Jul 17 WATCH: Pandemic becomes politically fraught for Florida Gov. DeSantis By Bobby Caina Calvan, Associated Press In recent weeks, the governor’s leadership has come under question — not just by Democrats but some members of his own party — as Floridians grow frustrated over job losses, the debate over reopening schools and the state's spike in… Continue reading
Jul 17 Democrats say White House blocking CDC head from testifying By Matthew Daly, Associated Press Democrats said they invited CDC Director Robert Redfield to testify next Thursday, but the White House rebuffed them. Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott called it alarming that the Trump administration would prevent CDC officials from appearing before the committee "at a… Continue reading
Jul 17 Congressional Democrats and Republicans debate coronavirus liability policy By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press A new plan from Senate Republicans to award businesses, schools, and universities sweeping exemptions from lawsuits arising from inadequate coronavirus safeguards is putting Republicans and Democrats at loggerheads. Continue reading
Jul 17 Court backs Trump expansion of short-term health plans By Mark Sherman, Associated Press A divided federal appeals court has upheld the Trump administration's expansion of cheaper short-term health insurance plans as an alternative to the Affordable Care Act's costlier comprehensive insurance. Continue reading
Jul 17 Georgia mask debate ensnares Trump as Gov. Kemp battles Atlanta By Jeff Martin, Ben Nadler, Associated Press More than a dozen other cities and counties defied Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and issued local orders requiring that masks be worn in public. The dispute ratched up several notches this week, leading to tough talk from both the governor… Continue reading
Jul 17 Chicago plans to have kids in classrooms two days a week By Kathleen Foody, Associated Press Most Chicago children would return to the classroom two days a week and spend the other three days learning remotely once the school year begins under a tentative plan outlined by officials from the nation’s third-largest school district… Continue reading
Jul 17 WATCH: California Gov. Gavin Newsom outlines strict guidelines for schools By Jocelyn Gecker, Kathleen Ronayne, Associated Press The rules announced Friday include a mandate that students above 2nd grade and all staff wear masks in school. Newsom's new guidance mandates that public schools in California counties that are on a monitoring list for rising coronavirus infections cannot… Continue reading
Jul 17 Oregon officials decry arrests by federal agents in Portland By Andrew Selsky, Gillian Flaccus, Associated Press Federal agents in green camouflage uniforms have been taking into custody people in the streets of Portland, not close to federal property that they were sent to protect. Continue reading
Jul 17 Two men charged in assault on Black man at Indiana lake By Casey Smith, Associated Press Two men are facing charges after a Black man said a group of white men assaulted him in Indiana and threatened to “get a noose” after claiming that he and his friends had trespassed on private property. Continue reading
Jul 17 WATCH: Defense officials hold virtual town hall after Pentagon bans Confederate flag By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press The town hall meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Gen. Mark Milley, the nation's top military officer, are expected to attend. Watch their remarks here. Continue reading