Nuclear plant struck, CDC updates guidance, House to vote on climate bill

The United Nations called for the demilitarization of a nuclear plant in Ukraine that continues to get attacked, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relaxed COVID-19 guidelines as the adult population reaches increased levels of immunity, and the House is set to vote on the Inflation Reduction Act. These are the top stories for the morning of Friday, Aug. 12, 2022.

UN calls for demilitarization of Ukraine nuclear plant – The war zone at a Ukrainian nuclear plant is getting worse. Reuters reported:

“Ukraine’s Energoatom agency, whose workers still operate the plant under Russian occupation, said the power station was struck five times on Thursday, including near where radioactive materials are stored. Both sides blamed each other for the blasts and Reuters could not verify either account.”

In response, the UN called for a demilitarized zone at the plant. Ukraine’s president has demanded that Russia return the plant to Ukrainian control.

“Russia once again broke the bottom in the world history of terrorism,” President Volodymyr Zelenksyy said Thursday. “Absolutely everyone in the world should react immediately to expel the occupiers from the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This is a global interest, not just a Ukrainian need.”

CDC relaxes COVID-19 guidelines – The CDC released adjusted COVID-19 guidelines on Thursday. Highlights include the dropping of quarantining and social distancing recommendations. The CDC also announced 95 percent of Americans 16 years and older have some level of immunity to the virus.

“We’re in a stronger place today as a nation, with more tools—like vaccination, boosters, and treatments—to protect ourselves, and our communities, from severe illness from COVID-19,” Dr. Greta Massetti said. “We also have a better understanding of how to protect people from being exposed to the virus, like wearing high-quality masks, testing, and improved ventilation.”

Hose vote on Inflation Reduction Act – The House is set to vote on the Inflation Reduction Act Friday. It is the final hurdle before President Biden is able to sign the bill into law.

The House is likely to approve the bill just days after the Senate voted to push it through by the slimmest of margins.

The bill is a shell of Biden’s original Build Back Better agenda. However, passage may energize Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.