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VIRUS-OUTBREAK-WASHINGTON
Feds loosen virus rules to let essential workers return
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a first, small step toward reopening the country, the Trump administration has issued new guidelines to make it easier for essential workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 get back to work — if they have no symptoms. The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says essential employees, such as health care and food supply workers, who had been within 6 feet of a confirmed or suspected case of the coronavirus can return to work under certain circumstances. The CDC recommends taking their temperature before shifts, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-RACE
Outcry over racial data grows as virus slams black Americans
As the coronavirus tightens its grip across the country, it is cutting a particularly devastating swath through an already vulnerable population _ black Americans. Leaders in cities hard-hit by the pandemic have been sounding the alarm over what they see as a disturbing trend of the virus killing African Americans at a higher rate, along with a lack of overall information about the race of victims as the nation’s death toll mounts. An Associated Press analysis found that 42% of the victims whose demographic data was shared by local officials were black, even though African Americans account for roughly 21% of the population in the areas covered the analysis.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-CDC GLANCE
New CDC guidance for essential workers during coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for essential workers, such as those in the health care and food supply industries The guidance is focused on when those workers can return to work after having been exposed to the new coronavirus. The guidelines instruct workers to take their temperature before work, wear a face mask at all times, practice social distancing, go home if sick, avoid sharing headsets and other objects used near the face, and avoid congregating in the break room.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-CONGRESS
Congress in standoff on virus aid, but first checks coming
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is rushing headlong into a conflict over the next coronavirus aid package. The White House wants to pump $250 billion into a small business fund but opposes Democrats’ proposal to tack on billions for protective gear, food stamps and aid to state and local governments. Still, signs of fresh progress have emerged. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told lawmakers direct deposits to Americans will begin next week. Mnuchin also said $98 billion has been approved for the small business loans, according to a person unauthorized to discuss a private conference call with lawmakers and granted anonymity. President Donald Trump is urging passage of the small business funds “ASAP.” A test vote is set for Thursday.
AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-PREPARATIONS
HHS: Federal stocks of protective equipment nearly depleted
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Strategic National Stockpile is nearly out of N95 respirators, surgical masks, face shields, gowns and other supplies desperately needed to protect front-line medical workers treating coronavirus patients. The House Oversight committee has released documents showing that about 90% of all the personal protective equipment in the stockpile has been distributed to state and local governments. The remaining 10% is being held in reserve for federal workers. House Democrats say the Trump Administration is leaving states to fend for themselves, competing with each other and federal agencies in a free-for-all bidding war that drives up prices.
AP-US-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-CALIFORNIA
California to buy 200 million masks a month amid outbreak
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will spend nearly $1 billion to purchase up to 200 million masks a month during the coronavirus outbreak. Newsom made the announcement Tuesday during an appearance on Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show. The masks will be made overseas. Newsom said the state has signed multiple contracts with an unidentified consortium of nonprofits and a California-based manufacturer to obtain the masks. State taxpayers will pay $495 million upfront. Other payments will be made as shipments arrive. The Newsom administration estimates total payments will be $990 million. California and other states have had trouble finding enough masks during the outbreak.
ELECTION 2020
Biden vs. Trump: General election battle is now set
The general election battle is now set. Barring unforeseen disaster, Joe Biden will represent the Democratic Party against President Donald Trump this fall. The former vice president’s place on the general election ballot was cemented Wednesday by Bernie Sanders' decision to end his campaign. Biden won’t secure the number of delegates needed to clinch the nomination for several weeks, but with no formal Democratic rivals left, a fiery and public intraparty battle that was tearing at the fabric of the Democratic Party is effectively over. Within minutes of Sanders’ announcement, the political world lurched into the general election phase of the 2020 contest.
AP-BBO-JOSH-HAMILTON-ARRESTED
Ex-Ranger Hamilton indicted, accused of beating daughter, 14
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Former Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton has been indicted on a felony charge of injury to a child after his teenage daughter accused him of beating her. A Tarrant County grand jury indicted the 38-year-old Hamilton on Monday. He remains free on $30,000 bond after he turned himself in to authorities on Oct. 30. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of two to 10 years in prison. His attorneys say the Texas Rangers Hall of Famer is innocent of the charge. His 14-year-old daughter told her mother, Hamilton's ex-wife, that her father struck her after he became enraged by a comment from her.
AP-LT-VIRUS-OUTBREAK-MEXICO-HOME-SEX-SERVICE
Mexico agency urges probe of 'home delivery' sex services
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A Mexican government body is calling on authorities to investigate nightclubs that are advertising home delivery of table dances and other services amid the crackdown on large public gatherings and nonessential services during the coronavirus pandemic. The National Human Rights Commission said Wednesday that the offerings violate both the health campaign and women’s rights. A women's activist group said earlier that the services are being offered by “men's clubs” that have been linked to allegations of sexual trafficking of women. The group said women involved in such activities are not only being exposed to coronavirus infection but "also to different forms of violence.”
AP-ML-YEMEN
Saudi officials announce Yemen cease-fire amid pandemic
CAIRO (AP) — The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen has announced that its forces will begin a cease-fire starting Thursday. The move could pave the way for the first direct peace talks between the two sides which have been at war for more than five years. In a statement carried by Saudi Arabia’s official state news agency Wednesday, a Saudi military spokesman says the ceasefire will last two weeks. He says it comes in response to U.N. calls to halt hostilities amid the coronavirus pandemic. There has been no immediate reaction from Houthi leaders or Yemen's internationally recognized government to the coalition's announcement.
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