-19 variant with around 30 mutations are expected to be similar to the highly contagious Omicron strain based on reports so far. COVID-related hospitalizations have increased in the US for six straight weeks, with a 19-percent increase reported in the most recent week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, has now been identified in five states: New York, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio. The strain was first detected in Israel around Sunday, Aug. 20, and cases have also been identif…
COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed
Covid-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed The first case of the newly identified COVID-19 variant with 30 mutations has been identified in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded BA.2.86 to a “variant under monitoring," citing the "large number of mutations it carries." BA.2.86, which has now been nicknamed "Pirola," was first detected in Israel, and cases have also been identified in the United Kingdom and Denmark. The initial case in the US has been detected in Michigan. The patient, an older person with mild symptoms, is from Washtenaw County, the Michigan Department of Health and Hu…
Spotsy Teen Suffers Brain Injury In ATV Crash Year After Losing Fire Chief Dad To COVID Spotsy Teen Suffers Brain Injury In ATV Crash Year After Losing Fire Chief Dad To COVID
Spotsy Teen Suffers Brain Injury In ATV Crash Year After Losing Fire Chief Dad To COVID A Virginia teenager getting ready to start his senior year of high school is fighting for his life after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Support is swelling for the family of 17-year-old Ryan Campbell, of Spotsylvania, who required major surgery after he was a passenger in an ATV accident that crashed and left him in the ICU. The incident happened after the family lost Campbell’s father Gary, a career member of Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management to COVID-19 complications in January last year. Posted by Ryan Campbell on Thursday, January 20, 2022 Donna Reese, …
Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV
Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV Travelers in the DMV region looking to get out of town for the long Memorial Day Weekend may want to hit the road as AAA anticipates near record-high travelers for the holiday. With the COVID-19 pandemic truly i the rearview mirror, AAA is projecting that 42.3 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from home, representing a possible 7 percent increase over 2022, marking the beginning of the busy summer travel season. In the region, those looking to get away for the weekend are being advised to leave before noon on Friday, May 26, if they hope to avoid gridlocks and headaches …
Tasteless Stunt Sends Ice Cream Licking VA Couple Into Internet's Most Hated Tasteless Stunt Sends Ice Cream Licking VA Couple Into Internet's Most Hated
Tasteless Stunt Sends Ice Cream Licking VA Couple Into Internet's Most Hated I might scream for it, you might scream for it, but we’re all screaming about this ill-advised ice cream prank posted by a pair of wannabe social media stars out of Virginia. A viral video is making the rounds online after a pair later identified as Tequan and Asia Hines, of Portsmouth, shot a since-deleted post that showed them sneakily opening up a tub of ice cream, and licking it before placing it back on the shelf. “Let me taste it … Let me taste it,” Tequan could be heard muttering in the video while suspiciously looking around to make sure the distasteful duo weren’t caught. “Okay. P…
Do Not Use These COVID-19 At-Home Tests Due To Bacteria Concerns: FDA Do Not Use These COVID-19 At-Home Tests Due To Bacteria Concerns: FDA
Do Not Use These Covid-19 At-Home Tests Due To Bacteria Concerns: FDA Americans have been advised by federal officials to stop using and dispose of specific COVID-19 at-home tests that could have potentially harmful bacteria inside the kits. SD Biosensor, Inc. announced on Friday, May 5, that the company is requesting that consumers stop using “Pilot COVID-19 At-Home Tests” due to contaminants found in the tube with liquid inside, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The tube with the liquidFDA The affected tests can be identified by the lot number on the outer packaging (see below) and should be discarded in the trash. The liquid should n…
Community Slams DC Schools Over Spring Break COVID Test Policy Community Slams DC Schools Over Spring Break COVID Test Policy
Community Slams DC Schools Over Spring Break COVID Test Policy Some parents are up in arms in DC after learning that their children would be required to have a negative COVID-19 test when they returned to the classroom from break on Monday. More than three years after the virus began rapidly spreading at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, some were caught off guard when Dr. Lewis Ferebee, the Chancellor of DC Public Schools posted a reminder online that students need to provide proof of a negative test as they returned from vacation. “Reminder: To ensure a safe return to school (on Monday), all students and staff must provide proof of a negative CO…
COVID-19: Highly-Infectious 'Arcturus' Variant Detected In VA COVID-19: Highly-Infectious 'Arcturus' Variant Detected In VA
Covid-19: Highly-Infectious 'Arcturus' Variant Detected In VA A new COVID-19 variant first detected in New York in January has now been identified in 27 states, including Virginia. The so-called Arcturus strain — officially known as XBB.1.16 — is believed to be one of the most infectious versions of Omicron to date.  Shortly after the World Health Organization began monitoring the variant in late March, cases had been reported in about two dozen countries. The WHO says Arcturus is a "recombinant" of COVID subvariants BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75. In addition to New York, XBB.1.16 has also been confirmed in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Penns…
Root, Root, Root For Virginia's Zack Kelly This Season On Boston Red Sox Root, Root, Root For Virginia's Zack Kelly This Season On Boston Red Sox
Root, Root, Root For Virginia's Zack Kelly This Season On Boston Red Sox It’s been a long road for Virginia-native Zack Kelly, but the hometown hero has caught on with the Boston Red Sox after bouncing around the league and is ready for Opening Day. Kelly, 28, who was born in Roanoke, surprised some this Spring Training and will kick off the new season on a Major League squad for the first time after making his debut in Boston last season. This spring, Kelly earned his spot on the Opening Day roster after showing he can throw strikes with just four walks, and he was able to keep the ball in the park, allowing only one homer over 10 relief innings to earn his spo…
COVID-19: New Study Reveals How Long 'Durable Protection' May Last After Catching Virus COVID-19: New Study Reveals How Long 'Durable Protection' May Last After Catching Virus
Covid-19: New Study Reveals How Long 'Durable Protection' May Last After Catching Virus A past COVID-19 infection provides "durable" but temporary protection against getting severely sick no matter the variant, according to a brand-new study. Researchers from the University of Washington say it's the most comprehensive data compiled so far showing national immunity protection against the virus. The findings were released Thursday, Feb. 16 in the peer-reviewed journal, The Lancet. The research identified and analyzed 65 studies from 19 different countries.  "Our meta-analyses showed that protection from past infection and any symptomatic disease was high for (COVID-19) an…
ABC News Producer Dax Tejera Dead At 37 ABC News Producer Dax Tejera Dead At 37
ABC News Producer Dax Tejera Dead At 37 ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" producer Dax Tejera died suddenly on Friday, Dec. 23. He was 37 years old. The Chevy Chase native is survived by his wife, Veronica, and their daughters, Sofia and Ella. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dax Tejera (@daxtejera) Tejera joined the ABC News team in 2017 and worked as a senior producer in Washington DC. He helmed the Sunday show since just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, Tejera was the executive producer of Jorge Ramos' program with ABC-Univision and worked fo…
Family Of Fallen Virginia Hero Gets House Paid Off For Christmas Family Of Fallen Virginia Hero Gets House Paid Off For Christmas
Family Of Fallen Virginia Hero Gets House Paid Off For Christmas Christmas has come early for the family of veteran Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Frederick "Butch" Henry Cameron, Jr. who died from COVID-19 complications during the pandemic. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced that as part of its "Season of Hope," it will be paying off the outstanding mortgage on his family's home after he died following 16 years of serving the community with the sheriff’s office. Cameron died on Jan. 12, 2021, after contracting COVID-19 while in the line of duty. Officials say that “he began his 16-year career with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office in Feb…
COVID-19: Here's How You Can Now Order More Free At-Home Tests COVID-19: Here's How You Can Now Order More Free At-Home Tests
Covid-19: Here's How You Can Now Order More Free At-Home Tests Are you running low on COVID-19 tests? American households may now order a fourth round of free at-home COVID test kits courtesy of the federal government just as the winter season arrives. Each kit includes four separate tests. The new round of tests became available on Thursday, Dec. 15, and now may be ordered through covidtests.gov. The last period in which tests were available began six months ago. Related story - COVID-19: Recall Issued For Brand Of Over-Counter Tests That Could Give False Negative Results
CDC Tracking More Immune-Evasive COVID-19 Variant Growing In Northeast CDC Tracking More Immune-Evasive COVID-19 Variant Growing In Northeast
CDC Tracking More Immune-Evasive Covid-19 Variant Growing In Northeast With more than 300 COVID-19 Omicron sublineages circulating around the globe, a new potentially more contagious variant called XBB is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). XBB is considered more immune-evasive than other Omicron variants, Chief White House medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said last week. But government officials said they don't think XBB will become a threat at the level of Omicron, which first emerged on the global scene almost exactly a year ago. Though XBB now accounts for just over 3 percent of new cases in t…
Can't Stop The Pop: Uncle Dave's Kettle Korn Celebrates Grand Re-Opening In Virginia Can't Stop The Pop: Uncle Dave's Kettle Korn Celebrates Grand Re-Opening In Virginia
Can't Stop The Pop: Uncle Dave's Kettle Korn Celebrates Grand Re-Opening In Virginia A popular Virginia-based popcorn store will re-open to customers in Leesburg this week. Uncle Dave's Kettle Corn celebrated its upcoming grand re-opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 22. “I came here to sell popcorn in 2015, made it through COVID, and I’m still here,” Owner Felisha Battle said. Battle began her business as a small tent set up in the Williamsburg Outlets in Virginia, and it has since grown to become a nationally recognized brand. The company's secret blend of sugar, salt, premium corn kernels, and 100% corn oil, is what makes it stand out from its compet…
Virginia Attorney Who Won Under Trebek, Jennings, Back For 'Jeopardy!' Tournament Of Champions Virginia Attorney Who Won Under Trebek, Jennings, Back For 'Jeopardy!' Tournament Of Champions
Virginia Attorney Who Won Under Trebek, Jennings, Back For 'Jeopardy!' Tournament Of Champions An attorney from Virginia has secured his spot in the latest “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions, where he will match wits with some of the game show's greatest players of recent years. Zach Newkirk, an attorney from Alexandria, will be back on the big blue "Jeopardy!" stage for the Tournament of Champions, which kicks off its first quarterfinal matchup on Monday, Oct. 31. The Virginia native's tournament begins a week later, on Monday, Nov. 7, when he will square off against Jessica Stephens, a statistical research specialist from Nashville, and Sam Buttrey, an associate professor of opera…
COVID-19: Here's What New Booster Vaccine's Called, What To Know About It, How To Schedule Shot COVID-19: Here's What New Booster Vaccine's Called, What To Know About It, How To Schedule Shot
Covid-19: Here's What New Booster Vaccine's Called, What To Know About It, How To Schedule Shot Health experts are recommending the use of updated COVID-19 booster vaccines to protect people from the most prevalent subvariants of the virus currently circulating. The newly-approved boosters are officially named "bivalent vaccines" that target the original strain of COVID-19 and what is now the predominant subvariant of Omicron, BA.5., according to a report from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with Dr. David Tweardy, the head of the Department of Infectious Diseases. “The updated COVID-19 boosters are formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating C…
Richmond Community Mourns Loss Of 3rd Grade Teacher With 'Bright Soul' Richmond Community Mourns Loss Of 3rd Grade Teacher With 'Bright Soul'
Richmond Community Mourns Loss Of 3rd Grade Teacher With 'Bright Soul' Julianne Eubanks had an infectious personality, one meant for shaping young minds, her friends said.  In late August, Eubanks passed away peacefully in her sleep, her brother wrote on his Twitter page. Eubanks' relatives, friends, and colleagues are all left with broken hearts, the family wrote on a GoFundMe page. Eubanks With Loved OnesEubanks' Brother's Twitter Page "She touched the lives of anyone who had the honor of knowing her. The light she spread was infectious and will be carried out by those she impacted." Eubanks' family said she was not just a loving sister and daughter, b…
Jehovah's Witnesses Resume Trademark Door-Knocking For First Time Since Pandemic Jehovah's Witnesses Resume Trademark Door-Knocking For First Time Since Pandemic
Jehovah's Witnesses Resume Trademark Door-Knocking For First Time Since Pandemic Who's there? Jehovah's Witnesses will resume their trademark door-to-door ministry after a two-and-a-half-year suspension due to COVID-19. The Sept. 1 launch kicked off with a global campaign featuring an interactive program for Bible study. The decision to resume their door-to-door ministry marks the complete restoration of all pre- pandemic in-person activities for the nearly 1.3 million Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 12,000 congregations in the United States.  “We believe that the early decision to shut down all in-person activities for more than two years has saved many lives,” s…