What NC doctors say about COVID shots for kids + American flight cancellations update

Charlotte Observer - 11/2/2021

Howdy and happy Tuesday, y’all. This is Kristen, back from a long weekend and ready to bring you today’s headlines. Before we get into today’s news, allow me to introduce you to my newest colleague. Payton Guion joins us this week as our newest investigative reporter. He’s a Charlotte native and an App State alum, and we’re excited to welcome him aboard. Say hey to him here, and look out for his upcoming stories.

Now, today’s headlines:

1. ‘We’ve been waiting for this day.’ Here’s what NC doctors say about COVID shots for kids

Kids ages 5 to 11 could get access to Pfizer COVID vaccines for the first time this week. A recommendation is expected to come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of the vaccine in those age groups on Friday, and experts advising the CDC are expected to recommend the shots as well.

The Observer’s Hannah Smoot spoke to some doctors from Charlotte’s major hospital systems, Atrium Health and Novant Health, about this possibility. Here, find what they say you need to know about the shots — and find a list of local places where you can get vaccinated.

2. American Airlines reports fewer flight cancellations, but CLT feels lingering effects

Just four of the scheduled 466 of American Airlines flights out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport were expected to be canceled today. That’s an improvement over the last few days, though Tuesday marked the fifth day of nationwide flight cancellations for American Airlines.

What’s been going on?

The airline attributed the mass cancellations to winds at its Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport hub as well as staffing shortages.

Learn more about the flight cancellations with the Observer’s Hannah Smoot.

3. More good reads about Charlotte happenings

COVID left work ‘scarce’ for Latinos in Charlotte. This job fair wants to change that by Devna Bose

Here’s how Charlotte could turn property taxes into rent helpby Lauren Lindstrom

University City leaders spell out plans to guide development in rapidly growing areaby Gordon Rago

4. Analysis: Hornets better improve fast as 5-game West Coast trip begins

The Hornets have had a slightly rough go of it recently. What’s to blame? According to Hornets head coach James Borrego, they’ve been “careless.”

After a tough loss to Cleveland, the Hornets (5-3) must start a five-game West Coast road trip with the memory of their carelessness lingering.

The Observer’s Scott Fowlerunpacks it like this: If they play like they did Monday, 0-5 or 1-4 is very possible. But if they play like they did during the season’s first seven games, the outcome could be better.

Dive in deeper with Fowler here.

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