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1. Coronavirus
A new, mutated form of the coronavirus that originated in England is spreading around the world – and it could potentially be more contagious than what we’ve seen. Except in the United Kingdom, the variant has been found in Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia. Dr. Anthony Fauci says it’s probably already in the US. While scientists are looking for more information, here’s what we know and what we don’t know. Pfizer and Moderna are now testing their vaccines to see if they work against the UK variant, although experts have said they still expect the vaccines to be effective. About 614,000 vaccines have been administered in the US so far, and 7.9 million doses of Moderna and Pfizer are expected to be distributed nationwide this week.
2. Stimulus
Congress finally approved the long-awaited $ 900 billion Covid aid package after months of partisan stalemate. It is now going to President Donald Trump’s office for signature. The package includes direct payments of up to $ 600 per adult, improved unemployment benefits of $ 300 per week, approximately $ 284 billion in loans for the Paycheck Protection Program, $ 25 billion in rental assistance, an extension of the eviction moratorium and $ 82 billion for schools and colleges. It also promises to speed up vaccine distribution. Although it was a two-pronged deal, both sides had to give up the main demands to get it. P.
3. West point
The US Military Academy in West Point is facing the worst cheating scandal in decades. Seventy-three cadets were charged with violating the academy’s code of honor by cheating on a math exam in May when the elite school switched to virtual classes due to the pandemic. Two of the cases were dropped for lack of evidence, and four other cadets resigned. The remaining 67 students are waiting for a decision on their fate. It’s not the first cheating scandal to turn West Point on its head. The institution saw similar incidents in 1951 and 1976, the latter involving 152 cadets.
4. Russia
Alexey Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and archenemy of President Vladimir Putin, nearly died after being poisoned in August. We now know how he was poisoned: the deadly nerve agent Novichok was implanted in his underwear. A Russian agent who was supposed to follow Navalny accidentally revealed the information during a telephone conversation with who he thought was an official in the Russian National Security Council. Turns out he spoke to Navalny himself. Navalny has long been a thorn in Putin’s side, exposing corruption in high places and campaigning against the ruling United Russia party. He is still recovering from the poisoning at a secret location in Germany.
Federal architecture
President Trump wants the nation’s buildings to look more beautiful. He signed an executive order on Monday to ensure that federal buildings have “beautiful” architecture. The order does not exactly define what standards buildings must meet in order to be considered beautiful, although it says they must have a classic design. It applies to all federal courthouses, agency headquarters, public buildings in DC, and all other public buildings costing more than $ 50 million. Perhaps unsurprisingly, some architects are not happy with it.
BREAKFAST LEAF
Kevin Greene, NFL pocket legend and Hall of Famer, has passed away
Greene, who had the third-most sacks in NFL history, was 58.
Hawaii residents are asked to stay indoors after Kilauea volcano erupts
Really feels like this year’s theme.
One of the Midwest’s most influential newspapers apologizes for decades of racist coverage
It’s a step in the right direction for the Kansas City Star.
Ho oh no! A Santa impersonator became entangled in some electrical cables
Maybe we should leave the more magical elements of Christmas to the real merry old man in red.
Five high school freshmen are called heroes for rescuing two children from an icy pond
It should come as no surprise that all five of them are Boy Scouts.
TODAY’S NUMBER
255
That is the number of days Taiwan was coronavirus-free, excluding imported cases. The island recently registered its first locally transmitted case of coronavirus since April.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“We deserve to be represented by a figure who truly embodies Virginia values.”
Virginia Rep. Jennifer Wexton, on a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee being removed from the Capitol. Lee’s statue will be replaced by one of the late Barbara Johns, an African American woman who played a key role in the civil rights movement.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local weather forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
Time for a thorough cleaning
As we wrap up the year, now is a great time to freshen up our homes. Here’s some inspiration – it’s a satisfying watch to say the least. (Click here to view.)