- Top leaders from the state workforce agency told lawmakers Thursday that fraudulent unemployment claims have a human cost: delayed benefits for jobless Nevadans who truly need them.
- DETR leaders said that it is reporting cases of fraud to state and federal law enforcement, though they don’t have much information that they can share with lawmakers.
News from all over | Updated hourly
One Year Later: First known COVID-19 patient in DC offers message of hope, gratitude
- A year after becoming the first known COVID-19 patient in the district, Father Timothy Cole said the anniversary of his diagnosis offered a time of reflection.
- WASHINGTON — A year after he became the first know COVID-19 patient in Washington D.C., Father Timothy Cole of Christ Church Georgetown remains grateful to be alive.
Cooper administration says new rules in relief bill will slow rental assistance

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Is a Ludicrous Undersea Delight
- Around the time of the first Shrek movie—roughly the early 2000s—it became de rigueur for animated films to include assertive, winking jokes targeted at adults, gags or pop-culture references that would sail right over the kiddies’ heads while eliciting knowing chuckles from the grownups.
- Gary has been snatched by the nefarious one-eyed villain Plankton (Mr. Lawrence) and turned over to vain sea god Poseidon (Matt Berry), who has run out of the snail slime he needs to maintain his youthful complexion.
Seattle teachers union votes to continue teaching remotely as some educators are called back to classrooms next week

It's unclear how many educators will return next week, but a spokeswoman for the statewide teachers union said she expected the number will be minimal. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Verify: Yes, the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine uses aborted fetal cell lines
- “The approval of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in the United States again raises questions about the moral permissibility of using vaccines developed, tested, and/or produced with the help of abortion-derived cell lines.
- The statement says the J&J vaccine “was developed, tested, and/or produced with the help of abortion-derived cell lines."
Metra UP-N trains stopped after person struck near Lake Bluff
A person was struck by a Metra train March 4, 2021, near Lake Bluff. | Sun-Times file photo The person was struck by the train just before 7:50 p.m. near milepost 29 between the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff stations, a Metra spokesperson said. A person was struck by a Metra train Thursday near Lake Bluff, halting all service on the UP-N line. The person was struck by the train just before 7:50 p.m. near milepost 29 between the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff stations, Metra spokesperson Meg Riley said. A coroner was called to the scene, Riley said, and the collision was likely fatal. Metra Alert UP-N – Inbound and outbound train movement has […]Read more >Similar articles >
Will the world ever really get over COVID-19? What we learned from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s Chicago talk.
COVID vaccines are rolling out, but those who get them should still be cautious. What we learned from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s virtual Chicago talk. […]Read more >Similar articles >
The World Has Failed Myanmar, So Now Its Youth Are Stepping Up
- With the democratization of its institutions supposedly underway, and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate at the helm in the form of Aung San Suu Kyi, the world for many years assumed that Myanmar was on the path toward a liberal, more inclusive future .
- The international demonization of Suu Kyi —over her failure to protect the country’s Rohingya minority from bloody persecution—left Myanmar’s leader critically weakened at home.
Midwestern universities announce plans to restore in-person learning this fall, return normalcy to campuses
- Colleges and universities around the midwest are predicting the campus experience will be closer to normal this fall, with reopened residence halls, increased student activities and even face-to-face instruction for most classes after a year of largely remote learning.
- Some universities, including DePaul and Marquette, are planning to reopen campuses this fall, giving students better on-hands learning experiences while also providing much-needed financial relief for the institutions after college enrollment plummeted.
Mermaids, a dragon, a sea serpent: New Lauritzen exhibit is ‘a visual sensation’
- Mia Jenkins, Lauritzen’s director of marketing, said the exhibit is the perfect way to get people back into nature.
- As warmer weather welcomed people outside, Lauritzen Gardens gave visitors a chance to experience nature through folklore.
Providers must overcome logistical hurdles in addition to mistrust to get vaccine to rural NC residents

Johnson halts action on stimulus bill with a demand to read it aloud
With President Joe Biden’s nearly $2 trillion stimulus bill moving toward passage, Senator Ron Johnson brought proceedings to a halt Thursday by demanding that Senate clerks recite the 628-page plan word by word, delaying action to register his objections. […]Read more >Similar articles >
‘I Cannot Be Intimidated. I Cannot Be Bought.’ The Women Leading India’s Farmers’ Protests
- “Something snapped within us when we heard the government tell the women to go back home,” says Jasbir Kaur, a sprightly 74-year-old farmer from Rampur in western Uttar Pradesh.
- Their labor is immense but invisible,” says Jasbir Kaur Nat, a member of the Punjab Kisan Union, who is mobilizing farmers in Tikri, the protest site at the border of Haryana and Delhi.
Pressure on Orange County’s hospitals eases after relentless winter surge
- Alanna Bretzmann, RN, patient Nicola Harwood and Nurse Manager Kobie Walsh, RN, from left, talk before an afternoon walk for exercise in the halls at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA on Thursday, March 4, 2021.
- Nurse Manager Kobie Walsh, RN prepares a room on the general surgery floor at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA on Thursday, March 4, 2021.
‘Will you please give me an adoptive home,’ prays Wednesday’s Child, 13-year-old Christopher
- Most of all, Christopher needs a family that's going to accept him for who he is," said Reese.
- Every day, a child in the foster care system hopes and prays for their forever family.
Hogan releases vaccine equity plan, Montgomery County still wants mass vaccination site
- The plan’s rollout comes as leaders from Maryland’s most populated county continue to demand the state work with them to create a new local mass vaccination site.
- “Today, to build on all of the months of comprehensive effort, we are announcing the very first vaccine equity operations plan of any state in America to further address health disparities and the issue of equity and to get more vaccines to people in every community who need them most,” Hogan said.
Ninth-annual Amplify Austin Day kicks off Thursday
- The region's biggest day of giving aims to connect the community with local nonprofit organizations.
- Over the past eight years, Amplify Austin Day has raised more than $69 million for organizations across Central Texas in need.
Nebraska lawmakers spar over bill targeting ‘dark money’ in politics
"I want to know what you guys are scared of, why you can't put this out on the floor," Nebraska State Sen. Carol Blood told the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. […]Read more >Similar articles >
COVID KO’d a Rita Rudner residency at Caesars
- Rudner has been a headliner for decades in Vegas, from her early years at Rivera Comedy Club through strong residencies at New York-New York and Harrah’s Showroom, continuing on to Sands Showroom at The Venetian.
- While she awaits the return of live performance, Rudner and her husband, Martin Bergman, have created a $2,500 grant for the SoHo Playhouse’s row of four off-Broadway theaters in downtown Las Vegas.
Diocese of Austin speaks on moral integrity of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
- AUSTIN, Texas — After Catholic leaders across the country have started advising their faithful that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is "morally compromised" because it was said to be produced using a cell line derived from an aborted fetus, many appear to be in disagreement.
- "The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has deliberated on these concerns thoroughly and specifically clarified that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not derived from cell lines originating from fetal tissue of aborted babies.
Biden secretly limits counterterrorism drone strikes away from war zones
The Biden administration has quietly imposed temporary limits on counterterrorism drone strikes and commando raids outside conventional battlefield zones like Afghanistan and Syria, and it has begun a broad review of whether to tighten Trump-era rules for such operations, according to officials. […]Read more >Similar articles >
What are Irish potatoes and where to buy them in Philadelphia
They're sweet, and a Philly St. Patrick's Day tradition. What are Irish potatoes, how are they made, and where can you buy them? […]Read more >Similar articles >
Senate votes to open debate on Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill
As soon as the Senate voted to proceed to the bill, Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin, insisted on a full reading of S.B. 628, which commenced immediately and could take hours. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Push for in-person classes gains final OK in Utah Legislature
- The final version of the measure, SB107, would require higher education institutions beginning in August to offer at least 75% as many in-person classes as they did in the second half of 2019, before COVID-19 forced many students online.
- The proposal also seeks overall to keep K-12 students in the classroom as the pandemic wears on, by allowing those who test negative for COVID-19 during an outbreak to return to class and requiring those who test positive to stay home.
Mobile Meals now delivers kosher meals to homebound elderly
- Handmaker and the Chabad of Tucson congregation have joined forces with Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona to provide kosher meals to homebound seniors in need.
- Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona, a nonprofit organization, delivers hot meals prepared at hospital and health-care facilities’ kitchens to clients in Tucson, Green Valley and Sahuarita.
Salt Lake County leaders denounce councilman’s ‘culture wars’ comments, affirm commitment to diversity
- The day after Salt Lake County Council member David Alvord took to Facebook to claim the “left” wants a world filled with people with the same “light brown” skin tone who are all bisexual, but also neither male nor female, county leaders from both sides of the aisle are releasing statements denouncing his views.
- Mayor Jenny Wilson, a Democrat, issued a joint statement with Diversity and Inclusion Officer Efren Corado Garcia and Diversity Affairs council chair Corey Hodges reaffirming the county’s goals to create a welcoming community for all.
Minneapolis, Hennepin County to spend more than $1M on barricades ahead of Derek Chauvin trial
- Minneapolis leaders hope they will eventually be able to use state aid to cover the costs, City Coordinator Mark Ruff said.
- Minneapolis and Hennepin County officials are spending at least $1 million to put up fences and other barricades throughout the city as they prepare for the first trial in George Floyd's death.
Why people are eager for Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine

In North Dakota this week, health officials are sending their first Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to pharmacies and urgent care clinics, where people who don’t necessarily have a regular doctor can get the single jab. In Missouri, doses are going to community health centers and rural hospitals. And in North Carolina, health providers are […]Read more >Similar articles >
Officials predict normal to below-normal spring flooding
- The Maine River Flow Advisory Commission met virtually to discuss ice conditions, flooding risks and possible drought conditions across the state, according to a statement released by the Maine Emergency Management Agency.
- AUGUSTA — State experts said Thursday they were predicting a normal to below-normal risk of spring flooding, with the possibility of drought.
Massachusetts mass vaccination sites at Fenway, Gillette costing $1.1 million a week
- Mass vaccination sites at Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium run by Cambridge-based startup CIC Health are costing taxpayers more than $1.1 million per week, according to contracts obtained via a public records request.
- For-profit companies that popped up amid the pandemic are raking in millions of dollars per week running the state’s mass vaccination sites, but lawmakers are raising questions about whether private vendors are “up to the job.”
Cuomo accuser: ‘I thought, he’s trying to sleep with me’
- Charlotte Bennett, the second woman to go public with sexual harassment allegations against Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, says she thought the governor was trying to sleep with her and she was deeply uncomfortable with questions he asked.
- And I’m deeply uncomfortable and I have to get out of this room as soon as possible,” Bennett told “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell in an interview.
What a difference a year makes: California poised to reopen
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This April should look very different than the last for California’s nearly 40 million residents, with a new plan from the governor that will speed up reopening a year after he imposed the nation’s first statewide coronavirus shutdown. […]Read more >Similar articles >
The Parade Co.’s plans to renovate, redevelop Brodhead Armory move forward
The project appeared to be in jeopardy last month after The Parade Co. President and CEO Tony Michaels made an abrupt exit from a planning meeting. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Massachusetts spent 20 years fine-tuning its own mass vaccination plan. Then it looked elsewhere
Days after federal drug regulators authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine, the state abandoned its blueprint and entrusted a handful of private companies with running its mass vaccination sites. […]Read more >Similar articles >
AOC and fellow progressives counter push for Puerto Rico statehood, propose self-determination
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez are pushing ahead with a bill in Congress that would let Puerto Rico decide its future — a proposal threatening Gov. Pedro Pierluisi's determination to pursue statehood for the island.
- The bill, drafted by Ocasio-Cortez and Velázquez, calls for self-determination to decide the island’s future and doesn’t advocate for one solution, like statehood.
Northwestern’s president to step down next year
- The announcement comes just months after Schapiro faced condemnation and calls for his resignation after he criticized student protesters following demonstrations demanding the disbandment of the university’s police force.
- The announcement comes just months after Morton Schapiro faced calls for his resignation after he criticized student protesters demanding the disbandment of the university’s police force.
When the mask mandate ends, here’s where face coverings will still be required in D-FW
- "To protect the Federal workforce and individuals interacting with the Federal workforce, and to ensure the continuity of Government services and activities, on-duty or on-site Federal employees, on-site Federal contractors, and other individuals in Federal buildings and on Federal lands should all wear masks, maintain physical distance, and adhere to other public health measures, as provided in CDC guidelines," the order says in part .
- Masks will still be required in a number of places across North Texas when the state's mask mandate ends on March 10.
Texas delivery driver taken in by couple during winter storm gains national attention after KXAN story
- Dozens of other news stations shared the story of the new friendship forged between Timmons, Richardson and Condon.
- Timmons' car got stuck on the driveway of a house where she was delivering groceries, and the customers, Nina Richardson and Doug Condon, insisted she stay.
Mussels discovered in aquarium products sold in Idaho
- The Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s (ISDA) Invasive Species Program announced today the detection of invasive zebra mussels in aquarium products sold in the state.
- The ISDA has found live, viable zebra mussels in Marimo moss balls which commonly are sold for use in aquariums.
Rare plant found near Tucson, Sierra Vista to be added to endangered species list
- The remaining critical habitat is on 9.6 acres at Lewis Springs in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area east of Sierra Vista.
- Arizona eryngo is not just some pretty plant, Greenwald said.
China announces “over 6%” economic growth target, tech plans
BEIJING (AP) - China’s top economic official announced a healthy growth target for the nation and its plans to become a more self-reliant technology leader amid tension with Washington and Europe over trade, Hong Kong and human rights.
The ruling Communist Party is aiming for economic growth “over 6%” as […]Read more >Similar articles >
Philly school board unanimously rejects five new charter schools
District officials cited flaws in all the proposals, which would have created more than 4,000 openings in new charters, and transferred millions from the district to the independently-run schools. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Florida governor faces growing claims of vaccine favoritism
MIAMI — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state health officials came under deeper scrutiny amid revelations that seniors in a wealthy enclave in Key Largo received hundreds of life-saving vaccinations as early as mid -January, giving ammunition to critics who say the Republican governor is favoring wealthy constituents over ordinary Floridians. […]Read more >Similar articles >
How To Spot The Difference Between COVID & Allergy Symptoms
- “I was worried at first that it was COVID, but I ended up getting tested, so it worked out well,” added Pantaleon.
- “People are worried because the first sign of having any cold like symptom, they don’t know whether it’s COVID-19 or it’s allergies,” she said.
Political Notebook: Pima County wins World View case; Kozachik faces challenger; and more
- Tucson City Councilmember Steve Kozachik pushed back on Mayor Regina Romero after she came out Wednesday in favor of pausing the controversial Reid Park Zoo expansion.
- Kozachik, who has had an ongoing rivalry with Romero, though both are Democrats, wrote a response, noting he's been working on an improvement plan for Reid Park to try to address public concerns.
Legislature narrows state ban on price gouging during an emergency
- Rep. Rex Shipp, R-Cedar City and the bill’s House sponsor, said Thursday that he decided to run the bill after constituents of his were contacted by the Division of Consumer Protection for violating the price gouging act as they sold food online that was left over when Las Vegas casinos shut down.
- That problem came, he said, because current state code doesn’t take into consideration the price of obtaining a good or service — such as shipping costs — in the markup a seller can charge.
Scoop: Biden to meet with India, Australia, Japan, signaling focus on allies to counter China
- President Biden plans to meet this month with the leaders of Japan, Australia and India in a virtual summit of the so-called Quad, according to people familiar with the matter.
- Why it matters: By putting a Quad meeting on the president’s schedule, the White House is signaling the importance of partnerships and alliances to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Former Malcolm X home in Roxbury added to National Register of Historic Places
The home at 72 Dale St. where young Malcolm Little went to live with his older sister, Elsa Little-Collins, was added to the National Register on Feb. 12, according to the National Park Service. […]Read more >Similar articles >
New Zealand downgrades tsunami warning after 8.1-magnitude earthquake
- (CNN) — New Zealand has downgraded its tsunami warning after a powerful earthquake struck the Kermadec Islands region early Friday, sparking fears of a tsunami.
- The 8.1-magnitude quake was the third to strike the area on Friday morning local time, according to the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency.
Busloads of asylum seekers begin arriving in Tucson as Biden border policies take effect
- So far, the arrival of asylum seekers in Tucson has not strained resources at Casa Alitas, which collaborates with the city of Tucson and Pima County, said Diego Piña Lopez, program manager at the shelter.
- To prepare for that possibility, county officials asked for a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency like one that is being used in San Diego to rent hotel rooms for asylum seekers, Huckelberry said.
East Tennessee nonprofits report $12.5 million revenue loss in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic
- "We asked agencies about their revenue losses in our very first survey, but here we are asking again as we enter the second year of this devastating pandemic," said Matt Ryerson, president of United Way of Greater Knoxville.
- Nonprofits in East Tennessee reported that they lost $12.5 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reality show ‘Heartland Docs’ brings unexpected fame to Nebraska vets
- It’s the best time stamp ever,’’ she said.
- The rescue and return of a baby eagle blown out of its nest in a windstorm was one of their favorite episodes this season and has helped them develop even more of an appreciation of the challenges faced by wildlife, the couple said.
Las Vegas history – seen through Review-Journal pages
- On this day in 1941, amid a front page that also featured Adolf Hitler and the first photo of Al Capone after his release from Alcatraz, readers of the Las Vegas Evening Review-Journal learned that traffic signals were coming to Fremont Street.
- On this day in 1931, readers of the Las Vegas Evening Review first learned of plans for the development of Boulder City.
Colorado judge lets public defender off the hook for refusal to attend in-person trial during pandemic
- An El Paso County judge on Thursday threw out a contempt charge he’d previously leveled against a public defender who refused to show up in person for a jury trial due to COVID-19 concerns, saying he believed the attorney learned his lesson and needed no further punishment.
- Lowrey found Steigerwald in contempt of court in October during a spike in COVID-19 cases in El Paso County when the lawyer violated the judge’s order that everyone involved in an Oct. 27 trial be present in the courtroom for the proceedings.
Letters: High-speed rail | Micro-zoning | Vilifying teachers | ‘Obstructionist’ unfair | For the People Act
- As a parent and teacher, I would like to address the editorial “ No more excuses – time to return to the classroom,” (Page A6, March 3).
- To label teachers obstructionist in your March 3 editorial (“Now that California Public school teachers have been moved to the head of the vaccine line, its time for them to end their obstructionist resistance to reopening classrooms,”) is wrong.
Clippers’ stars huddle with Tyronn Lue to address crunch-time woes
- Lue thought it was worth noting that his team’s experience with nail-biters has been limited: The Clippers have played only 41 minutes that qualify as clutch this season, 28th fewest in the NBA.
- And, like fans scratching their heads at home, members of the team have been talking a lot about themselves, too, Coach Tyronn Lue said.
Pres. Biden approves major disaster declaration for Idaho
WASHINGTON — FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Idaho to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by straight-line winds on Jan. 13. The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the straight-line winds in the counties of Benewah, Bonner, Kootenai and Shoshone. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Thomas J. […]Read more >Similar articles >
On Fox News, Dr. Seuss Is the Latest Battle in the Cancel Culture Wars
- Even as the coronavirus pandemic approaches its one-year anniversary this month, and more than half a million people in the U.S. have died and counting, Fox News is preoccupied with fighting back the woke mobs who are hellbent on erasing every cultural signifier beloved by conservative America.
- “I haven’t gotten past the assassination of Mr. Potato Head,” said Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz earlier this week, adding that the same people were now “trying to take out Dr. Seuss.”
Popular Drug Does Not Alleviate Mild Covid-19 Symptoms, Study Finds
Ivermectin, a drug typically used to treat parasitic worms, has been prescribed widely during the coronavirus pandemic, but rigorous data has been lacking. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Detroit COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to 50+ with chronic medical conditions, hits 100,000th dose given
Detroiters 50+ with chronic medical conditions can get COVID-19 appointment at TCF Center or Senior Saturdays clinics. City hits 100,000th dose given mark. […]Read more >Similar articles >
3 San Antonio releases to download on March’s Bandcamp Friday

Federal panel scolds Korean battery maker
A federal panel scolded a Korean battery maker for destruction of evidence in a trade secrets dispute that involves a giant factory under construction near Commerce. A ruling against the company threatens one of the largest economic development projects in Georgia history. […]Read more >Similar articles >
COVID-19 vaccine sites open in Florida City, Sweetwater. They’ll be gone in a few days
For the next six days, two temporary federal-run COVID-19 vaccine sites each in Florida City and Sweetwater will administer doses at walk-up sites. Through March 10, Ronselli Park Youth Center […]Read more >Similar articles >
Report of rape in UA dorm is fourth in seven weeks
- Crain said the Washington County prosecuting attorney’s office has been sent the case files of a Maple Hill South rape reported to police Jan. 19 and another in Hotz Hall reported Feb. 1.
- About the string of cases, Crain said students should be on campus “to get an education, not to commit crimes, not to take advantage of people, and this just needs to stop.”
Oldest Denver jail inmates to start getting COVID-19 vaccine soon
- Older inmates of Denver’s jails and detention facilities could begin to get COVID-19 shots in the near future through a partnership between the sheriff’s office and Denver Health, Mayor Michael Hancock announced Thursday.
- Daria Serna, spokeswoman for the Denver Sheriff Department, said the agency had only recently received permission from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to begin vaccinating inmates, and hadn’t yet been shipped any doses.
Letters: Support clean energy | Scapegoating teachers | Talking sense | Voter rights | NASA budget
- Thiessen praises Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for championing 2017 legislation that took away teachers’ collective bargaining rights and for signing legislation mandating immediate reopening of all schools without vaccination of staff or proper safety measures.
- Finally, we have a politician, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, coming out strongly based on science, instead of simply providing lip service (“ We can reopen our schools and keep our teachers safe,” Page A12 Feb 21).
I Wrote a Book on Chinese History. It Was Stolen By Pirates on Alibaba
Your sellers are stealing my words! the authortold Alibaba. Copyright theft remains a part of China’s larger culture of impunity to regulation.
[…]Read more >Similar articles >Maryland officials unveil equity task force to improve vaccine access
- The task force will launch a vaccination site in Prince George's County later this month.
- The task force will partner with community organizations to improve COVID-19 vaccine access for vulnerable groups, Hogan and Maryland National Guard Brigadier General Janeen Birckhead said.
Lake Superior ice disappears as fast as it formed
- After open water lingered well into February following a warm start to winter, Lake Superior was about 50% covered with ice on Feb. 19, following the polar vortex that kept temps below zero across the region.
- Lake Superior on average does not fall below 20% ice coverage until April, though last year the lake had even less ice coverage on March 4 and was never more than 22% covered with ice.
Florida’s flawed unemployment system wasn’t built or tested properly, state probe finds
The company behind Florida’s faulty unemployment website didn’t properly design or test it, a state investigation has found, which left it “poorly positioned to handle the unprecedented claims volume” caused by the coronavirus pandemic. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro to step down next year
NU’s ranking and endowments have grown during Schapiro’s tenure, but he’s also faced calls to resign. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Denver Public Schools plans to reopen middle, high schools “as close to full strength as possible” after spring break
- Denver Public Schools plans to expand in-person learning for middle and high school students after spring break, following other districts in the metro area that are working to bring older kids back full-time before the end of the semester.
- To do so, the district will be making several changes to how schools currently operate, including increasing the cap on class sizes from 17 to 35 kids and removing the limit on how many cohorts a teacher can interact with during the day.
It’s a safe bet: Utah’s liquor store employees will be getting raises
- A bill that would boost the hourly wages at Utah’s state-run liquor stores — and ensure that employee pay keeps pace in the future — cleared the House on Thursday and now awaits the governor’s expected signature.
- Currently, the starting salary for a full-time clerk at most of Utah’s state-run liquor stores is $11.32 an hour — several dollars below the average pay at most retail outlets.
Donald Trump’s Georgia Rewrite
- “The Wall Street Journal editorial page continues, knowingly, to fight for globalist policies such as bad trade deals, open borders, and endless wars that favor other countries and sell out our great American workers, and they fight for RINOS that have so badly hurt the Republican Party,” Mr. Trump said in a statement.
- It’s that we recognize the reality that Mr. Trump is the main reason Republicans lost two Georgia Senate races in January and thus the Senate majority.
19 Massachusetts communities at high risk for coronavirus, Revere and Brockton exit red zone
- Revere and Brockton, long two of the hardest-hit cities in the state, fell out of the high-risk red zone for coronavirus transmission this week.
- Blackstone, Chicopee, Clinton, Fall River, Freetown, Hadley, Haverhill, Lawrence, Ludlow, Lynn, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Plainville, Springfield, Sterling, Sutton, West Bridgewater and Weymouth are all in the red zone.
Community organizations criticized democratic leaders demanding to keep the Homestead child detention center closed
Community organizations protested outside of the Homestead child detention center demanding to keep the detention center closed as community members fear lack of transparency from the Biden administration as it works quietly to reopen the center. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Powerful quake hits off New Zealand, prompting evacuations
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — One of the biggest earthquakes to hit the South Pacific in modern history forced thousands of people in New Zealand to evacuate and triggered tsunami warnings across the world Friday, but it did not appear to cause injuries or major damage because it struck in remote ocean. […]Read more >Similar articles >
The latest QAnon-inspired threat on the Capitol was thankfully a dud
- On the day that the House is shut down because of a threat of violence, pro-insurrection Sen. Josh Hawley rails against National Guard troops being stationed at the Capitol pic.twitter.com/LIjTKmzbFU
- On Thursday, Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) — both of whom supported Trump’s efforts to overthrow the election — went on Fox & Friends and argued that despite the active threat at the Capitol, they saw no need for the National Guard’s continued presence.
A Chip Problem of Detroit’s Own Making
- American auto makers face a shortage of computer chips, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow blames the “decision” of “a single company in Taiwan, which has reduced its shipments.”
- Germany’s minister for economic affairs and energy, Peter Altmaier, wrote to Taiwan’s minister of economic affairs, Wang Mei-hua, asking her government to consider pressuring chip manufacturers, primarily the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., to prioritize shipments to German auto companies also suffering from a shortfall.
Vaccine exemptions would be granted to college students under bill headed to governor
- Sen. John Johnson, R-Ogden and a Utah State University professor, said he supported the bill, adding, “I don’t think that our schools should require somebody to put something in their body.”
- K-12 students in Utah’s public schools can already receive a vaccine exemption for medical, personal or religious reasons, according to Sen. Michael Kennedy, R-Alpine.
One Place Family Justice Center held Press Conference to Discuss How Cases Rise During COVID
- One Place Family Justice Center held a press conference today to discuss the increase in domestic violence during the pandemic.
- Domestic violence has always been a serious problem nationwide, with over 300,00 calls to the national hotline per year.
The ‘perfect fit’ for children with special needs and disabilities in western Kansas
- "In a child with Autism, something that a typical brain knows is socially inappropriate, an Autistic brain does not understand that," said Trista Fergerson, Co-Founder and President of Perfect Fit Foundation and CEO and Director of Operations of Perfect Fit Therapy Clinic.
- The idea originated after Trista Fergerson, a mom of two, was struggling to find her son Dax the proper resources and therapies he needed to cope with his Autism.
Some Scientists Question W.H.O. Inquiry Into the Coronavirus Pandemic’s Origins
Those who still suspect the outbreak in China may have been caused by a lab leak or accident are pressing for an independent investigation. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Wisconsin nursing homes see a 97% drop in COVID-19 cases since the first week of vaccinations
- In the week from Feb. 15 to 21, only eight nursing home residents tested positive for COVID-19, according to the latest data reported by Wisconsin nursing homes to the federal government.
- New coronavirus cases in Wisconsin nursing homes have taken a nose-dive since the first week of vaccinations and were in the single digits in the latest week reported to the federal government.
Hillicon Valley: YouTube to restore Trump’s account | House-passed election bill takes aim at foreign interference | Senators introduce legislation to create international tech partnerships
Welcome to Hillicon Valley, The Hill's newsletter detailing all you need to know about the tech and cyber news from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley. If you don’t already, be sure to sign up for our newsletter by clicking HERE.Follow our cyber […]Read more >Similar articles >
Major parties in Robert Indiana lawsuit reach settlement
- The settlement, announced in a brief letter to the court on Wednesday, was reached among the Morgan Art Foundation, the Indiana estate and the Star of Hope Foundation, whose representatives have signed an agreement “that should fully resolve all claims” stemming from Morgan’s May 2018 lawsuit, filed in New York, against Indiana and his caretaker and personal assistant, Jamie L.
- Left out of the settlement agreement is New York-based art publisher Michael McKenzie, who also was named in the lawsuit and accused of making fraudulent artwork in Indiana’s name.
Minnesota family caregivers turned away for the COVID-19 vaccine despite being eligible
- Curfman has been providing letters to parents of Down syndrome children that have helped some get vaccinated, but she's also been talking to pharmacies and local public health agencies to make them aware of the policy.
- Caregivers are eligible to receive the vaccine under state guidelines, but some clinics and local public health agencies aren't aware that they are included in the highest priority group, which includes health care workers and long-term care residents.
Norton adviser resigns after antisemitic remark about judicial candidate
- Norton’s 12-member Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission screens candidates for judicial vacancies, as well as other federal law enforcement leadership positions in D.C. The members, who are lawyers and non-lawyers, pass on recommendations to Norton, who in turn makes recommendations to the Biden administration.
- During a commission meeting held online Monday, after interviewing a candidate for a judicial vacancy, Rice referred to the person as a “slick Jew,” according to another person with knowledge of the meeting.
Las Vegas-based manufacturer donates 10K face masks to students
- PandMedic’s operations manager, Will Mijangos, said the company chose these organizations because the mask donation would allow them to devote resources to other areas.
- “This donation is definitely going to provide us with much needed protection,” she said.
Social media moderation would require notification, appeal process under Utah legislation
- SB228 requires social media platforms to clearly state their content moderation policy, and inform Utah users within 24 hours when they run afoul of it.
- Legislative attorneys advised that HB228 may violate the First Amendment by compelling speech through requiring these companies to provide information about their moderation practices, although that may not be an impermissible burden given their vast resources.
Mad dash over early for Massachusetts coronavirus vaccine appointments
- Around 12,000 new appointments at mass vaccination sites for next week were posted and booked quickly with the system placing early risers in a waiting room before letting them sign up for shots.
- Baker said the number of new first-dose appointments posted online Thursday was “lower than usual” because slots were taken up by people needing to return for their second doses and because about 13,000 appointments were booked through the state’s call center .
CTU claims Passages Charter School is forcing teachers back without safety agreement
- In a statement, Passages said the school has “reached agreement on a significant number of proposals with the CTU that ensure a healthy and safe working environment for teachers and staff, on matters ranging from the amount of personal protective equipment to be provided to the extensive deep cleaning that will occur in the building on a regular basis.”
- But Passages said the school has “reached agreement on a significant number of proposals with the CTU that ensure a healthy and safe working environment for teachers and staff.”
Election Doubting Is All-American
- Democrats and journalists think Republicans who doubt the 2020 election results are crazy.
- But a July 2001 Gallup survey found that only 15% of Democrats believed Bush had won the election “fair and square.”
Harassing the Hammonds
- The Obama Administration teamed up with green groups to harass many small businesses and private land owners, and the Biden Interior Department is now carrying on the tradition.
- President Trump pardoned the father and son, and in January his Interior Secretary David Bernhardt finalized a 10-year permit for the Hammonds to graze on public lands.
Austin City Council passes resolution addressing racial discrimination — what does it mean?
- The resolution tasks the city manager, Spencer Cronk, with figuring out what resources have been denied to Black people in Austin and just how much that and other policies have harmed their community.
- "You cannot ask a community to pull itself up by its bootstraps when it can't even afford the boots it's been long denied,” said mayor pro-tem Natasha Harper-Madison during a virtual press conference before the city council meeting.
Texas schools won’t lose state funding this academic year for coronavirus attendance declines
- Texas will fully fund school districts that have seen student attendance drop during the pandemic, as long as they maintain or increase the rate of students learning in person, Gov. Greg Abbott and state education officials announced Thursday.
- Texas funds its public schools based on the number of students who attend, whether they are learning in person or virtually.
Robot Can Diagnose Lung Cancer Without Surgery
- To make a diagnosis before surgery, doctors might use a needle from the outside to get a sample of tissue.
- And sometimes, after a big surgery, the spot turns out not to be cancer.
The Perpetual Covid Crisis
- “The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking,” Mr. Biden said Wednesday after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lifted his statewide mask mandate and restrictions on businesses.
- Democrats are applauding Mr. Biden, but imagine if Donald Trump had attacked Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s lockdown as “Neanderthal thinking.”
Trucking safety bill could finally lead to new underride regulations
- This is the third time lawmakers have introduced legislation known as "The Stop Underrides Act." The bill, first introduced in 2017, would add new safety requirements to tractor-trailers aimed at stopping horrific crashes known as underride accidents.
- Durso said families pushing for the upgraded safety standards did not expect getting the law passed to be easy.
Diary of a Film by Niven Govinden review – how to reconcile life and art?
- The protagonist, a director called Maestro by all those around him, arrives at a film festival in an unnamed Italian city where his latest work, a tragic romance based on William Maxwell’s novel The Folded Leaf, will premiere.
- T he credits and deficits of an artistic life are the focus of Diary of a Film .
Tarrant County makes push to vaccinate teachers, school staff starting with Arlington ISD
- A mass vaccination event Monday, likely at the Arlington Esports Stadium, will aim to get as many teachers and district employees vaccinated as possible, said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley.
- Arlington ISD employees will have the option to attend a mass vaccination event Monday, said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley
A Bit Cooler This Weekend
- An area of low pressure will be dropping down and through the deep south Friday night into Saturday.
- Some clouds may linger into early Saturday but the rest of the weekend is looking sunny.
Democrats Sell Out Their States
- It’s actually an unprecedented federal effort to dictate state voting rules.
- Republicans are describing the bill, which would impose voting requirements on the states, as a federal “power grab.”
Pa. Senators Bob Casey And Pat Toomey At Strong Odds With Each Other On Stimulus Bill
- Casey wants to go big to help Pennsylvanians, while Toomey thinks there’s too much wasteful spending.
- (KDKA) — The U.S. Senate has begun debate on President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, and it’s not the same as the plan approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Tri-County region to receive 5,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
AURORA | Health care providers in the Tri-County Health Department jurisdiction are expected to receive 5,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the week, along with 49,120 Pfizer and Moderna vaccine doses, according to Tri-County. The FDA authorized the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use over the weekend before shipping it all over the country. Unlike the other vaccines on the market, it’s administered in a single shot.Colorado is set to receive 45,000 doses. A Thursday news release from Tri-County said that regional providers will begin using the vaccine this coming weekend and early next […]Read more >Similar articles >
How Disney decides which content gets ‘offensive’ disclaimer
- In November 2019, when Disney launched its Disney+ streaming service, the company added content warnings ahead of its animated classics “Dumbo” (1941), “The Jungle Book” (1967) and “Aladdin” (1992) to warn audiences that the movies “may contain outdated cultural depictions.”
- The disclaimers are not a signal that the films have been canceled, Ben Mankiewicz, a host on classic TV network TCM, told the Reporter.
One and done: Why people are eager for Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine
- Since Johnson & Johnson revealed data showing that its vaccine, while highly protective, had a slightly lower efficacy rate than the first shots produced by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, health officials have feared the new shot might be viewed by some Americans as the inferior choice.
- In North Dakota this week, health officials are sending their first Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to pharmacies and urgent care clinics, where people who don’t necessarily have a regular doctor can get the single jab.
Masks, well-ventilated classrooms, and other precautions are key to reopening schools
- But in many places, including lower-income areas in the US, schools remain shuttered, and research says, quite emphatically, that the closures are taking a mounting and potentially catastrophic toll on student well-being.The good news is that public health experts say there is a path to reopening schools while keeping risks low—as long as schools stick to proper mitigation measures.
- As the vaccine rollout accelerates and spring approaches—and with an end to the pandemic possibly in sight—some schools are slowly starting to open their doors, even if partially, beginning with younger students first and alternating in-person attendance with virtual to maintain adequate social distancing.
Almost all eligible Iowans have now received at least one dose of vaccine
- Iowa continues to rank 49th among the states when measured by the percent of population to have received two doses of the vaccine.
- Iowa continues to compare well to other states when measured by the percentage of population to have received at least one shot of the vaccine.
Maryland delays state testing until fall and cuts back on length of exams
- Standardized tests planned for the spring in Maryland have been scaled back and pushed until the fall, as part of changes adopted Thursday by the state board of education.
- Students in third grade to eighth grade and high school will now be given diagnostic tests in math and English once intended for the fall of 2020 — a kind of abbreviated version of the state’s standardized tests, called MCAPs, for Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program .
Hennepin County steps up on climate change
- Hennepin County is poised to adopt an ambitious plan to help curb climate change and meet significant environmental goals.
- Following more than a year of research, community meetings and surveys of residents, the County Board developed a 59-page Climate Action Plan .
Redland Market Village will be hosting a free food drive-thru
The Redland Market Village will give away fruits, vegetables and other food items to families in need on Friday. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Redland Market will host […]Read more >Similar articles >
Senate Republicans are trying to drag out the stimulus process in the middle of a national emergency
- Senate Republicans — beginning with a reading of the entirety of the stimulus package on Thursday — are trying to drag out the legislative process on the bill as much as possible in an effort to make things uncomfortable for Democrats.
- And on Friday, Republicans are gearing up for a “vote-a-rama,” where they will offer amendment after amendment as part of a stacked series of votes the Senate has to hold — so much so that some lawmakers think it could be the longest one the chamber has ever endured.
M Health Fairview, HealthPartners, Mayo among health networks freeing up (some) spots for seniors age 65 and over
- M Health Fairview and other health networks celebrated an unusual and uneven milestone on Thursday, announcing that for the first time, COVID-19 vaccination appointments are now available, to varying degrees, for patients ages 65 and over.
- Mayo’s threshold will soften a bit on Monday: “Vaccinations will begin the week of March 8 for patients age 65 and older who meet specific high-risk conditions as outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health and have a primary care provider at Mayo, have been seen within the past two years and have a residence in Minnesota.”
Fewer infections, more vaccinations allow NC nursing homes to reopen doors to visitors

Rush of anti-gouging laws fueled COVID surge
- The data shows that the average individual in states with price gouging laws had more contact in commercial spaces than did people in states without these regulations.
- Policymakers in states with price gouging laws have a clear trade-off before them, they can try to stabilize prices or they can mitigate the spread of a virus.
Readers Write: End-of-life issues, Dr. Seuss books, Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill
- As has Dr. Steve Bergeson ( "Aid in dying is not the help sick Minnesotans need," Opinion Exchange, March 3), I have cared for many dying patients and, in addition, serve on a hospital ethics committee where we grapple with the complexities, tension and moral discomfort of end-of-life decisionmaking by patients, families and their medical treatment teams.
- That is why medical aid in dying is completely optional; that is, no physician, patient, pharmacist, hospital or health care system is required to participate.
A Texas-sized mistake lifting COVID restrictions
- Before issuing his order to end mask mandates, Gov. Greg Abbott must not have looked at the recent numbers of coronavirus deaths in Texas.
- Either way, the governor's order Tuesday to end the statewide mask mandate and business capacity restrictions is a mistake.
Vaccines available at MDC site for medically vulnerable, but a state form is required
The federal vaccination site at Miami Dade College is open to people with medical exemptions, but a state form is required. A spokesperson for the operation said staff will begin […]Read more >Similar articles >
Ala. governor extends mask mandate, but only so far
- Ivey’s remark came as she announced that the state’s broader “Safer at Home” order, which includes the mask mandate and other measures, would be extended until the evening of April 9 instead of expiring Monday, as previously scheduled.
- Alabama’s statewide mask mandate to curb the coronavirus is being extended to April 9 — but it won’t be extended after that, Gov. Kay Ivey said Thursday.
Citizen group opposes Bonneville school district’s proposed levy hikes
- The proposed plant-facilities increase would help the district maintain new buildings and acreage associated with years of enrollment growth and expansion, Bonneville Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme told EdNews last week.
- AMMON ( Idaho Ed News ) – Bonneville Joint School District 93 is facing opposition from a local group over a proposed increase to two property tax levies.
Nightmare on Summer Street
The calls started last year, from customers complaining about defective furniture they bought online. The Simons explained to the callers that it wasn’t their product, but the calls and e-mails kept coming. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Pritzker unveils COVID-19 pilot program to get vaccine to overlooked areas: ‘It truly can’t come soon enough’
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday that his administration will partner with hospitals and health care centers in targeted areas for a COVID-19 vaccine pilot program in order to better reach underserved communities across the state who have “too often been denied health care that should be their right.”
- “These additional vaccines that will be here at Touchette Hospital, that’s huge in communities like Centreville, where, in 2018, the USAToday deemed [it] the poorest city, not in Illinois but in the United States.
Justice Roberts’ court hates election cases
- Tuesday's Supreme Court arguments in a major voting rights case portend what appears to be the future of election law: The continuing withdrawal of the court from the role of policing elections for racial fairness.
- Chief Justice John Roberts has been pushing the agenda of judicial disengagement from voting rights issues since 2012, when he wrote a landmark decision in the case Shelby County v.
‘She is a hero’: In Myanmar’s protests, women are on the front lines
Ma Kyal Sin loved taekwondo, spicy food and a good red lipstick. She adopted the English name Angel, and her father hugged her goodbye when she went out on the streets of Mandalay, in central Myanmar, to join the crowds peacefully protesting the recent seizure of power by the military. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Brendan Walsh says Maxfield will need his ‘best run’ to win the Big ‘Cap
- Instituted this year, the connections of any horse that sweeps the Big ‘Cap, the Hollywood Gold Cup (May 31) and Del Mar’s Pacific Classic (Aug. 21) will earn a $1 million bonus on top of the purse money for winning those Grade I stakes races.
- Maxfield, a 4-year-old son of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, was considered one of the favorites for the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita when he had to be scratched just days before the race because of a bone chip in his right front ankle.
Ron Johnson forces reading of 628-page COVID relief bill and Democrats blast his move
- USA TODAY reported that Johnson told reporters he felt badly for the Senate clerks who are going to “have to read it,” but it was “important” to delay the process and read the bill aloud because “so often we rush these massive bills” which few lawmakers have time to read.
- As promised, Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson raised an objection Thursday on President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID relief package.
South County Health president voices concerns over Lifespan-Care New England merger
"We believe any 80 percent market provider could have negative impacts on smaller health systems within that same market,” he said. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Southern Skies Music Festival rescheduled for May 2022
- The Dirty Guv'nahs, Ben Rector and the New Respects were scheduled to play the 2021 Southern Skies Music Festival in Knoxville.
- Officials said that the Dirty Guv'nahs will stay involved as curators of the festival but Rector will not be able to join for the new date.
Welcome to Knoxville, Doofa! | Zoo Knoxville introduces new red panda
- The zoo swapped male red pandas after examining the genetics of the population and determining Doofa was a better match for Gansu, a female red panda.
- His name is Doofa, and curators think that he is a good match for Gansu, the zoo's female red panda.
The Future of Money Is Digital, But Is It Bitcoin?
- Although this is no different from traditional dollarization that occurs in countries plagued by inflation and exchange rate volatility, the convenience and accessibility of central bank-issued digital cash could enable “substitution at a faster pace and larger scale,” according to Tao Zhang, a deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund.
- Sure, governments will borrow some elements of the distributed ledger technology behind private cryptocurrencies, but they will very much want to retain control of what circulates as money in their economies.
Montgomery County Council debates competing bills on whether to keep school resource officers
- — A rivaling School Resource Officer bill sponsored by Councilmembers Craig Rice and Sidney Katz is up for public discussion Thursday in Montgomery County that aims to keep SROs in schools.
- The newly proposed bill said it aims to build positive law enforcement relationships within schools and would require SROs to undergo enhanced training.
Where does Lancaster County rank in getting its residents vaccinated?
- The local Health Department's dashboard listed 30,353 second doses administered, which would be about 12.34% of all residents 16 and older.
- The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department on Wednesday administered about 2,200 first doses of the vaccine to people 70 and older and was giving second doses to people 75 and older Thursday and Friday.
Biden is showing the world that U.S. government can work again
- The federal government has established or expanded more than 450 vaccination centers, and the country is carrying out 2 million vaccinations per day, more than double the rate when President Biden was inaugurated .
- In short, Biden is demonstrating to Americans and to the world that the U.S. government can, once again, work.
Senators introduce bill creating technology partnerships to compete with China
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) and a coalition of bipartisan senators on Thursday introduced legislation intended to help the U.S. create international partnerships on emerging technologies to better compete with China.& […]Read more >Similar articles >
Being ‘godless’ might be good for your health, new study finds
- In a new study called " Godless in the Great White North,” published in the Journal of Religion and Health, Speed looked at data and found that atheists may be just as healthy as devoted believers.
- Still, it’s important to be clear that the health and well-being benefits are linked to faith groups’ social support, not spiritual belief, said Speed.
The Milwaukee Bucks go viral with a fan camera prompt that some say looks like an unmentionable act
- A user on Twitter shared a video from a Bucks game and said it look like an unmentionable act.
- One new prompt has gone viral — and not for good reason.
What to know: COTA gearing up for a second weekend of mass vaccinations
- AUSTIN, Texas — This weekend, Travis, Hays, Caldwell and Bastrop counties plan to host another mass vaccination event at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
- The event, which there is no signup for, will be held Friday through Sunday.
To account for winter storm impacts, Austin Water temporarily reducing rates
- Austin Water leaders clarified for the council Thursday that for the current billing period, Austin Water would use historical averaging to determine customer's bills.
- Austin Water leaders told the council these measures were designed to avoid having customers receive high water bills as a result of burst pipes or other consequences of the severe weather.
State agency helps Oklahomans affected by COVID-19 secure job training opportunities
- "For some people who qualify, we actually provide supportive services like help with rent, child care, if you need anything involving a uniform for your new job, steel toe boots, nursing shoes, that sort of thing," said Morris.
- To help those impacted get back on their feet, the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development is offering several job training opportunities.
Attorney’s lawsuit against Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission over anti-LGBTQ hiring policy will be reexamined, WA Supreme Court rules

Attorney Matt Woods sued Seattle's Union Gospel Mission when the nonprofit and homeless service provider refused to hire him to its free legal aid clinic after he disclosed he was in a same-sex relationship. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Bill aimed at penalizing big-tech ‘censorship’ advances
- A bill that would ban state or local government contracts or aid for large tech companies that censor online content advanced in the Iowa Legislature Thursday.
- Chapman said the bill is intended to prevent big tech companies from censoring points of view online.
The Pandemic’s Future Hangs in Suspense
- The decline in cases has been a point of confusion in the past week, as daily reports briefly jogged up after a large drop following the long Presidents’ Day weekend and disruptive winter storms in mid-February.
- (On November 8, California did not report data in time to be included in our daily compilation.) Cases may plateau or rise at any point, and a close watch of the numbers is essential as vaccinations roll out alongside the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Archdiocese of Denver advises Catholics to avoid Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
The Archdiocese of Denver is advising Catholics not to take the newly approved Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, citing the use of abortion-derived cells to make the doses. The stance is in line with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which said earlier this week that if a person has the option to choose a vaccine, they should pick the shots developed by Pfizer or Moderna, which do not use such cells. Catholic bishops have questioned the morality of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because it uses cells that are descended from tissue from an elective abortion performed 36 years ago, The Washington Post reported. When […]Read more >Similar articles >
Summerlin couple quarantined on cruise ship vaccinated a year later
- Ron Griebell and his wife, Sandra Hahnenkratt, are now fully vaccinated against the virus that left them quarantined in a windowless room on a cruise ship off the California coast last March.
- Hahnenkratt said she didn’t fully understand the severity of the virus until she got off the ship and saw that everyone greeting them on land was wearing hazmat suits.
Austin-based company launches submarine in Lake Travis for ocean research
- On Thursday, the 3-year-old company launched an autonomous submarine in Lake Travis, which they say could help with future climate change research.
- Co-founder Judson Kauffman says this widespread data can be used to better understand things like climate change, resource extraction and future weather predictions.
CytoDyn expects to release COVID trial data, stock price seesaws
- The company -- and investors -- are betting big on its potential on multiple fronts, and the stock price has taken a wild ride in the last year from .81 cents to a high of $10.01 and everywhere in between as bets were made on whether the drug would prove to be a viable treatment.
- If the FDA approves the EUA, Pourhassan said the company will have to ramp up production.
Don’t just ‘rethink’ I-94 through Rondo
- Other challenges include: re-contouring the Rondo "ditch" left by I-94 to foster effective parkway, transitway and housing options; I-35E/AMR right-of-way acquisition; and the mitigation of environmental impacts from rerouted traffic.
- But you wonder what would be possible if Interstate 94 were removed, not just hidden, and 70 developable acres between Western Avenue and Hamline Avenue were repatriated to a Rondo community given short shrift by the tone-deaf highway planning practices of yesteryear.
Young woman’s plea for fellow Texans to keep wearing masks, after losing her mom
- "This isn't political; it's about life or death," said Reyna Vasquez.
- "Coming from a place from someone who has first-hand experience with what this virus can do and what it can take away from you – please keep wearing your mask," said Vasquez.
‘I was heartbroken, I was happy’ | Knoxville man shares experience fighting cancer during pandemic
- "MDS is a rare blood cancer that causes your bone marrow to attack your cells," said Suttles.
- Brandon Suttles, 37, often found himself alone in hospitals when visitors weren't allowed inside at the height of the pandemic.
Southern California adopts plan to build 1.3 million new homes by 2029
Southern California leaders voted Thursday, March 4, to adopt a new housing plan for the 2020’s that will triple its future homebuilding goals, acting over repeated objections from public officials that the number is too big. Thursday’s vote by the full membership of the Southern California Association of Governments – made up of elected officials from 191 cities in six counties – officially requires local governments to draft plans to zone for 1.34 million new homes by the end of 2029. That’s equivalent to adding almost as many new homes in the region as now exist in Orange and Ventura counties combined. In addition, SCAG’s governing body […]Read more >Similar articles >
After winter storm, 430K Austin Energy customers to get a $10 credit towards their bill
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Austinites continue to recover from the historic winter storms two weeks ago, city council approved several measures Thursday aimed at giving customers some added relief with their utilities. Joint oversight meeting Wednesday to address storm’s power, water issues At times during the storm, when the most significant outages were happening, more than 200,000 of Austin Energy’s approximately 430,000 residential customers were without power. To help those customers, the council approved a measure that would give a $10 credit to every Austin Energy customer on their first bill after March 19. A graphic from Austin […]Read more >Similar articles >
Sen. Tina Smith supports ending filibuster
- WASHINGTON – Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith said Thursday she supports abolishing the Senate filibuster, as tensions mount over whether Democrats should make a greater effort to throw out the 60-vote threshold now that they control the chamber in the early days of Joe Biden's presidency.
- But with Democrats now holding a razor-thin majority by virtue of Vice President Kamala Harris' ability to cast a tie-breaking vote, the issue has become more timely, Smith said.
Lawmakers uncork criticism of bottle bill changes, advance proposals anyway
- Mathis said issues include payments to redemption centers, the need to apply the deposit to bottled waters and other products not on the market when the anti-litter law took effect in 1979, and making sure returns are easy for consumers.
- Separate legislative bills that would change Iowa’s 42-year-old beverage container deposit law advanced Thursday after lawmakers said the fight is far from over.
Johnson & Johnson vaccines available Friday at Fair Park in Dallas
- It's been a learning process of handling the logistics at Fair Park, Huang said.
- By appointment, people in phases 1A and 1B are getting the COVID-19 vaccine at Fair Park.
New University of St. Thomas institute will train teachers to identify, respond to student trauma
- Campbell and MayKao Hang, the dean of St. Thomas' Morrison Family College of Health, will lead the new institute, which is supported by funding from the Carolyn Foundation and the Sauer Family Foundation and is slated to launch in May. The two St. Thomas deans began envisioning the effort years ago in response to what they viewed as a shortage of trauma-informed educational offerings.
- A new Institute for Trauma-Informed Education at the University of St. Thomas will seek to address this pressing need, training current and aspiring K-12 teachers and staff to assist students experiencing trauma.
OHSU doc: All 3 COVID vaccines extremely good
- But the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were tested before the new COVID variants were circulating.
- (KOIN) -- The 3 different COVID vaccines are now available in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Banner-North vaccine site closes to focus on second doses at Kino Stadium site
- Those who received their first dose at Banner-North have been rescheduled to receive a second shot at the Kino site, according to the county.
- Banner-South’s vaccination site will prioritize second vaccine doses throughout the rest of the month as Pima County’s two Banner Health locations were consolidated Thursday due to a limited vaccine supply.
UW System orders audit into UW-Madison bidding process
The University of Wisconsin System ordered auditors Thursday to review how UW-Madison handled bids on a project to streamline the school's administration. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Boston equity chief resigns amid mayoral rumors
- Boston Chief of Equity Karilyn Crockett has resigned amid rumors she’s considering a mayoral run.
- City Councilors Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell have been running since September, and in the two months since Walsh became President Biden’s pick for Labor secretary, they’ve been joined by City Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George, state Rep. Jon Santiago and, just Thursday morning, former city economic development chief John Barros.
Humane Society competing in nationwide March Muttness

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is competing against 31 other animal shelters across the country in this year's March Muttness.
[…]Read more >Similar articles >New pastor is youngest ever in Troy church’s 192-year history
Xavier E. Hunter is new pastor at Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church in Troy and the youngest in its history at age 33.
[…]Read more >Similar articles >Vaccine appointments will open to teachers and those older than 50 this month
- Starting next week, those in Phase 2A, which includes teachers and school staff, will start getting vaccines through the Regional Public Health Network, Gov. Chris Sununu announced at a press conference Thursday.
- Because Phase 2A only has about 50,000 people, Sununu said people in Phase 2B, which includes those 50 and older, will be able to register for their vaccination appointment starting March 22.
1 in 4 N.H adults at risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19
- About a quarter of Granite Staters are at risk of developing a serious illness due to COVID-19, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a health policy nonprofit.
- Within the northeast, New Hampshire’s has one of the highest rates of people at risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19 due to a health condition.
Florida Senate ready to vote on wide-ranging school voucher bill
Legislation that would create publicly funded educational savings accounts to help families pay for private tuition and other expenses sailed through its final Florida Senate committee stop Thursday, reigniting a […]Read more >Similar articles >
Publix soon opening COVID-19 vaccines to Florida educators, childcare workers
Publix will join Walmart in expanding its COVID-19 vaccine eligibility list by including teachers and childcare staff. Starting Friday, Publix will allow appointments to be made for all Florida K-12 […]Read more >Similar articles >
Senate energy panel backs Haaland to lead Interior Department
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved Haaland’s nomination, 11-9, sending it to the Senate floor. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Religious institutions to host COVID vaccine clinics in Bridgeport
- “We’re just really excited to offer our space — our church — and just being a part of the strategy to encourage people of color (to get inoculated).”
- “This Saturday we’re doing about 350 vaccines,” said Lamond Daniels, an ordained elder at Triumphant Christian Church on Park Avenue and one-time aide to former Mayor Bill Finch, on Thursday.
Iowa lawsuits against Tyson on hold as company faces potential SEC probe
- The meat and poultry giant has been hit with several lawsuits from the families of Iowa workers who died after allegedly contracting the coronavirus in the company’s plants.
- Tyson’s claim is that because it has been helping the government produce food needed “for the national defense,” and because President Trump ordered meat processing plants to continue operating during the pandemic, the federal courts are the proper forum for resolving each lawsuit.
‘Document this damage.’ Sr. advisor Rocky Adkins seeks documentation of flood damage
Sr. advisor Rocky Adkins seeks documentation of property damage from this week’s floods and from the ice storm from weeks ago in hopes of submitting two federal declarations. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Mass. reports 343 new coronavirus cases among public school students, 133 among school staff members
Officials estimate that about 450,000 students across the state are attending some form of in-person learning, and about 75,000 staff members are working in buildings. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Burn planned from Ozark National Forest
Crews will conduct a controlled burn today at the Ozark National Forest in Johnson County, according to a news release. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Woman to start paying nearly $2M in Great Danes neglect case
- Her case was put on hold as she appealed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, saying her privacy was violated when authorities allowed the Humane Society to take photos and video as it helped gather the dogs from the house.
- She had been sentenced to pay the bulk of the money to the Humane Society of the United States, which took in, cared for and found homes for most of the 84 dogs seized from her 13,000-square-foot Wolfeboro residence in 2017.
UTPD first to receive cultural competency training through new Law Enforcement Innovation Center program
- Officers with the University of Tennessee Police Department spent the week learning about how to better serve the Volunteer community and examined their perceptions, stereotypes and cultural assumptions in a new training program.
- Officers with the University of Tennessee Police Department spent the week examining their perceptions, stereotypes and cultural assumptions.
Free online music festival offers performances from more than 50 homegrown acts
The online music festival Land of 10,000 Streams returns for its second marathon weekend of music with more than 50 homegrown musical acts set to perform Friday through Sunday. Music starts at 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon Sunday, with each band or solo artist live-streaming a 30-minute set via landof10kstreams.com and the festival’s Facebook page. It’s free, with listeners encouraged to give tips to the musicians using PayPal or Venmo through provided links. Musical genres include blues, rock, soul, indie and hip-hop. Annie Mack, Chris Koza, Nur-D, Dakota Dave Hull, Twain, Mark Mallman, Joyann Parker, Katy Vernon, Dan Israel, Martin […]Read more >Similar articles >
NFTs, explained
- Last year, a representative from KnownOrigin, a digital art marketplace powered on the Ethereum blockchain, approached Arc on Twitter and he agreed to give the platform a try.
- Digital marketplaces like Open Sea and Known Origin have simplified the process for users who don’t want to get in the weeds of blockchain technology.
Lauding mayoral control of schools is misguided and dangerous
- As a fellow with EmpowerEd in D.C., I have worked for the past three years to tackle D.C.’s teacher turnover crisis, the gap in teacher diversity and a lack of responsiveness to community concerns such as principal firings — which all stem partly from our top-down system of mayoral control.
- Even though mayoral control is complicated, research from Rutgers political scientist Domingo Morel shows that when states take power away from elected school boards, the change is primarily about race and power rather than the false facade of concerns over academic progress.
Q&A with state epidemiologist Ben Chan
- There are some really good and promising trends but it’s important to know that the overall levels of community transmission still remain high not only New Hampshire but really across the country.
- You talked about the overall vaccine efficacy of this new Janssen vaccine as being 66% to 67% efficacious but in the US, it’s no closer to You know, 72% effective at preventing, you know, COVID-19 and the reason for those differences in numbers is because these vaccine trials are conducted around the around the globe.
Democrats seek closure of youth center amid abuse claims
- “We were devastated to read the latest accusations of unspeakable physical, sexual and mental abuse perpetrated against children at the Sununu Youth Services Center,” the lawmakers wrote.
- Cindy Rosenwald and Becky Whitley wrote to Sununu on Thursday, three days after The Associated Press exclusively reported the number of men and women who allege they were abused as children by 150 Youth Development Center staff over six decades had grown to 230.
Prosecutors conclude Chauvin was on Floyd’s neck for at least 9 minutes
- As the trial approaches for a white Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, prosecutors are putting the time Derek Chauvin’s knee was on the Black man’s neck at about nine minutes.
- The narrative in the initial complaint filed May 29 by the Hennepin County attorney’s office says Chauvin held his knee to Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds.
An admiral and a novelist want you to imagine a nuclear war with China | Trudy Rubin
2034: A Novel of the Next World War, by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis, is fiction designed to jolt Americans ito imagine a war with Beijing. […]Read more >Similar articles >
New Hampshire considers separate children’s services agency
- She praised reforms overseen by Joe Ribsam, director of the Division for Children, Youth and Families, in recent years, but said that children’s issues must remain on the front burner.
- Currently, child protection, foster and adoptive care, juvenile justice and programs to support families are part of the Department of Health and Human Services, the state’s largest agency.
Canada lawyer says Trump comments shouldn’t halt extradition
- VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - Comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump do not meet the standard to halt an extradition hearing of a senior executive for Chinese communications giant Huawei Technologies, a Canadian justice department lawyer argued in a court Thursday.
- Canadian justice department lawyer Robert Frater said there was no evidence to suggest the former president’s words had any impact on the fairness of the proceedings against Meng .
Arkansas medical experts weigh in on past, present and future of COVID-19
- Mask requirements and social distancing protocols transformed the work of hospital chaplains and mental health providers, forcing them to figure out ways to build trust and intimate connections from afar.
- As assistant vice chancellor of supply chain operations, if no one notices him, Broughton said, he knows he’s doing his job right.
Republicans’ rhetoric on H.R. 1 is apocalyptic. Are they that afraid of democracy?
- The bill that has these politicians frothing is H.R. 1, a long piece of legislation with a noble purpose: making it easier for Americans to vote and encouraging the government to be more responsive to the people.
- In his screed against H.R. 1, Mr. Pence claimed that the last election was marked by “significant voting irregularities” and that “it is time for our nation’s leaders to help America heal.”
The shady ways Myers-Briggs and AI are used in corporate hiring
- Like many companies these days, your potential new workplace will give you a personality test as part of the hiring process.
- This is just one of many problems with the increasing use of artificial intelligence in hiring, contends the new documentary “ Persona: The Dark Truth Behind Personality Tests, ” premiering Thursday on HBO Max.
Tons of K-pop artists have been purged from Spotify. It’s part of a much bigger problem.
- On February 28, hundreds of K-pop artists — encompassing a huge range of genres and styles, from older hits to brand-new albums — were purged from the music streaming service.
- The reason involves a complicated licensing dispute between Spotify and a South Korean distributor, Kakao M, which is now one of Spotify’s direct competitors thanks to the latter’s recent launch in the country.
New COVID-19 vaccination hub opens at The Potter’s House in Dallas
- "With the governor’s announcement this week, it’s now more important than ever that we get these vaccines out,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
- “We’re going to win the game,” Mayor Eric Johnson said as staff with American Medical Response, or AMR, waited to administer doses of the vaccine.
GOP state lawmakers seek to nullify federal gun limits
Legislation in at least a dozen states seeks to nullify any new restrictions, such as ammunition limits or a ban on certain types of weapons. Some bills would make it a crime for local police officers to enforce federal gun laws. […]Read more >Similar articles >
Susan R. Madsen: There’s no excuse in 2021 for the lack of gender diversity in boardrooms
- It’s time we make deliberate decisions to have boards, commissions, and committees reflect the larger population by nominating, appointing, and inviting more women and people of color to join the conversations.
- Our research at the Utah Women & Leadership Project and vast research around the globe say the same thing: Gender diversity in boardrooms improves performance.
Was a wealthy Keys community given VIP access to COVID vaccines? DeSantis denies it. Democrats attack
Gov. Ron DeSantis denied that he had anything to do with providing COVID vaccines to a wealthy, gated Florida Keys community ahead of other state residents. […]Read more >Similar articles >
St. Paul gets $6.3 million state grant for port development
The St. Paul Port Authority will receive a $6.3 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to help replace 1,450 feet of dock wall at the city’s Barge Terminal 2, MnDOT announced Thursday. The grant is one of four port development projects totaling $14 million to support freight movement on the state’s waterways. The other projects are in Duluth and Wabasha. “The projects funded through this program maintain and expand critical commercial connections, promote local economic development at Minnesota ports and support statewide jobs through expedited freight movement, including agricultural and other commodities,” Bill […]Read more >Similar articles >
Three sisters launch Massachusetts coronavirus vaccine website to alert people of open appointments
- After people sign up on the website — called MA COVID Vaccine Finder — they receive email alerts immediately when appointments are available.
- The Gabrieli sisters from Beverly started a website that pings people when vaccination slots go live.
Despite Losing Power for Days, Texans Will Pay Higher Power Bills—Perhaps for Decades to Come
- One week after the storms, the state’s grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which collects payments from retailers and makes sure they get to the proper electricity sellers, was short about $1.3 billion in payments, stoking concerns about the liquidity of the power market and the possibility that many retail electricity providers will file for bankruptcy.
- Paula Gold-Williams, CEO of CPS Energy, the San Antonio–owned municipal utility, which supplies both electricity and gas for heating, said the impact of skyrocketing prices is “going to be huge.”
Seven Kenosha activists, including Jacob Blake’s uncle, embarking on a 22-day fast for climate justice
- Seven volunteers, activists and elected officials, including Justin Blake, the uncle of Jacob Blake, who was shot by Kenosha police in August, are embarking on a 22-day fast to demand the state Legislature pass Gov. Tony Evers' climate initiatives.
- The group announced plans for a 22-day fast last week and took their final bites of food Thursday morning outside Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha.
476 new coronavirus cases reported in Massachusetts schools as more districts reopen
- A total of 476 staff and students in Massachusetts schools have tested positive for coronavirus in the past week in a continued downward trend that mirrors state figures, according data from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- The weekly report published on Thursdays shows 343 students and 133 staff tested positive for the coronavirus from Feb. 25 to Wednesday, according to DESE.
Oregonians may get ‘kicker-style’ refund on stimulus tax
- Oregon is expected to see more than $100 million in tax revenue from just the first round of stimulus checks.
- After learning this, Oregon U.S. House Rep. Peter DeFazio wrote a letter to Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon legislature, urging them to ensure the stimulus payments remain tax-free as Congress intended.
Four drivers traveling over 100 mph caught in Denver speed enforcement operation
- Denver police wrote 373 citations and 50 warnings, with 331 drivers stopped for going more than 20 mph above the posted speed limit.
- Four drivers were stopped Wednesday in the metro area driving over 100 mph as part of a highway speed enforcement by multiple police agencies.
Dallas County will start vaccinating teachers and educators Friday ‘to the fullest extent possible,’ Judge Clay Jenkins says
The Texas health department announced the vaccine expansion for child care providers and school staff to state vaccination sites Wednesday. […]Read more >Similar articles >