Sec. 2. Immediate Action Regarding Federal Employees, Contractors, Buildings, and Lands. (a) The heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall immediately take action, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to require compliance with CDC guidelines with respect to wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and other public health measures by: on-duty or on-site Federal employees; on-site Federal contractors; and all persons in Federal buildings or on Federal lands.
Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing
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... Minimum Wage for Contractors (the Executive Order or the Order), beginning January 1, 2021. Beginning on that date, the Executive Order minimum wage rate that generally must be paid to workers performing work on or in connection with covered contracts will increase to $10.95 per hour, while the required minimum cash wage that generally must be paid to tipped employees performing work on or in connection with covered contracts will increase to $7.65 per hour
Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors, Notice of Rate Change in Effect as of January 1, 2021
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Coyotes are on the prowl in East Tennessee. It's mating season and homeowners are already catching them on doorbell cameras.
How to stay safe as coyotes are out and about in East Tennessee
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The Tennessee River, a 652-mile tributary of the Ohio River, is notoriously polluted. In 2019, researchers said the river was more like a river of plastic, according to CNN affiliate WVLT, possibly with more broken down bits of plastic than any other river in the world.
Volunteers remove more than 9,000 lbs of trash from Tennessee River
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‘Vaccine tourism’ stirs anger as coronavirus cases surge
Florida downplays reports of medical tourism for vaccines
Thinking About Traveling Just to Get Vaccinated? You Need to Read This First
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The Secret Service who’ve pledged to give their lives to protect Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump have for years been instructed not to use any of the seven bathrooms in the Trump/Kushner home.
Instead, the Secret Service has spent $100,000 in taxpayer money to rent a $3,000-per-month basement studio apartment nearby with a bathroom so that agents can use the toilet.
Jared and Ivanka Aren’t Sharing Toilets With People Who’ve Agreed to Die for Them
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Reads like a third world country...
Manning was taken to a hospital 5 hours after the beating...
The lawsuit claims that the county has adopted a policy of releasing prisoners who are injured and taken to the hospital because by releasing them the county is not responsible for their medical bills.
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The new regulation would restrict regulators’ consideration of findings from public health studies unless the underlying data from them are made public. The rule deals with so-called dose response findings, which look at harm suffered at varying exposures to a pollutant or other toxic agent.
The change could limit not only future public health protections, but “force the agency to revoke decades of clean air protections,” Chris Zarba, former head of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board, said in a statement.
A final EPA rollback under Trump curbs use of health studies
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Despite warnings to avoid large gatherings over the holidays, Knox County bar Cotton Eyed Joe went on business as usual with their annual New Year’s Eve party, then they followed it up with a concert with 1,200 attendees the next day.
Ward says masks and hand sanitizer were handed out at the door, but for people coming to his bar it’s their choice.
They aren't even trying.
Open earlier and close at 10 pm, require all customers to wear a mask, and come up with a distancing setup.
We all have to share the same air. You cannot do anything about that. So make employees and customers wear a mask.
They walk around people at home and work, and grocery stores, etc. Breathing around people that did not choose to go to a bar. Passing on the virus. They have effectively taken everyone they breathe around to the bar.
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The situation in Los Angeles County hospitals is so critical that ambulance crews have been advised to cut back on their use of oxygen and to not bring to hospitals patients who have virtually no chance of survival. Officials say they need to focus on patients with a greater chance of surviving.
Ambulance crews told not to transport patients who have little chance of survival
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The segment is part of a bigger project to link Knox County with Blount County greenways that will lead to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
New half-mile section of greenway ready for use in South Knoxville
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President Donald Trump badgered and pleaded with Georgia’s election chief to overturn Joe Biden’s win in the state, suggesting in a telephone call that the official “find” enough votes to hand Trump the victory.
Trump, on tape, presses Ga. official to ‘find’ Trump votes
In recorded call, Trump pressures Georgia election official to change results - Washington Post
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According to the CDC, flu numbers are down 98%. Possible explanations include fewer people traveling, adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing, and more Americans getting the flu shot.
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Sad to hear of acoustic guitarist Tony Rice passing away. Saw him a few times in Knoxville and am a big fan. Probably the best acoustic guitarist I have ever heard. 69 is too young
Why Tony Rice Was Bluegrass Music’s Great Experimentalist
Tony Rice, A Giant Of The Acoustic Guitar, Dead At 69
Tony Rice, guitarist who brought a touch of jazz to bluegrass, dies at 69
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For some, being able to take credit for something is more important than solving the problem
Evidence Shows Obama Team Left A Pandemic ‘Game Plan’ For Trump Administration
Obama team left pandemic playbook for Trump administration, officials confirm
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On Sunday, the General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme Base, a Chilean research base located on Antarctica's northernmost Trinity Peninsula, confirmed that 26 army personnel and 10 civilians working as contractors on the base tested positive with Covid-19.
The outbreak comes after at least three people tested positive for Covid-19 on a military vessel that had been supplying logistical support to the O'Higgins base between November 27 and December 10.
Covid-19 is now on every continent as Antarctica records its first outbreak
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Who voted for/against?
The ordinance would remove the board's ability to create policies and make it an advisory board.
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After 277 consecutive days at work, Dr. Joseph Varon received a very special gift Monday: one of the first public doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.
"This is like having gold," Varon said, holding a box of doses shortly before he was vaccinated. "I don't cry, but I came very close ... You know how many lives you can save with this?"
The first people to get the vaccines are health care workers and employees and residents of long-term care facilities. Most Americans will have to wait months before getting their inoculations.
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Lee seems to be the type to sit back and let things take their own course. Similar to approach he took when running for Governor. I don't get his views not requiring masks..
Grappling with the worst coronavirus outbreak in the nation, Gov. Bill Lee will mandate social gathering restrictions but refuses to require mask-wearing in Tennessee as the deadly illness rampages the state, stretching hospitals to their limits and claiming more than 6,000 lives.
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Discussing:
- Knox County COVID deaths are increasing too dramatically (2 replies)
- Coronavirus vaccine conundrum (6 replies)
- Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing (3 replies)
- The situation (464 replies)
- How to stay safe as coyotes are out and about in East Tennessee (2 replies)
- Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors, as of January 1, 2021 (2 replies)
- Burchett imprecise on 25th Amendment (9 replies)
- Sad day in America (17 replies)
- We made it! (4 replies)
- President Biden (3 replies)
- A New Day (1 reply)
- Pruitt out (7 replies)
TN Progressive
- 28% of Blount County coronavirus deaths in last 3 weeks (BlountViews)
- 81 Covid Dead in Roane County (RoaneViews)
- Friday Toons (RoaneViews)
- Breathe deeply (Domestic Psychology)
- If You See One Thing Today... (RoaneViews)
- Sometime Today Roane County Will Record Its 80th Covid Death (RoaneViews)
- Blount County coronavirus cases over 9,300 as of 12/27/2020 (BlountViews)
- Blount County coronavirus cases nearly 8,000 as of 12/17/2020 (BlountViews)
- Blount County coronavirus cases over 7,000 as of 12/11/2020 (BlountViews)
- The 2020 Presidential Debate: We've Been Here Before (Joe Powell)
- Recommendations for August 6 (Left Wing Cracker)
- Facts and Truth - the Vaccine for Our Nation (Joe Powell)
TN Politics
- Phoenix calling: Latest disclosures detail more spending on mystery vendor (TN Journal)
- Tennessee Moves Corrections Officers Up on Vaccine Priority List, Leaving Prisoners Behind (Nashville Scene)
- New TNDP chair Hendrell Remus strikes hopeful tone, emphasizes the long game (TN Lookout)
- Column: Legislative Webinar becomes Shadow Government (TN Lookout)
- Commentary: Giving gratitude for the lessons of Trump (TN Lookout)
- New guidance from Tennessee officials says hospitals cannot limit vaccines to existing patients (TN Lookout)
- Former Sen. Jim Tracy joins Commerce Department (TN Journal)
- Power Poll Prediction: Hagerty & Blackburn Will Not Vote to Convict Trump (TN Lookout)
- Legislature passes COVID education plan; penalties for Metro Nashville, Shelby on hold (TN Lookout)
- COVID diagnosis in Senate raises concerns (UPDATED) (TN Journal)
- New charges filed against Democratic Sen. Robinson (TN Journal)
- Here is Gov. Bill Lee’s special session address to lawmakers (TN Journal)
- New Affordable Housing Task Force Has Plenty to Tackle (Nashville Scene)
- Attorneys Say DNA Testing Results Consistent With Pervis Payne’s Innocence Claim (Nashville Scene)
- Tennessee senators praise Alabama HQ for Space Command (TN Journal)
- Tennessee Democrats Elect Hendrell Remus New Party Chair (Nashville Scene)
- The Weekly Links: The Insurrectionists, Justin Townes Earle and Trump's Last Execution (Nashville Scene)
- Get a Load of This Unhinged Email From Dave Ramsey and Co. (Nashville Scene)
Knox TN Today
- Todd Helton belongs in the Hall of Fame (Knox TN Today)
- Cole Rogers: Loudon County deputy is a ‘Top Cop’ (Knox TN Today)
- Meet the new face of Town Hall (Knox TN Today)
- Private services set for Dick Bales (Knox TN Today)
- Bullen to lead OT fieldwork (Knox TN Today)
- Fighting masks and vaccines, it’s hard to be Humble (Knox TN Today)
- Off season improvements continue (Knox TN Today)
- Tree ID class at UT Gardens (Knox TN Today)
- Farmers Market open through winter (Knox TN Today)
- Get your Ripley’s Ultimate Fun Pass (Knox TN Today)
- O’Steen left Oak Ridge a better place (Knox TN Today)
- Tom Catani: ‘Be fast, fantastic’ (Knox TN Today)
Local TV News
- COVID-19 at UT: 65 active cases, 221 people in isolation or quarantine (WBIR)
- Greeneville police find dead man after receiving call about suspicious vehicle (WBIR)
- Tiger Haven employee hospitalized after bite from tiger, sheriff's office says (WATE)
- Ex-Bean Station chief admits to felony theft of drug money (WBIR)
- Knox County Commission to honor longtime educator and local leader (WATE)
- End of watch: First female KCSO patrol officer passes away Saturday (WBIR)
- Construction of Margaritaville RV Resort underway in Pigeon Forge (WATE)
- Grainger County: Don't send child to school if household has positive COVID test (WATE)
- How is COVID-19 impacting different emergency agencies when it comes to calling 911? (WATE)
- 'I wish he'd reconsider' | Knox Co. Board of Health frustrated by sheriff's lack of enforcement on public health regulations (WBIR)
- UPDATE: South Illinois Avenue at Union Valley Road in Oak Ridge reopens after utility repairs (WATE)
- 'It's pretty hectic' | East Tennessee legislators discuss new session and priorities (WBIR)
News Sentinel
- University of Tennessee, Knox County Schools and Knox County COVID-19 case counts (KNS News)
- Knoxville Biz Ticker: Nokian Tyres to add up to 150 jobs at Dayton factory (KNS Business)
- Tennessee Voices, Episode 137: Jim Brown, lobbyist and author of 'Ending our Uncivil War' (KNS Opinion)
- A 'senseless tragedy': 2 shot to death at Cazzy's Corner Grill, suspect dies by suicide (KNS News)
- Joe Bailey, former vice mayor, to lead Hagerty offices in East Tennessee | Victor Ashe (KNS Opinion)
- K.I.S.S. Caboose gives free (yes, free) rides in town as Knoxville business 'ambassadors' (KNS Business)
- Two former KUB employees falsified timesheets to the tune of $10,595, comptroller says (KNS News)
- Will Regal Cinemas' spring reopening hopes be dashed by James Bond? (KNS Business)
- Knox County law department shreds unfounded ethics complaint from public health critic (KNS News)
- Tennessee plan to hold back third graders who fall behind in reading draws scrutiny (KNS News)
- Trump may show up, though late, for his (political) party | George Korda (KNS Opinion)
- Report: Donor threatened to withhold contribution if GOP AG's dark money group didn't promote Capitol rally (KNS News)
- Tennessee's physician assistants deserve to continue their work without restrictions | Opinion (KNS Opinion)
- The choice is clear: get the COVID-19 vaccine or the virus | Opinion (KNS Opinion)
State News
- Nashville preservationists, developers gear up for Christmas Day bombing demolition debate (Tennessean)
- Nashville school board member Fran Bush tells teachers to 'quit your day job' if they don't feel safe returning to school buildings (Tennessean)
- I-24 westbound closed until 3 p.m. in Cheatham County by overturned semi-truck (Tennessean)
- Coronavirus in Tennessee: Nashville reports 368 new cases, no new deaths (Tennessean)
- On a mission to fix Mid-South muscle cars: Auto shop another sign of growth in Whitehaven (Commercial Appeal)
- Shelby County Health Department announces locations for second doses of Moderna vaccine (Commercial Appeal)
- Chattanooga area weather for Monday, January 25 - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Times Free Press)
- Memphis has won last two games by 47 points. Why Penny Hardaway believes Tigers can be even better (Commercial Appeal)
- Biden nominee frustrated at vaccine delays - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Times Free Press)
- To keep them out of the hospital, Baptist to treat some patients from their own homes (Commercial Appeal)
- Krugman: The corrupt, the clueless and Joe Biden - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Times Free Press)
- Planned Trader Joe's site cleared in Chattanooga with construction to start soon - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Times Free Press)
Local .GOV
- Update: I-275 Business Park Access Improvements Project Making Major Progress (Knoxville)
- Both Jackson Avenue Ramps Now Open; Compare 'Before' and 'After' Photos (Knoxville)
- New Jackson Avenue West Ramp About to Open; East Ramp to Open by Mid-January (Knoxville)
- Neighborhoods Decorate for Holiday Trails (Knoxville)
- Facade Funding Recipient Likewise Coffee Open on Magnolia (Knoxville)
- Winter Fishing at Fountain City Lake Made Possible by Years of Restoration Work (Knoxville)
Wire Reports
- BlackBerry stock rockets again, as company says it is 'not aware' of reason for recent trading activity - MarketWatch (Business)
- Indianapolis police arrest juvenile suspect in mass murder - NBC News (US News)
- Biden Repeals Trump Ban On Transgender US Military Members : President Biden Takes Office - NPR (US News)
- Bed Bath & Beyond, AMC rally with GameStop as little investors squeeze hedge funds in more stocks - CNBC (Business)
- The latest on the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines - CNN (US News)
- US STOCKS-Nasdaq scales new high ahead of big-tech earnings; cyclicals lag - Yahoo Finance (Business)
- Budweiser, like Coke and Pepsi, to pass on Super Bowl 2021 commercials - New York Post (Business)
- Target to give employees bonuses after strong holiday season, extends Covid-related benefits - CNBC (Business)
- Coke with Coffee is (finally) here - CNN (Business)
- Judge blocks release of Capitol riot suspect seen with zip ties as prosecutors eye possible sedition charges - Fox News (US News)
- Biden to sign 'Buy American' executive order - New York Post (US News)
- Biden replaces controversial White House physician - CNN (US News)
- Merck discontinuing development of two COVID-19 vaccine candidates | TheHill - The Hill (Business)
- Multiple threats against members of Congress being investigated before Trump impeachment trial: report | TheHill - The Hill (US News)
- Merck Ends COVID Vaccine Program, Cites Inferior Immune Responses - HuffPost (Business)
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