Covid 19

PARIS (AP) — Russia's war in Ukraine and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are dragging down global economic growth more than expected and driving up inflation that will stay high into next year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Monday in a darkening outlook. The Paris-based organization projects worldwide growth to be a modest 3% this year before slowing further to just 2.2% next year, representing around $2.8 trillion in lost global output in 2023. The war in Ukraine has driven up food and energy prices worldwide, with Russia a key global energy and fertilizer supplier and both countries major exporters of grain for millions of people worldwide already facing hunger. Meanwhile, China's COVID-19 lockdowns have shuttered large parts of its economy. “The war, the burden of high energy and food prices, as well as zero COVID-19 policies from China, mean that growth will be lower, and inflation will be higher and more persistent,” OECD … [Read more...] about OECD: War in Ukraine to drag on global economy into 2023

0 This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Arts & Entertainment As you make your plans to visit the Playhouse, we want you to be aware of our current COVID Health and Safety Protocols. Nancy Sasso Janis , Patch Mayor Posted Reply We’ve updated our vaccine requirements. As you make your plans to visit the Playhouse, we want you to be aware of our current COVID Health and Safety Protocols, including booster requirements. FOR VISITORS 18+: effective March 1, 2022 We are aware that mask requirements are being lifted in some communities, but please note that Actors’ Equity* is requiring that actors perform only at theaters where audiences are required to wear masks. Thank you for working with us to keep our community safe, especially for those who are most vulnerable. We will continue to follow the science and anticipate our guidelines will change as … [Read more...] about Update from Westport Country Playhouse– COVID Safety Requirements

NEW DELHI (AP) — Apple Inc. will make its iPhone 14 in India, the company said on Monday, as manufacturers shift production from China amid geopolitical tensions and pandemic restrictions that have disrupted supply chains for many industries. “The new iPhone 14 lineup introduces groundbreaking new technologies and important safety capabilities. We’re excited to be manufacturing iPhone 14 in India,” Apple said in a statement. Apple unveiled its latest line-up of iPhones earlier this month. They will have improved cameras, faster processors and longer lasting batteries at the same prices as last year’s models. India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market after China but Apple iPhone sales have struggled to capture a large share of the market against cheaper smartphones from competitors. The announcement from the Cupertino, California-based company dovetails with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for local manufacturing, which has been a key goal for his government … [Read more...] about Apple Inc will manufacture iPhone 14 in India

2 Community Corner Renee Adams, who created the neighborhood's popular poetry wall, also has a Little Library that featured banned books this past week. Emily Leayman , Patch Staff Posted | Updated Replies ALEXANDRIA, VA — Residents of the Del Ray neighborhood may know the home Renee Adams by her poetry fence or the fact that she leaves out water or bags for dog owners. Adams, a retiree who worked for Library of Congress for 25 years, also has maintained a Little Free Library since 2013. Her latest project to benefit the community was participation in Banned Books Week, which runs from Sept. 18 to 24. The Little Free Library was one of numerous places in the DC region to carry banned titles in partnership with Maryland's Flying Dog Brewery. Flying Dog Brewery donated hundred of titles that have faced bans to participating Little Free Libraries. Adams' Little Free Library at E. Windsor and Dewitt Avenues was one of … [Read more...] about Banned Books In Little Library Is Del Ray Resident’s Latest Effort

0 Health & Fitness Updated federal data shows how many hospital beds are currently filled in Cook County and across IL. Local Data , Patch Staff Posted Reply NORTH CENTER-ROSCOE VILLAGE, IL — A fourth surge of coronavirus infections has already begun to overwhelm hospitals in parts of the country. Areas with lower vaccination rates are suffering worse. Nationally, the seven-day average of new cases, which had fallen steadily from its peak of nearly 250,000 in January, is rising again, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Over the week ending Aug. 3, new cases averaged more than 89,000, a level not seen since February. An average of about 43,000 people across the country were hospitalized with COVID-19 between July 27 and Aug. 2, according to the CDC. That's the highest seven-day average since early March 2021, though still below the January peak of nearly 137,000 patients. State health officials … [Read more...] about Hospital Capacity In North Center-Roscoe Village Area: Update

0 Health & Fitness Here's an update on how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected hospital capacity in Cook County and across IL. Local Data , Patch Staff Posted Reply NORTH CENTER-ROSCOE VILLAGE, IL — Coronavirus cases continue to skyrocket in the U.S., but coronavirus hospitalizations haven't risen as quickly so far. Still, hospital systems across the country are feeling the stress from additional patients. Nationally, about 76 percent of all inpatient hospital beds were occupied as of Jan. 4, and about 16 percent of all beds were occupied by patients with COVID-19, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Intensive care unit beds are also filling up, with 78 percent occupied nationally. About 26 percent of ICU beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. More than 85 percent of ICU beds were filled in nine states plus Washington, D.C. COVID-19 patients accounted for more than a third of ICU beds … [Read more...] about Hospital Capacity In North Center-Roscoe Village Area: Latest

close Video Los Angeles tavern owner reacts to feces attack amid homeless crisis: 'Gangster's paradise' Owner of Blue Dog Beer Tavern Paul Scrivano joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss the attack and why he feels 'helpless' as the homeless and crime crises continue. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Los Angeles city officials are challenging the latest official homeless count over accuracy concerns. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) released the results of the 2022 homeless count on Sept. 8, saying the data suggested that "homelessness may be rising more slowly than in previous years." The results of the point-in-time count, conducted over three nights in February, estimated that 69,144 people were experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County at that time, a 4.1% rise from 2020, and 41,980 people were experiencing homelessness in the City of Los Angeles, up 1.7% from 2020. A count was not … [Read more...] about Los Angeles officials challenge accuracy of latest homelessness count, demand audit: reports

14 Politics & Government A new report from state police found that overall levels of reported crime dropped from 2020 to 2021. Rich Scinto , Patch Staff Posted Replies CONNECTICUT — Violent crime dropped 9 percent between 2020 and 2021 while the overall crime rate dropped 3 percent, according to the state’s annual crime report. The report, compiled by state police, gathers data from all the state’s law enforcement agencies. One limitation of the report is that it relies on victims to report crime. “This report shows violent and property crimes are down in Connecticut from the previous year, preserving our state’s status as one of the safest in the country,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. “We must remain laser-focused on further reducing crime.” Robberies, burglaries and motor vehicle theft all dropped between 2020 and 2021, but homicides increased slightly and larcenies and rapes increased. There was a … [Read more...] about Overall CT Crime Rate Dropped in 2021: Report

12 Health & Fitness The state Insurance Department sharply reduced requested rate hikes through the exchange, but rates are still going up significantly. Rich Scinto , Patch Staff Posted Replies CONNECTICUT — The state Insurance Department sharply reduced rate hike requests from insurance carriers on the state health insurance exchange, but the new rates are still a significant hike for families. Here are five things to know about the rate changes and high cost of healthcare: What are the new rates? Insurance carriers proposed an average increase of 20.4 percent for individual plans, which was reduced by the Insurance Department to 12.9 percent. Carriers asked for an average 14.8 percent increase for small group plans, but that was reduced to 7.9 percent. Individual plans on the exchange cover about 111,000 people, while group plans cover about 23,800 lives. Insurance Department reductions will save … [Read more...] about CT Approves New Health Insurance Exchange Rates: 5 Things To Know

44 Politics & Government The Inflation Reduction Act could help Connecticut residents with medical and green energy initiatives. Here's what to know. Rich Scinto , Patch Staff Posted Replies CONNECTICUT — The Senate-approved Democratic spending bill that would deliver tax credits for clean energy household products and electric vehicles, prescription drug and health insurance savings, and other consumer benefits to Connecticut residents is expected to pass the House Friday before it heads to President Joe Biden’s desk. The 755-page Inflation Reduction Act , as the spending bill is known, passed the Senate on a party-line vote Sunday. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal voted in favor of the bill. “People in Connecticut will see lower prescription costs and real action to fight climate change thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act,” Blumenthal tweeted. “This historic measure will combat costs, save lives and money … [Read more...] about 5 Things Inflation Reduction Act Will Do For CT Residents