The U.S. House of Representatives passed a revised coronavirus relief bill on Monday night with unanimous consent as Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced a third multi-billion-dollar COVID-19 package. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act package initially passed 363 to 40 on Saturday following intense negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and Mnuchin hashed out technical … [Read more...]
Older age, history of sepsis, heart trouble elevate COVID-19 death risk
Data out of China on the new coronavirus offers information on how the disease passes from one person to another, and who is at greatest risk for severe illness after infection. In findings published Monday by The Lancet, researchers from Wuhan, China, ground zero for the ongoing outbreak, document trends in adults who ultimately died after acquiring the virus, known as COVID-19. They observe that those infected appear to be contagious "for longer than expected." The study is the first … [Read more...]
Idris Elba tests positive for COVID-19
Actors Idris Elba and Olga Kurylenko announced on social media Monday that they have tested positive for COVID-19. Elba shared a video where he spoke, with wife Sabrina Dhowre in the background. He said he self-quarantined on Friday when he found out he'd come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Elba got tested and the results showed he was positive too. He said he feels fine, and Dhowre is asymptomatic and has not been tested yet. He encouraged viewers to take … [Read more...]
Texans make blockbuster trade involving DeAndre Hopkins
The Houston Texans on Monday traded star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for running back David Johnson. Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and the Houston Chronicle that the Texans are also sending a fourth-round pick to the Cardinals in the trade. The Cardinals are sending a second-round and fourth-round pick to the Texans, in addition to Johnson. "Let's go Houston! See you soon," Johnson tweeted Monday. Hopkins, 27, is one of the best wide receivers in … [Read more...]
Tom Brady to leave Patriots; has offers from Buccaneers, Chargers
Tom Brady says he will join a new team for the 2020 NFL season, ending his decorated tenure with the New England Patriots. Brady announced his departure from New England Tuesday on social media. The six-time Super Bowl champion has spent his entire 20-year NFL career with the AFC East franchise. Brady made his debut with the Patriots in 2000. Brady, 42, thanked fans, teammates, coaches, the Patriots' front office and others before announcing he was leaving the team. "Although my … [Read more...]
Ricky Gervais mocks PC culture, Netflix domination at Golden Globes
Controversial comedian Ricky Gervais kicked off his fifth gig hosting Hollywood's Golden Globe Awards gala with jokes about diversity, celebrity activism and Netflix. "We were going to do an 'in memorium' this year, but when I saw the list of people that had died, it wasn't diverse enough. It was mostly white people and I thought, 'Nah, not on my watch,'" he quipped. "Maybe next year. Let's see what happens." Gervais also teased his fellow celebrities for starring in TV shows and movies … [Read more...]
Crude oil prices top $70 per barrel as Middle East tensions escalate
Crude oil futures topped $70 per barrel in early trading Monday amid rising tensions in Iraq and Iran following the killing of a top Iranian military commander in Baghdad. Benchmark Brent crude futures reached $70.72 early in Monday's session, up 1.28 percent, before falling back below the $70 mark to $69.49. West Texas Intermediate crude for February delivery was up 1.21 percent to $69.26 per barrel, a 58-cent increase since Friday and its highest level since April. The crude oil price … [Read more...]
Meth use up sixfold, fentanyl use quadrupled in U.S. in last 6 years
A study of over 1 million urine drug tests from across the United States shows soaring rates of use of methamphetamines and fentanyl, often used together in potentially lethal ways. The drug test results came primarily from clinics dealing with primary care, pain management or substance abuse disorders. The results showed that between 2013 and 2019, urine samples testing positive for methamphetamine -- "meth" -- have skyrocketed sixfold, from about 1.4 percent of samples testing positive … [Read more...]
Drinking whole milk may reduce risk for obesity in children, analysis suggests
Children who drink whole milk have a lower risk of being overweight or obese, a new analysis has found. In an article published Monday in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers from St. Michael's Hospital of Unity Health Toronto concluded that whole milk-drinking kids were 40 percent less likely to have an unhealthy weight than their peers who consumed reduced-fat or skim milk. Their results were based on analysis of data from 28 studies. "The majority of children in … [Read more...]
Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa will enter 2020 NFL Draft
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is leaving the school in order to enter the 2020 NFL Draft. Tagovailoa announced his decision to head to the NFL Monday in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Crimson Tide star completed 71.4 percent of his throws for 2,840 yards, 33 touchdowns and three interceptions this season before sustaining a season-ending hip injury. "It was just a hard decision all around, taking into consideration the pros and cons for both sides of the decision," Tagovailoa said. "I seek … [Read more...]
