11 WASHINGTON (AP) — By some counts, President Joe Biden can lay claim to a banner first year in office. But numbers also reveal plenty of setbacks. Most in the United States got their COVID-19 vaccines, but other countries fared better. Economic growth surged; so did inflation. America exited Afghanistan, but the war ended with a chaotic evacuation and a suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. troops. Pandemic aid and infrastructure bills passed. Pricey legislation to advance Biden's social and climate proposals shrunk and then stalled. Some notable numbers from Biden's first year: —63.5% vaccination rate. Most Americans got jabbed. Countries with higher vaccination rates: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. —3.9% jobless rate. The low unemployment rate is a big highlight of … [Read more...] about By the numbers: Stats that tell story of Biden’s first year
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Omicron variant in California: Apple delays return-to-office plans indefinitely
2 California still has only 39 known omicron infections, but that could change quickly — and what it portends is very much in question . Amid concerns about the omicron variant and rising case rates, a statewide mask mandate — with some exceptions — goes back into effect today for public spaces, regardless of your vaccination status. Here’s what’s changing . San Francisco offices and gyms where everyone is fully vaccinated will not need to return to masking after California on Tuesday granted last-minute exemptions from its face mask rule. Latest updates: Apple delays return-to-office plans indefinitely: Citing ongoing pandemic concerns, including “rising cases in many parts of the world and the emergence of a new strain of the virus,” Apple announced on Wednesday that it is delaying the return of employees to the office indefinitely, according to a memo sent by chief executive Tim Cook and obtained by Bloomberg News . Cook said the staff … [Read more...] about Omicron variant in California: Apple delays return-to-office plans indefinitely
FBI Dallas Identifies Colleyville Synagogue Hostage Taker As Malik Faisal Akram
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) – The FBI Dallas Field Office confirmed the identity of the man who took four people hostage at a Colleyville synagogue for 10 hours before a SWAT team stormed the building, ending a tense standoff Saturday. FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno identified the 44-year-old British national as Malik Faisal Akram of Blackburn, United Kingdom. Akram was shot and killed after the last of the hostages got out at around 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 at Congregation Beth Israel. In a statement, the FBI said there was no indication that anyone else was involved, but it didn’t provide a possible motive. Akram could be heard ranting on a Facebook livestream of the services and demanding the release of a Pakistani neuroscientist who was convicted of trying to kill U.S. Army officers in Afghanistan. The FBI and police spokespeople declined to answer questions Saturday night about who shot Akram when the standoff ended. Earlier Sunday, Rabbi Charlie … [Read more...] about FBI Dallas Identifies Colleyville Synagogue Hostage Taker As Malik Faisal Akram
