1 Calls For Gov Cuomo To Resign Louder As Third Accuser Comes Forward
A third woman has come forward accusing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment. The New York Times is reporting 33-year-old Anna Ruch met Cuomo for the first time at a 2019 wedding. She accuses him of making an inappropriate advance. Ruch, who we’re naming because she has outed herself, is not an aide to the governor. She says Cuomo placed his hand on her back then put his hands on her cheeks and asked to kiss her after she removed his hand. When she did, he allegedly called the move “aggressive.” The latest young woman follows two former Cuomo aides who say he was not only inappropriate, but in one case, that he kissed them without permission. As the investigation into the allegations deepens, New York Democratic congresswoman from New York Kathleen Rice is joining the chorus of those calling on Governor Cuomo to step down. "The time has come,” she offers via Twitter. “The Governor must resign.”
2 Senate Will Take Up Sweeping Stimulus Bill This Week
President Biden's nearly two-trillion dollar coronavirus relief package is now before the Senate. The House approved the one-point-nine trillion dollar “American Rescue Plan” over the weekend. If passed by the Senate, folks can expect a 14-hundred dollar direct payment. That is, if they have an adjusted gross income up to 75-thousand dollars per person (or 150-thousand for married couples). Parents also are eligible for those 14-hundred dollar payments, meaning a family of four could get as much as 56-hundred dollars. The Senate will take up the bill this week and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls getting it passed a “critical priority.” Across the aisle, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell calls the package a "bonanza of partisan spending." He’s not alone. Republicans argued the bill is far too expensive and filled with things that are unrelated to the pandemic.
3 CDC Director: No Time To Start Relaxing COVID Restrictions
Led by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, officials are saying this is no time to start relaxing coronavirus restrictions. At a briefing, she told reporters a recent leveling-off of new cases and deaths is stalling. She also expressed ongoing concerns about virus mutations, or variants. Walensky again urged everyone to get vaccinated when shots are available to them. Meantime, Dr. Anthony Fauci touted the approval of the third vaccine from Johnson & Johnson. The NIH veteran stressed that all three coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective. White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients said the vaccination distribution program continues to grow across the U.S. He acknowledged frustrations with scheduling vaccinations and said the Biden administration is working with states to make things smoother as vaccination capacity increases. Zients also urged all Americans to continue wearing facemasks while practicing safe social distancing.