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COVID-19

Trump Calls For End To Income Tax, Offers Buyouts To 2 Million Federal Employees Trump Calls For End To Income Tax, Offers Buyouts To 2 Million Federal Employees
Trump Calls For End To Income Tax, Offers Buyouts To 2 Million Federal Employees President Donald Trump is calling for the elimination of federal income tax, advocating for a shift to a tariff-based revenue system.  He argues that this approach, which he says previously made the US “richer” and a more “powerful” economy, would mark a pivotal turning point for the nation. "America is going to be very rich again, and it's going to happen very quickly," Trump said during a speech in Florida on Monday, Jan. 27 at the 2025 Republican Issues Conference at the Trump National Doral Miami. "Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich foreign nations, we should be tariffing an…
Trump Pulls Dr. Anthony Fauci's Security Detail Trump Pulls Dr. Anthony Fauci's Security Detail
Trump Pulls Dr. Anthony Fauci's Security Detail The taxpayer-funded security detail assigned to Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the government's main spokespersons during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been pulled by President Donald Trump. The 84-year-old Fauci, the former National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious diseases director, served as one of the lead members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force under Trump, who often publicly criticized his advice. Earlier in the week, Trump pulled security for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton, both of whom face assassination threats tied to …
Trump Proclaims ‘Liberation Day,’ Reveals Array Of Planned Actions In Inaugural Address Trump Proclaims ‘Liberation Day,’ Reveals Array Of Planned Actions In Inaugural Address
Trump Proclaims ‘Liberation Day,’ Reveals Array Of Planned Actions In Inaugural Address Donald Trump proclaimed “liberation day” in his inaugural address after being sworn in to a second non-consecutive presidential term in the Capitol Rotunda just after noontime on Monday, Jan. 20. Click here for a new, updated story - Trump Ends All Jan. 6 Cases With Pardons, Commutations, Dismissals, Signs Flurry Of Executive Orders  "America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before," said Trump, who at age 78, became the oldest person to ever start a presidential term. In the half-hour long speech, he vowed that “the golden age of America begins rig…
Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About HMPV Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About HMPV
Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About Hmpv A surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China is sparking concerns five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, drawing attention to another respiratory virus circulating in the population. HMPV, a known virus, usually causes cold-like symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat.  The new rise in cases, particularly among children under 14 in northern China, has officials urging caution as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, a time when travel and gatherings often lead to spikes in illness. Data from China’s state news agency, Xinhua, shows …
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.  The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.  Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
COVID-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms COVID-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms
Covid-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms The XEC COVID-19 variant, first identified in Europe, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Click here for a new, updated story - COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States As infections tick upward, public health experts are urging vigilance. The strain, a mix of earlier Omicron subvariants, exhibits symptoms similar to Omicron and its predecessors. These include: Congestion,  Runny nose,  Cough,  Shortness of breath,  Fever or chills,  Fatigue.  Not…
UVA Alum Harmeet Dhillon Nominated For Prestigious DOJ Role In Trump Administration UVA Alum Harmeet Dhillon Nominated For Prestigious DOJ Role In Trump Administration
UVA Alum Harmeet Dhillon Nominated For Prestigious DOJ Role In Trump Administration A Virginia legal luminary with deep ties to the Commonwealth has been tapped for a high-profile role in the Trump administration, authorities announced Monday. Harmeet K. Dhillon, a University of Virginia Law School alumna and former editorial board member of the Virginia Law Review, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the US Department of Justice. Dhillon butted head with Virginia officials repeatedly about COVID-19 matters inclucing issues such as PPP funding, face masks, and other policies that were put in place du…
Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar
Trump Taps Congressional Ally Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar President-elect Donald Trump has picked one of his strongest allies in Congress to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations and a former member of his first administration as border czar. Rep. Elise Stefanik, age 40, was first elected to New York's 21st District in 2014 and is the House Republican Conference Chair, the youngest woman to hold that post. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to CBS News. CNN first reported the news late Sunday, Nov. 10. Trump also decided on another native New Yorker for a…
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants Casual dining chain TGI Fridays has filed for bankruptcy several weeks after at least 12 of its restaurants suddenly closed. The company filed the Chapter 11 petition on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Texas, near its Dallas headquarters. Founded in New York City in 1965, TGI Fridays has 95 restaurants in the US, 39 of which the company owns and operates. The other 56 are independent franchises not involved in the bankruptcy petition. The company said that all those locations will remain open. According to the TGI Fridays website and other reports, the following locations are now listed as permanent…
Murder Charge Dropped For Montgomery County Mom Keeping Kids In Filth: Authorities Murder Charge Dropped For Montgomery County Mom Keeping Kids In Filth: Authorities
Murder Charge Dropped For Montgomery County Mom Keeping Kids In Filth: Authorities A murder charge was dropped for a Maryland mom after her teenage daughter died and five of her other children were found living in filth, authorities said. Cynthia Moore, 41, of Montgomery Village, was found guilty by a judge of six counts of child neglect following a seven-day bench trial, the Montgomery State's Attorney's Office announced Wednesday, Oct. 16. Moore was initially indicted on charges of second-degree depraved heart murder, involuntary manslaughter, and child neglect, as was her husband, Dominique Moore, 46. Domonique is scheduled to go to trial next month. …
DMV Native Noah Lyles Wins Bronze In 200-Meter Olympic Final While Battling COVID-19: Reports DMV Native Noah Lyles Wins Bronze In 200-Meter Olympic Final While Battling COVID-19: Reports
DMV Native Noah Lyles Wins Bronze In 200-Meter Olympic Final While Battling Covid-19: Reports Virginia native Noah Lyles sprinted his way to a bronze medal in his signature race and was wheeled out after revealing a COVID-19 diagnosis. Lyles earned the medal in the 200-meter race before laying on the track and motioning for water on Thursday after the race.  The Alexandria resident - who notoriously suffers from asthma - then had to be helped off the track in a makeshift wheelchair.  He later revealed that he tested positive for the virus two days earlier and has been hydrating and quarantining until the race. Lyles finished the race milliseconds after gold medalist Lets…
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee
Biden Withdraws From 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses VP Kamala Harris To Be New Nominee President Joe Biden has just announced he is pulling out of the 2024 race against Republican nominee Donald Trump. In a letter to "My Fellow Americans" released just before 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, Biden said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president. “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.” The news comes amid concerns over the 81-year-old Biden's health, which were loudly …
Death Of Detoxing Inmate At Maryland Detention Center Was Due To COVID, Sheriff Says Death Of Detoxing Inmate At Maryland Detention Center Was Due To COVID, Sheriff Says
Death Of Detoxing Inmate At Maryland Detention Center Was Due To COVID, Sheriff Says The detoxing 33-year-old woman who died at the Harford County Detention Center earlier this year was due to natural causes, nothing nefarious, according to the Office of the State Medical Examiner's Office. In May, Brittani Ugrotzi was found unresponsive in her cell, and she was later pronounced dead after being treated by staff members and paramedics. On Saturday, July 20, the Harford County Sheriff's Office announced that her death was determined to be "of natural causes with contributing factors of COVID-19 pneumonia with dehydration complicated by opioid withdrawal." Ugrotzi was booked…
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets Covid-19 Again Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 — again, White House officials announced on Wednesday, July 17. The 81-year-old Biden has tested positive for COVID while in Las Vegas, Nevada ahead of the DNC, officials with the White House explained. His symptoms are mild. His doctor noted that he presented with upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, a non-productive cough, and "general malaise," as stated in the release.  Since his condition did not improve throughout the day, a COVID test was conducted on Wednesda…
COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…
Community Rallying Around Immigrant Family Whose American Dream Was Dashed By DC Explosion Community Rallying Around Immigrant Family Whose American Dream Was Dashed By DC Explosion
Community Rallying Around Immigrant Family Whose American Dream Was Dashed By DC Explosion An immigrant couple who came to the nation's capital looking to live the American Dream is reeling after the gas explosion in Anacostia that leveled their convenience store.  On Jan. 18, there was a gas explosion in the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue that led to the destruction of Ishaq Hussen's Danakil Convenience Store and left other nearby businesses with severe damage. Video from the dash-cam of the first engine on scene captures the moment when the second of two explosions takes place at a convenience store on Marion Barry Ave SE minutes after the initial daycare explosion #…
Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Monifa McKnight Agrees To Step Away Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Monifa McKnight Agrees To Step Away
Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Monifa McKnight Agrees To Step Away Embattled Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Monifa McKnight has reached a mutual agreement with the Board of Education to part ways with the district, effective immediately. An announcement was made on Tuesday, Feb. 2 advising the community that McKnight would no longer be at the head of schools, with COO Brian Hull stepping in as the acting superintendent. "The Board is grateful to Dr. McKnight for her many years of service to MCPS and public education," officials wrote in a statement. "We wish her well in her next chapter (and) the Board will work together with staff to ensure a sm…
Kindergarten Student In Maryland Dies From COVID After Being Sent To Hospital Twice Kindergarten Student In Maryland Dies From COVID After Being Sent To Hospital Twice
Kindergarten Student In Maryland Dies From COVID After Being Sent To Hospital Twice A young girl died at a Maryland hospital after suffering from the effects of COVID-19, her school district announced. On Thursday, an email was sent out to members of the community by Cannon Road Elementary School Principal Kristine Donohue, after a student passed away from the virus. According to Donohue, the student was admitted to the hospital last week for COVID, and was readmitted before dying on Sunday, Jan. 21. "As a staff, we are grieving this horrific loss," she wrote. "I ask that you keep (her) family and our staff in your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time."  …
Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC
Surge In Covid-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm, warning that low vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) could strain healthcare systems across the nation in the weeks ahead. Hospitalizations among all age groups in the last month increased by 200 percent for influenza, 51 percent for COVID, and 60 percent for RSV, the CDC said. Meanwhile, coverage for the seasonal 2023-2024 flu shot is low in all age groups compared with the same period of the 2022–2023 season. Just 17 percent of adults had received the updated COVID vac…
Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming COVID-19 Funds Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming COVID-19 Funds
Jury Finds Marilyn Mosby Complicit In Illegally Claiming Covid-19 Funds A former top prosecutor in Maryland will face prison time after crying wolf about financial "hardships" during the COVID-19 crisis, authorities announced. On Thursday, a federal jury convicted embattled former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby on two founds of perjury in connection to her withdrawing of funds from the city's Deferred Compensation Plan, citing a shortfall during the pandemic while she was still in office. Prosecutors said that between May 2020 and December 2020, Mosby submitted claims for both a $40,000 and $50,000 withdrawal from the Compensation Plan, though at the …
Gone Fishin' Forever: Popular Oyster, Seafood Restaurant Shutting Down Two DC Locations Gone Fishin' Forever: Popular Oyster, Seafood Restaurant Shutting Down Two DC Locations
Gone Fishin' Forever: Popular Oyster, Seafood Restaurant Shutting Down Two DC Locations Foodies in the District are running out of time to try a popular seafood spot that is getting ready to permanently close its doors. Owners of the Brine Oyster & Seafood House announced that they will be serving their final meals this weekend at both the H Street NE and Dupont locations with one final dinner service for fans of the restaurants' wide variety of fresh and local fish products. The final dinner service at both locations is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11.  It may come as a surprise to some that Brine's will be closing after the eatery ranked among the best Yelp reviews in …
Former State Employee, Brother Guilty Of Profiting From Pandemic In Maryland: AG Former State Employee, Brother Guilty Of Profiting From Pandemic In Maryland: AG
Former State Employee, Brother Guilty Of Profiting From Pandemic In Maryland: AG A former state employee in Maryland who conspired with his brother to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic will have time to ponder his decisions behind bars, the Attorney's General Office announced. James DiPino, 62, and Paul DiPino, Jr., 56, were sentenced to 10 years in prison with all but one year and one day suspended after admitting to bribery charges in connection to their procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said that in the spring of 2020, right as the the pandemic was becoming a national concern, James DiPino …
Caretaker Who Left Dementia Patient Bedridden Before Death In Maryland Sentenced: AG Caretaker Who Left Dementia Patient Bedridden Before Death In Maryland Sentenced: AG
Caretaker Who Left Dementia Patient Bedridden Before Death In Maryland Sentenced: AG An employee at a Maryland nursing home will spend years behind bars for her role in the death of a 75-year-old longterm healthcare patient who died after being knocked down, the Maryland AG announced. Obiageriaku Iheanacho, 36, of Batlimore, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with all but seven suspended after she admitted to her role in the assault and death of Ellsworth Johnson-Bey, a dementia patient, last year. According to prosecutors, Iheanacho was a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) assigned to the Autumn Lake Health Care Post Acute Care Center in Baltimore when she was caught…
Republicans Slam Mask Mandate For Kindergarteners Amid Maryland Classroom COVID Outbreak Republicans Slam Mask Mandate For Kindergarteners Amid Maryland Classroom COVID Outbreak
Republicans Slam Mask Mandate For Kindergarteners Amid Maryland Classroom COVID Outbreak Some elected officials are coming after a Maryland school district that is taking precautions after several Kindergarteners tested positive for COVID-19 in Montgomery County. The Rosemary Hills Elementary School in Silver Spring issued an alert about precautions that are being put in place after several people tested positive for the virus in the past 10 days. In response, the district announced that additional KN95 masks were distributed to students and staff in certain classes, which will be required through at least Friday, Sept. 15, except while eating or drinking. Masks will then aga…
COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Five States COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Five States
Covid-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Five States The most likely symptoms of a new COVID-19 variant with around 30 mutations are expected to be similar to the highly contagious Omicron strain based on reports so far. COVID-related hospitalizations have increased in the US for six straight weeks, with a 19-percent increase reported in the most recent week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, has now been identified in five states: New York, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio. The strain was first detected in Israel around Sunday, Aug. 20, and cases have also been identif…
COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed COVID-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed
Covid-19: First US Case Of Pirola Variant With 30 Mutations Confirmed The first case of the newly identified COVID-19 variant with 30 mutations has been identified in the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded BA.2.86 to a “variant under monitoring," citing the "large number of mutations it carries." BA.2.86, which has now been nicknamed "Pirola," was first detected in Israel, and cases have also been identified in the United Kingdom and Denmark. The initial case in the US has been detected in Michigan. The patient, an older person with mild symptoms, is from Washtenaw County, the Michigan Department of Health and Hu…
Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV
Here Are The Best, Worst Times To Get Out Of Town For Memorial Day Weekend In The DMV Travelers in the DMV region looking to get out of town for the long Memorial Day Weekend may want to hit the road as AAA anticipates near record-high travelers for the holiday. With the COVID-19 pandemic truly i the rearview mirror, AAA is projecting that 42.3 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from home, representing a possible 7 percent increase over 2022, marking the beginning of the busy summer travel season. In the region, those looking to get away for the weekend are being advised to leave before noon on Friday, May 26, if they hope to avoid gridlocks and headaches …
Do Not Use These COVID-19 At-Home Tests Due To Bacteria Concerns: FDA Do Not Use These COVID-19 At-Home Tests Due To Bacteria Concerns: FDA
Do Not Use These Covid-19 At-Home Tests Due To Bacteria Concerns: FDA Americans have been advised by federal officials to stop using and dispose of specific COVID-19 at-home tests that could have potentially harmful bacteria inside the kits. SD Biosensor, Inc. announced on Friday, May 5, that the company is requesting that consumers stop using “Pilot COVID-19 At-Home Tests” due to contaminants found in the tube with liquid inside, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The tube with the liquidFDA The affected tests can be identified by the lot number on the outer packaging (see below) and should be discarded in the trash. The liquid should n…
COVID-19: Highly-Infectious 'Arcturus' Variant Detected In Maryland COVID-19: Highly-Infectious 'Arcturus' Variant Detected In Maryland
Covid-19: Highly-Infectious 'Arcturus' Variant Detected In Maryland A new COVID-19 variant first detected in New York in January has now been identified in 27 states, including Maryland. The so-called Arcturus strain — officially known as XBB.1.16 — is believed to be one of the most infectious versions of Omicron to date.  Shortly after the World Health Organization began monitoring the variant in late March, cases had been reported in about two dozen countries. The WHO says Arcturus is a "recombinant" of COVID subvariants BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75. In addition to New York, XBB.1.16 has also been confirmed in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virgi…