WEATHER ALERT
College sports reform could advance in GOP-controlled Congress, with Sen. Ted Cruz as NCAA ally
Read full article: College sports reform could advance in GOP-controlled Congress, with Sen. Ted Cruz as NCAA allyThe NCAA’s yearslong efforts to get lawmakers to address myriad problems in college sports could pay off in the new, Republican-controlled Congress.
College athletes push for voter turnout while largely avoiding controversy as election nears
Read full article: College athletes push for voter turnout while largely avoiding controversy as election nearsUniversity of Montana track athlete Lily Meskers drew attention when she rejected a NIL deal to support Democrat Jon Tester in his Senate re-election bid because she doesn't agree with his votes on transgender athletes.
NCAA president Charlie Baker decries 'dysfunction' in NIL, urges Congress to act
Read full article: NCAA president Charlie Baker decries 'dysfunction' in NIL, urges Congress to actThe president of the NCAA lashed out at “evidence of dysfunction in today’s NIL environment” while reiterating his desire to see Congress create national guidelines to set the template for the so-called name, image and likeness endorsement deals that are reshaping college sports.
NCAA President Charlie Baker tells membership hearing on $2.78B settlement 'did not go as we hoped'
Read full article: NCAA President Charlie Baker tells membership hearing on $2.78B settlement 'did not go as we hoped'In a letter to NCAA member schools, President Charlie Baker says a preliminary approval hearing for a landmark $2_78 billion antitrust lawsuit settlement “did not go as we hoped.”.
NCAA moves closer to financially rewarding women's basketball teams that reach March Madness
Read full article: NCAA moves closer to financially rewarding women's basketball teams that reach March MadnessWomen’s college basketball teams are a step away from getting financially rewarded for success in the NCAA Tournament.
75% of US Olympians played in college. Future of Games hinges on fallout from NCAA athlete payouts
Read full article: 75% of US Olympians played in college. Future of Games hinges on fallout from NCAA athlete payoutsThree-quarters of the nearly 600 American athletes lining up for action at the Paris Olympics got their training in college sports in the United States.
Damages to college athletes to range from a few dollars to more than a million under settlement
Read full article: Damages to college athletes to range from a few dollars to more than a million under settlementThousands of former college athletes will be eligible for payments ranging from a few dollars to more than a million under the $2.78 billion antitrust settlement agreed to by the NCAA and five power conferences.
NCAA, leagues back $2.8 billion settlement, setting stage for current, former athletes to be paid
Read full article: NCAA, leagues back $2.8 billion settlement, setting stage for current, former athletes to be paidThe NCAA and five major college sports conferences have agreed to settle antitrust allegations for nearly $2.8 billion over the next 10 years.
Attorney says settlement being considered in NCAA antitrust case could withstand future challenges
Read full article: Attorney says settlement being considered in NCAA antitrust case could withstand future challengesOne of the lead attorneys in a class-action antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA says settlement talks are progressing well.
Settlement could cost NCAA nearly $3 billion; plan to pay athletes would need federal protection
Read full article: Settlement could cost NCAA nearly $3 billion; plan to pay athletes would need federal protectionThe NCAA and major college conferences are considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit that could cost them billions in damages and force schools to share athletics-related revenue with their athletes.
Massachusetts joins with NCAA, sports teams to tackle gambling among young people
Read full article: Massachusetts joins with NCAA, sports teams to tackle gambling among young peopleTop Massachusetts officials joined with NCAA President and former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday to announce a new initiative aimed at tackling the public health harms associated with sports gambling among young people.
NCAA President Charlie Baker urges states with legal wagering to ban prop bets on college athletes
Read full article: NCAA President Charlie Baker urges states with legal wagering to ban prop bets on college athletesNCAA President Charlie Baker is urging states with legal wagering on sporting events to ban betting on individual player performances.
Majority of U.S. adults are against college athletes joining unions, according to AP-NORC survey
Read full article: Majority of U.S. adults are against college athletes joining unions, according to AP-NORC surveyMore than half of Americans say they are against college athletes unionizing, though younger respondents were more supportive than older, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
NAACP urges student-athletes to reconsider Florida colleges after state eliminates DEI programs
Read full article: NAACP urges student-athletes to reconsider Florida colleges after state eliminates DEI programsThe NAACP says Black student-athletes should reconsider attending public colleges and universities in Florida.
After loss in court, the NCAA is pausing investigations into third-party NIL deals with athletes
Read full article: After loss in court, the NCAA is pausing investigations into third-party NIL deals with athletesThe NCAA has told its enforcement staff to halt investigations into booster-backed collectives or other third parties making name, image and likeness compensation deals with Division I athletes.
'What NIL stands for: Now it’s legal': Ruling frees booster-backed groups to negotiate with recruits
Read full article: 'What NIL stands for: Now it’s legal': Ruling frees booster-backed groups to negotiate with recruitsThe NCAA claimed that if a court barred it from enforcing rules against name, image and likeness compensation being offered to recruits it would make an unmanageable situation even worse.
NCAA president says Congress must act to preserve sports at colleges that can't pay athletes
Read full article: NCAA president says Congress must act to preserve sports at colleges that can't pay athletesNCAA President Charlie Baker says action by Congress was needed to protect what he described as the “95 percent” of athletes whose ability to play college sports would be endangered by a court ruling or regulatory decision declaring them as employees of their schools.
Biden chooses longtime aide who runs his Oval Office to be a deputy White House chief of staff
Read full article: Biden chooses longtime aide who runs his Oval Office to be a deputy White House chief of staffPresident Joe Biden has chosen a longtime aide and close adviser to be a White House deputy chief of staff.
Tennessee chancellor rips the NCAA as a 'failing' group pursuing untrue allegations
Read full article: Tennessee chancellor rips the NCAA as a 'failing' group pursuing untrue allegationsThe University of Tennessee chancellor ripped the NCAA president in a scathing letter released Tuesday that said the “failing” organization is pursuing “factually untrue and procedurally flawed” allegations the school violated rules for name, image and likeness compensation compensation to athletes.
NCAA takes step toward determining if new tier of Division I where athletes can be paid is possible
Read full article: NCAA takes step toward determining if new tier of Division I where athletes can be paid is possibleThe NCAA has taken the first step toward determining whether President Charlie Baker’s idea to create a new subdivision in which schools directly pay athletes can become a reality.
NCAA President Charlie Baker: Nobody can say Michigan didn't win national title 'fair and square'
Read full article: NCAA President Charlie Baker: Nobody can say Michigan didn't win national title 'fair and square'NCAA President Charlie Baker says Michigan won the national championship fair and square.
NCAA agrees to $920 million, 8-year deal with ESPN for women's March Madness, 39 other championships
Read full article: NCAA agrees to $920 million, 8-year deal with ESPN for women's March Madness, 39 other championshipsThe NCAA and ESPN have agreed to a $920 million, eight-year deal that will give the network exclusive rights to 40 championships, including the Division I women’s basketball tournament.
The NCAA is looking at how to get athletes paid. That likely won't solve its legal headaches
Read full article: The NCAA is looking at how to get athletes paid. That likely won't solve its legal headachesNCAA President Charlie Baker’s call for sweeping changes in compensating athletes comes with the organization facing a series of high-profile lawsuits.
Why the NCAA president is proposing some schools should be permitted to pay athletes
Read full article: Why the NCAA president is proposing some schools should be permitted to pay athletesSchools paying athletes has been banned by the NCAA for decades, but a new proposal by the head of the largest college sports governing body in the United States aims to change that.
Proposal to create new tier for big-money college sports is just a start, NCAA president says
Read full article: Proposal to create new tier for big-money college sports is just a start, NCAA president saysA day after NCAA President Charlie Baker made an aggressive and potentially groundbreaking pitch to allow some schools to pay their athletes, his proposal was met with praise, caution and questions from around college sports.
What do you think: NCAA president proposes new tier of Division I schools to pay athletes at least $30K a year
Read full article: What do you think: NCAA president proposes new tier of Division I schools to pay athletes at least $30K a yearNCAA President Charlie Baker says he wants the association to create a new tier of Division I athletics where highly resourced schools would be required to offer at least half their athletes a payment of at least $30,000 per year.
NCAA President Charlie Baker calls for new tier of Division I where schools can pay athletes
Read full article: NCAA President Charlie Baker calls for new tier of Division I where schools can pay athletesNCAA President Charlie Baker says he wants the association to create a new tier of Division I athletics where highly resourced schools would be required to offer at least half their athletes a payment of at least $30,000 per year.
NCAA president shifts focus to employment status of college athletes during Senate hearing
Read full article: NCAA president shifts focus to employment status of college athletes during Senate hearingDuring a Senate hearing, NCAA President Charlie Baker shifted the focus of college sports’ need for federal legislation away from regulating how athletes can be compensated for their fame to the looming possibility of the players being deemed employees of their schools.
LIVE: Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing on college sports name, image, and likeness rules
Read full article: LIVE: Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing on college sports name, image, and likeness rulesSenate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on "the future of college sports, focusing on name, image, and likeness."
Billions in TV revenue, athletes as employees on the line as college sports faces more legal threats
Read full article: Billions in TV revenue, athletes as employees on the line as college sports faces more legal threatsAs the NCAA works to find a way to manage the way athletes are compensated for name, image and likeness, other threats are gathering.
NCAA President Charlie Baker to testify during Senate hearing on college sports next week
Read full article: NCAA President Charlie Baker to testify during Senate hearing on college sports next weekNCAA President Charlie Baker is expected to testify in front of a Senate committee next week during the 10th hearing on Capitol Hill over the last three years on college sports.
NCAA moves toward implementing NIL rules with proposals for agent registry, deal disclosure
Read full article: NCAA moves toward implementing NIL rules with proposals for agent registry, deal disclosureThe NCAA took a step toward putting rules in place to regulate the way college athletes can be compensated for their fame.
ACC leaders mull adding Cal, Stanford from Pac-12; SMU also under consideration, AP sources say
Read full article: ACC leaders mull adding Cal, Stanford from Pac-12; SMU also under consideration, AP sources sayAtlantic Coast Conference presidents and chancellors held a conference call but took no action on West Coast expansion with California and Stanford.
NCAA made a 'big mistake' by not setting up framework for NIL compensation, new president says
Read full article: NCAA made a 'big mistake' by not setting up framework for NIL compensation, new president saysNCAA President Charlie Baker wants a federal law to regulate the way college athletes can be compensated for name, image and likeness that creates a registry of deals, agent certification and uniform contract standards.
Nevada Republican governor approves abortion protections in cross-party move
Read full article: Nevada Republican governor approves abortion protections in cross-party moveRepublican Gov. Joe Lombardo has signed a bill enshrining existing protections for out-of-state abortion patients and in-state providers.
NCAA survey shows 58% of 18- to 22-year-olds are wagering; athlete-only study is set for fall
Read full article: NCAA survey shows 58% of 18- to 22-year-olds are wagering; athlete-only study is set for fallAn NCAA-commissioned survey of 18- to 22-year-olds shows more than half acknowledged placing sports wagers and two-thirds of those who live on college campuses saying they engage in betting.
NCAA board approves recommendations for Division I reform
Read full article: NCAA board approves recommendations for Division I reformAt the NCAA convention, outgoing President Mark Emmert said goodbye, incoming President Charlie Baker introduced himself and the state of college sports was declared unstable.
Incoming NCAA president has embraced role of problem-solver
Read full article: Incoming NCAA president has embraced role of problem-solverCharlie Baker, the next leader of the largest college sports governing body in the country, is stepping into a hornet’s nest of a job that will likely tap every political skill in his bag.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to be next NCAA president
Read full article: Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to be next NCAA presidentMassachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will be the next president of the NCAA, replacing Mark Emmert as the head of the largest college sports governing body in the country.
Massachusetts governor seeks pardons in 1980s sex abuse case
Read full article: Massachusetts governor seeks pardons in 1980s sex abuse caseA Massachusetts Statehouse panel is weighing whether to approve Gov. Charlie Baker’s recommended pardons of two individuals at the center of one the nation’s most high-profile sexual abuse trials of the 1980s.
Racism backlash erupts as William and Kate visit Boston
Read full article: Racism backlash erupts as William and Kate visit BostonPrince William’s Kensington Palace office says “racism has no place in our society” as he seeks to prevent the backlash over his godmother’s treatment of a Black advocate for survivors of domestic abuse from overshadowing his trip to the United States.
Massachusetts' Healey is 1st lesbian elected governor in US
Read full article: Massachusetts' Healey is 1st lesbian elected governor in USDemocratic Attorney General Maura Healey has been elected governor of Massachusetts, making history as the nation’s first openly lesbian governor and the state’s first woman and openly gay candidate elected to the office.
Surprise is key part of migrant travel from Florida, Texas
Read full article: Surprise is key part of migrant travel from Florida, TexasFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis took the playbook of a fellow Republican, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, to a new level by catching officials flat-footed in Martha's Vineyard with two planeloads of Venezuelan migrants.
Florida, Texas escalate flights, buses to move migrants
Read full article: Florida, Texas escalate flights, buses to move migrantsRepublican governors are escalating their practice of sending migrants without advance warning to Democratic strongholds, including a wealthy summer enclave in Massachusetts and the Washington, D.
Trump-backed Diehl to take on Healey in Mass. governor race
Read full article: Trump-backed Diehl to take on Healey in Mass. governor raceA former state representative endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Geoff Diehl, has won the Republican nomination for Massachusetts governor over a businessman, Chris Doughty, who was considered the more moderate candidate in the race.
Far-right wins in blue states threaten GOP hopes in November
Read full article: Far-right wins in blue states threaten GOP hopes in NovemberRepublicans have found success in Democratic strongholds like Maryland and Massachusetts when they have fielded moderate candidates who could appeal to voters in both parties.
Abortion ruling prompts variety of reactions from states
Read full article: Abortion ruling prompts variety of reactions from statesWhen the U.S. Supreme Court in June overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that established a right to abortion, it sparked legal changes and court challenges in states nationwide.
Supreme Court's abortion ruling sets off new court fights
Read full article: Supreme Court's abortion ruling sets off new court fightsThe fall of Roe v. Wade shifted the battleground over abortion to courthouses around the country, as abortion foes looked to quickly enact statewide bans and the other side sought to buy more time.
Legal battles likely as divided states grapple with abortion
Read full article: Legal battles likely as divided states grapple with abortionThe Supreme Court's decision to end the constitutional right to abortion likely will lead to legal battles as already divided states grapple with the new landscape of abortion access.
Holiday stops Celtics' last 2 plays, Bucks take 3-2 lead
Read full article: Holiday stops Celtics' last 2 plays, Bucks take 3-2 leadBobby Portis made a putback off Giannis Antetokounmpo’s missed free throw with 15 seconds left, Jrue Holiday snuffed Marcus Smart on Boston’s final two possessions and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Celtics 110-107 on Wednesday night to take a 3-2 series lead.
Winter storm snarls travel, gives some schools the day off
Read full article: Winter storm snarls travel, gives some schools the day offA winter storm in the eastern U.S. has snarled travel and given hundreds of school districts struggling amid a surge in coronavirus cases an excuse to shut down for a respite.
Fauci says early reports encouraging about omicron variant
Read full article: Fauci says early reports encouraging about omicron variantU.S. health officials say that while the omicron variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading in the country, early indications suggest it may be less dangerous than delta, which continues to drive a surge of hospitalizations.
The Latest: Lebanon marks daily record of vaccinations
Read full article: The Latest: Lebanon marks daily record of vaccinationsLebanon has vaccinated a daily record of people against COVID-19, raising the total number of shots administered around the country against the virus to more than 1 million.
The Latest: Washington offers prizes for getting vaccinated
Read full article: The Latest: Washington offers prizes for getting vaccinatedWashington is the latest state to offer prizes to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with Gov. Jay Inslee announcing a series of giveaways during the month of June that include lottery drawings totaling $2 million, college tuition assistance, airline tickets and game systems.
Biden announces Uber, Lyft rides amid July 4 vaccine push
Read full article: Biden announces Uber, Lyft rides amid July 4 vaccine pushPresident Joe Biden is highlighting new programs from ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft to provide free rides to and from vaccination sites as the pace of vaccination shots nationally declines.
Countries worldwide hit new records for virus cases, deaths
Read full article: Countries worldwide hit new records for virus cases, deathsNations around the world are setting new records for COVID-19 deaths and coronavirus infections, and the disease is surging even in some countries that have kept the virus in check.
The Latest: Ontario wants vaccine shot in adults by June 20
Read full article: The Latest: Ontario wants vaccine shot in adults by June 20Eric Holcomb received his COVID-19 vaccine shot Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the opening of the state’s first mass vaccination clinic. Holcomb wore a face mask in the front passenger seat of an SUV while getting the shot of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the drive-through clinic. Ad___TORONTO — Canada is getting a fourth vaccine to prevent COVID-19, approving the Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose. Canada has pre-purchased 10 million Johnson & Johnson doses, with options to buy another 28 million. The U.S. approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine last month.
States rapidly expanding vaccine access as supplies surge
Read full article: States rapidly expanding vaccine access as supplies surgeGiving the vaccine to teachers and other school staff “will help protect our communities," Pennsylvania Gov. The Department of Health and Human Services has ordered all states to make teachers, school staff, bus drivers and child care workers eligible for shots. In Wisconsin, teachers will get priority when the state receives its first shipment of about 48,000 doses of the J&J vaccine, health authorities said. In Texas, where teachers have been battling to gain access to shots, state officials on Wednesday ordered vaccine providers to begin administering shots to school workers. “The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Michigan Gov.
States easing virus restrictions despite experts' warnings
Read full article: States easing virus restrictions despite experts' warningsEmployees with the McKesson Corporation scan a box of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine while filling an order at their shipping facility in Shepherdsville, Ky., Monday, March 1, 2021. AdThe push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Johnson & Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June. White House vaccination coordinator Jeff Zients also acknowledged that scheduling of vaccination appointments “ remains too difficult in too many places."
Justice Dept. to appeal judge’s order on eviction moratorium
Read full article: Justice Dept. to appeal judge’s order on eviction moratoriumThe Justice Department said Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 it will appeal a judges ruling that found the federal governments eviction moratorium was unconstitutional. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)WASHINGTON – The Justice Department said Saturday it will appeal a judge’s ruling that found the federal government’s eviction moratorium was unconstitutional. “The CDC’s eviction moratorium, which Congress extended last December, protects many renters who cannot make their monthly payments due to job loss or health care expenses," he said. “By preventing people from becoming homeless or having to move into more-crowded housing, the moratorium helps to slow the spread of COVID-19.”AdThe CDC eviction moratorium was signed in September by President Donald Trump and extended by President Joe Biden until March 31. “The federal government cannot say that it has ever before invoked its power over interstate commerce to impose a residential eviction moratorium,” Barker wrote.
2 hard-hit cities, 2 diverging fates in vaccine rollout
Read full article: 2 hard-hit cities, 2 diverging fates in vaccine rolloutPeople line up for vaccines at a clinic in Central Falls, R.I., Saturday Feb. 20, 2021. Nearly a third of adults in the city have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to state data. Like Central Falls, it’s a tiny former industrial city that is overwhelmingly Latino. But the two cities’ fortunes could not be more different during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. And the vaccine rollout hasn’t been all smooth sailing in Central Falls.
Two Democratic governors see stars dimmed by virus woes
Read full article: Two Democratic governors see stars dimmed by virus woes(AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)ALBANY, N.Y. – At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, two Democratic governors on opposite ends of the country were hailed as heroes for their leadership in a crisis. The COVID-19 virus has been an especially painful illustration of that point. “New York and California are under a magnifying glass,” said Jared Leopold, former spokesman for the Democratic Governors Association. First, the state’s Democratic attorney general chastised the Cuomo administration for minimizing the death toll at nursing homes by excluding certain fatalities from the count. “Any of these Democratic governors are going to come off these initial highs they got that were better than Republican governors,” Stutzman, a Republican, argued.
Biden defends progress on COVID as weather delays 6M shots
Read full article: Biden defends progress on COVID as weather delays 6M shotsHe went on to say that by the end of July his administration can deliver 600 million doses for Americans. But “it's one thing to have a vaccine available, the problem was how to get to people's arms.”The Pfizer plant Biden toured, near Kalamazoo, produces one of the two federally approved COVID-19 shots. "I would’ve gotten there some way.”AdWhite House adviser Slavitt said the 6 million doses delayed won’t spoil and the vaccine is “safe and sound” under refrigeration. Slavitt said about 1.4 million doses were being shipped Friday as the work of clearing the backlog begins. The Virginia Department of Health reported that it was expecting delays on about 90% of its expected 120,000 doses this week and warned that delays could cascade into next week.
Massive storms, outages force tough decisions amid pandemic
Read full article: Massive storms, outages force tough decisions amid pandemicMaking decisions about risks large or small in the pandemic era is fraught enough. But the storms and outages ravaging Texas and other states have added a whole new layer to the process. But the storms and outages that have hit a big swath of the U.S. over the past several days have added a whole new layer of complexity. They’re taking precautions while there, she said, including wearing two face masks each and keeping their distance from other people. Under normal circumstances, the family could stay with neighbors or family, but the pandemic has made that harder.
Vaccinations resume as not-quite-historic snowstorm fades
Read full article: Vaccinations resume as not-quite-historic snowstorm fadesCoronavirus vaccination sites across the Northeastern U.S. are getting back up and running after a two-day snowstorm that also shut down public transport, closed schools and canceled flights. Some vaccination sites in New York City remained closed, but others, including those run by the public hospital system, were open Tuesday. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)Coronavirus vaccination sites across the Northeast ramped back up Tuesday after a two-day snowstorm that also shut down public transport, closed schools and stranded travelers with canceled flights. Some vaccination sites in the city remained closed, but others, including those run by the public hospital system, were open Tuesday. Tom Wolf declared a disaster emergency after snowfall of up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) throughout central and eastern regions.
The Latest: Massachusetts braces for snow's arrival, wind
Read full article: The Latest: Massachusetts braces for snow's arrival, windThe winter weather prompted school districts to cancel in-person learning on Monday, and many COVID-19 vaccination sites were closed and rescheduling appointments. As much as 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow was predicted to fall in areas throughout the day Monday and overnight. 11:30 a.m.BOSTON — The second phase of Massachusetts’ coronavirus vaccine rollout is being disrupted by a winter storm that’s causing schedule changes and at least one vaccination location to shutdown. A winter storm warning remained in effect until Tuesday for much of the state. Most of the state remained under winter storm warnings or winter weather advisories that were expected to remain in effect through Tuesday morning.
The Latest: More rules for returning New Zealand travelers
Read full article: The Latest: More rules for returning New Zealand travelers(Peter Meecham/New Zealand Herald via AP)WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Travelers returning to New Zealand will face stricter rules at quarantine hotels as health authorities investigate how up to three people got infected with the coronavirus while isolating at Auckland’s Pullman Hotel. The record increase of 65 deaths is three more than the previous one-day record reported on Jan. 6, according to health department records. The university and county health department are asking students to limit leaving their residence to going to classes, getting food, work and other necessary in-person activities. The health department said in the news release that if the case counts continues to rise, stricter measures will have to be applied. The previous one-day record of 62 was reported Jan. 6, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
State capitols reassess safety after violence at US Capitol
Read full article: State capitols reassess safety after violence at US CapitolBut if the U.S. Capitol — a shining symbol of democracy with a dedicated police force— can be overrun by a violent mob, could state capitols be next? Protesters in Idaho temporarily derailed a special legislative session last August. In Oregon, where Trump supporters burned a life-size puppet of Democratic Gov. “Pretty sure more #txlege members are going to start carrying inside the Capitol,” Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain tweeted Thursday, a day after the Capitol grounds were abruptly shuttered as hundreds of Trump supporters demonstrated outside without any reported incidents. Mike Parson is planning for more than a thousand guests to gather Monday on the lawn of the state Capitol for his inaugural ceremony.
The Latest: CT bans semitrailers on some roads for 12 hours
Read full article: The Latest: CT bans semitrailers on some roads for 12 hours(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)NEW YORK – The latest developments on the winter storm moving across the Northeast (all times local):7:45 p.m.Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Wednesday he is banning tractor trailer and tandem trailers from all limited access highways, beginning at 9 p.m. due to the severe winter snow storm. ___2 p.m.PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island has closed all state-run coronavirus testing sites as the region braces for a major winter storm. A winter storm warning has been issued for Providence and Kent counties from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 1 p.m. Thursday. Meanwhile, New Jersey is poised to restrict commercial traffic from some highways because of the impending snow storm.
The Latest: Australia leader to go slow on Pfizer vaccine
Read full article: The Latest: Australia leader to go slow on Pfizer vaccineIf approved, shots could begin within days for health care workers and people in nursing homes. Shots would then begin for health care workers and nursing home residents. ___CANBERRA, Australia — Australian researchers say they have abandoned development of a potential coronavirus vaccine because it produced false positive results on HIV tests. A health ministry statement says the government will first vaccinate health care workers, particularly those who deal with COVID-19 cases. ___HONOLULU — Hawaii expects to receive 80,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine in December for health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.
As some pandemic aid ends, what's next for hurting Americans
Read full article: As some pandemic aid ends, what's next for hurting AmericansExpanded unemployment benefits will cease by the end of the year, reducing much-needed income for as many as 12 million Americans. And millions of Americans are at risk of running out of benefits when two key federal pandemic relief programs expire. All states enabled extended benefits during the pandemic, but some have since ceased them because of an improvement in employment. Anyone who has exhausted their traditional state benefits should ask their state employment agency if extended benefits are available. The nonpartisan think tank estimates that 2.9 million of those running out of PEUC will be able to collect extended benefits in 2021.
The Latest: Virus hospitalizations hit record in California
Read full article: The Latest: Virus hospitalizations hit record in CaliforniaAs of Sunday, California has had nearly 1.2 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 19,000 deaths since the pandemic began. ___HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:—Fauci: US may see ‘surge upon surge’ of virus in coming weeks—U.K. ___ATHENS, Greece — Greek authorities announced 1,193 new coronavirus cases Sunday, a significantly lower daily figure than recently. Of the 115 infections reported Sunday, 24 were untraceable. South Korea on Thursday registered more than 500 new virus cases for the first time in eight months.
States impose new rules, plead with public to stop spread
Read full article: States impose new rules, plead with public to stop spreadPete Ricketts warned that he could impose tighter social-distancing restrictions before Thanksgiving if hospitalizations continue to rise. In Washington state, elective procedures such as joint and heart valve replacements and some cancer surgeries could be postponed to make room for coronavirus patients, said Washington State Hospital Association CEO Cassie Sauer. Even so, health officials are trying everything they can to slow the spread and address an even worse surge that many say is inevitable. New York Gov. New York state has averaged nearly 5,500 new cases per day over the past seven days.
US hits record COVID-19 hospitalizations amid virus surge
Read full article: US hits record COVID-19 hospitalizations amid virus surgeFILE - In this Oct. 28, 2020, file photo, a worker wearing gloves, and other PPE holds a tablet computer as he waits to check people at a King County coronavirus testing site in Auburn, Wash., south of Seattle. The latest surge in U.S. coronavirus cases appears to be larger and more widespread than the two previous ones, and it is all but certain to get worse. But experts say there are also reasons to think the nation is better able to deal with the virus this time around. Several states posted records Tuesday, including over 12,600 new cases in Illinois, 10,800 in Texas and 7,000 in Wisconsin. Governors made increasingly desperate pleas for people to take the fight against the virus more seriously.