US virus cases are on the rise again
Monday 12.06.21
People gather at the memorial outside of Oxford High School. Michigan shooting
The parents of Ethan Crumbley, the 15-year-old accused of fatally shooting four classmates and injuring several others at a Michigan high school last week, have been arrested and jailed after spending part of the weekend on the run. James and Jennifer Crumbley were charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, which were brought forth as prosecutors alleged the parents provided unrestricted access to the gun their son is accused of using. Ethan Crumbley is being charged as an adult with terrorism, first degree murder and other counts. Democratic legislators are calling for bipartisan cooperation to create meaningful gun legislation that they hope would prevent such tragedies. Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy suggested universal background checks and a safe storage policy for guns as solution that could garner support from across the aisle.
Coronavirus
The US is averaging more than 100,000 new Covid-19 cases a day, the first time the country has crossed that threshold in two months. Deaths are also on the rise, with an average of 1,651 people dying from Covid-19 each day over the past seven days. Thanksgiving gatherings are likely one cause of the uptick. The vast majority of new US cases are from the Delta variant. Delta is still the dominant strain across the world, showing up in about 99.9% of coronavirus cases. But the Omicron variant has now been detected in at least 16 states, and has the potential to become the dominant strain nationwide. All of this is especially frustrating and concerning as the holiday season rolls on and scientists scramble to determine whether Omicron is more transmissible and more virulent than other strains. Congress
Unrest is brewing in the House as two Republican representatives -- Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia -- continue to double down on racist and divisive rhetoric. Boebert has unleashed a string of anti-Muslim remarks against Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, implying she could be a terrorist or terrorist sympathizer, and calling her and the other lone Muslim representative the "jihad squad." After a contentious phone call with Boebert last week, Omar says she's "very confident" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will take action against Boebert, which could include punishments like stripping her of her committee assignments. When Republican Rep. Nancy Mace criticized Boebert for her remarks, Rep. Greene, who regularly courts controversy with inflammatory comments, called Mace "trash" and vowed to support a primary challenge against her. China
US officials are closely eyeing China's advancements in both military might and space capabilities. It's no secret the two countries are highly competitive, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said the US isn't afraid to address China's military rise. The country recently tested a hypersonic weapon system, and is rapidly building up its nuclear arsenal, aiming to bring it to at least 1,000 warheads by 2030. Currently, Washington and Beijing are at odds over Taiwan, which has been the target of several displays of escalating Chinese military force. Meanwhile, Gen. David Thompson, vice chief of space operations for the US Space Force, says China is developing its space capabilities at "twice the rate" of the US, and could overtake the US by the end of the decade. Russia
The US is growing increasingly concerned over the potential for Russian aggression against Ukraine. Russia has rapidly escalated its military presence along the countries' shared border, amassing up to 175,000 troops there. New US intelligence findings estimate Russia could begin an invasion of Ukraine in a matter of months. In addition to the military buildup, the intelligence suggests a Russian influence campaign meant to denigrate Ukraine's leaders. President Joe Biden has warned that Russian military action against Ukraine would result in severe consequences. The buildup has led to a planned video call on Tuesday between Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia has denied it has any plans to attack Ukraine, but has also demanded a pledge from Western countries to keep Ukraine from joining NATO. Sponsor Content by The Ascent New Card Offers Unlimited 2% Cash Rewards Secure this leading, no-annual-fee cash back card and you can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, with 0% intro APR for over a year.
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in memoriam
Bob Dole, Republican Party stalwart, three-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 98. Dole served in the Senate for 27 years. President Biden called Dole "an American statesman like few in our history" and "a war hero ... among the greatest of the Greatest Generation." $600,000 That's how much money was stolen from a safe at pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas in 2014. A plumber doing repair work at the church recently uncovered hundreds of envelopes of cash and checks hidden behind a wall, and police believe the money is tied to that 7-year-old theft. Please let us stop this shipwreck of civilization!
Pope Francis, decrying the loss of life in the Mediterranean and countries that close their borders to refugees. This weekend, the Pope met with refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos, a location that has become a symbol of the migrant crisis in the region. Brought to you by CNN Underscored 20 of the comfiest gifts for the homebody in your life This holiday season, dazzle your home-lovin' friend with these cozy ideas. We're talking all of the indulgences — from oversized blankets and plush pajamas to puzzles, sherpa jumpsuits and more. How are glass ornaments made? Very carefully! Sponsor Content by GetYourGuide 8 unmissable things to do this holiday season in NYC Full of magic and adventure, GetYourGuide has handpicked the top 8 things to do in the Big Apple this December. Read on to wrap yourself up in these unforgettable festive experiences.
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