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1. Coronavirus
The United States reached a new daily coronavirus record, with 3,725 deaths yesterday. What was once an unimaginable number is now a possible precursor to the warning that medical experts warn will be a “terrible” remnant of winter. An epidemiologist said the United States has now passed waves and peaks and is in the middle of a “viral tsunami.” The new Covid-19 variant found for the first time in Great Britain also arrived in the USA, with a case registered in Colorado. The new version is spreading faster, but it doesn’t seem to be more deadly. Meanwhile, health officials are concerned about the slow release of tens of millions of doses of vaccine. The federal government’s Operation Warp Speed has promised that 20 million doses will be given before January 1, but only 11 million have been distributed and just over 2 million have actually been given to people.
2. Stimulus
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has blocked efforts to step up future stimulus checks from $ 600 to $ 2,000, despite calls from President Trump and opposition from prominent Republicans in Congress. 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 be very unlikely to be passed. These other policy demands include the repeal of online liability protection measures and the establishment of a commission to study electoral fraud. As it stands, the $ 600 incentive checks included in Trump’s bill over the weekend are still scheduled to disappear soon. But in the end, the 116th Congress ends this Sunday and could do so without any decision on additional funding or exemptions.
3. The transition of the White House
President Joe Biden’s transition team is facing the current administration, adding more mistrust and conflict to what is supposed to be a smooth exchange of power. Earlier this week, Biden said his transition team had “encountered obstacles” from the political leadership at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget and did not receive all the information it needed to prepare. The Trump administration says Biden is exaggerating. At the same time, people close to the transition efforts say that critical information about the budgets, the position of the US force, the recently announced troop withdrawal plans and the recent cyber attack attributed to Russia are being withheld. Trump officials have also openly acknowledged that they are wary of the transition activity, which could give the Biden administration a head start in dismantling Trump-era policies such as building border walls.
4. Argentina
The Argentine Senate has approved a bill to legalize abortion in the Catholic-majority country. The new law, backed by President Alberto Fernández, would give millions of women access to legal interruptions in all cases up to 14 weeks pregnant. Proponents of abortion rights hope that Argentina’s decision will signal 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, the Argentine National Ministry of Health estimates that up to 522,000 abortions are performed annually, and thousands of girls and women suffer serious medical complications or die due to unsafe procedures.
5. Nashville
New details about the Nashville Christmas bombing have been sparse, and investigators are trying to figure out why 63-year-old Anthony Quinn Warner detonated a bomb that injured three buildings and severely damaged buildings. along a historic stretch of 2nd Avenue North. Warner had no significant criminal record and, so far, had no signs of political ideology. Also, the morning hour of the explosion – when few were around – suggests that Warner did not intend to cause mass casualties. The blast took place outside an AT&T transmission building, and Warner’s father used to work for AT&T, so investigators are exploring a possible connection. And a woman who said she was Warner’s girlfriend told local police last year that she was planting bombs in her recreational vehicle, according to police records. Her lawyer said Warner was interested in the military and explosives.
ANSWER TO BREAKFAST
Legendary French fashion designer Pierre Cardin has died at the age of 98
He helped popularize unisex clothing, fashion and, of course, bubble hem.
Donald Trump and Michelle Obama are at the top of Gallup’s most admired list in 2020
The former first lady was the most admired woman in America for three consecutive years.
2020 was an important year for electric trucks
Robust AND environmentally friendly!
Netflix’s “Bridgerton” had an “intimacy coordinator” to help sex scenes
This person must be the most popular party guest ever. Wait, no – not because that! Thanks to the work stories you could tell!
TODAY’S NUMBER
503
This is the number of new species that have been named this year by the Museum of Natural History in London. These include a critically endangered species of monkey, an armored snail and a breadless salamander that breathes through the skin. Nature is great.
TODAY’S PRESENT
“Artists create art that reflects their environment. If you don’t like what rappers are talking about, you should come see our humble beginnings. You should see what we did.”
IT, one of several prominent rappers in Atlanta, leading popular efforts to increase voting and political activism in Georgian communities ahead of all major Tuesday Senate elections
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check the local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
Stunning details of the restoration of a $ 3,000 Chanel bag
Since it starts with RIPPING THE GAG APART, this is an equally stressful and satisfying part. Just trust the process. (Click here to view.)