CDC denounces ‘unethical and illegal’ mandatory coronavirus testing in schools
By Jennifer Scholtes 10/14/2020 02:11 PM EDT The CDC is condemning mandatory coronavirus testing in K-12 schools, updating guidance after New York City began random testing this week on thousands of students and educators. In revamped advice published this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorses voluntary “surveillance” testing in schools but decries any […]
EPA proposes curbing interstate pollution for 12 states’ power plants
By Alex Guillén 10/15/2020 05:11 PM EDT EPA proposed additional restrictions on nitrogen oxide pollution from power plants in 12 states on Thursday in response to a 2019 court ruling that said part of the original Obama-era version was unlawful. The rule will reduce NOx emissions, a precursor for ground-level ozone in downwind states in the East, […]
Ex-Google chief: U.S. must do ‘whatever it takes’ to beat China on AI
By Matthew Choi 10/15/2020 04:26 PM EDT The U.S. needs an urgent national strategy on developing artificial intelligence technology to counter the rising competition from China, said former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, chair of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Speaking with reporters Nancy Scola and Mark Scott on Thursday during POLITICO’s AI Summit, Schmidt […]
Millions of workers face jobless benefits cliff with lifeline set to expire
By Eleanor Mueller , Rebecca Rainey 10/14/2020 08:40 PM EDT WASHINGTON — A failure by Congress to enact a new economic relief package would prolong the pain of the coronavirus crisis for many Americans, but those without jobs face a special threat — millions could run out of unemployment benefits altogether by the end of […]
California air regulators tell vehicle makers to come clean on emissions cheating
By Debra Kahn 10/14/2020 06:39 PM EDT California officials sent an open letter to vehicle manufacturers Wednesday encouraging them to come clean about any cheating on emissions rules — or else face stiff penalties next year when the state’s new testing lab opens. Impact: The letter from Air Resources Board deputy executive officer Steve Cliff puts manufacturers […]
Newsom policing advisers support legislative effort requiring officers to intervene
By Jeremy B. White 10/13/2020 03:55 PM EDT Gov. Gavin Newsom’s policing advisers say California legislators should take up bills compelling peace officers to intervene or report on fellow officers who use excessive force. As protests over police violence and racial inequality engulfed the country this year, Newsom enlisted former East Palo Alto police chief […]
Trump reverses FEMA denial of emergency aid for California fires
By Debra Kahn 10/16/2020 02:59 PM EDT Updated: 10/16/2020 04:42 PM EDT President Donald Trump has agreed to reverse his administration’s decision to deny federal cleanup funding for six California wildfires, including the largest single fire in state history located in the Republican-heavy Central Valley, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday. Impact: The reversal comes after Republican […]
