Kroger, Walmart reverse their mask policies as Delta variant spreads
CBSN
Kroger and Walmart — two of the nation's biggest retailing chains — are changing their mask policies as the nation contends with less-vaccinated regions getting hit by high infection rates due to the Delta variant.
Kroger is now "strongly" encouraging all individuals, including those who are vaccinated, to wear a mask when in its stores and facilities, the Cincinnati, Ohio-based supermarket operator said Friday, citing updated recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Previously, Kroger had required unvaccinated employees wear masks and requested that unvaccinated shoppers do the same. "We will continue to abide by all state and local mandates and encourage all Americans to get vaccinated, including our associates," the company said in an emailed statement. Kroger operates nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states.An Australian woman accused of feeding poisonous mushrooms to several members of her ex-husband's family has pleaded not guilty to three murder charges and five attempted murder charges. Authorities allege that she served toxic wild mushrooms to four people at a lunch last year, killing three of them and leaving a fourth seriously ill.
Washington — The Supreme Court has wrapped up arguments for its current term and until around the end of June, it will be handing down opinions for the remaining cases, among them, over a dozen involving hot-button issues including abortion, guns, homelessness, Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy plan and the prosecution of former President Donald Trump.