Three things for September 9
1. AstraZeneca puts vaccine trials on hold
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced Tuesday evening they will be temporarily halting their studies of a potential COVID-19 vaccine after a recipient in the U.K. began showing side effects.
“This is a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials,” said a spokesperson of the company. “In large trials illnesses will happen by chance but must be independently reviewed to check this carefully. We are working to expedite the review of the single event to minimize any potential impact on the trial timeline.”
This setback occurred during the third and final stage of testing.
2. Wildfires burn across Oregon, California
Wildfires across the Western U.S. are raging as California winds stoke an “unprecedented number of fires,” officials say.
This year alone, California has seen nearly 2.3 million acres burned from wildfires, setting a new record for the state.
“It’s extraordinary, the challenge that we’ve faced so far this season,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown declared a wildfire emergency Tuesday evening. Thousands have been evacuated as the Beachie Creek, Lionshead and Holiday Farm fires have rapidly combined to form what is now called the Santiam Fire.
“This past weekend, we experienced significant wind that is fueling wildfires with devastating consequences across Oregon, on top of a dire pandemic,” said Brown. “We all need to do our part to help the many firefighters battling multiple fires across Oregon.”
In partnership with KGW and KING-TV in Seattle, the American Red Cross has activated the Northwest Response Fund to help Oregon and Washington residents who are affected by the wildfires.
Donations will go to families that have been displaced or impacted by the wildfires and can be made by clicking here.
3. ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ to end after 14 years
The Kardashian-Jenner family announced that the iconic show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” will end its run in 2021 after 14 years and 20 seasons.
“We’ve decided as a family to end this very special journey,” the family shared on their social media platforms. “We are beyond grateful to all of you who've watched us for all of these years — through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears and the many relationships and children.”
The new season begins Sept. 17 on the E! Network.
