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1. Coronavirus
A new, mutated form of the coronavirus that originated in England is spreading all over the world – and potentially more contagious than we’ve seen. Aside from the United Kingdom, the variant has been detected in Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Australia. Dr. Anthony Fauci says It may already be in the United States. As scientists search for more information, here’s what we know and don’t know. Pfizer and Moderna now Test their vaccines To see if it works against the British alternative The experts said They still expected the vaccines to be effective. About 614,000 vaccines have been given in the United States to date, and 7.9 million doses of Moderna and Pfizer are expected to be distributed across the country this week.
2. Motivation
Congress finally approved the The long-awaited $ 900 billion Covid relief package After months of partisan stalemate. He now goes to President Donald Trump’s office to sign. The The shipment contains Direct payments up to $ 600 per adult, Enhanced unemployment benefits of $ 300 a week, about $ 284 billion in Salary Protection Program loans, $ 25 billion in rental assistance, extensions of the eviction moratorium and $ 82 billion in schools and colleges. It also promises to speed up the distribution of vaccines. Although it was a bipartisan deal, both parties had to relinquish key demands to get it p
3. West Point
The United States Military Academy at West Point i facests worst cheating scandal in decades. Seventy-three students were accused of violating the academy’s rules of honor by cheating on a calculus test in May, when an elite school switched to virtual classes due to the pandemic. Two of the cases were dropped due to insufficient evidence, and four other students resigned. The remaining 67 students await a decision on their fate. It’s not the first West Point rock band cheating scandal. The institution witnessed similar incidents in 1951 and 1976, in which 152 students participated.
4. Russia
Alexei Navalny, the opposition leader and enemy of Russian 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 dispatched to track Navalny accidentally revealed the information during a phone call with whoever was believed to be an official of Russia’s National Security Council. Turns out, he was talking to Navalny himself. Navalny has long been a thorn in Putin’s side, exposing corruption in high-ranking posts and waging a campaign against the ruling United Russia party. He is still recovering from the poisoning at a secret location in Germany.
5. Federal architecture
President Trump wants the nation’s buildings to look more beautiful. Signed on An executive order on Monday It looks to ensure federal buildings feature “beautiful” architecture. The arrangement does not precisely define the criteria that buildings must meet to be considered beautiful, although it states that they must be of classic design. It applies to all federal courts, agency headquarters, public buildings in the capital, and all other public buildings costing more than $ 50 million. Perhaps not surprisingly, some architects are not so happy.
Browse breakfast
Kevin Greene, NFL Legend and Hall of Famer has passed away
Greene, who got the third Most sacks in NFL historyHe was 58.
Hawaiians are asked to stay home after the eruption of Kilauea volcano
One of the most influential newspapers in the Midwest apologizes for decades of racist coverage
It is oh no! Santa’s impersonator has got tangled in some power lines
Maybe we should leave The most magical items for Christmas To the real old jolly man wearing red.
Five fresh high school students are called heroes for saving two kids from an icy pool
It shouldn’t be a surprise All five of them are scouts.
Today’s number
255
This is the number of days Taiwan has been free of the Coronavirus, excluding imported cases. Al Jazeera registered recently The first locally transmitted case of coronavirus since April.
Today’s quote
“We deserve to be her representative who truly embodies Virginia’s values.”
Virginia Vice Jennifer WextonOn the statue being Confederate General Robert E. Lee It was removed from the US Capitol. A statue of Lee will be replaced by a late one Barbara Jones, An African American woman who played a major role in the civil rights movement.
Today’s weather
And finally
Time for a deep clean
With the end of the year, it is as good a time as any to refresh our homes. Here’s some inspiration – at least, it’s a fulfilling watch. (Click here to view.)
“Infuriatingly humble social media ninja. Devoted travel junkie. Student. Avid internet lover.”
