Leah Jahn

On Wednesday night, the remainder of Hurricane Ida brought devastating flash flooding and record-breaking rains to the Northeast. The National Weather Service "declared a flash flood emergency in New York City for the first time," the New York Times reports. 

, a website that tracks data on outages across the country, as of Thursday morning there were over 150,000 homes without power across the region. 

Though the rain subsided Thursday morning in New York City, much of the the cities transportation systems have been suspended. The rain has also passed in Philadelphia, Maryland, and New Jersey - though waters are reportedly continuing to rise as rescue work continues.  

This is a quickly developing story; at least 26 people have died from Maryland to New York. The heavy rainfall has broken records set over a week ago by Tropical Storm Henri. Many scientists account these extreme weather events, including the 

 occurring across the West, to climate change and global warming. By Thursday morning, the storm had traveled to New England leaving some roads in Massachusetts 

Death toll rises after Ida's remnants hit Northeast

Flooding across the Northeast

On Thursday, around 113 people left Afghanistan aboard a Qatar Airways flight, marking the first flight out of Afghanistan since the United States left at the end of August. 

The flight landed in Doha, the capital city of Qatar. Its passengers included Americans, U.S. green card holders, Germans, Hungarians, and Canadians, an official told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. 

The airport in Kabul was previously called the Hamid Karzai International Airport. The name has now been changed to Kabul International Airport, without the name of former Afghan President Hamid Karzai (2004 - 2014). 

Another flight expecting to carry 200 passengers is scheduled to leave Afghanistan on Friday, according to Qatari special envoy al-Qahtani. 

 Though this flight marks a significant moment, questions remain about what path lies ahead for the uncertain number of Americans and Afghan allies who remain in Afghanistan. The Taliban has promised that people who have the proper travel documents will be allowed to leave, however, many are concerned this will not be the case as obstacles begin to present themselves due to the U.S. no longer having an embassy in Afghanistan: "I'm frightened I will be left behind," an Afghan interpreter who worked for the U.S. for 15 years told the Associated Press; he expressed worry about the Taliban taking revenge against Afghans who helped Americans.

“I’m frightened I will be left behind,” said the man, whose name was withheld by The Associated Press for his safety.

The interpreter said he was one of many former U.S. employees whose special visas the United States approved in the last weeks of the American military presence in Afghanistan. But with the U.S. Embassy closed when the Taliban took Kabul on Aug. 15, it has become impossible to get the visa stamped into his passport.

He said he doesn’t trust Taliban assurances that they will not take revenge against Afghans who worked for the Americans.

“No, never,” he said. “I never believe them, because they are lying.”

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States is looking at steps such as electronic visas to overcome the lack of an embassy in Afghanistan.

Taliban Allow Americans, Other Foreigners to Fly Out of Kabul

About 200 Westerners, including Americans, fly out of Kabul

At least 200 Afghan dual nationals, including Americans, leave from newly reopened Kabul Airport

*Though some reports note an estimated 200 people were aboard the Qatari flight on Thursday, the WSJ reports that not all of the 200 people who were scheduled to fly arrived for their departure on time.*

Flight with Americans allowed to leave Afghanistan

On this day, the name "United States of America" becomes official

Thirteen colonies become the United States of America, Sept. 9, 1776

 for a quick read on the history of the name "United States of America."

 to read the resolution approved by the Continental Congress, officially naming the United States.

 to read more about the mysterious "planter" who reportedly first wrote the name "United States of America."

A good lesson on why capitalization matters.

245 years ago today, the United States of America (made up of 13 colonies at the time) was 

 The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress (early governing body of the 13 American colonies & then the new United States).

In the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, "united States of America" is written twice. However, 

"united" is not capitalized, signifying "united" as an adjective rather than part of the name

 - then referred to as "United Colonies."

Yet, "united States of America" stuck; a few months later, the Continental Congress approved the name. 

" ... heretofore the Words, 'United Colonies', have been used, the Stile be altered for th

On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress approved a resolution naming the United States. 

The Articles of Confederation first presented to the Continental Congress in July 1776 stated: "THE Name of this Confederacy shall be 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.'" However, the Articles were not ratified (officially approved) until March 1, 1781. 

The person who originally thought of the name "United States of America" remains a mystery. Some recognize Thomas Jefferson as the originator, since he is the author of the Declaration of Independence - where "united States of America" made its first formal appearance. However, an anonymous writer in a series of editorials in a Virginia newspaper months earlier had already used the term repeatedly. Was it Jefferson in disguise? Another Founding Father? Or someone else entirely? No one knows. 

On This Day

OTD United States of America 

 for a good read on how Hershey built his town, helping to provide jobs during the Great Depression.

 to learn more about Milton Hershey School.

"Failure does not have to stand. You can be battered down two, three, four, a score of times, and still come up winning." 

Milton S. Hershey, the founder of Hershey's chocolate, was born 164 years ago today. At age 14, he became an apprentice to a confectioner (candy maker) but failed repeatedly at starting his own candy business. In 1894, he founded the Hershey Chocolate Co. One of his "secrets to success"? Utilizing the abundance of fresh milk from his home state of Pennsylvania. Hershey and his wife, unable to have children of their own, founded a school for orphan boys - to which Hershey later endowed his fortune. Today, the Milton Hershey School continues to provide cost-free K-12 education to children in need.

Quote of the Day

QTD Milton S Hershey

CBP Releases August 2021 Operational Update

 to read CBP's local media release published on August 26, 2021, Edinburg, Texas 

A rising number of families attempt entry along the U.S. southwest border during an already-historic year.

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) uses the word "encounters" in its monthly report. This umbrella term refers to anyone CBP confronted at the border.

This includes many different scenarios, such as an individual trying to cross the border illegally, trying to apply for asylum, or immediately expelled under a public safety policy (commonly referred to as Title 42).

Not all "encounters" lead to arrests, detentions, or expulsions, but some do. 

 along the U.S. southern border, a 2% decrease from July. It's the 2nd-highest monthly figure seen in at least 20+ years. 

25% of people had a previous "encounter" within the last year.

 For context, this is higher than normal. CBP says more "re-encounters" (people expelled and returning) are due *in part* to the "large number of expulsions during the pandemic." 

 expelled under Title 42 (public health provision).

: The largest group attempting entry (103,000+), making up nearly 

- a 7% decrease from July. 75% expelled under Title 42.

Family unit individuals (86,400+) made up almost 

 from the # of families "encountered" in July. 19% of families were expelled under Title 42. 

Unaccompanied children (18,800+) decreased by 1% from July. Unaccompanied children are generally not expelled and are taken into the custody of the U.S. gov't.

 of people encountered at the border this fiscal year is at 

 The numbers of family units and unaccompanied children (17 and younger) remain at historic levels - notable because minors & family units have a higher probability of avoiding expulsion. 

: While CBP reports a high number of expulsions, more than 50% of those encountered last month remained stateside (for now).

The U.S. government has started expelling people by plane to Mexico and prosecuting repeat offenders who have previously been expelled for crossing the border illegally. The elements - the heat and the terrain - create another challenge for law enforcement during the summer months. CBP deployed rescue beacons 

"intended to save lives ... equipped with lights and signage, making it visible to lost and distressed subjects from a distance." 

See what one looks like on our source page.

Current Events

August Border Data

 for a biography on Betty Reid Soskin from the National Park Service

'America's Oldest Park Ranger' Is Only Her Latest Chapter

Betty Reid Soskin shares forgotten histories as a national park ranger

The 97-Year-Old Park Ranger Who Doesn’t Have Time for Foolishness

"Everything in my life has to be truthful and meaningful, because I don’t have time for foolishness."

Today, the Natl. Park Service's oldest active ranger, Betty Reid Soskin, turns 100 years old. Betty works at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, in Richmond, CA, where she's worked since she was 84 years old after helping with planning for the newly created park. Betty wanted to make sure the public received a well-rounded sense of WWII history from multiple perspectives – women and men of all races. Betty says: "What gets remembered depends on who is in the room doing the remembering ... When I became a ranger, I was taking back my own history.”

QTD Betty Reid Soskin

North Korea claims to have successfully test-fired a new hypersonic missile. The North says this test launch, and others, are exercises of their right to national defense. 

The hypersonic missile, called "Hwasong-8," is the 

 the North has launched this month. Only four other countries are working on developing hypersonic missiles: the United States, China, Russia and India. 

 and can be maneuvered in the air, making them harder to intercept once fully developed. 

There is also a concern about the missiles' potential nuclear capability. North Korea has developed nuclear weapons.

, North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations requested the U.S. to end joint military exercises with South Korea, an important U.S. ally whom the U.S. has an alliance to protect, calling the exercises "hostile policy," along with U.N. sanctions placed on the North to restrict its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons development. 

Though the hypersonic missile that was tested is reportedly in early stages of development and does not pose an immediate threat, the launch underscores North Korea's intentions of continuing weapons development and provocative action. The 

U.S. State Dept. has designated North Korea one of only 4 state sponsors of terrorism

In a Monday speech at the United Nations General Assembly, a senior Pyongyang diplomat defended the North’s weapons advances as self-defense, harboring no intentions of deploying them on the U.S., South Korea or neighboring countries. Kim Song, head of the North’s permanent mission at the U.N., reiterated an oft-repeated regime demand that the country’s missile program exists to ward off threats from the U.S. and its “hostile policy” toward the impoverished country.

North Korea says it fired new 'hypersonic missile' 

North Korea Fires Short-Range Missile Off Its East Coast, South Korea Says 

North Korea claims successful test of a hypersonic missile

North Korea hypersonic missile

The nation's top military leaders testified in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday to answer questions about the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan. 

Gen. Milley, along with Secretary of Defense Austin and Commander of Central Command (also known as CENTCOM - the region in the world that includes Afghanistan) Gen. McKenzie testified at the hearing which lasted about six hours.

Some key takeaways: The leaders inferred they believed since late fall last year, that leaving American troops on the ground in Afghanistan would be the best course of action. 

Gen. Milley also answered questions regarding the recent book which suggests he might have spoken inappropriately to a Chinese counterpart. Gen. Milley defended his actions, saying that the call was made as a part of his responsibilities as the country's top military officer.

 Gen. Milley emphasized that his job is to give advice to the President, however: 

"Decision makers are not required, in any manner, shape or form, to follow that advice."

 When Gen. Milley was asked why he has not resigned from his position due to his personal opinions contradicting what took place in Afghanistan, he answered: 

Senator, as a senior military officer, resigning is a really serious thing. It's a political act if I'm resigning in protest. My job is to provide legal advice or best military advice to the president, and that's my legal requirement ... The president doesn't have to agree with that advice ... And it would be an incredible act of political defiance for a commissioned officer to just resign because my advice is not taken ... My dad didn't get a choice to resign at Iwo Jima, and those kids there at Abbey Gate, they don't get a choice to resign. And I'm not going to turn my back on them. They can't resign, so I'm not going to resign. There's no way. If the orders are illegal, we're in a different place. But if the orders are legal from the civilian authority, I intend to carry them out. 

Gen. Milley, SecDef Austin and Gen. McKenzie are testifying at a hearing in front of the House Armed Services on 

Military Officials Say They Urged Biden Against Afghanistan Withdrawal

 to watch our three-minute take from the hearing, "Top Military Leaders Face Lawmakers" 

 for the full senate hearing (Above quote from Gen. Milley at 2:55:43)

Milley Senate Hearing

On Friday, pharmaceutical companies Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced interim results of their Phase 3 trial (final phase of clinical trials before companies can apply for FDA approval / authorization) on molnupiravir, an antiviral pill for COVID-19. This pill works to prevent the replication of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the body.

 Interim analysis - evaluation of a current, ongoing trial's data - was completed on 775 non-hospitalized patients who had recently been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, had "mild-to-moderate" symptoms, and had at least one risk factor (e.g., diabetes, heart disease). Earlier studies 

 molnupiravir did not help hospitalized patients.

 The interim analysis data found that the oral antiviral reduced participants' risk of death or hospitalization by about 50%. Through day 29 of the analysis, there were no deaths reported in patients who took molnupiravir, compared to eight deaths in the placebo group. Side effects were reported in both groups, but slightly more so in the group which received the placebo. 

The companies are applying for emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA "as soon as possible." With "the recommendation of an independent Data Monitoring Committee" and after consulting with the FDA, they also are halting further recruitment into these trials due to the strong positive results. 

 Merck reports: "... molnupiravir demonstrated consistent efficacy across viral variants Gamma, Delta, and Mu." 

Molnupiravir is to be taken over a five-day period early on in COVID-19 infections: four capsules, twice daily. 

If authorized, molnupiravir will be the first oral antiviral available to help treat COVID-19 and could make an impact on the fight against the pandemic worldwide. In April, Merck 

 voluntary agreements with manufacturing facilities that will supply the antiviral to India and over 100 lower- and middle-income countries, pending authorization / approval. In June, the Biden administration made a deal with Merck to purchase 1.7 million treatment courses of the antiviral, pending authorization. In anticipation of the trial's results, Merck has been "producing molnupiravir at risk," expecting to have 10 million treatment courses available by the end of this year.

 in the U.S. require an IV or injection. A pill taken at home, by contrast, would ease pressure on hospitals and could also help curb outbreaks in poorer and more remote corners of the world that don’t have access to the more expensive infusion therapies.

 for the announcement from Merck and Ridgeback, October 1, 2021.

Merck says a trial shows it has produced the first effective antiviral pill for Covid.

New antiviral is highly effective, study finds, and is stirring hope that COVID-19 could be treated by a pill

COVID oral antiviral

9 Things You Didn’t Know About Yosemite National Park

for Obama's full speech from his Father's Day visit to Yosemite

On this day 131 years ago, Yosemite became America's third national park.

 Named after the local Native American tribe. The Gold Rush led to conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes who had lived in the area for generations.

During the height of the Civil War, Pres. Lincoln granted Yosemite Valley to CA, with orders to preserve it for future generations. 

 Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed NYC's Central Park, filed a report on Yosemite Valley and the nearby "Big Tree Grove" of ancient sequoia trees, raising concerns about how visitors impact the area. 

"... it is full of charming company, full of God's thoughts ... a new song, a place of beginnings abounding in first lessons on life, mountain-building, eternal invincible, unbreakable order; with sermons in stones, storms, trees, flowers, and animals brimful of humanity."

Author and famous naturalist John Muir on the beauty of Yosemite. In the 1870s and 1880s, concerns grew about the land's future preservation. Muir believed the land would be better protected if it was turned into a national park, and lobbied for its preservation.

"There's something sacred about this place. And I suppose that's why the walls of this valley were referred to as cathedral walls, because here at Yosemite we connect not just with our own spirit, but with something greater. It's almost like the spirit of America itself is right here."

President Barack Obama reflected during his Father's Day trip to the park in 2016. That year, more than five million people visited the park - more than double the visitors who came last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Although Yosemite was made a national park by an act of Congress in 1890, the surrounding Yosemite Valley remained state land until 1906 and was eventually returned to federal government control for further preservation. 

Check out our source page to learn more. 

Yosemite Becomes A National Park

Merck says COVID-19 pill cuts risk of death, hospitalization

New antiviral is highly effective study finds, and is stirring hope that COVID-19 could be treated by a pill

 for a good backgrounder on molnupiravir's backstory

's a good explainer on how molnupiravir and other treatments work 

A new antiviral may soon become part of the arsenal to fight the virus that causes COVID-19. 

An oral antiviral treatment developed by pharma companies Merck & Co and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.

: Slows/stops the virus from replicating, and overwhelming the body's immune system.

Trials began. Phase 1 trials (tests the safety of a drug in healthy volunteers) exhibited positive results. 

Phase 2 showed antiviral effective if given early in COVID-19 diagnoses. - study stopped in hospitalized patients. 

Oct. 1: Merck announced interim results from their Phase 3 trials. 

Participants recently tested positive for COVID-19, had "mild-to-moderate" symptoms and  at least one risk factor (e.g. diabetes, heart disease). 

Molnupiravir reduced hospitalization or death by about 50%. After 29 days, no deaths were reported in those who took the antiviral twice a day for five days; eight deaths reported in the placebo group. 

The company intends to apply for an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA "as soon as possible."

Merck reports: "... molnupiravir demonstrated consistent efficacy across viral variants Gamma, Delta, and Mu." 

While Merck has summarized the results of its data, the public has not yet seen the detailed study results. This often occurs with official filing with the FDA.

"You want to make sure it doesn't cause genetic mutations ... I need that efficacy data to help confirm ..."

Nicholas Kartsonis, Merck's senior vice pres. of clinical research for infectious disease & vaccines, discussing potential birth defects earlier this year. While the company's information indicates the drug appears safe for use in most, molnupiravir was not studied in women who were/are pregnant; both men and women participating in the study were required to use contraceptives.

If authorized, molnupiravir will be the first oral antiviral available to help treat COVID-19 and could make an impact on the fight against the pandemic worldwide. In April, Merck announced it has voluntary agreements with manufacturing facilities that will supply the antiviral to India and over 100 lower- and middle-income countries, pending authorization/approval. In June, the Biden administration made a deal with Merck to purchase 1.7 million treatment courses of the antiviral pending authorization.

what to know

Molnupiravir COVID-19 Pill 

 to read an article about Debbie from her school's blog, and 

 to watch an interview with Debbie on the 

'Holy cow, I'm really here': Why a 62-year-old woman joined a college golf team

“... never be afraid to follow your dream. It may not happen on your schedule but if you can dream it, you can do it. Find your passion. One step at a time, one day at a time, one hurdle at a time – it will happen.”

This fall, 63-year-old Blount began her second year as a student athlete on the Reinhardt University women's golf team in Waleska, GA. She is the oldest student athlete at Reinhardt, "living a dream" with a 4.0 average. After high school, she became an X-ray technician at her parents' advice, though her guidance counselor suggested attending college at Reinhardt. Later, Blount's husband shared his love of golf with her; after his passing, she was unsure of her next move. In 2019, she emailed Reinhardt's women's golf coach & a few months later she was taking her first class. What's next? She says coaching - & even a master's degree.

Debbie Blount QTD

Eddie Jaku: Holocaust survivor and peace campaigner dies aged 101

Holocaust survivor-author Eddie Jaku dies in Sydney aged 101 

 to watch Eddie Jaku's TED Talk: "A Holocaust survivor's blueprint for happiness"

"Hate is a disease which may destroy your enemy, but will also destroy you in the process. I'm doing everything I can to make this world a better place for everyone, and I implore you all to do your best too ... Happiness does not fall from the sky; it's in your hands."

On Tuesday, 101-year-old Holocaust survivor and author of his best-selling memoir "

," Eddie Jaku, passed away. During WWII, Jaku escaped several concentration camps and was found by U.S. soldiers, sick and nearly starved after the war's end. He later met and married his wife of 75 years; they moved to Australia, where he volunteered at the Sydney Jewish Museum - helping to preserve stories of the past and, as he said, "teach and share happiness." 

Eddie Jaku QTD

Last Tuesday, 75-year-old former president Bill Clinton was admitted to a California hospital because of a "non-COVID-related infection," his spokesman said in a 

President Clinton was released from the hospital on Sunday after being treated for 

 - an "extreme," life-threatening reaction to an infection that goes unchecked (CDC). 

On Friday, President Joe Biden said he called President Clinton. Of their conversation, President Biden 

: "I wanted to see how he was doing. He's doing fine. He really is. He's not in any serious condition."

Since leaving the White House in 2001, President Clinton has faced several health obstacles. The 

reports: "In 2004, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery after experiencing prolonged chest pains and shortness of breath. He returned to the hospital for surgery for a partially collapsed lung in 2005, and in 2010 he had a pair of stents implanted in a coronary artery. He responded by embracing a largely vegan diet that saw him lose weight and report improved health." As President Clinton recovers at home in New York, his hospital visit underscores the significant risk of sepsis.

Former President Bill Clinton released from the hospital

President Clinton Released From Hospital

On Friday, an FDA advisory committee unanimously voted to recommend booster shots for Johnson & Johnson's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, following the company's request for approval earlier this month. 

 reported J&J submitted data showing a second dose of their vaccine boosts "protection against symptomatic infection from 72% to 94% when administered two months after the first dose in the United States." 

Before the panel voted on the J&J booster shot, some committee members questioned whether they should postpone their decision due to concerns about limited data. The committee chair 

 "There is a public health imperative here because what we're seeing is this is a group with overall lower efficacy than we have seen with the mRNA vaccines so there is some urgency to do something." 

(The J&J vaccine does not use the mRNA technology that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.)

The FDA panel recommended booster shots for those ages 18 and up who have received the J&J vaccine at least two months prior. 

The FDA generally follows the advice of the recommending committee, and a final decision is expected very soon. These are all important steps before the United States can begin administering booster shots of J&J's COVID-19 vaccines. 

Over time, data has shown waning immunity following initial COVID-19 vaccinations. Pfizer's vaccine booster shot was recently authorized, and last week the FDA advisory committee recommended Moderna's vaccine booster shot - both for those older/at higher risk. More than 15 million Americans over the age of 18 have already received J&J's COVID-19 vaccine, and could be eligible for the booster shot if it is authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC. 

FDA panel unanimously recommends J&J Covid booster shots to adults who already got the first dose

 for good background read on why the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccine boosters are currently recommended only for those older/at higher risk - as opposed to J&J's vaccine, which does not use mRNA technology to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

J&J Vaccine Booster Shot

Despite having the majority in the House and the Senate, Democratic lawmakers have been unable to reach a consensus on a spending package that will allocate how taxpayer money will be spent.

The spending bill initially had a price tag of $6 trillion, later cut to $3 trillion. More changes came Wednesday evening as the White House and Democrats agreed to rework what will be included in the spending bill - now reduced to $2 trillion. 

Adjustments are being made in three areas: climate change, social services, and tax cuts on wealthy/big corporations.

The spending bill has been on the table since this summer and has faced pushback from Republicans 

 Democrats, who both felt the price tag was too high.

reports the slimmer spending bill currently taking shape "

would represent the most substantial overhaul of the federal balance sheets in at least a generation.

" As the government decides how American taxpayer dollars will be spent with the now $2 trillion package, questions remain as to what exactly the final plan will entail. 

White House, Dems hurriedly reworking $2 trillion Biden plan

What Biden's sweeping social safety plan might include -- and what it likely won't

Biden's funding plan update

The coin is scheduled to be up for auction next month in London.

The silver shilling was made in Boston in 1652 and used by early New England colonists.

Worth pennies at the time it was made, the single coin is expected to sell for the equivalent of up to $300,000. 

An ancestor of an early New England settler discovered the coin in a candy tin at his family's estate in the UK. "

I can only assume that the shilling was brought back from America years ago by one of my forebears

 This coin is one of only 40 in existence. Rhode Island coin expert Jim Bailey said, "

Quick. Concise. Nonpartisan.

Articles by Leah Jahn

“We have not complete devastation but close to it. This is as bad as I've ever seen it.”

Bergen County Executive and former firefighter James Tedesco on extreme flooding in New Jersey.

“I can clearly say that this is a historic day in the history of Afghanistan as Kabul airport is now operational.”

Qatari special envoy Mutlaq bin Majed al-Qahtani on the first flight leaving Afghanistan following the United States' departure on August 30th.

“Based on an assessment of its characteristics such as speed, it is at an initial phase of development and would take a considerable time to be deployed.”

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on North Korea's test launch of a new hypersonic missile on Tuesday.

“My loyalty to this nation, its people, and the Constitution hasn't changed and will never change as long as I have a breath to give.”

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark A. Milley, testifying in front of the Senate on Tuesday.

“If Authorized, Molnupiravir Could be the First Oral Antiviral Medicine for COVID-19.”

Partnering pharmaceutical companies Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics in a headline announcing promising results from an interim analysis of their COVID-19 pill.

“His fever and white blood cell count are normalized and he will return home to New York to finish his course of antibiotics.”

Dr. Alpesh N. Amin, University of California Irvine Medical Center, on former President Bill Clinton's release from the hospital.

“I think this frankly was always a two-dose vaccine ... It would be hard to recommend this as a single-dose vaccine at this point.”

FDA advisor Dr. Paul Offit on the FDA's recommendation for Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.

“We have a goal. We have a timetable.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D- CA) with a status update on the Democrats' historic spending bill.

“I could hardly believe my eyes ...”

Coin specialist James Morton on a rare coin minted by some of the earliest colonial New England settlers in America.

“... we support a full investigation into this tragic event.”

International Cinematographers Guild in a statement on the death caused by a prop gun fired on set by actor Alec Baldwin.

“We don't have an overabundance, but we do have enough pumpkins to get you by.”

Raghela Scavuzzo, Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director, on a lower-than-usual supply of pumpkins this year.