Author: Associated Press

U.S. COVID-19 death toll nears 500,000

AP: The U.S. stands at the brink of 500,000 deaths from the coronavirus. A year into the pandemic, America’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, calls the looming milestone horrible and historic. The running total of lives lost, as compiled by Johns Hopkins University, was about 498,000 on Sunday. That’s roughly the population of Kansas City, Missouri, and just…

At least 49 people dead from extreme winter weather

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Power was restored to more homes and businesses in Texas after a deadly blast of winter this week overwhelmed the electrical grid and left millions shivering in the cold. But the crisis was far from over, with many people still in need of safe drinking water. Fewer than a half-million homes remained without electricity, although utility…

“Anti-Trump” Florida man indicted for plotting attack on Trump supporters

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – A Florida man accused of trying to organize an armed response to supporters of former President Donald Trump when they were expected at the state Capitol last month has been indicted on federal charges. Court records show a federal grand jury in Tallahassee on Thursday formally charged Daniel Baker. Authorities say Baker was using social media…