COVID-19 Update: August 7, 2020: On Deadline

The self-imposed deadline for an agreement on the pandemic stimulus bill arrives, and it looks like Congress will have to cool its heels in DC, because the parties remain far apart. The economy shows more troubling signs. And the coronavirus continues to spread into the rural US. A breakthrough is needed.

The latest:

Mitch McConnel and Nancy Pelosi are gritting their teeth in determination to accomplish something, but a Congressional stimulus bill agreement remains elusive: bit.ly/33DrV1m.

The US adds 1.8 million jobs in July, in a sign that hiring is slowing down: tinyurl.com/y43gb347.

Meanwhile:

The coronavirus spreads into non-urban areas: wapo.st/2PvOQTJ. For example, consider the case of rural California: yhoo.it/2PAi304.

Dr. Anthony Fauci cautiously supports reopening schools -- with the emphasis on "cautiously:" wapo.st/2XEzbpN.

Two-thirds of Americans say they will accept a coronavirus vaccine; is that enough to stop the spread? bit.ly/3a5AgvK.

Fifty-six NFL players test positive for the coronavirus: wapo.st/3a53AlY.

Africa surges past one million cases, and that's probably a low-ball figure: bit.ly/3gQ0q8B.

Actors' Equity joins other unions in demanding pandemic relief: tinyurl.com/y3apzsq2.

Food for thought:

If people of color are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, why is the vaccine mostly being tested on white people? bit.ly/31uYKL1.

Around the country:

In California:

Three reasons why the state is backsliding: house parties: bit.ly/2F2aWeN; churches: bit.ly/2PzuoS8; and parks: bit.ly/31rCemp.

More drive-in concerts are planned in San Diego: bit.ly/2DGb2Ig.

In Florida:

The state reports 7,686 new cases (down) and 180 deaths (up): bit.ly/31y6kVr.

The governor relaxes the ban on New Yorkers traveling to the state: bit.ly/2Pv6qHL.

The governor cites sports as a reason to reopen schools: hrld.us/3knDGig.

An expert says if the US economy is in a recession, the travel industry is in a depression: bit.ly/3a3opOZ.

In Illinois:

The state extends unemployment benefits by 20 weeks: bit.ly/2DNgau0.

In New Jersey:

The Millville School District's summer daycare program is shut down after employees test positive for COVID-19: bit.ly/2DFmPGX.

In New York:

The governor says all of the state's school districts meet the health criteria for reopening, but adds that schools must get final approval from state health and education departments: bit.ly/3ijHsqY.

In Kansas:

AMC reports second-quarter losses of over $560 million: bit.ly/3fwv5WU.

The Kansas House Speaker discloses he was hospitalized for COVID-19 -- but he attended a meeting with other officials without revealing his diagnosis: b.ly/3ibdRjA.

In Minnesota:

A funeral becomes a super-spreader event: strib.mn/3a3Ai7i.

In Utah:

The Sundance Festival, in response to the pandemic, shortens its 2021 edition: bit.ly/2Px7xXj.

The state reports 587 new cases; the governor sets a goal of 400 a day: bit.ly/2DDi2pj.

Around the world:

In China:

Christopher Nolan's Tenet, now off American release schedules until who knows when, will open in China September 4: bit.ly/30z8swL.

In the Dominican Republic:

The country leads the Caribbean in new infections, with hospitals hitting overflow: hrld.us/3kozcrK.

Company news:

Elation Professional launches an online learning center: bit.ly/3kgxit0.

For your pleasure:

In memory of the great Brent Carver, who died this week, "This Is Not Over Yet," from Parade, with Carolee Carmello: bit.ly/3fDwLO8.

That's all for today. Have a good weekend. See you Monday. Stay safe. -- DB

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Previous LSA COVID-19 Updates: plasa.me/lsacovid19resources.