Covid-19: C.D.C. Guidance Prompts Caution in Some States
Last Updated
May 14, 2021, 1:13 a.m. ETMay 14, 2021, 1:13 a.m. ET
Since many states led by Republicans had already eased masking rules, reactions were more obvious in Democratic-led states. The U.S. began the world’s first mass inoculation effort in 12- to 15-year-olds, underscoring the widening gulf in global access to shots.
Here’s what you need to know:
University of Missouri students ordering in a restaurant last week. Masks will no longer be required indoors for the vaccinated.Credit.Jacob Moscovitch for The New York Times
“We have all longed for this moment,” Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a White House news conference on Thursday. “If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.”
Last Call for 5.13.21 â A prime-time read of whatâs going down in Florida politics
Last Call â A prime-time read of whatâs going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Top Republicans in the Senate are planning a post-Special Session fishing trip, and donors are welcome to join.
Senate President
Wilton Simpson and Sen.
Kathleen Passidomo, who is set to succeed him, will host a Key West fishing fundraiser May 25-27. The agenda includes a VIP dinner on May 25, welcome reception and dinner on May 26, and a fishing outing and dinner on May 27.
Money raised will head to the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, the main political committee supporting Republican state Senate candidates.
Florida Enacts Voting Restrictions; Texas Moves to Follow
Last Updated
May 6, 2021, 11:56 p.m. ETMay 6, 2021, 11:56 p.m. ET
Gov. Ron DeSantis signs Florida’s measure into law, allowing only Fox News access to the signing. The Texas House is debating one of the nation’s most sweeping voter bills. A senior State Department official said the U.S. could return to the Iran nuclear deal within weeks.
Here’s what you need to know:
Representative Briscoe Cain, Republican of Houston and a sponsor of the voting bill, speaking on Thursday at the Texas Capitol.Credit.Eric Gay/Associated Press
Hours after Florida installed a rash of new voting restrictions, the Republican-led Legislature in Texas pressed ahead on Thursday with its own far-reaching bill that would make it one of the most difficult states in the nation in which to cast a ballot.
As Body Cameras Become Commonplace, a Debate Over When to Release the Footage
The question of timing has become an unsettled new frontier of policymaking as the use of police body cameras is more the rule rather than the exception.
Andrew Brown Jr. was killed by sheriff’s deputies in Elizabeth City, N.C., nearly two weeks ago, and it could be many more weeks before video of his death is publicly shown.Credit.Amr Alfiky/The New York Times
Published May 2, 2021Updated May 3, 2021
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. Ma’Khia Bryant had been dead only a few hours when the authorities in Columbus, Ohio, released body camera footage from the police officer who had shot and killed her.
“Some tell me that they had planned on getting vaccinated until J.&J. was halted,” Mr. Bergner said. “Now, they say they are going to hold off until they feel confident that all vaccines are safe.”
The county had distributed fliers and made phone calls to businesses, churches and other community groups to drum up interest for a vaccination clinic on Wednesday, but only 14 people showed up. It was actually about double what Mr. Bergner had expected, he said, though the health department could have handled about 100 shots.
Dr. Walensky said the federal government planned to emphasize the vaccine’s safety to Americans who might be hesitant to take it after the pause.