1 NY Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul Says She's Ready To Take Office
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is finally stepping aside amidst allegations of sexual harassment other issues – all of which he is denying. But now his second in command – Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is stepping up to the podium to say she's ready to take office. Speaking to reporters, Hochul says she’s up to the challenge and in no uncertain terms – has what residents of her state need: focus and integrity. Hochul says she’s ready to help the state overcome the Delta variant of coronavirus. She added that her predecessor’s decision to step down is in the state's best interest. As part of that, Hochul said she is committed to removing anyone who did anything unethical as tied to the Attorney General's report and that no one will ever accuse her administration of fostering “a toxic work environment.” On that note, she also allowed that she and the governor haven't been close for some time.
2 CDC Urging Pregnant Women To Get COVID Vaccine
The CDC is recommending pregnant and breast feeding women roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated against COVID-19. The agency cited data that suggests those who are pregnant face an increased risk of severe illness due to coronavirus. Scientists found no increased risk of miscarriage among those who got the vaccine while pregnant. That's according to the CDC, which added that the benefits of the shots outweigh any known or potential risks. The CDC also pointed to studies that say COVID antibodies were found in umbilical cord blood, which seems to suggest vaccinations during pregnancy may produce antibodies that help protect babies against coronavirus. Meanwhile, the FDA is expected to give the green to light to those with a compromised immune system to get a third vaccination dose. Approval could come by the end of the week. The shots that would reportedly be used would be from Pfizer and Moderna. A spokesperson for the FDA noted they are working with the CDC to look at other "potential options” as well.
3 Report: U.S. May Evacuate Embassy In Kabul
The U.S. is reportedly considering evacuating its embassy in Afghanistan as troops withdraw. DC sources tell “Politico” that internal discussions are underway at the State Department about shutting down the embassy in Kabul, perhaps by the end of the month. A State Department official said they are evaluating threats daily, and that the embassy has been on ordered departure status since April. A new U.S. military assessment says Kabul could fall to the Taliban within 90 days, though sources tell Politico it could take the militants up to six months to seize the entire capital.