RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) -- Virginia health leaders are again planning to change up their strategy of distributing COVID-19 vaccines as demand begins to dwindle.
Dr. Danny Avula, the state's vaccination coordinator, said this past week demand peaked for the vaccine in almost every health district across the state. A little more than 44% of Virginians have received their first dose and roughly a third of the state’s population is fully vaccinated.
Avula said that means it's time to change the way the Virginia Department of Health is doing things to focus on one word: convenience.
"This is the time to shift more of the vaccine to primary care providers," Avula said. "Survey after survey shows it is your primary care provider that you trust to make health decisions around and we want to give as many people as possible the ability to have those discussions with their primary care providers."
Avula said VDH is also shifting its focus to local community vaccination sites with the hope to make more people feel more comfortable getting vaccinated.
Up until this point, vaccinations have occurred at local, state and federal run mass vaccination sites. Most of the large scale centers will start to wind down in May.
"Rural conservative-leaning, you know people that identify as evangelical Christians. That's the segment of the population where we see the most resistance," Avula said. "About 40% of that community says they won't get vaccinated at any point."
"We've got to be doing a better job at helping the public understand, given where we are with vaccinations, what are the risks now and what are we are giving up to not start taking steps back towards normalcy," Avula said.
He expected it could take four to five additional months to reach herd immunity.
“The events of May 31, 2019 have impacted everyone differently and because of that, individuals are at different points in their healing journey,” said Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick A. Duhaney. “Our goal is to continue to meet people where they are on that journey and provide options for them to remember those we lost.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual remembrance ceremony has been planned in lieu of a large, in-person gathering. Officials plan to release this ceremony on the evening of May 30. The goal of this ceremony is to honor those lost while encouraging the community to pledge to serve or commit to acts of kindness in remembrance.
In addition to the virtual ceremony, officials have planned several in-person memorials this year that meet all current public-health guidelines. The "Love for VB" symbol will again be painted on Mount Trashmore, which individuals will be able to visit and write messages of hope or remembrance at the base.
This specially designed symbol is our Forget-Me-Not tribute to those we lost and those who were injured on May 31, 2019. Our incredible Park & Landscape Services team created this version on Mount Trashmore. We hope you'll get a chance to go see it. FMI: https://t.co/psoMZZk6kK. pic.twitter.com/xlYdUZO9W9
A sand sculpture, based on the same symbol, will be installed at 24th Street on May 26. It will be available for public viewing through Memorial Day weekend. The flower will also be featured on remembrance flags at more than 40 locations throughout the city on May 31.
For a full look at this year's activities, visit LoveForVB.com.
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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center and Ikea are partnering to help people envision what their home might look like with a furry friend.
Norfolks Ikea showroom will now feature life-size cardboard cutouts of adoptable animals at NACC.
They'll be posed in home environments and each will feature a QR code linked to adoptable animals at NACC. The images of the animals are all alumni of NACC.
The cutouts will be there through May 31.
“We are delighted for this opportunity to showcase all the loving, adoptable animals here at NACC, from those that have found their families to those that are still waiting,” said NACC Bureau Manager Michelle Dosson.
The adoptable pets campaign was first launched at Ikeas in Singapore and Arizona.
Check out the NACC website at www.norfolk.gov/nacc to find information about all NACC offers, from adoptable animals to volunteer and fostering opportunities.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Former reality TV star Josh Duggar faces charges of downloading and possessing child pornography under a federal indictment unsealed Friday.
Federal prosecutors announced the indictment a day after Duggar was arrested by U.S. Marshals in northwest Arkansas. Prosecutors said Duggar possessed the material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019.
Duggar, 33, pleaded not guilty at a hearing Friday. His attorneys said they planned to defend his case “aggressively and thoroughly.”
“In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime,” the attorneys said in a statement. “But when you’re accused, you can fight back in the courtroom — and that is exactly what Josh intends to do.”
A federal judge set a May 5 detention hearing and a July 6 trial date.
Duggar starred on TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” until it was pulled from the network in 2015 over revelations Duggar had molested four of his sisters and a babysitter. Duggar’s parents said he had confessed to the fondling and apologized.
Duggar previously apologized for a pornography addiction and cheating on his wife.
If convicted, Duggar faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 on each count.
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) -- The North Carolina ACLU and other civil rights groups have sent a letter to Elizabeth City officials saying their new requirement that permits need to be filed to hold protests violates the First Amendment.
The letter -- which is dated April 30 and sent by the ACLU, Emancipate North Carolina, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law -- was sent to Mayor Bettie J. Parker, Police Chief Eddie Buffaloe, City Manager Montré Freeman, Assistant City Manager Angela Judge, and City Attorney William H. Morgan, Jr.
The permit requirement was put into place Friday, at the same time officials amended a city curfew from 8 p.m. to midnight. The new permitting requirement includes a 15-day grace period, the city said on its website.
"The City’s new far-reaching requirement that anyone wishing to protest or gather must apply for a permit violates the First Amendment because it contains no exception for constitutionally-protected spontaneous gatherings, including gatherings in response to breaking news," the ACLU and other groups wrote.
The letter also said people have a right to gather and protest in traditionally public areas like sidewalks, streets and other public property so long as they don't block vehicular or pedestrian traffic or violate "other generally applicable laws."
The groups also argued that the curfew "invites arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement against people based on their race and/or occupation, in violation of both the U.S. and North Carolina Constitutions."
"The current curfew effectively places all Elizabeth City residents, with extremely limited exceptions, under house arrest conditions for six hours a day," the groups said.
Earlier Friday, Freeman, the city manager, said he ultimately wanted to lift the curfew entirely.
“Ultimately I want to lift this thing completely,” Freeman added. “I think our citizens deserve it, I think our protestors deserve it and I think the Brown family deserves it.”
The letter argues that peaceful protests are not emergencies, and therefore shouldn't cause officials to declare a state of emergency. The letter cites court cases in its argument that states of emergency must be declared once "local law enforcement is no longer able to maintain order and protect lives and property."
The ACLU and other groups argue pre-empting an issue by declaring a state of emergency doesn't demonstrate that the "recited harms are real, not merely conjectural."
At the end of its letter, the groups demanded the city immediately rescind both the curfew and permitting requirement.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- The one-shot Johnson & Johnson will be offered at the mass vaccination site at Military Circle Mall next month.
Although first doses of the Pfizer vaccine will halt at the FEMA-run site, the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be offered from May 5 through May 22.
The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Anyone interested in receiving the vaccine must bring a document that provides proof of name, like a utility bill or pay stub.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine can only be given to those 18 and older.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC)- Virginia’s first minimum wage increase in more than a decade takes effect on Saturday, May 1.
The new rate will be $9.50 per hour. That’s up from $7.25, a baseline mandated by the federal government in 2009.
The boost is the first of three incremental increases approved by the Virginia General Assembly last year. Come Jan. 1, 2022, the state’s minimum wage will rise to $11 per hour. The last phase will kick in on Jan. 1, 2023, making the rate $12 per hour.
The change was made possible when Democrats took control of the state legislature in 2020. It comes as some Democrats in Congress are vying for a mandatory $15 per hour minimum wage nationwide, something more moderate members of the party in Virginia blocked during the 2020 session.
“It was hard enough to get where we are right now and you have to make sure you have the votes to get it done. There was a lot of apprehension,” Del. Jeion Ward (D-Hampton) told 8News in an interview on Friday.
Ward said the current plan is to vote again on a $15 minimum wage in the 2026 session after a study has been completed. She said the study is evaluating the impact on businesses and examining the possibility of regional rates that will take into account variations in cost of living.
Despite objections from Ward, lawmakers decided to delay the increase to $9.50 per hour to relieve pressure on small businesses at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
As many businesses continue to struggle, the May 1st effective date is facing backlash from the National Federation of Independent Business.
“That could very much be a breaking point for a lot of small business owners,” said NFIB State Director Nicole Riley. "They very likely won't hire back as many people as they've had to lay off or furlough because of the pandemic. You'll see them cut hours."
Liz Kincaid, who co-owns four restaurants in Richmond, supports the minimum wage increase.
"It's unfortunate timing but I think it is necessary and overdue," she said.
Despite more than a year of revenue loss, Kincaid said they're hoping to increase their entry-level wage to $15 per hour in the near future, something she says is necessary during an industry-wide labor shortage.
"The hospitality industry right now is so competitive so I think most restaurants are offering well above what the minimum wage increase is going to be," Kincaid said.
Buz Grossberg, the owner of Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue, agrees.
"It is incredibly difficult to think about living off of a minimum wage without having a second or a third job," Grossberg said. "It's needed. It's not going to hurt anybody."
Grossberg said higher wages have helped him reduce turnover and retain loyal employees.
While he acknowledges that a new minimum will come with new costs, Grossberg said it will also level the playing field.
"Everyone has to increase their wages. Therefore, people are going to have to increase their pricing," Grossberg said.
While Ward considers the new law to be a significant accomplishment, it didn’t go as far as she had hoped. She said it excludes tip workers, as well as farm workers.
Ward proposed a bill in the 2021 session that would’ve included farm workers but the idea was rejected once again.
“That broke my heart,” Ward said. "But I'll be back."
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A Norfolk-based organization is recognizing servant leaders in the community.
On Friday, they honored 10 On Your Side with two special awards that truly mean a lot to all of us.
The African American Creative Community Series (AACCS) is all about honoring people who go above and beyond for their communities. Over the last six years, they've honored hundreds of community leaders here in Hampton Roads.
"The late, great Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior often asked, 'what are you doing or how are you servicing others?'," said Dr. Tonya M. Shell, AACCS founder and executive director.
That's the question that constantly runs through Shell's mind when her organization selects its annual honorees.
"What are they doing to service the community? Are they involved in community service projects? Is it a one-and-done type of thing or is it a lifespan of service to the community?" said Shell.
Shell founded the organization six years ago and partners with the Multicultural Diversity Committee at the Norfolk Public Library.
Every year, Shell and a "silent committee" -- people who do not have ties to Hampton Roads -- select "servant leaders" who go above and beyond in their careers, and helping in the community.
Today, 10 On Your Side's Regina Mobley was honored with a distinguished lifetime achievement award, the 2021 Feminine Freedom Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Regina Mobley is service, Regina Mobley is community," said Shell. "She's done a lifetime of commitment not only to her craft, but to her community."
Shell says they give these awards because they believe people should be recognized for what they do, not who they know or how much money they raise for an organization.
She hopes it inspires more people in the community to give back.
"Knowing that people are continuously doing work and they're being honored for their work and their worth," said Shell.
Shell also honored 10 On Your Side for our work in the community, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
You can learn more about the organization by clicking here.
SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- A teen accused of shooting and killing another teen at a Wawa in Suffolk last December will be tried as an adult.
Marques Jauron Boneparte, 17, of Suffolk, is charged with second-degree murder; felony homicide; shoot/stab, etc. in commission of felony; sale, distribute marijuana; firearm violation after involuntary commitment; possession of assault or handgun by juvenile; reckless handling of firearm; assault: shoot, stab, etc. in commission of felony; and use or display firearm in commission of felony.
Police didn't initially identify Boneparte because he is a minor, but released his identity Friday because he will be tried as an adult for the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) or submit a tip online.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WAVY) — North Carolina health officials reported 2,231 new COVID-19 cases Friday.
Overall, the state has reported 969,752 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The state’s daily positivity rate increased slightly to 4.8%, up from Thursday’s 4.5%.
The state also decreased by 36 patients who are hospitalized. Currently, North Carolina has 1,101 people hospitalized due to COVID-19. There were 20 new deaths Thursday, adding to an overall count of 12,651 COVID-19 related deaths.
Local metrics:
Gates 729 – 13 deaths
Bertie 1,749 -- 43 deaths
Camden 652 – 5 deaths
Chowan 1,451 – 22 deaths
Currituck 1,522 – 16 deaths
Dare 2,082 – 10 deaths
Hertford 2,079– 63 deaths
Pasquotank 3,305 – 80 deaths
Perquimans 988 – 10 deaths
Percent of Adult Population Partially Vaccinated: 49.2%
Percent of Adult Population Fully Vaccinated: 40.5%
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) -- It's officially strawberry picking season. Check out WAVY-TV 10's Symone Davis as she scours the fields at Greenbrier Farms in hopes of finding the perfect strawberries to take home.
$16 for a 5-pound bucket (their buckets only). You keep can bucket and bring it back next time you come Strawberry picking and get $1 off of your next purchase.
Strawberry season typically runs until the end of June, but it could change depending on the weather. No reservations needed and masks or not required.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) -- If you are planning to hit the road this summer for that long-awaited trip to grandma's house, be prepared for potential gasoline shortages.
This file photo shows Tanker trucks wait parked inside the storage and dispatch terminal of Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), Mexico's state-owned oil company, in the port of Veracruz, Mexico, Dec. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)
The association is monitoring the nationwide shortage of holders of commercial driver's licenses across the country. The association predicts the nation needs to hire 110,000 additional drivers every year over the next 10 years.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is monitoring the situation and according to a regional representative, so far no shortages have been reported in southeast Virginia.
File photo of cars (Getty Images).
"We have only seen a few markets around the country with select stations having low or no gas right now. We have plenty of supply in the United States; it's just a matter of getting to all of the stations in a timely manner," said Holly Collins Dalby, AAA director of Public Affairs for the Tidewater Region.
Collins Dalby said problems with deliveries appear to be chain-related. If your favorite convenience store is out of gas, Collins Dalby says it's likely a nearby competitor is open for business.
"If you do pull into a station and that particular station is low on fuel, head to the next one because you will probably find that everything is fine there. We would advise to not let your tank go down but to keep some fuel in there and plan your travel accordingly. Check out the area where you are going to make sure you are prepared when you go," said Collins Dalby.
Collins Dalby says map out the stations before you hit the road and to avoid mechanical problems, never drive until you have nearly drained your tank.
"If you are at the bottom of 'E,' it can cause mechanical problems; sediment can get in your fuel pump," said Collins Dalby.
LILLINGTON, N.C. (WNCN) — Five men were arrested in connection with five overdose deaths of five people, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office said.
The sheriff’s office said it was a lengthy investigation that led to five arrests. Deputies said the five victims purchased illegal narcotics from the five men arrested.
“The opioid epidemic has never gone away. It’s just as bad, if not worse than before,” said Sheriff Wayne Coats.
“I want to charge everybody I can in these overdose deaths,” he added.
The sheriff’s office said four of the five men arrested remain behind bars at the Harnett County Detention Center. One posted bond.
Below are the names and charges related to the investigation:
William Michael Hall, 34, of Spring Lake was arrested on March 30 and served with a warrant for one count of death by distribution. Hall received a $250,000 secured bond
Shelton Dmario Newby, 29, of Broadway was arrested on March 30 and served with a warrant for one count of death by distribution. Newby received a $150,000 secured bond
Antonio Ramelle Hall, 31, of Cameron was arrested on April 9 and served with a warrant for one count of second-degree murder. Hall received a $550,000 secured bond
Jawuan Antoine Newsuan, 23, of Sanford was arrested April 20 and served with warrants for one count of death by distribution and possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, maintain a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substance. Newsuan was released after posting a $250,000 secured bond
Jaron Mitchell, 30, of Linden was arrested on April 7 and served with warrants for one count of death by distribution and possession with intent to sell and deliver schedule II controlled substance. Mitchell received a $1.6 million secured bond.
William Michael Hall
Shelton Dmario Newby
Antonio Ramelle Hall
Jawuan Antoine Newsuan
William Michael Hall
Since 2019, Sheriff Wayne Coats says his office has arrested at least seven people on death by distribution charges, including a man accused of selling fentanyl to John Norris’ daughter, Meredith.
“I think it’s one of the best laws that’s ever been passed,” said Norris. “The drug dealers know that fentanyl can take a life.”
It took his daughter Meredith’s life on Aug. 23, 2020. Through the pain, Norris tells CBS 17 he’s relied on his faith.
He has this message for people suggesting from addiction:
“What I want to get across is that the kids that are hurting and in pain and suffering in any way, whether it’s depression or loneliness, I just want to let them know Jesus is the answer to what they’re looking for,” he said. “To really come to know him and have an encounter with him and to fill that void that’s missing in their heart and in their life.”
Amy Godwin’s daughter overdosed on fentanyl after she left a treatment center in Florida last September. Godwin tells CBS 17 authorities in Florida are working to charge the man who sold her the drugs with death by distribution.
“When Sheriff Coates said this is what he’s pursuing, I hope that it continues,” she said. “Death by distribution at least is some semblance of getting these dealers off the streets in a long-term situation from dealing anymore bad, dirty dope to those that are struggling with addiction.”
Coats has this message for people supplying them with drugs: “We’re gonna come after you. If you’re dealing drugs, we’re gonna be aggressive and not let you just take over the streets.”
VIRGINIA BEACH (WAVY) -- Black Lives Matter 757 is expected to hold a press conference Friday to discuss the case of DeShayla Harris, the reality TV star and Hampton Roads native killed during one of several shootings on March 26 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
The group is expected to share updates during the briefing at noon. WAVY will be there.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Wages and benefits grew quickly for U.S. workers in the first three months of the year, a sign that businesses are starting to offer higher pay to fill newly-opened jobs.
U.S. workers’ total compensation rose 0.9% in the January-March quarter, the largest gain in more than 13 years, the Labor Department said Friday. That's up from 0.7% in the final three months of last year. Still, the increase is just barely above 0.8% gains in two quarters in 2018.
The solid rise comes after weaker increases during the pandemic, when the unemployment rate initially shot to nearly 15% before declining steadily to 6% in March. As a result, workers' pay and benefits rose just 2.6% in the year ending in March, down from 2.8% a year earlier.
The data comes from the Labor Department’s Employment Cost Index, which measures pay changes for workers that keep their jobs. Unlike some other measures of Americans' paychecks, it isn't directly affected by mass layoffs such as the pandemic job losses that occurred last spring.
The figures suggest that as the economy is reopening and more Americans are willing to venture out to restaurants, bars, and shops, businesses are having to provide higher pay and benefits to pull workers back into the job market. Many businesses have struggled to find people to take jobs, despite still-high unemployment.
Some Americans are reluctant to take jobs in industries like restaurants, hotels and bars for fear of contracting the coronavirus. Others, particularly women, are constrained by child care obligations. And a generous federal supplement to unemployment benefits of $300 a week may also be keeping some unemployed on the sidelines. That benefit ends Sept. 6.
Overall incomes grew by a record amount in March, according to a separate report Friday, bolstered by $1,400 government stimulus checks and unemployment aid to roughly 18 million Americans. Incomes soared 21.1%, while spending rose 4.2%, a sign that much of the income was saved and may be spent in coming months.
Wages and salaries rose 1% in the first three months of the year, the Employment Cost Index showed, while benefits such as health insurance increased 0.6% in value.
Hotels and restaurants boosted pay and benefits by 1.5% in the first quarter, as many businesses in those industries have had a hard time finding workers. Total compensation jumped 3.6% in the financial services industry.
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With chatter of Prime Day falling earlier than expected this year, many people have begun preparing for the biggest shopping event since the 2020 holiday season.
Prime Day sees impressive deals across all product categories, with tech, toys and appliances boasting some of the deepest discounts. It’s no surprise that some consumers wait for it all year to cash in on the significant savings.
According to Amazon, Prime shoppers saved a whopping $1.4 billion during Prime Day 2020. For reference, the online retailer states that’s equivalent to one trillion waffles, 700 million socks or 233 pirate ships.
We’ve been following Prime Day since its inception in 2015. While we don’t know the exact date yet, we’re sharing this rundown to keep you in the loop so you can be prepared when it arrives.
When is Prime Day 2021?
Prime Day, which launched in 2015, typically falls in July to celebrate Amazon’s anniversary. Last year, due to the pandemic, it was rescheduled for mid-October.
This year, rumors are swirling around Prime Day’s actual date. Previously, it was believed to be arriving much earlier this year in June. However, more recent chatter indicates Amazon will hold the event sometime in July.
Regardless, Prime Day 2021 is happening soon — and in the meantime, early preparation is the best way to snag deals.
What is Prime Day?
Prime Day is a two-day mega online shopping event when Amazon slashes prices on thousands of products. The deep discounts on hot-selling items and Amazon house brands range from 10-80 percent off.
Prime Day offers the lowest prices of the year for many products. Some of these items are even cheaper than they are during other major retail shopping events, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
How big is Prime Day?
If you’re wondering exactly how big Prime Day is, take a look at how well the event performed during a pandemic. According to Amazon’s post-event press release, 2020 Prime Day sales were up 60 percent from 2019 — surpassing $3.5 billion in sales inside 48 hours.
In the weeks leading up to Prime Day 2020, Amazon funded a high-profile campaign to support small businesses selling on the platform. The “Spend $10, Get $10” promotion generated $900 million in sales for these merchants.
Other retailers are keenly aware of Prime Day’s impact on e-commerce, too. Macy’s, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and Best Buy are just some of the retailers expected to host their own shopping events to compete with Prime Day.
How do I get Prime Day deals?
To be eligible for the epic deals of Prime Day, shoppers need an Amazon Prime membership. Here’s how much it costs, along with a rundown of the top Prime benefits.
How much is Prime membership?
An Amazon Prime membership costs $119 annually. For college students, the annual Prime Student membership is $59.
A monthly Amazon Prime membership costs $12.99. Prime Student memberships are only $6.49.
Individuals interested in shopping Prime Day who don’t want to commit to a monthly or annual Prime membership can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
Amazon Prime shipping
Free two-day delivery on millions of items is the most notable benefit of Prime membership.
There are also more than 10 million items available for free one-day delivery. Free same-day delivery is available for 3 million items with a $35 minimum order. Gamers, as well as media and book enthusiasts, enjoy free release-date delivery for qualified items.
Best Amazon Prime benefits for Prime Day
Besides fast shipping, these are the best Amazon Prime benefits you’ll enjoy for Prime Day:
There are thousands of Prime-exclusive deals daily, with even more available during Prime Day.
Prime Early Access grants members 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals.
Prime members can view some deals up to a day in advance. They can track deals in the Amazon app by selecting “Watch this deal.”
Prime members can add the Amazon Prime Insider skill to Alexa. Users can ask, “Alexa, what’s my news?” to hear flash briefings on Prime-exclusive deals.
Prime members enjoy a 30-day free-returns policy on most purchases. Members may drop off returns at select Kohl’s, Whole Foods or UPS Store locations.
Other Amazon Prime benefits
While you might not use these specific Amazon Prime benefits on Prime Day, here are a few more perks of membership:
Amazon Video lets members watch exclusive Amazon Originals and thousands of movies and TV shows on any device.
Amazon Music gives members access to 2 million songs and millions of podcasts.
Members can share Prime benefits with their entire household, including one other adult and up to four teens and four kids.
At Whole Foods, Amazon Prime members get an additional 10 percent off sale items (excluding alcohol). Prime members in select areas are eligible for free pickup or delivery for orders $35 and over.
Why is Prime Day worth it?
Besides the big sales, there are a few more reasons to shop during Prime Day this year. With many schools around the country returning to in-person instruction, there’s going to be a big back to school push late this summer. Prime Day, expected to occur much earlier than that, is an excellent time to stock up on kids’ clothing and school supplies.
As many professionals continue to adapt to work-from-home, we expect Prime Day to offer more sales on home office equipment, furniture and tech. Educators preparing to return to the classroom this fall can leverage Prime Day to stock up on affordable classroom supplies, including manipulatives and STEM activities.
Amazon now offers flexible payment plans for eligible Prime shoppers on select items. Shoppers pay the same price with no additional interest or fees.
Do’s and don’ts of Amazon Prime Day
Whether you’re a Prime Day rookie or veteran, here are a few pointers that will improve your Prime Day experience this year.
Do’s of Prime Day
Do your research on prices before and during Prime Day to determine whether you’re getting a great deal. Visit CamelCamelCamel, a free Amazon price tracker, to view price fluctuations. If you use Mozilla Firefox, you can download a browser extension.
Do create a budget before Prime Day. It may help reign in spending, especially with impulse buys.
Do check to make sure your shipping and billing information is current to streamline orders and avoid mishaps.
Do take a look at Amazon Wish Lists. Many high-ticket items on these registries may be available at much lower prices on Prime Day.
Don’ts of Prime Day
Don’t forget to read the small print regarding shipping and returns. While most products follow the same Amazon Prime policies, there are occasional exceptions.
Don’t be fooled by unknown brands or bogus reviews. If your gut tells you there’s something sketchy about an item, steer clear.
Don’t enable notifications on Alexa and shared devices if you’re ordering gifts for members of your household. It may spoil the surprise by sharing product and shipping information.
Don’t overspend on unnecessary purchases, such as tech bundles that include accessories you won’t need or use.
What will be on sale on Prime Day?
Amazon products on sale for Prime Day
It’s no secret that Amazon always promotes Amazon-owned products on Prime Day. Here are the ones we expect to see on sale.
Amazon Kindles: We've seen the lowest prices of the year on Amazon Kindles during Prime Day sales. Shop Now
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite: Check for Prime Day discounts on Amazon Fire Sticks, including the newest, most affordable Lite version.Shop Now
Amazon Echo Buds: Amazon’s brand-new wireless earbuds will release May 13, and we anticipate that they'll be offered at a discount during Prime Day sales.Shop Now
We expect there will be a sizable push of Amazon-owned apparel brands, many of which were acquired by the retailer in recent years. Some of the bestselling Amazon labels include Lark & Ro, Core 10, Goodthreads and Daily Ritual.
Other products on sale for Prime Day
This year, we’ve noticed an uptick in demand for specific products. We expect to see many of these items on sale this come Prime Day:
Apple’s latest watch lets users stay on top of health vitals, such as heart rhythm and blood oxygen levels. The Watch is 20 percent faster than the Series 5, and its display is 2.5 times brighter.Shop Now
The four-quart air fryer is praised for its beginner-friendly design. It air fries, roasts, reheats and dehydrates to make tasty treats with nearly 75 percent less fat than traditional frying methods.Shop Now
Appreciated by music enthusiasts, AirPods Pro delivers rich, immersive sound quality with active noise cancellation and Adaptive EQ technology.Shop Now
This top-rated Roomba comes with automatic dirt disposal for hassle-free emptying. The device learns the layout of your home for comprehensive cleaning. Shop Now
The eight-quart air fryer has a simple, one-touch operation with 11 pre-programmed functions. The appliance also has 10 built-in safety features, including overheat protection. Shop Now
This newer Chromebook flips 360 degrees to function as a laptop or a tablet. The device is equipped with 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and built-in virus protection.Shop Now
The bestselling Galaxy S20 has a high-powered lens with 30 times Space Zoom to capture stunning images. It runs on 5G and offers a speedy, reliable connection for streaming and gaming. Shop Now
A long-standing favorite among campers, this six-person Coleman tent offers a 10-minute setup. It has a WeatherTec system with patented corner welds to keep occupants dry.Shop Now
Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
Copyright 2021 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
(NEXSTAR) - Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in India, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a travel advisory to India.
The advisory, announced Thursday, says people should "avoid all travel" to India due to its "very high" number of COVID-19 cases.
The CDC said even fully vaccinated travelers may be "at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to India."
If you must travel to the country, the CDC says to get fully vaccinated and practice standard public health procedures, including masking, avoiding crowds, washing hands and staying 6 feet away from others.
India set another global record in new virus cases Thursday with more than 379,000 new infections, putting even more pressure on the country’s overwhelmed hospitals. The country of nearly 1.4 billion people has now recorded over 18 million cases, behind only the U.S., and over 200,000 deaths — though the true number is believed to be higher.
The few medicines known to help treat COVID-19, such as remdesivir and steroids in hospitalized patients, are scarce. The most basic treatment —oxygen therapy — is also in short supply, leading to unnecessary deaths. Even hospital beds are scarce. There were just 14 free intensive care beds available in New Delhi, a city of 29 million people, on Thursday morning.
বন্ধুরা সবাই কেমন আছেন? আশা করছি আপনারা সকলেই আল্লাহর রহমতে ভাল আছেন। নিত্য দিনের মতো আজও নতুন একটি টিউন নিয়ে আপনাদের সামনে হাজির হয়েছি। বন্ধুরা আজকে আমরা আলোচনা করব সিপিইউ ও জিপিইউ সম্পর্কে। তো, আজকের এই টিউন এর মাধ্যমে আপনারা জানতে পারবেন সিপিইউ ও জিপিইউ কি এবং এগুলোর কাজ কি এর বিস্তারিত আলোচনা। যেকোনো একটি […]
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) -- Elizabeth City has extended its daily curfew from 8 p.m. to midnight in the wake of the fatal shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. by law enforcement, though the city says protesters will now need to sign a permit to be able to assemble.
The curfew is now from midnight to 6 a.m. The city originally started the curfew on Monday for "safety."
The city says the permit must be submitted to the city manager "not less than 15 days no more than 90 days prior to the date on which the proposed public assembly is to take place."
That indicates that any protest within the next two weeks would be considered illegal by law enforcement. Multiple protesters have already been arrested this week, including more on Thursday night.
Streets are clear now. Again several arrests made. Reason you didn’t & won’t see more of that tonight is @elizcityPD came in fast and we didn’t have time to move our car from a lot and also record what happened. @WAVY_Newspic.twitter.com/ybcGfFFbpK
“I’ve got some young teenagers that work for me,” said Jim Nye, the owner of Hoppin’ Johnz on Colonial Avenue. “Their parents won’t let them come to work cause they’re fearful of their safety. And it’s just, safety has not been a problem.”
WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — President Joe Biden will hit the road to mark Amtrak's 50th anniversary Friday night, but he'll also use it as a chance to push his infrastructure plan.
The infrastructure proposal would devote $621 billion to improving roads, bridges, public transit and other transportation infrastructure. Of that, $80 billion would go toward tackling Amtrak’s repair backlog, improving service along the Northeast Corridor and expanding service across the U.S.
Amtrak said after Biden announced the plan that the corporation would upgrade and expand service, including by adding 30 new routes and adding trains on 20 existing routes across the U.S. by 2035. New service would begin in portions of northeast Pennsylvania including Scranton, where Biden was born, as well as Nashville, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Houston; Dallas; and Austin, Texas, if approved by Congress.
But while the $80 billion represents a significant investment, the money would not go far in terms of funding high-speed rail. Amtrak has estimated that it has a $31 billion repair backlog for its trains in the Northeast Corridor alone, and transportation analysts say adding new lines in that region could easily use up the funds that remain.
A Senate Republican counteroffer to Biden’s plan, totaling $568 billion, would devote a slimmer $20 billion to U.S. rail service.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam will be in Norfolk on Friday morning to make two stops.
First, he's visiting a woman-owned biotechnology supply manufacturer. He'll then head over to Military Circle Mall, which has a FEMA COVID-19 vaccine site, to sign legislation for equity in emergency management.
WAVY will be at both events. Check back for coverage later today.
Northam just announced on Thursday that Virginians will no longer have to wear a mask when alone or in a small group outdoors, going with new CDC guidance.
The announcement also immediately allows crowds of up to 1,000 people at outdoor recreational events such as high school sports.
More restrictions on gatherings, outdoor entertainment events and more are expected to be changed on May 15.
(NEXSTAR) - The individuals who allegedly stole musician Lady Gaga's French bulldogs and shot her dog walker have been arrested, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Thursday.
James Jackson, 18; Jaylin White, 19; Lafayette Whaley, 27; Harold White, 40; and Jennifer McBride, 50; are all facing charges related to the February 24 incident.
Jackson, White and Whaley are facing robbery and attempted murder charges, while White and McBride have been charged with accessory to attempted murder.
According to LAPD, Jackson, White and Whaley were directly involved in the robbery and shooting of the victim, and investigators do not believe they targeted the dogs due to their famous owner.
"Evidence suggests the suspects knew the great value of the breed of dogs and [that] was the motivation for the robbery," LAPD said in a press release.
McBride reportedly told LAPD she had found the dogs and responded to the reward inquiry in order to return them. She ultimately brought them into an LAPD station, where detectives determined she had a relationship with the father of suspect White.
LAPD said Jackson, White and Whaley are "all documented gang members from Los Angeles."
Police responded to North Sierra Bonita Avenue, a street off the famed Sunset Boulevard, around 9:40 p.m. February 24 following several 911 calls reporting a man screaming and the sound of a gunshot, said Capt. Steven Lurie, commanding officer of the department’s Hollywood Division.
Video from the doorbell camera of a nearby home captured dog walker Ryan Fischer’s screams of, “Oh, my God! I’ve been shot!” and “Help me!” and “I’m bleeding out from my chest!”
The doorbell video shows a white sedan pulling up and two men jumping out. They struggled with Fischer and one pulled a gun and fired a single shot before fleeing with two of the dogs, Koji and Gustav.
Lady Gaga offered a $500,000 reward — “no questions asked” — to be reunited with the dogs. The singer had been in Rome at the time filming a movie.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama will remove anti-gay language from the state’s sex education law that for decades said students should be taught that homosexuality is both socially unacceptable and illegal.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed the measure Tuesday into law after it was approved by the Alabama Legislature.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, removes a section of the 1992 sex education law that directed that sex education programs should include “an emphasis, in a factual manner and from a public health perspective, that homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense under the laws of this state.”
The Alabama law will maintain the emphasis on abstinence in sex education. There will be a new requirement for parents to get notification when sexual education or human reproduction will be taught and to request materials.
The measure had been introduced for several years, but did not win final passage until this year.
The Southern Poverty Law Center applauded Ivey for signing the bill.
“Since 1992, state law has required that when sex education is taught in Alabama schools the instruction include language targeting ‘the homosexual lifestyle’ as illegal and immoral. This language is not only legally inaccurate, it encouraged further stigmatization and isolation of LGBTQ students,” Shay Farley, SPLC Action Fund Regional Policy Director, said in a statement.
The section of the 1992 law describing homosexuality as a criminal offense was a reference to the state’s anti-sodomy law, which has since been ruled unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2003 ruled that such laws were an invasion of privacy and unconstitutional.
DENVER (AP) — More than two-thirds of all U.S. citizens of the voting-age population participated in the 2020 presidential election, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau report, and 69% of those cast ballots by mail or early in-person voting — methods that Republicans in some states are curtailing.
That's an explosion in the use of mail and early voting compared to four years earlier, when just 40% of voters cast ballots that way. The change was in part a result of the pandemic, which prompted health officials to urge voters to stay away from crowded in-person polling places.
The figures are part of a Census Bureau survey of voters, released Thursday, that offers new details about the extraordinary turnout in the 2020 presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. In some experts' estimates, the election posted the highest turnout rate since 1900, before women had the right to vote.
Trump pointed to the high mail voting and early voting numbers to suggest that the election was rife with fraud and irregularities. Those false claims are now driving a GOP effort in several states to make mail voting harder and to trim the number of early voting days.
The Census Bureau survey found turnout rose the most among Latinos, up 6.1 percentage points, and white voters, who saw a 5.6 percentage point increase from 2016. Black voters saw the smallest increase, with their turnout rate rising 3.2 percentage points over four years ago.
While 63% of African Americans voted, that rate did not match the record high of 65% that cast ballots in 2008, when the nation's first Black president, Barack Obama, was first elected. In 2020, 71% of white citizens and 59% of Latino citizens voted, the Census Bureau found.
White people made up 71% of the people who voted, a 2% drop from four years earlier. Still, because white voters are the demographic with the highest rate of turnout, they had disproportionate power in the election — they are only 67% of U.S. citizens 18 and older, according to the Census.
The Census Bureau estimates confirm what many election analysts have long known about the 2020 turnout surge.
“We knew it was a high-turnout election and the Census is finding something similar,” said Michael McDonald, a political science professor at the University of Florida who runs ElectProject.org, which tracks turnout back to the 18th century.
McDonald found the 2020 election featured the highest turnout since 1900, while the Census Bureau reports a higher turnout rate as recently as the 1992 presidential election. The Census' turnout estimates are based on a survey with a margin of error, while McDonald uses the numbers of votes cast, which accounts for some of the discrepancy.
The Census did find that the 2020 election featured the largest increase in voting between two presidential elections, with 17 million more people voting on whether to reelect Trump than the number who voted whether to make him president in 2016.
