New York State will expand Covid-19 vaccine eligibility to people with chronic health conditions starting February 15, as announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. This move is part of a broader effort across the United States to accelerate vaccinations amid the spread of new virus variants. The article highlights the challenges and strategies in different states, including California and Florida, to manage vaccine distribution. It also discusses the efficacy of various vaccines, including those from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Novavax, against new variants. Additionally, the article covers the impact of the pandemic on different sectors, including education, with specific mentions of disputes in Chicago and Philadelphia over school reopenings. The piece also touches on international aspects, such as Canada's extended ban on cruise ships and Russia's vaccine diplomacy in Latin America.

Canada will allow fully vaccinated U.S. residents to enter the country starting August 9, with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test, exempting them from quarantine and post-arrival tests. This will extend to travelers from other countries on September 7. The U.S. has not announced changes to its land border restrictions, though Canadians can fly to the U.S. with a negative test. Canada's vaccination rates have surpassed the U.S., and the government is preparing for an expected election campaign. Random on-arrival testing will be conducted, and unvaccinated children under 12 will avoid quarantine but must follow strict social distancing. More airports will be authorized to receive international flights, but flights from India remain barred. The mandatory three-day hotel quarantine in Canada has ended, and commercial traffic between the U.S. and Canada has continued throughout the pandemic.

Fidel Castro ended his silence on the US-Cuba diplomatic thaw, expressing distrust of American politics while supporting peaceful conflict resolution. His letter, read at a student event and published in Granma, did not mention the return of Cuban spies, a cause he had championed. The State Department viewed his comments as a positive sign but acknowledged mutual distrust. Analysts noted the letter seemed to support Raúl Castro's political agenda.

Colombian President Iván Duque claimed in an interview with Voz de América that Venezuela cannot produce more than 700,000 barrels of oil per day, contrasting Colombia's recovery and strategic investments with Venezuela's destroyed capacity. Official figures from PDVSA are limited, and OPEC data shows discrepancies in Venezuelan oil production figures. Venezuela's economy contracted significantly under Nicolás Maduro, exacerbated by falling oil prices and U.S. sanctions. The country's oil production has declined from three million barrels per day in 2013 to half a million in 2020. Despite recent economic recovery signs, Venezuela's oil production remains below 700,000 barrels per day, according to OPEC's monitoring. The country's geopolitical situation, especially with the largest proven oil reserves and recent U.S. sanctions on Russian hydrocarbons, positions it in a complex relationship with major powers, with potential implications for energy security and diplomatic negotiations.

The article discusses the chaotic aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlighting the rapid fall of Kabul to the Taliban and the ensuing crisis. It examines President Joe Biden's decisions and the administration's response, including criticism from various quarters about the lack of preparedness and the handling of evacuations. Key figures such as Tony Blinken, Mark Milley, and Lloyd Austin defended the withdrawal, while internal frustrations within the US government were noted. The piece reflects on Biden's stance and the broader implications of the withdrawal.

Jen Psaki, the new White House press secretary under President Joe Biden, has committed to truth and transparency in her briefings, contrasting with the previous administration's approach. Psaki emphasized the importance of a free press and pledged daily news briefings, marking a significant change from her predecessors. She aims to combat disinformation with accurate information, avoiding terms like 'fake news.' The article reflects on past press secretaries' contentious relationships with the media.

A federal judge in Florida struck down the Biden administration's mask mandate for transportation, despite a Morning Consult/Politico survey showing that most voters supported extending it through early May. The survey revealed a partisan divide, with Democrats largely in favor and Republicans mostly opposed. The CDC had extended the mandate due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, but the judge's ruling led to the immediate lifting of mask mandates by several airlines and ride-sharing apps. The future of mask mandates remains uncertain, with local decisions becoming more prominent.

Joe Biden is expected to announce his 2024 re-election campaign, potentially setting up a rematch with Donald Trump. Biden's presidency has seen significant legislative accomplishments, including pandemic relief, infrastructure investment, and climate action. Despite low approval ratings and concerns about his age, Biden remains the likely Democratic nominee. The article also discusses the challenges Biden faces, including economic disapproval, immigration issues, and a debt limit standoff with House Republicans. The Republican field remains unsettled, with Trump and Ron DeSantis as key contenders.

Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in Jenin, West Bank, during Israeli military arrest raids. Israel initially circulated a video blaming Palestinian gunmen for her death, but further evidence suggested she was killed in an area with Israeli soldiers present. Abu Akleh was a respected journalist, and her death has sparked international outcry, with Al Jazeera accusing Israel of assassination. The U.S. State Department has called for a thorough investigation. Israel's history of deflecting blame in civilian deaths is highlighted, and the article discusses the broader context of violence against Palestinian journalists and the lack of accountability for such actions.

Russian forces are attempting to take the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol, while President Putin claims the invasion of Ukraine was to prevent aggression from the West. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urges actions to unblock ports to avoid a global food crisis. The Pentagon reports Ukrainians being forcibly taken to Russia. EU's von der Leyen sees progress in talks with Hungary on a Russian oil ban. The US suspends tariffs on Ukrainian steel for a year. UN's top rights body will hold a special session on Ukraine. EU official warns of food stuck in Odesa. Angolan diamond mine says Russia sanctions could hurt operations. Macron urges Europe against repeating WWI-era mistakes. Russian envoy to Poland doused in red paint. Kyiv calls for UN rights session, citing Mariupol 'mass casualties'. Zelenskyy calls for moves to unblock ports. Ukraine says Russian forces are attempting to 'storm' Azovstal plant. Brussels to give 'opinion' on Ukraine EU membership bid in June. Russian negotiator says talks with Ukraine continue. Photos show Russia marking World War II victory amid ongoing Ukraine war. Anti-war messages appear on Russian TVs. In Putin's words: What Russia's leader said at Victory Day parade. Russia says it destroyed US-made radar system in Ukraine. Mariupol officials document new mass grave. Australia looks to fill Asia's energy gap amid the Ukraine crisis. Putin 'mirroring fascism' of Nazi Germany, UK minister says. Separatist leader celebrates Victory Day in Mariupol. Putin focused on 'justifications' for invasion. 'Unacceptable threat': Putin blasts NATO moves. Sweden's ruling party to announce NATO stance on May 15. Putin doesn't provide war assessment in Victory Day speech. Ukraine won't allow Russia to 'appropriate' WWII commemorations: Zelenskyy. Putin says troops in Donbas fighting for 'the Motherland'. Putin says 'West was preparing to invade our land'. Sweden's ruling Social Democrats said the party would announce on May 15 its position on whether the country should apply for NATO membership. A decision in favour of joining would in all likelihood pave the way for Sweden to submit a membership bid. If the Social Democrats support joining, there would be a clear parliamentary majority for an application, especially if neighbouring Finland – where a decision is also expected in the coming days – were to apply. Sweden and Finland have been militarily non-aligned for decades, but public opinion in both countries has shifted since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 226 Ukrainian children killed in Russian invasion: prosecutors. At least 226 children have been killed in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, and another 415 have been wounded, according to the office of the country's prosecutor general. Al Jazeera could not independently verify the figures provided. Reporting by Mansur Mirovalev in Kyiv. Ukraine military warns of 'high probability of missile strikes'. Ukraine's military says there is a 'high probability of missile strikes' on the country before Russia's planned Victory Day parade in Moscow. The Ukrainian military's general staff also said in Russian-controlled areas of Zaporizhzhia, Russian troops had begun the 'seizure of personal documents from the local population without good reason'. Ukraine said Russian troops seized the documents to force the local people to take part in Victory Day commemorations there. Ukraine's military also warned that Russia had located some 19 battalion tactical groups in Russia's Belgorod region, just across the border. Those groups likely consist of some 15,200 soldiers with tanks, missile batteries and other weaponry. Russia's stock of precision-guided munitions heavily depleted: UK. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence is warning that Russia is running out of precision-guided munitions, meaning that Moscow will increasingly turn to inaccurate rockets and bombs that can spread destruction even wider. In its latest intelligence update, the ministry said although Russia claimed that 'Ukrainian cities would therefore be safe from bombardment', the unguided munitions posed an increasing risk. 'As the conflict continues beyond Russian pre-war expectations, Russia's stockpile of precision-guided munitions has likely been heavily depleted,' the report said. 'This has forced the use of readily available but ageing munitions that are less reliable, less accurate and more easily intercepted.' The ministry added that Russia 'will likely struggle to replace the precision weaponry it has already expended'. Canada to help Ukraine find options to export grain. The Canadian prime minister says his government will help Ukraine work out options on how to export stored grain to uphold global food security. Nearly 25 million tonnes of grains are stuck in Ukraine and unable to leave the country due to infrastructure challenges and blocked Black Sea ports including Mariupol, according to the United Nations. 'We know people around the world are going to be starving because of the actions of Russia,' Trudeau told Reuters news agency in an interview. 'There is grain waiting to be shipped in Ukraine. We have to make sure that Russia doesn't prevent the grain that the world needs from getting out to the world.' Trudeau said Ukraine was looking at a number of options to export grain, including shipments via ports on the Danube River in the country's south. 'We're just looking to solve a very direct problem.' 'Evil always loses': Zelenskyy hails G7 support for Kyiv. Ukraine's president has thanked G7 nations after they pledged to deepen Russia's economic isolation over the war in his country. 'The main thing I felt today was the world's even greater willingness to help us,' Zelenskyy said. 'It is clear to the whole free world that Ukraine is the party of good in this war. 'And Russia will lose because evil always loses.' Fiji pauses US seizure of Russia-linked superyacht. A court in Fiji has suspended the execution of a US warrant to seize a $300m superyacht that Washington claims is owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, according to prosecutors. The court granted an 'interim stay' after the company officially registered as the Amadea's owners petitioned judges to stop its seizure. Prosecutors said the case is scheduled to return to court on Thursday and that the yacht remains in Fiji police custody. It is also blocked from leaving the Pacific nation's waters despite the warrant suspension. Putin to mark Soviet Union's WWII victory. Putin is expected to lead anniversary celebrations of the Soviet Union's second world war victory over Nazi Germany as the conflict in Ukraine grinds on with no end in sight. Putin is expected to flaunt Russia's military might during Monday's symbolically important event. Huge intercontinental ballistic missiles will be towed for official review through Moscow's Red Square, and a planned flyover will feature supersonic fighters, strategic bombers and, for the first time since 2010, the Il-80 'doomsday' command plane, which would carry Russia's top brass in the event of a nuclear war. Zelenskyy awards medal to mine-sniffing dog. Ukraine's president has presented the country's famous mine-sniffing dog Patron and his owner, Civil Protection Service Major Myhailo Iliev a medal to recognise their dedicated service. The pint-size Jack Russell Terrier has been credited with detecting more than 200 explosives and preventing their detonation since the start of Russia's invasion on February 24. At a news conference in Kyiv with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Zelenskyy said: 'Today, I want to award those Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines ... [a]nd a wonderful little sapper - Patron - who helps not only to neutralize explosives but also to teach our children the necessary safety rules in areas where there is a mine threat,' Zelenskyy said in a statement. Iran opposes war in Ukraine, calls for dialogue. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has called for dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. 'We are against the war in Ukraine, just as we are against the war in Yemen, in Afghanistan, in Syria, in Iraq, or in any other part of the world,' Amir-Abdollahian told a joint news conference in Tehran on Sunday. 'We believe that the solution in Ukraine is political and that political negotiations between Russia and Ukraine must lead to an end to the war,' he added. Lockheed Martin looks to nearly double Javelin missile production. US weapons maker Lockheed Martin plans to nearly double the production, to 4,000 per year from 2,100, of Javelin missiles, the antitank weapon that has helped Ukraine fight Russia's invasion, according to its chief executive. James Taiclet told CBS News on Sunday that the increase will take as long as two years, and that the firm is anticipating increased demand for 'superior systems in large enough numbers'. 'We're planning for the long run and not just in the Javelin,' he said, noting he expects to see increased demand beyond the Ukraine war due to threats from Russia and China. The US has rushed $3.4bn worth of weapons to Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24, including Javelins, howitzers, anti-aircraft Stinger systems, ammunition and body armour. Japan to ban Russian oil imports 'in principle'. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says Tokyo will ban Russian crude oil imports 'in principle', as part of a Group of Seven campaign to counter Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'For a country heavily dependent on energy imports, it's a very difficult decision. But G7 coordination is most important at a time like now,' Kishida said, according to a statement released by the Japanese government after an online meeting of G7 leaders on Sunday. Russia is Japan's fifth-biggest supplier of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Russia has 'forgotten' all that mattered to WWII victors: Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy says Russia has forgotten everything that mattered to the victors of WWII, that it 'has forgotten everything that was important to the victors of World War II'. Denouncing Russia's heavy shelling in the east of the country, including an attack on a school he says killed 60 people, Zelenskyy said while Moscow prepares to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in WWII, Russian troops are attacking civilians in Ukraine. 'Civilians who simply hid in the school from the shelling. It was a targeted blow to the school. Another crime of the occupiers,' he said in his nightly address. UK places fresh sanctions on Russia, Belarus. The United Kingdom is placing fresh sanctions on Russia and Belarus, including import tariffs on precious metals and export bans. The import tariffs, including on platinum and palladium, will target trade worth 1.7 billion pounds ($2.10bn) while export bans worth 250 million pounds ($310m) will target Russia's manufacturing and heavy industry, the UK's Department for International Trade said. 'This far-reaching package of sanctions will inflict further damage on the Russian war machine,' Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan said. The UK has slapped a range of sanctions on Russian companies and individuals since Russia invaded Ukraine with Belarusian help in February. The UK's new sanctions bring the total value of products subjected to full or partial import and export sanctions to more than 4 billion pounds ($4.9bn). Hello and welcome to Al Jazeera's continuing coverage of the war in Ukraine.

President Biden's administration has directed OSHA to mandate COVID-19 vaccines and testing for a significant portion of the American workforce. The directive includes requirements for employers with 100 or more employees to either mandate vaccinations or require weekly negative tests. The plan also includes provisions for paid time off for vaccination and recovery. The mandate is expected to face legal challenges, particularly from states like Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott has already voiced strong opposition. OSHA is currently in the rule-drafting stage, with an Emergency Temporary Standard expected to be implemented soon.

President Joe Biden announced plans to increase the number of refugees allowed into the United States following criticism from Democratic allies. Initially, Biden signed an executive order maintaining the refugee cap at 15,000 for fiscal 2021, a figure set by the Trump administration. However, the White House later stated that a new, higher cap would be set by May 15. The decision faced backlash from prominent Democrats and refugee organizations, who argued that the current cap was insufficient given the global refugee crisis. The Biden administration cited resource constraints due to the high number of unaccompanied migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border as a factor in the initial decision.

Pope Francis and President Joe Biden held a 75-minute meeting at the Vatican, discussing climate change, healthcare, and human rights. Biden, the first Catholic president since JFK, has faced criticism from conservative bishops over his stance on abortion and same-sex marriage. The Pope reassured Biden of his standing as a 'good Catholic' and encouraged him to continue receiving Communion. The meeting, marked by warmth and mutual respect, also touched on the upcoming G20 summit and the COP26 climate conference. The two leaders exchanged gifts, highlighting their shared commitment to addressing global challenges.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro described recent talks with a US delegation as 'respectful' and 'cordial,' marking the first high-level meeting between the two nations since 2019. The discussions, held in Caracas, focused on energy security as the US seeks alternative oil supplies amid sanctions on Russia. The meeting signals a potential policy shift for the US, which had imposed sanctions on Venezuela under the Trump administration. White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed the ongoing talks, emphasizing the need to engage with various energy producers globally.

A Peace Corps employee, John Peterson, killed a Tanzanian mother, Rabia Issa, in a car crash in 2019 and was helped by U.S. officials to leave Tanzania before facing charges. The U.S. Department of Justice declined to pursue charges due to lack of jurisdiction. The incident, initially unreported, sparked global outrage and calls for Peace Corps reform or abolition. Peace Corps CEO Carol Spahn's statements were criticized for lack of transparency. The victim's family received compensation but were unaware of Peterson's Peace Corps affiliation. Former volunteers and advocacy groups are demanding accountability and systemic change within the agency.

Michael Steele, former RNC chair, emphasized the need for realism regarding the GOP primaries, predicting Donald Trump's victory in upcoming states based on his performance in Iowa. Steele, speaking on MSNBC, acknowledged the Republican Party's transformation since Trump's rise and expressed concern over Trump becoming the nominee, doubting other candidates like Nikki Haley could stop him.

The Libyan parliament confirmed the death of 21 kidnapped Egyptian Coptic Christian workers, reportedly executed by the Islamic State in Sirte. The Egyptian government is actively working to clarify the situation and protect its citizens, while international bodies like the UN are urged to support efforts in Libya. The Copts Coalition has called on President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to ensure the safety of Egyptians abroad. The incident underscores the volatile situation in Libya and the religious tensions affecting the region.

Haiti faces a new crisis following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, exacerbating the country's existing political instability, poverty, and violence. The interim government, led by Joseph Lambert, is tasked with navigating the country through legislative and presidential elections amid ongoing challenges such as inflation, food and fuel shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Historical context reveals long-standing external influences and interventions that have contributed to Haiti's current state. The Biden administration is sending FBI officers to assist with the investigation, while the UN and other international bodies call for stability and elections.

The article criticizes US foreign policy towards Latin America, particularly Cuba, accusing the US of using aid and anti-corruption efforts as a guise for intervention and exploitation. It highlights the negative impacts of US actions, such as economic blockades and support for conservative governments, and questions the sincerity of US intentions. The text also discusses the role of various US government agencies and officials in perpetuating these policies, suggesting that the US's real agenda is to maintain dominance and protect its business interests in the region.

Haiti is under a state of siege following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, confirmed by acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph. The international community, including leaders from the Dominican Republic, the United States, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and organizations such as the OAS, CIDH, and the European Union, have condemned the murder and expressed concerns about potential instability and violence. The airport in Port-au-Prince and the border with the Dominican Republic are closed, and the US embassy in Port-au-Prince has also shut its doors amid security concerns.

During a virtual call between US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the war in Ukraine was a key topic. Despite US sanctions on Russia and condemnation of its actions, India has not made a public commitment to avoid Russian oil, abstaining from UN Security Council votes on Russia. India's response to the crisis is influenced by its reliance on Russian armaments, historical skepticism towards the West, and cultural ties. India's wartime oil purchases from Russia are minimal in terms of its energy needs. Security and defense are central to India's reluctance to condemn Russia, with Russia supplying 55% of India's armaments and sharing strategic neighbors. India's stance has evolved to focus on principles like territorial sovereignty and international law, with an eye on its Indo-Pacific relations, particularly with China. There is also a push for India to become self-reliant in defense manufacturing. However, experts believe India is unlikely to alter its position on Ukraine soon.

The White House is urging Congress to approve at least $24 billion for disaster relief, including $14 billion for recovery from recent extreme weather events and an additional $10 billion for Hurricane Ida. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer supports the request, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation. President Joe Biden surveyed damage in New York and New Jersey, highlighting the widespread impact of recent natural disasters. The administration's request also includes $6.4 billion for resettling Afghans evacuated from Afghanistan. The relief funds would be distributed through various federal programs, including FEMA and the Small Business Administration.

North Korea test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile, marking a significant development in its military capabilities. The missile, launched from the '8.24 Yongung' submarine, traveled 365 miles before landing in the East Sea. This test, confirmed by North Korean state media, comes amid heightened tensions and an arms race on the Korean peninsula. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan condemned the launch, emphasizing the need for dialogue. The test highlights North Korea's ongoing efforts to enhance its military technology despite international sanctions and stalled nuclear negotiations with the U.S.

The article discusses the violent disruption of Shireen Abu Akleh's funeral by Israeli police, highlighting the broader implications of such actions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It examines the reasons behind Israel's fear of large public funerals for Palestinian figures, the international condemnation of the police's actions, and the historical context of similar incidents. The article also touches on the broader issue of journalist safety in conflict zones, comparing Israel's actions to those of other countries accused of targeting journalists.

The article debunks false claims propagated by the Russian and Chinese governments about U.S.-run biolabs in Ukraine. It highlights that these biolabs are legitimate research facilities under Ukrainian control, part of a U.S. program to reduce biological threats. The article emphasizes that the U.S. does not run or control these labs and that the disinformation aims to justify Russia's actions in Ukraine. Key figures from the U.S. government, including the White House and State Department, have refuted these claims, labeling them as pretexts for potential Russian actions.