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America, the “land of the free,” is getting quite costly. Prices for gas, food and housing – which are all necessary expenses – are spiking across the country. Gas prices have risen 38% over the past year, and rising prices in pandemic-related sectors, such as travel and dining, are also expected as the US recovers from the Omicron wave of Covid-19. Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
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1.Ukraine
President Joe Biden sought to reassure vaccinated Americans yesterday that they can proceed with their holiday plans without fear of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. He also announced new efforts to combat a surge of US cases during a speech at the White House. Steps include preparing 1,000 military service members to deploy to overburdened hospitals across the country in January and February and the purchase of 500 million at-home rapid Covid-19 tests that Americans who sign up will get by mail – although there is concern about the availability of tests amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Biden’s remarks came as the CDC released new data showing Covid-19 was the third leading cause of death in 2020, claiming more than 350,000 lives in the US and lowering life expectancy by nearly two years.