The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a plan to purchase more food from struggling farmers and distribute it to food banks -- some $470 million this time. The purchases, announced this week, will come in addition to the $3 billion the USDA pledged to buy farm products as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program that was announced April 17. While across the country farmers welcomed the news, they were quick to warn that even when combined with the other aid programs, this … [Read more...]
Trump announces $850B coronavirus stimulus package
The proposal includes stimulus payments to Americans the administration called "business interruption" compensation. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he's confident the United States will rebound quickly from the coronavirus outbreak, as his administration outlined an $850 billion economic stimulus program. Trump, speaking at a White House briefing with his Coronavirus Task Force, said the United States will rebound "stronger than ever" after beating the virus. "If we do this … [Read more...]
House sends revised coronavirus response bill to Senate
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...]
Donald Glover’s surprise release album taken offline
Donald Glover's surprise album that was released on Sunday has been taken offline after being available for 12 hours. Glover started having the untitled album play on a loop for free on the website DonaldGloverPresents.com. The site no longer has music playing. The album included guest appearances by Ariana Grande, 21 Savage and SZA. No track list was provided and the album was not made available on music streaming services. Glover normally releases music under his rap persona Childish … [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...]
Kentucky Derby postponed until September due to coronavirus
Churchill Downs on Tuesday rescheduled the Kentucky Derby from May 2 to Sept. 5, over Labor Day weekend, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is only the second time in the 145-year history of the event, the first being at the end of World War II, that Derby Day has been moved from the first Saturday in May. Churchill Downs announced the schedule change Tuesday at a news conference in Louisville, Ky. "Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority … [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...]
