Parents, wondering how you’ll fill your kids’ summer days? This reading program should be on your list
As the school year winds down and excitement starts to build as we inch closer and closer to summer vacation, parents and caregivers might be wondering: What will we do with our children to fill all the extra hours in the day?
Prince William: Commonwealth links to crown up to the people
Britain Prince William Caribbean FILE - Britain's Prince William smiles during a visit to Microsoft HQ to learn how new AI scanning technology can increase detection of illegal wildlife products being trafficked through international airports, in Reading, England, Nov. 18, 2021. Prince William says he will support and respect whatever decision the people make as Caribbean nations debate their relationship with the British crown. (Steve Parsons/Pool Photo via AP, File) (Steve Parsons)LONDON — (AP) — As Caribbean nations debate their relationship with the British crown, Prince William says he will support and respect whatever decision the people make. During a speech in Jamaica, William expressed his “profound sorrow” for slavery but stopped short of offering an apology. The queen has been head of the Commonwealth throughout her reign and Prince Charles, William’s father, is her designated successor.
wftv.comAP sources: White House seeks another $30B for COVID battle
That's according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study released Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) (Matt Rourke)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Biden administration is telling Congress that it needs an additional $30 billion to press ahead with the fight against COVID-19, officials said Tuesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss deliberations between the administration and lawmakers over the supplemental funding. While vaccine doses are starting to become more plentiful, the infrastructure to put shots into arms remains inadequate in many poorer countries. “A big part of our effort right now, and where we have seen challenges is turning vaccines into vaccinations,” she said.
wftv.comCOVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy may protect babies after birth
Virus Outbreak-Vaccines-Infants FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2021, file photo, a health worker administers a dose of a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination clinic at the Reading Area Community College in Reading, Pa. COVID-19 shots during pregnancy may protect babies after their born and lead to fewer infants needing hospitalization. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) (Matt Rourke)COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy can protect babies after they're born and lead to fewer hospitalized infants, a U.S. government study released Tuesday suggested. It was already known that antibodies developed by COVID-19 vaccines transfer to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Vaccination rates were much lower among mothers of the COVID-19 infants than among those whose infants were hospitalized with something else — 16% compared with 32%. Other shots, including vaccines for flu and whooping cough, given in pregnancy are known to protect mothers and infants.
wftv.comHow Orange County libraries are bringing back in-person events and all the fun
We all had to adjust to living in a “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some things are starting to go back to the way they were before, and that now includes in-person events at Orange County libraries.
Prince William reveals Xmas favorites in interview with kids
Britain Prince William FILE - Britain's Prince William smiles during a visit to Microsoft HQ to learn how new AI scanning technology can increase detection of illegal wildlife products being trafficked through international airports, in Reading, England, Nov. 18, 2021. Prince William was grilled earlier this month about his Christmas favorites by children receiving cancer treatment at the Royal Marsden, a London hospital. William has visited the specialist cancer hospital a number of times since he became president of the Royal Marsden in 2007. “I would love to have a Lamborghini – a big, bright yellow Lamborghini,’’ William said. William, who is second in line to the British throne, became president of the Royal Marsden in 2007.
wftv.comUS advisers debate if all adults really need COVID boosters
The move came after about a dozen states had started offering boosters to all adults on their own. But there's one more step before that policy is final: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must agree, and its scientific advisers began debating Friday the safety and usefulness of Pfizer and Moderna boosters in even healthy young adults. The Moderna booster comes as half the dose of earlier shots. But until now, U.S. health authorities — backed by their scientific advisers — have questioned the need for such widespread boosters. That study found a booster restored protection against symptomatic infections to about 95% even while the extra-contagious delta variant was surging.
wftv.com11 states file suit against Biden's business vaccine mandate
— (AP) — Attorneys general in 11 states filed suit Friday against President Joe Biden's administration, challenging a new vaccine requirement for workers at companies with more than 100 employees. Circuit Court of Appeals argues that the authority to compel vaccinations rests with the states, not the federal government. "This mandate is unconstitutional, unlawful, and unwise," said the court filing by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, one of several Republicans vying for the state's open U.S. Senate seat next year. Schmitt said Missouri has 3,443 private employers who could be covered by the vaccine requirement, with nearly 1.3 million employees. The office of Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, also joined in the suit, along with several private, nonprofit and religious employers.
wftv.comUS will make large firms give paid time off for vaccinations
That's according to a Biden administration official who spoke Monday, Nov. 1, about pending vaccine-mandate rules from OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Those requirements will be part of a pending federal rule that will spell out how large employers will meet a requirement that workers be vaccinated or tested regularly for the virus. The rule – issued under emergency standards to respond to the pandemic -- will cover firms with 100 or more employees, regardless of how many are located in any particular spot. Under an executive order that President Joe Biden issued in September, contractors have until Dec. 8 to ensure that employees are fully vaccinated. The order has met resistance from some workers at large employers with federal contracts, including American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
wftv.comCDC panel grapples with who needs a COVID-19 booster shot
Much of the discussion at the meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices focused on the possibility of a scaled-back booster program targeted to older people or perhaps health care workers. Instead, that panel endorsed booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine only for senior citizens and those at high risk from the virus. Booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine were the question before the panel. Some panelists also wondered about boosters for health care workers who can't come to work if they get even a mild infection. “We don’t have enough health care workers to take care of the unvaccinated.
wftv.comFDA expected to announce COVID-19 booster shot decision soon
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine In this Sept. 14, 2021, file photo, a syringe is prepared with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic at the Reading Area Community College in Reading, Pa. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo, File)The Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce a decision this week on whether to authorize Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for some Americans, according to multiple reports. >> Related: Booster shot decision: What happens now; who can get a COVID-19 booster shot? If the FDA decides to authorize Pfizer-BioNTech booster vaccine shots before Thursday, ACIP could vote on whether to recommend use of the third shots, according to CNN. Since the start of the pandemic, 42.4 million COVID-19 cases have been identified nationwide, resulting in over 679,000 deaths, according to a count from Johns Hopkins University. Globally, officials have reported 229.8 million COVID-19 cases, resulting in 5.9 million deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.
wftv.comCDC panel tackles who needs booster shot of COVID vaccine
Instead, that panel endorsed booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine only for senior citizens and those at high risk from the virus. While the COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death, immunity against milder infection seems to be dropping months after vaccination. Many experts are torn about the need for boosters because they see the COVID-19 vaccines working as expected. And if a Pfizer booster is cleared, what if someone who originally got Moderna or Johnson & Johnson shots wants one? In the U.S., more than 24,000 people who have volunteered for a CDC vaccine safety tracking system have reported getting an extra dose, and likewise have reported no red flags.
wftv.comCDC panel tackles who needs booster shot of COVID vaccine
Instead, that panel endorsed booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine only for senior citizens and those at high risk from the virus. While the COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death, immunity against milder infection seems to be dropping months after vaccination. Last week's FDA advisory panel decision was only the first hurdle as the government sets its booster policy. Another question was how many months after the second shot the booster should be given. Many experts are torn about the need for boosters because they see the COVID-19 vaccines working just as expected.
wftv.comFDA strikes cautious tone ahead of vaccine booster meeting
The company gave an extra dose to 306 people at that point and recorded levels of virus-fighting antibodies threefold higher than after the earlier shots. Earlier this week, two top FDA vaccine regulators joined a group of international scientists in rejecting boosters now for otherwise healthy individuals, citing the strong continuing protection against severe disease. The U.S. already offers an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people with severely weakened immune systems. Moderna also has asked FDA to allow a booster dose of its vaccine, and on Wednesday posted its own study of waning immunity. It's not clear how soon FDA will consider a Moderna booster, or one for people who received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
wftv.comNBA goes ahead with plan to test unvaccinated players often
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (Matt Rourke)For NBA players, the scenario this season is simple: Get vaccinated or get tested, and often. Those who are unvaccinated, however, will undergo rigorous testing — one test on practice or travel days, and at least one test on game days. There will be scenarios where vaccinated players must test, such as when showing potential symptoms of COVID-19. It also remains possible that vaccinated players may have to test weekly during training camp, though talks on that issue are continuing. Other provisions for unvaccinated players will include that they wear masks at team facilities and during travel.
wftv.comCOVID-19 cases climbing, wiping out months of progress
The deteriorating picture nine months into the nation's vaccination drive has angered and frustrated medical professionals who see the heartbreak as preventable. In Kentucky, 70% of the state’s hospitals -- 66 of 96 -- are reporting critical staff shortages, the highest level yet during the pandemic, the governor said. The U.S. is averaging over 1,800 COVID-19 deaths and 170,000 new cases per day, the highest levels respectively since early March and late January. The outbreak in the U.S. topped out in January at an average of about 3,400 deaths and a quarter-million cases per day. Heading into colder months, states farther north with low vaccination rates, especially in the Midwest, are likely to see upticks.
wftv.comModerna developing single-dose booster shot for COVID-19 and flu
Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine Administered At The Madejski Stadium In Reading READING, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: A vial of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine is prepared at the vaccination centre at the Madejski Stadium on April 13, 2021 in Reading, England. The Moderna vaccine is the third to be approved for use in the UK, and is now being given to patients in England. (Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images/Getty Images)Moderna announced Thursday that it is developing a single-dose vaccine that includes boosters against the COVID-19 virus and seasonal influenza. The White House announced last month that booster shots to fully vaccinated Moderna and Pfizer recipients should begin by Sept. 20. #ThisIsJustTheBeginning pic.twitter.com/zqlYx4By27 — Moderna (@moderna_tx) September 9, 2021Clinical trials studying the effectiveness of a booster for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is underway.
wftv.comConsidering a summer reading program? The prizes these days will blow you away
If you’re thinking about diving into a summer reading program, well, you’re not exactly first in line, as many of these initiatives have been underway for quite a few weeks now. But the good news is, there’s still time, if you want to get those pages and activities logged.
Pennsylvania man steals ambulance, crashes it in next county
Ambulance stolen A Reading Fire Department was stolen and later involved in a crash in a neighboring county. >> Read more trending newsRaymond Gonzalez, 34, of Reading, was arrested in Lancaster County, WFMZ reported. “We’re very fortunate that the patient’s condition wasn’t life-threatening,” Stoudt told WFMZ. “Police were able to apprehend a suspect, and it is my understanding there were no injuries,” Stoudt told the Eagle. “As a result of the impact, the ambulance did sustain damage.”The ambulance costs about $180,000, WFMZ reported.
wftv.comJohnson 'anxious' over rise of Indian virus variant in UK
Moderna is the third vaccine to be approved for use in the UK, and is being given to patients in England from Tuesday. “It is a variant of concern, we are anxious about it," Johnson said. Across the U.K., lockdown restrictions are being lifted. The other nations of the U.K. — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — have also laid out similar plans for the coming weeks. The successful rollout of vaccines has also helped keep a lid on infections alongside the lockdown.
wftv.comJohnson 'anxious' over rise of Indian virus variant in UK
Moderna is the third vaccine to be approved for use in the UK, and is being given to patients in England from Tuesday. “It is a variant of concern, we are anxious about it," Johnson said. Across the U.K., lockdown restrictions are being lifted. The other nations of the U.K. — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — have also laid out similar plans for the coming weeks. The successful rollout of vaccines has also helped keep a lid on infections alongside the lockdown.
wftv.comQueen's cousin accused of willingness to sell Kremlin access
The undercover investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4 saw reporters posing as investors of a fake South Korean gold company seeking contacts in the Kremlin to further its business in Russia. Prince Michael, 78, allegedly told the reporters by Zoom that he would give their company his royal endorsement in a recorded speech for a $200,000-fee. Prince Michael and his wife, Princess Michael of Kent, aren't working royals and receive no public funds, but they are involved in some public duties including representing the queen at some engagements. Michael has represented the queen at state funerals in India, Cyprus and Swaziland in the past, according to the monarchy’s website. Reading said he regretted his “over-promise” in trying to facilitate an introduction to Michael.
wftv.comStarbucks strikes deal with EEOC over alleged racial bias in promoting employees
Starbucks bags with free items, in recognition of the Starbucks coffee shot that is slated to go in at the CollegeTowne location, Reading, Pennsylvania, January 12, 2021. Starbucks said on Wednesday that it has resolved allegations from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission about alleged racial bias in its employee promotions, based on data from 2007 through 2011. The agreement with the federal agency was disclosed in Starbucks' third annual Civil Rights Assessment from the law firm Covington & Burling. A Starbucks spokesperson said that the company was engaged in on-and-off dialogue with the EEOC before reaching the agreement earlier this year. Earlier in March, Starbucks promoted Dennis Brockman to the role of global chief inclusion and diversity officer.
cnbc.com17 picture books you’ve never heard of, but that your kids will love
Who doesn’t love “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” (And the polar bear version. And the panda edition!) Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle definitely have that formula down to a science. And well, the classics are the classics for a reason, and most parents can probably agree there will be room for those books on any shelf.
Libyan man sentenced to life for deadly UK park stabbings
A Libyan man who stabbed three friends to death as they sat in an English city park on a summer evening has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. Judge Nigel Sweeney said on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 that Khairi Saadallah should be given a rare whole-life prison term for the ruthless and brutal attack. (Facebook via AP)LONDON – A Libyan man who stabbed three friends to death as they sat in an English city park on a summer evening was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole. Judge Nigel Sweeney said Khairi Saadallah should be given a rare whole-life prison term for the “ruthless and brutal” attack. Saadallah, who had convictions for offenses including theft and assault, had been released from prison just two weeks before his deadly attack.
Blind girl’s reaction to getting Harry Potter book series in braille is priceless
A blind girl had the most magical Christmas after receiving a special set of books. A fan of the Harry Potter books, 7-year-old Emrie was delighted to receive the full series in braille for Christmas. Emrie started reading the Harry Potter books with her dad at night but recently stopped because she wanted to read them for herself, according to News.com.au. “They have recently stopped reading them because Emrie wants to read them herself, she wants to put her finger to the paper and fly through Hogwarts too. Emrie’s aunt decided to raise money from followers on Instagram to be able to purchase her a set of books.
October pending home sales fall unexpectedly, as high prices take their toll on buyers
Pending home sales fell 1.1% month-to-month in October but were 20.2% higher compared with October 2019. This reading is a measure of signed contracts on existing homes, so it is a future indicator of closed sales. In the Midwest, sales fell 0.7% monthly but rose 19.6% annually. With the supply of existing homes so low, sales of newly built homes benefited. Builders, however, are now having the same issue as the existing market.
cnbc.comNew FIFA rules to protect female players' maternity rights
(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)GENEVA – Female soccer players should soon get their maternity rights protected under new employment rules announced Thursday by FIFA. “The idea is to protect female players before, during and after childbirth,” FIFA chief legal officer Emilio Garcia said on a conference call. The rules, created with help from world players' union FIFPro, are expected to be approved by the FIFA Council next month and would take effect on Jan. 1. Although FIFA’s judicial bodies have not been presented with contract disputes over maternity rights, Garcia targeted getting ahead of potential problems in the fast-growing women’s game. The drafted rules aim to “protect contractual stability, achieve greater transparency and make sure that coaches also get paid on time,” FIFA said.
Libyan man admits stabbing murders of 3 friends in UK park
LONDON – A 26-year-old Libyan man pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday for stabbing three friends to death as they sat in an English city park. Khairi Saadallah admitted to three counts of murder and three of attempted murder for the June 20 attack in Reading, 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of London. James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, were enjoying a warm Saturday evening in the city's Forbury Gardens park when they were stabbed. Each died from a single stab wound. The judge set a sentencing hearing for the week of Dec. 7.
Alex Morgan finally makes debut in English soccer
Tottenham Hotspur's Alex Morgan warms up ahead of the the English Women's Super League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Reading at the Hive stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)LONDON – Nearly two months after signing, American superstar Alex Morgan finally made her debut for Tottenham as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw against Reading in the Women’s Super League on Saturday. Morgan came on in the 69th minute and didn't score in her first match in around 15 months, having given birth in May to daughter Charlie Elena Carrasco. She is among a raft of American players to have moved to English soccer for this season, with Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis at Manchester City, and Tobin Heath and Christen Press at Manchester United. ___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Huawei says Qualcomm applied for a license to sell it chips and the Chinese giant will use them if allowed
The logo of Chinese company Huawei at their main U.K. offices in Reading, west of London, on January 28, 2020. Huawei said that Qualcomm has applied for a license to sell it chips and the Chinese technology giant will use them in smartphones if permission is granted by the U.S. government. China's Huawei was put on a U.S. blacklist last year that restricted American businesses from selling products to the Chinese phonemaker. U.S. companies, including Qualcomm, were required to get a license from the government to export goods to companies on that list. Huawei designs its own smartphones chips called Kirin, via its HiSilicon subsidiary.
cnbc.comUK police seek motive in stabbing attack that left 3 dead
Police stand guard at the Abbey gateway of Forbury Gardens park in Reading town centre following Saturday's stabbing attack in the gardens, Sunday June 21, 2020. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)READING – British police on Sunday were seeking the motive of a 25-year-old man suspected of stabbing three people to death in a daylight attack in a park. “This is not currently being treated as a terrorism incident; however, officers are keeping an open mind as to the motivation." The incident came hours after a Black Lives Matter demonstration at Forbury Gardens, but police said there was no connection between the attack and the protest. Britain’s official terrorism threat level stands at “substantial,” the middle level on a five-rung scale, meaning an attack is likely.
Chick-fil-A's first UK location will close after pressure from LGBTQ rights group
Chick-fil-A opened its first location in the United Kingdom in early October. A little more than a week later, the British shopping center leasing the location has already said it will not extend the restaurant's six-month lease, BBC reported Friday. The Oracle shopping center in Reading faced pressure from a local LGBTQ rights group, Reading Pride, according to the BBC. This six month pilot licensed location in Reading, UK is part of our exploration in international markets." Read more about the shopping center's decision not to extend Chick-fil-A's lease here.
cnbc.comSisters take story time to Facebook Live so no child has to miss out
Five nights a week, the girls, who are two of five siblings, read to whomever would like to listen on Facebook Live. We thought it may be beneficial for children who dont get this luxury, a post on the girls Facebook page reads. When they presented their mom with the idea to read on Facebook Live, even though she doesnt want them to be on social media, she agreed it would be a great, positive way to help light the world. The girls Facebook page Zaria X Hailey has quickly grown to more than 10,000 followers. For parents who don't want their kids on Facebook or Instagram, the girls also post their stories on their YouTube page.
Inside the Country's Biggest WWII Reenactment: 'We're Here to Remember and Honor'
The annual World War II Weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania, sees thousands of people descend on the city to check out the explosive event hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. "It's a lot of work, it's hard work prepping for it, it's hard work getting all the equipment, it's hard work and we're on our feet all day long, but it's a good show," Hobson told InsideEdition.com. "We're here, really, to remember, honor, and serve our veterans in our own way," Maj. Eric Junger said. For more on the country's biggest WWII reenactment, check out the video above. RELATED STORIESWorld War II Vet Gets 50,000 Cards for BirthdayWWII Veteran Receives High School Diploma After Dropping Out to Join the War EffortDid the Mafia Help the Allies Invade Sicily at the Height of World War II?
Community news and events for June 28 and beyond
Park closedDue to necessary maintenance, Nature Park, 1600 SE 30th Ave., Ocala, will be closed Monday through July 13. During this closure, Nature Park will receive concrete sidewalks as part of the Citys Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) plans. Reading rangerThe next Reading With a Ranger event will be held at 11 a.m. July 5, Toms Park, 2300 NW Magnolia Ave., Ocala. Sister HazelSister Hazel will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 5 at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala. CorrectionThe number to call to make a reservation for the City of Ocala water aerobics fundraising event to benefit the Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness and Community Resource Center is 629-2489.
ocala.com"World's ugliest Christmas tree" lives on
It's the time of year when Christmas trees are normally being tossed to the curb, but in Reading, Pennsylvania, one tree has become immortal. It's not for the tree's beauty though. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" for another look at the "World's ugliest Christmas tree."
cbsnews.comA small Pennsylvania town demands their Christmas tree be taken down
A small Pennsylvania town demands their Christmas tree be taken down In Reading, Penn., residents say Charlie Brown had a better Christmas tree than they do. The city decided to take it down, but some residents disagree. Steve Hartman is On the Road with the story.
cbsnews.com"Ugly" Christmas tree in Pennsylvania won't come down after all
"Ugly" Christmas tree in Pennsylvania won't come down after all A much-criticized Christmas tree in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania, is still standing. Many community members complained that it looked ugly and local officials started to take it down Monday, but as Vicente Arenas reports, the tree got a last-minute reprieve.
cbsnews.comSignage outside of school causing 15 feet of confusion
Signage outside of school causing 15 feet of confusion Reading parking signs to avoid getting a ticket can be frustrating, but one particular sign in Culver City, California really takes the cake. It's a whopping 15 feet of rules and regulations, and it's caused so much confusion city officials have already had pieces of it removed. KCAL-TV's Juan Fernandez reports.
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