AP-NORC poll finds about 1 in 5 Americans say they lost a relative or close friend to the coronavirus, highlighting the division between heartache and hope as the country itches to get back to normal a year into the pandemic. apne.ws/gu1SDDd
Even as many mourn close friends and family members, the public’s worry about the virus has dropped to its lowest point since last fall. About two-thirds of Americans are at least somewhat worried, including about 3 in 10 who are very worried. apne.ws/WSvUM4V
COVID-19’s toll is staggering, especially among communities of color. The poll shows about 30% of African Americans and Hispanics lost someone close, compared with 15% of white Americans. Low-income households also were especially likely to report loss. apne.ws/vnJpJ2l
And while COVID-19 vaccines offer real hope, the poll also found about 1 in 3 Americans don’t intend to get a shot. The most reluctant: Young adults, people without college degrees and Republicans. apne.ws/blbrsM2
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Millions of Americans have experienced a devastating toll during the yearlong pandemic, from lost loved ones to lost jobs. A new AP-NORC poll illustrates how communities of color have been hit especially hard by both the virus and the economic fallout. apne.ws/ZemE2sv
The AP-NORC poll shows Black and Hispanic Americans are especially likely to have experienced job or income losses. For example, 38% of Hispanics and 29% of Black Americans say someone in their household was laid off during the pandemic. apne.ws/dbaolgP
Income losses during the last year continue to hurt Hispanic and Black Americans. About 6 in 10 Hispanics and roughly half of Black Americans say their household is still feeling the impact, compared with about 4 in 10 white Americans. apne.ws/jiLCuwk
The White House says President Joe Biden will direct states to make all adults eligible for coronavirus vaccines by May 1. apne.ws/NoiJLuE
Officials said Biden would announce that he is deploying an additional 4,000 active-duty troops to support vaccination efforts and will allow more people — such as medical students, veterinarians and dentists — to deliver shots. apne.ws/9WW4wik
Biden is also expected to announce plans to expand mobile vaccination sites in communities hard hit by the virus and double both the number of pharmacies participating in the vaccination program and the number of federally run mass vaccination centers. apne.ws/i1Xq8TW
THREAD: Even as vaccines increasingly promise a return to something close to normal life in many places, the coronavirus pandemic seems sure to leave permanent scars on the global job market.
The coronavirus recession has been especially cruel, victimizing people at the bottom of the pay scale.
In the 2008-2009 Great Recession, middle- and higher-wage workers bore the brunt of job losses.
“I can’t get anything.”
Gerardo González has applied for jobs at five companies in the month since he lost his job at a bakery in Mexico City. He has burned through his savings trying to support his family.
THREAD: As the world battled the coronavirus last year, China was waging another struggle online: pushing the idea that the virus was a U.S.-made bioweapon.
The @AP collaborated with The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (@DFRLab) on a 9-month project to identify those who spread misinformation about the origins of the coronavirus.
The donors on @Philanthropy's annual #Philanthropy50 list gave a combined total of $24.7 billion to charity in 2020. They supported a broad range of causes, including COVID-19 relief, racial justice efforts and food banks. apne.ws/wTPSaAC
Amazon founder @JeffBezos and his ex-wife, @mackenziescott, were Nos. 1 and 2 in @Philanthropy’s annual rankings of the 50 Americans who gave the most to charity last year. Bezos gave to fight climate change and Scott to help 512 smaller organizations. apne.ws/oCF7PIE
Michael Jordan, who called the death of George Floyd a "tipping point" for his $50 million donation to racial justice causes, made the #Philanthropy50 list of 2020's top donors at No. 31. apne.ws/6cTpFDy