March 5, 2021 1:15 am
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice says as of midnight Friday, March 5th, restaurants and bars can now use 100% of their seating capacity where social distancing is possible. The state’s mask mandate will remain in effect. Justice says full capacity will be allowed at small business and retail stores and gyms and museums, but standing room to congregate will not be allowed in places such as bars. Last month, Justice had already loosened restrictions on businesses after a dip in cases and deaths. But he said he will not be influenced by a few other Republican governors removing mask mandates.
March 5, 2021 1:11 am
As of Thursday, the main pavilion in Washington Park will be called The Rotary Community Pavilion. Washington’s Fiscal Director Joe Manning, himself a Rotarian, says the board agreed to the name change because of all the work put into the project by the Rotary Club of Washington. Manning says the Rotary took on the project to celebrate their centennial, and through fundraising efforts and LSA contributions, were able to transform the iconic structure. Manning says there are still a few little fix-up projects to complete, but for the most part, the pavilion is ready to rent when it is safe to gather again.
March 4, 2021 1:29 pm
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Wednesday the team has signed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a new contract for 2021. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed. “We are excited we were able to come to an agreement with Ben Roethlisberger on a new contract for him to return to the Steelers in 2021,” General Manager and Vice President Kevin Colbert said in a release. “We know that Ben can still play at a high level and do special things for this team. Our goal remains the same — to put together a roster that will compete for another championship. We are happy that Ben will be one of our leaders to help us accomplish that goal.” “It is my greatest honor to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and give my all for this organization,” said Roethlisberger. “I am grateful to be at this stage of my career and more than happy to adjust my contract in a way that best helps the team to address other players who are so vital to our success. I love this game and love to compete, and I believe in this team and my ability to deliver when called upon. It all starts with great preparation and I am ready to go.”
March 4, 2021 4:23 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Defense Department took more than three hours to dispatch the National Guard to the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol despite a frantic request for reinforcement from police. That’s according to testimony Wednesday that added to the finger-pointing about the government response. Maj. Gen. William Walker is the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard. He told senators that the then-chief of the Capitol Police requested military support but that the Defense Department approval for that support was not relayed to him until hours later. That delay stood in contrast to the immediate approval for National Guard support granted in response to the civil unrest that sprung from racial justice protests.
March 4, 2021 4:21 am
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) – SpaceX’s futuristic Starship has exploded after what looked to be a successful touchdown. The full-scale prototype soared more than 6 miles Wednesday after lifting off from the southern tip of Texas. It descended horizontally and then flipped upright just in time to land. The shiny bullet-shaped rocketship remained intact, prompting a SpaceX commentator to declare, “third time’s a charm.” But soon afterward, the Starship exploded and was hurled into the air by the force. Two previous test flights crash-landed in fireballs. SpaceX founder Elon Musk plans to use Starships to send people to the moon and Mars.
March 4, 2021 4:20 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – House Democrats have rushed to pass the most ambitious effort in decades to overhaul policing. Leaders avoided clashes with moderates in their own party who were wary of reigniting the “defund the police” debate that they say hurt them during last fall’s election. The sweeping measure was approved late Wednesday. The legislation bans chokeholds and “qualified immunity” for law enforcement while easing requirements for prosecutors to pursue misconduct charges. Some Republicans argue that the proposed legislation would slash police force budgets. It doesn’t do that. The bill will have a more difficult path in the Senate.
March 4, 2021 4:19 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – House Democrats have approved sweeping voting and ethics legislation over unanimous Republican opposition, advancing to the Senate what would be the largest overhaul of the U.S. election law in at least a generation. The bill was approved on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict partisan gerrymandering of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes. Democrats have presented it as a powerful counterweight to voting rights restrictions advancing in Republican-controlled statehouses across the country. Republicans have criticized it as an unwanted federal infringement in state elections.
March 4, 2021 4:19 am
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Texas’ power grid manager has been fired following February’s deadly blackouts that left millions of people without electricity and heat for days. The board of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas fired CEO Bill Magness on Wednesday. He is the highest-ranking official to lose his job in the wake of one of the worst power outages in U.S. history. More than 4 million customers in Texas lost electricity as the state’s power grid buckled in subfreezing weather. The winter storm and ensuing blackout have been blamed for at least 40 deaths, but the exact toll likely won’t be known for months.
March 4, 2021 4:18 am
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Recent satellite imagery indicate North Korea may be trying to extract plutonium to make more nuclear weapons. The 38 North website said the satellite imagery indicated a coal-fired steam plant at North Korea’s main Yongbyon nuclear complex is in operation after about a two-year hiatus. The website says the plant could be operating to prepare for reprocessing spent fuel or handling of radioactive waste. The International Atomic Energy Agency said this week the North’s nuclear activities remain concerning. North Korean leader has vowed to expand his nuclear arsenal.
March 4, 2021 4:17 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. Capitol Police say they have uncovered intelligence of a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the Capitol on Thursday. The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Donald Trump will rise again to power on March 4, the original Inauguration Day under the Constitution. On Jan. 6 a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building to try to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s electoral victory. The threat of new violence led House lawmakers to abruptly finish their work for the week earlier than planned.
