Dec 04 Among first acts, Biden to call for 100 days of mask-wearing By Alexandra Jaffe, Associated Press Joe Biden says he will ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks as one of his first acts as president. He stopped just short Thursday of the nationwide mandate he’s pushed before to stop the spread of… Continue reading
Dec 04 Fauci says 'yes right on the spot' to Biden By Associated Press Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s chief infectious disease expert, says there was never a question that he would accept President-elect Joe Biden’s offer to serve as his chief medical officer and adviser on the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading
Dec 03 WATCH: Pence touts plans for quick vaccine distribution By Associated Press Pence said vaccines would be ready for distribution 24 hours after approval by the Food and Drug Administration, expected to happen in the coming weeks. Continue reading
Dec 03 U.N. chief says vaccine can't undo damage from global pandemic By Edith M. Lederer, Associated Press Guterres accused some countries he didn't name of ignoring or rejecting the World Health Organization’s recommendations at the start of the crisis early this year, resulting in nations going in their own directions. Continue reading
Dec 03 WATCH: McCarthy expresses optimism over virus relief bill By Associated Press House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is sounding a more optimistic tone about the chances for an end of the year COVID-19 relief package, telling reporters "there has been some movement this week."… Continue reading
Dec 03 Pelosi, McConnell discuss COVID-19 relief as pressure builds By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press The conversation between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell adds to tentative optimism that a medium-sized aid package might break free after months of Washington toxicity and deadlock. Continue reading
Dec 03 Ex-presidents willing to get vaccine publicly to boost confidence By Will Weissert, Associated Press Three former presidents say they'd be willing to publicly take a coronavirus vaccine, once one becomes available, to encourage all Americans to get inoculated against a disease that has already killed more than 273,000 people nationwide. Continue reading
Dec 03 U.S. jobless claims remain high at 712,000 as virus escalates By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to a still-high 712,000, the latest sign that the U.S. economy and job market remain under stress from the intensified viral outbreak. Continue reading
Dec 02 Sundance Film Festival goes largely virtual for 2021 By Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press Organizers on Wednesday said that this year they will premiere over 70 films on a custom online platform during the seven day event. Continue reading
Dec 02 Biden, top Democrats swing behind bipartisan pandemic aid bill By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press President-elect Joe Biden has swung behind a bipartisan COVID-19 relief effort. That comes as his top Capitol Hill allies cut their demands for a $2 trillion-plus measure by more than half. Continue reading