1 Taliban Violence Against Citizens Continues As US Works Out What’s Next
If people on the ground are to be believed, the Taliban hasn’t changed their stripes at all with regard to violence. As NBC News reports, the group’s claims of a more moderate position are just words. That leaves the American government holding the bag – and trying to figure out how to extricate Americans and the Afghan people who helped soldiers. For their part, the Pentagon says officials remain "laser focused" on evacuations at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. At a press briefing, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He said U.S. forces are maintaining a safe and secure environment at the airport. Austin praised American troops for "exceptional efforts under challenging circumstances." As for Afghans trying to get out of the country, Austin vowed to continue airport evacuations for as long as possible. "This is a war that I fought in — and I know the country. I know the people, and I know those who fought alongside me," Austin said. "We have a moral obligation to help those who helped us."
2 Biden: Vast Majority Of Illness, Death Is In Unvaccinated Population
President Biden claims the U.S. is still in a "pandemic of the unvaccinated." Speaking at the White House, Biden argued far too many Americans are remaining at risk because they have not received COVID shots. He said, "Do it now." Biden also noted increases in numbers of people getting vaccinated. “While we’re starting to see initial signs that cases may be declining in a few places, cases are still rising, especially among the unvaccinated,” Biden noted. “There are still 85-million Americans who are eligible to get vaccinated who remain unvaccinated and at real risk.” As part of that, Mr. Biden is giving the green light to booster shots – they’ll begin September 20th. Biden explained it'll be easy to get the third shot, saying folks will show their vaccination card and get a booster. Officials say Americans should get their booster shot eight months after they got their second dose. For the moment, that applies to the Pfizer and Moderna products. The jury is still out on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
3 Fred Leaves Path Of Destruction In The South
At least 35 people are missing after Tropical Depression Fred tore through North Carolina. It made landfall in Florida Monday as a tropical storm. The National Weather Service says as many as 14 possible tornadoes were reported in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina Tuesday. Meanwhile, flooding is also forcing evacuations in the Tar Heel State. The Florida Highway Patrol says a Las Vegas man died in Panama City Monday after his car hydroplaned and flipped into a water filled ditch. The storm's remnants will now bring showers to New England and the Tri-state areas as it heads northeast. But that’s not all New Englanders have to contend with. Tropical Storm Henri could pick up to hurricane strength by tomorrow. Changes in its forecast suggest southern New England could be in its path.