COVID
American leadership and the new normal
When Donald Trump took office in 2017, Democrats everywhere pledged to not “normalize” his politics. Cries of “this is not normal” resounded through social media as the left mobilized to resist Trump’s attacks on health care access, the stripping of environmental protections, xenophobic immigration policies, and more. Now Trump’s feckless COVID-19 coronavirus response is challenging […]
‘Much worse than a cruise ship’: Prisoners’ lives at risk from COVID-19
WASHINGTON — More than 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States. That’s more people than there are living in major U.S. cities like Phoenix and Philadelphia. They’re particularly vulnerable to health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They live in close-quarters. Many are elderly or pregnant. Many also have pre-existing medical conditions that put them […]
Medicaid nearing ‘eye of the storm’ as newly unemployed look for coverage
As the coronavirus roils the economy and throws millions of Americans out of work, Medicaid is emerging as a default insurance plan for many of the newly unemployed. That could produce unprecedented strains on the vital health insurance program, according to state officials and policy researchers. Americans are being urged to stay home and practice […]
Trump reluctantly invoked an obscure wartime power. Here’s what it means.
WASHINGTON — As his administration came under fire for its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, President Donald Trump last week invoked an obscure Korean War-era law to force General Motors to manufacture ventilators that could save patients’ lives. But Trump waited weeks to do so, raising questions about how effective his actions would be. “Our […]
What you need to know about evictions of month-to-month tenants in Ohio
During this challenging time, each court in Ohio can determine how it wants to handle evictions. For instance, the Franklin County Municipal Court is allowing the filing of new evictions, but instead of setting the possession hearing dates two to three weeks after filing like usual, now all possession hearing dates are set eight weeks […]
Obama stimulus watchdog: ‘Bad guys’ will make play for COVID-19 relief cash
WASHINGTON — Earl Devaney is feeling déjà vu. Devaney, a former longtime federal watchdog, was hired in 2009 to police the distribution of $840 billion in federal stimulus spending for the Obama administration. He had previously worked for the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. EPA’s environmental enforcement division and as the Interior Department’s inspector general. Now happily […]
Pandemic spurs U.S. Senate to pass historic aid package
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate late Wednesday night approved a $2 trillion spending bill that aims to provide economic relief for workers and businesses and to aid hospitals and states reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. The chamber voted 96-0 to pass the bill in an unusual display of bipartisanship. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who tested […]
Lawmakers announce $2 trillion coronavirus response deal
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate leaders announced a compromise with the White House on a massive $2 trillion spending package that would send checks to Americans and provide aid to small businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal was announced early Wednesday morning after days of heated negotiations on Capitol Hill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch […]
Health dept. issues stay-at-home order; Ohioans to shelter in place through at least April 6
The director of the Ohio Department of Health issued a “shelter in place” or “stay at home” order Sunday — basically closing all non-essential state businesses and ordering people to stay home to curb the transmission of the increasingly prevalent COVID-19 disease. The order takes effect Monday evening at midnight and is set to last […]
Can Ohio’s divided congressional delegation find common ground on coronavirus?
WASHINGTON — How much paid leave are Ohio employers required to provide under new federal law? Will they be reimbursed? What benefits will workers get if they aren’t eligible for paid sick leave? How do restaurant and bar owners get in on the state’s liquor buyback program? Ohio U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-6th) answers these […]
At least 2 members of Congress have coronavirus
WASHINGTON — Two members of the U.S. House announced Wednesday that they had tested positive for COVID-19, leading other lawmakers to announce their own self-quarantine plans and increasing uncertainty about how far the illness has already spread on Capitol Hill. Florida Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart issued a statement Wednesday that he had tested positive for COVID-19. […]
Congress clears 2nd major coronavirus package; 3rd in the works
WASHINGTON — A second major coronavirus package cleared the U.S. Senate Wednesday and is now headed to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bill passed 90-8, with overwhelming bipartisan support. The multi-billion dollar measure aims to slow the spread of a new coronavirus and stimulate the economy as a major recession looms. Both Ohio […]