Mar 04 California Legislature approves plan to push in-person learning By Adam Beam, Associated Press The legislation approved Thursday would give school districts $2 billion if they offer in-person instruction by the end of the month. Another $4.6 billion would be available to all school districts to help student catch up. Continue reading
Mar 04 WATCH: Senate debates latest COVID-19 relief in American Rescue Plan Act By Alan Fram, Associated Press The Senate is beginning debate on a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, after Democrats made eleventh-hour changes aimed at ensuring they could pull President Joe Biden’s top legislative priority through the precariously divided chamber. Continue reading
Mar 03 Democrats tighten eligibility limits for COVID-19 relief benefits By Alan Fram, Associated Press President Joe Biden and Democrats have agreed to tighten eligibility limits for stimulus checks. This is a concession to party moderates, and it comes as leaders prepare to move their $1.9 trillion COVID-relief bill through the Senate. Continue reading
Mar 03 Senate COVID-19 relief bill won't include transportation projects GOP used to voice opposition By Kevin Freking, Associated Press A spokesperson for Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it's “unclear how Republicans will justify their opposition" to the bill now. Continue reading
Mar 03 States rapidly expanding vaccine access as supplies surge By Mark Pratt, Tammy Webber, Associated Press Buoyed by a surge in vaccine shipments, states and cities are rapidly expanding eligibility for COVID-19 shots to teachers, 55-and-over Americans and other groups as the U.S. races to beat back the virus and reopen businesses and schools. Continue reading
Mar 03 WATCH: Cuomo addresses harassment claims, vows to stay in office By Associated Press Besieged by sexual harassment allegations, a somber New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo apologized, saying he “learned an important lesson” about his own behavior around women, but he said he intended to remain in office. Continue reading
Mar 03 Pandemic puts more than one-third of nonprofits in financial jeopardy By Glenn Gamboa, Associated Press More than one-third of U.S. nonprofits are in jeopardy of closing within two years because of the financial harm inflicted by the viral pandemic, according to a study being released Wednesday by the philanthropy research group Candid and the Center… Continue reading
Mar 02 Dolly Parton receives COVID-19 vaccine, rewrites 'Jolene' to fit the occasion By Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press Dolly Parton rewrote the lyrics to "Jolene" as "Vaccine, vaccine," as she got her COVID-19 shot. The Grammy-winning singer, actor and humanitarian posted a video on Tuesday of her singing just before getting her vaccine. Continue reading
Mar 02 New York lawmakers to limit Gov. Cuomo's emergency powers amid harassment allegations By Marina Villeneuve, Associated Press New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is facing calls for resignations from some members of his own party as most leading Democrats signal they want to await the results of the attorney general's investigation into claims the governor sexually harassed aides. Continue reading
Mar 02 Texas becomes biggest U.S. state to lift COVID-19 mask mandate By Paul J. Weber, Associated Press The decision comes as governors across the U.S. have eased coronavirus restrictions, despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over. Continue reading