Vaccines by May?

President Biden states the U.S. will have enough vaccines for all adult Americans by May

President Biden stated Tuesday that the U.S. expects to have enough COVID-19 vaccines for all adult Americans by May. This expected date is two months earlier than Biden originally predicted.

Biden also said he hopes to have at least one dose of any vaccine to all teachers and school workers by the end of March to speed up school re-openings.

This weekend, the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine was approved for emergency use by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday.  The company will partner with Merck, another top pharmaceutical producer, will help produce the vaccine for dispersal.

This afternoon, I’m announcing a new partnership between Johnson & Johnson and Merck that will increase vaccine production and help defeat COVID-19. Tune in. https://t.co/e4WfFa4DXd

— President Biden (@POTUS) March 2, 2021

More than 800,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are expected to be distributed to pharmacies this week along with the nearly 2.5 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The Biden administration stated the U.S. should prepare to distribute 16 to 17 million doses weekly in March and 17 to 18 million doses in April of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Johnson and Johnson expects to distribute four to five million weekly doses by the end of March and five to six million weekly doses in April.

When asked when the U.S. can expect to return to normal, Biden stated it is unclear, but hopefully before this time in 2022.

Cuomo brothers, accusations, and journalistic integrity

Governor Andrew Cuomo accused of sexual harassment, brother Chris Cuomo refuses to personally cover on CNN

Sexual harassment allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared for the first time in December of 2020. Now, nearly four months later, two more former aides have spoke out about instances of sexual harassment involving the New York governor.

A. Cuomo has reached a new level of fame during the COVID-19 pandemic: his strict stance on CDC guidelines have earned him high amounts of media coverage that often paint the governor in a positive light. The continuous allegations against A. Cuomo have thrusted him into the media again: this time, while facing heavy scrutiny from fellow politicians, Democrats and citizens alike.

A. Cuomo’s brother, Chris Cuomo, is a popular on-air host for CNN. In the past, C. Cuomo has interviewed his older brother on multiple occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic per suspension of CNN’s rule against interviewing family members or close personal relations. The two’s recorded interactions were ended in June when CNN reinstated the rule.

C. Cuomo addressed the issue involving his brother at the top of the hour on Monday, “Obviously, I’m aware of what’s going on with my brother,” C. Cuomo said. “Obviously, I cannot cover it because he is my brother. Now, of course CNN has to cover it. They have covered it extensively and they will continue to do so.”

>> @ChrisCuomo at the top of @CuomoPrimeTime tonight: "Obviously I am aware of what is going on with my brother. And obviously I cannot cover it because he is my brother. Now, of course CNN has to cover it. They have covered it extensively and they will continue to do so." pic.twitter.com/G49mZYTG4D

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) March 2, 2021

The problem with this comment is C. Cuomo’s recent history interviewing his brother. In the past, issues discussed were not highly personal, and did not negatively impact the governor. Now, it seems that the host may only have ethical qualms about covering the sexual harassment allegations because of the negative light it brings on his brother.

The question now becomes why no ethical questions were raised during C. Cuomo’s initial coverage of events surrounding A. Cuomo. While the sexual harassment allegations may be perceived as “more serious” than other issues that the two Cuomo’s discussed,

A. Cuomo addressed harassment claims Wednesday afternoon, expressing remorse for his actions and stating the discomfort was “unintentional” and apologizing for the incidents. A. Cuomo stated he would not be stepping down from his position as governor of New York.

Nonprofit organizations at risk

Research shows one in three non-profits will close because of COVID-19 pandemic

A study conducted by the philanthropy research group Candid and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy released research Wednesday that stated over one third of non-profit organizations are at risk of closing within two years because of the financial harm inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a time when more people are in financial need or financial loss than normal, non-profit organizations and philanthropies have suffered from a lack of donations and resources that have negatively impacted their sustainability and donation efforts throughout their specific community.

The study analyzed over 300,000 non-profit organizations under 20 separate scenarios to determine how the organization would fare. Worst-case scenarios led to the closing of 38% of those organizations. According to the research, the most vulnerable non-profits were those involved in arts and entertainment.

Candid executive vice president Jacob Harold said, “If you are a donor who cares about an organization that is rooted in place and relies on revenue from in-person services, now is the time probably to give more.”

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Spring NHSJC registration open

Virtual convention offers easy access to materials

The JEA/National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Spring National High School Journalism Convention registration is now open! Because the convention is virtual this year, teachers and students have access to convention materials from March 15 – May 15.

Key note speakers include Juanita Ceballos, the producer of “Vice News Tonight,” Brian Rosenthal, investigative reporter for “The New York Times” and Rob Curley, editor of the “Spokesman-Review.”

Early bird registration rates are available until March 1. The last day to register and access convention materials is May 15.

The convention includes contests like NSPA’s “Best of Show,” “Staff Recognition,” and individual competitions. You can also apply for registration scholarships for the convention.