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1. Coronavirus
The US hit a new, bleak daily coronavirus record, with 3,725 dead yesterday. What was once an unimaginable number is now a possible precursor to what medical experts are warning will be a “terrible” remainder of the winter. An epidemiologist said the US is now past the point of waves and peaks and in the middle of a “viral tsunami.” The new Covid-19 variant first found in the UK has also reached the US, with a case registered in Colorado. The new variant spreads faster, but does not appear to be more deadly. Meanwhile, health officials are concerned about the slow rollout of tens of millions of vaccine doses. The federal government’s Operation Warp Speed promised that 20 million doses would be delivered by January 1, but only 11 million were distributed and just over 2 million actually given to people.
2. Stimulus
Senate leader Mitch McConnell has blocked an attempt to raise upcoming stimulus vouchers from $ 600 to $ 2,000, despite demands from President Trump and opposition from prominent congressional republicans. Instead, it appears that McConnell intends to combine several of Trump’s other priorities into so-called “poison pill” legislation that would shut down Democrats and most likely fail. These other policy requests include the repeal of some online liability protections and the creation of a committee to investigate voter fraud. As it stands, the $ 600 stimulus vouchers included in the bill Trump signed this weekend are still slated to go out soon. Ultimately, though, the 116th Congress will end next Sunday, and it could do so without any decision on additional funding or assistance.
3. Transition in the White House
President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team clashes with the current administration, adding more suspicion and conflict to what should be a smooth change of power. Earlier this week, Biden said his transition team has “encountered hurdles” from political leadership in the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget and is not getting all the information it needs to prepare. The Trump administration says Biden was overreacting. At the same time, people close to the transition efforts say that crucial information about budgets, the attitude of the US armed forces, recently announced plans to withdraw troops and the recent cyber attack attributed to Russia is being withheld. Trump officials have also openly admitted to being wary of transitional activities that could give the Biden administration a head start in dismantling Trump-era policies, such as building border walls.
4. Argentina
Argentina’s Senate has passed a bill to legalize abortion in the country with a Catholic majority. The new law, backed by President Alberto Fernández, would give millions of women access to legal termination in all cases up to 14 weeks of gestation. Abortion rights advocates hope Argentina’s decision will mark a paradigm shift in Latin America, where the procedure remains largely restricted or illegal. Only Cuba, Uruguay, French Guiana, Guyana and a few places in Mexico allow elective abortions. Despite the criminalization of the procedure, Argentina’s Ministry of Health estimates that as many as 522,000 abortions are performed each year and that thousands of girls and women develop serious medical complications or die as a result of unsafe procedures.
5. Nashville
Few new details are emerging about the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville as investigators try to figure out why 63-year-old Anthony Quinn Warner detonated a bomb that injured three and badly damaged buildings along a historic stretch of 2nd Avenue North. Warner had no significant criminal record and so far no signs of a political ideology. Also, the timing of the early morning blast – when there were few – suggests that Warner had no intention of taking massive casualties. The explosion took place outside an AT&T transmission building and Warner’s father used to work for AT&T, so researchers are looking into a possible connection. And a woman who said she was Warner’s girlfriend told police last year that he was making bombs in his recreational vehicle. Her lawyer said Warner was interested in the military and explosives.
BREAKFAST LEAF
Legendary French fashion designer Pierre Cardin has passed away at the age of 98
He helped popularize unisex clothes, ready-to-wear and, of course, the bulbous hem.
Donald Trump, Michelle Obama topped the list of most admired Gallup in 2020
The former first lady has been the most admired woman in America for three years in a row.
2020 was an important year for electric trucks
Robust AND environmentally friendly!
Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ had an ‘intimacy coordinator’ to stage sex scenes
That person has to be the most popular party guest ever. Wait, no – not because of Which! Because of the work stories they could tell!
TODAY’S NUMBER
503
That is the number of new species mentioned this year by the Natural History Museum in London. They include a critically endangered monkey species, an armored snail, and a lungless salamander that breathes through its skin. Nature is great.
TODAY QUOTE
“Artists make art that reflects their environment. If you don’t like what rappers talk about, take a look at our humble beginnings. You should see what we made it of.”
TI, one of several prominent Atlanta rappers leading grassroots efforts to increase turnout and political activism in Georgia’s communities ahead of Tuesday’s all-important Senate election
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local weather forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
The stunning details of recovering a $ 3,000 Chanel bag
Since it starts with TEARING THE BAG apart, this is both stressful and satisfying. Just rely on the process. (Click here to view.)