Author: Associated Press

Walmart mandates vaccines for workers at headquarters

By Annie D'Innocenzio

Walmart is requiring that all workers at its headquarters as well as managers who travel within the U.S. be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer is also reversing its mask policy for its employees, including vaccinated ones, who work in stores, clubs, distribution facilities and warehouses. Going forward, they will be required to wear masks in areas with high infection rates.

Congress in longshot bid to extend expiring eviction ban

By Lisa Mascaro and Michael Casey

Hours before a nationwide eviction moratorium is set to expire, Congress raced Friday to try to extend the ban in a longshot effort to prevent millions of Americans of being forced from their homes during a COVID-19 surge. A House panel convened to consider emergency legislation to extend the ban, which expires Saturday, through Dec. 31. But approving an extension would be a steep climb in the narrowly-split Congress.

South Carolina lawmaker to challenge US Rep. Tom Rice

By Meg Kinnard

A South Carolina state lawmaker is mounting a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Tom Rice, saying the five-term Republican broke his constituents’ trust by voting to impeach former President Donald Trump earlier this year. In an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, state Rep. Russell Fry said that he will be a candidate for Congress.