Cases rise in US, Biden calls on states to offer $100 vaccine incentive

Published

4 years ago

July 30, 2021

As COVID cases in the US rise – President Biden is calling for vaccine incentives

Biden has called for states to offer $100 to new vaccine recipients, in an effort to address flagging jab rates amid virus surges.

The US President also issued a strict new vaccine requirement for US federal workers – the nation’s largest employer with approximately two million people.

The order requires employees to show proof of vaccination or be subjected to mandatory testing and masking

The Delta variant is different than what we’ve dealt with previously. It’s highly transmissible and causing a new wave of cases. But here’s the good news: we have the power to stop it. Get vaccinated — and let’s defeat this virus once and for all.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 29, 2021

According to official data, just under half of the US is fully vaccinated.

Speaking from the White House on Thursday, Mr Biden said that the new measures are a result of the highly contagious Delta variant’s spread, made worse by a “pandemic of the unvaccinated”.

“People are dying and will die who don’t have to die,”
Biden said

However, the President added that the monetary incentive may seem unfair to already vaccinated Americans, but stated “we all benefit if we can get more people vaccinated”.

Over 160M Americans are fully vaccinated, schools are reopening for in-person instruction this fall, and our economy is roaring back. But there's still work to be done. Today the President announced more steps to deliver life-saving vaccines to more Americans. 1/3
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 29, 2021

States would use money from the $1.9tn American Rescue Plan legislation to fund the incentives.

Mr. Biden said that the federal government will be “fully reimbursing” small or medium-sized businesses that provide workers paid time off to get vaccinated.

While government employees who refuse to get vaccinated will not be fired, this move by the White House aims to set an example for other employers nationwide.

President Biden also addressed theories, spreading mostly in conservative circles, that the jabs are unsafe.

He emphasised there “is nothing political” about the vaccines, which were developed and authorised under a Republican administration and further distributed under his.

Last month, a study showed that over 99% of coronavirus deaths have been among the unvaccinated.

THREAD: Today, the President announced new steps we're taking to get more Americans vaccinated and slow the spread of the Delta variant.
— White House COVID-19 Response Team (@WHCOVIDResponse) July 29, 2021

Nearly 70% of adults have received at least one jab.

But vaccination rates are varied across the country. Southern and western regions, which are now experiencing Covid outbreaks, have much lower rates.

It comes as virus-related deaths climb to around 2,000 per week. New cases are now at their highest point in the last three months, with about 60,000 being recorded per day.

Venezuela’s opposition leader vows return and calls for free elections

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Published

20 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home as she renews calls for a free and fair election, despite ongoing political pressure and legal threats against her. Her return would mark a major test for the country’s fragile democratic movement.

Machado is currently under investigation by authorities aligned with President Nicolas Maduro, accused of inciting insurrection. Meanwhile, loyalists from Maduro’s Socialist Party continue to hold key positions of power, complicating efforts to shift Venezuela’s political direction.

She is also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, arguing it is a necessary first step towards restoring democracy and rebuilding trust in the country’s institutions.

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#Venezuela #MariaCorinaMachado #VenezuelaPolitics #FreeElections #Democracy #LatinAmerica #PoliticalPrisoners #TickerNews

News

U.S. to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine under new security commitments

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

Published

20 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

The United States has pledged to lead a continuous and reliable ceasefire monitoring system in Ukraine, following new binding security commitments finalised at a Paris summit.

Under the plan, Washington would coordinate international monitoring efforts after any peace agreement, ensuring compliance while providing intelligence and logistical support to European forces on the ground.

The US has also committed to backing European troops if they come under attack, signalling a deeper security role without deploying American combat forces directly into Ukraine.

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#UkraineWar #USForeignPolicy #Ceasefire #GlobalSecurity #NATO #Europe #RussiaUkraine #TickerNews

News

Albanese open to royal commission into Bondi attack

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Ahron Young

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

In Short:
– Prime Minister Albanese has not ruled out a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
– He prioritises a review of intelligence agencies while facing pressure for a national inquiry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not dismissed the possibility of a royal commission regarding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

He faces pressure from former Labor MPs and senators advocating for a Commonwealth-level inquiry.The prime minister indicated that his immediate focus is a review of intelligence and security agencies, led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson. During a visit to flood-affected north Queensland, Albanese acknowledged discussions with NSW regarding the inquiry’s operation.

He has resisted calls for a federal inquiry into the attack, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah event last month. Albanese prioritised the review of intelligence responses and stated discussions were ongoing to address community needs.

He outlined intentions to recall parliament once new legislation focused on hate speech and gun control is prepared. Consultations are planned over the coming days to ensure proper legislative formulation.

Albanese rejected opposition claims that parliament could have swiftly passed the necessary laws post-attack. Currently, MPs are scheduled to reconvene in February, but a session may be convened sooner to pass new laws and honour Bondi victims.

Ongoing Discussions

Former Labor figures have publicly called for a national royal commission, expressing concern over the limitations of a NSW-led inquiry. Mike Kelly suggested a “rolling” approach for the royal commission to address wider implications for security and democracy, highlighting the necessity of thorough examination given the unprecedented nature of the attack.

He asserted the need for this inquiry to explore broader social issues and assist the Jewish community in the healing process, urging the government to remain responsive to public sentiments.