President Trump says he looks like Lone Ranger in a mask and likes it

WASHINGTON — After long resisting wearing a mask in public, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he thinks it makes him look like the Lone Ranger — and he likes it.“I’m all for masks.

US sets new record for coronavirus cases in single day, according to Johns Hopkins tally

NEW YORK -- The U.S. has set a new record for confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in a single day as new coronavirus infections surge across the country amid hasty reopenings in many states. 44,766 new cases were logged by Johns Hopkins’ Coronavirus Resource Center on July 1, surpassing previous record days in June and April.On June 25, the country had set a daily record of 39,972 confirmed COVID-19 cases.By July 1, in response to the rise in cases, California closed bars, theaters and indoor restaurant dining all over again across most of the state Wednesday, and Arizona's outbreak grew more severe by nearly every measure as the surging coronavirus crisis across the South and West sent a shudder through the country.The run-up in confirmed cases has been blamed in part on what's been called "knucklehead behavior” by Americans not wearing masks or obeying social-distancing rules as economies reopened from coast to coast over the past two months. “The bottom line is the spread of this virus continues at a rate that is particularly concerning,” California Gov.

'I thought I’d do something good:' Local artist creates piece for familiar spot in Hales Corners

HALES CORNERS -- If you need a pick-me-up, there are a collection of feel-good stories at ShareLemonade.com.It's a place to celebrate the good.One freshly-picked story from the site features a woman who is using her time and talents to create beautiful works of art.

'Act responsibly:' Despite COVID-19 threat, Oconomowoc plans for July 3 fireworks

OCONOMOWOC -- While many communities steer clear of large gatherings due to COVID-19 this Fourth of July, Oconomowoc is going ahead with its Jul 3 fireworks plans despite the virus threat.Protective measures are being encouraged for the festivities, but some worry it may not be enough.

Pizza Hut, Wendy's franchisee files for bankruptcy

PITTSBURG, Kan. -- NPC International Inc., one of the largest restaurant franchisees in the U.S., filed for bankruptcy protection despite its brands reporting a bump in sales since the coronavirus pandemic, people familiar with the matter said.The owner of more than 1,200 Pizza Hut restaurants and 385 Wendy's Co.

Health officials close indoor service at Madison bars due to 'sustained, high number' of COVID-19 cases

MADISON — Public health officials are closing indoor service at bars in Madison as the Fourth of July weekend approaches and as the number of reported coronavirus cases accelerate, many involving young people in Wisconsin's largest college community.The order from Public Health Madison & Dane County effective Thursday, July 2 allows bars that have patios to keep them open and it limits the number of people who may eat inside restaurants to 25% capacity.From June 20 through June 26, Dane County reported 482 positive cases, with 59% of them aged 20-29."For the past week, Dane County has seen a sustained, high number of cases.

It’s not just the lungs: COVID-19 can affect the brain and heart of those infected, researchers say

LOS ANGELES -- As medical experts learn about the novel coronavirus, which continues to exhibit an array of ever-evolving symptoms and long-term effects, researchers have found that the deadly illness can have deleterious impacts on the heart and brain.A recent study published on June 25 in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, found that while COVID-19 is commonly known as a respiratory illness, the disease has also been known to instigate inflammatory responses in the body which can negatively affect the function of one’s heart and brain.According to the study, researchers observed SARS-CoV-2 infecting human heart cells that were grown from stem cells in a lab.

McDonald’s halts dine-in service reopening plans due to spike in US COVID-19 cases

CHICAGO -- McDonald’s is halting its reopening plans, which includes the reintroduction of dine-in service, due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and increasing mobility ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend in the U.S.A letter sent by McDonald’s President Joe Erlinger and NFLA Chair Mark Salebra indicates that the chain will be pausing its dine-in reopening plans for three weeks.In the letter, McDonald’s advises its locations that have already reopened their dining rooms to review any new guidance from local and state governments that may require rolling back to drive-thru, delivery or take-out options.Because there is no larger federal lockdown order in place, McDonald’s within individual states and cities may have had the ability to reopen their dining rooms, if the actions were in accordance with local health mandates.“This surge shows nobody is exempt from this virus – even places that previously had very few cases.

US buys 'virtually all' of world’s remdesivir, preventing other countries from acquiring drug for months

WASHINGTON -- Since the start of the novel coronavirus pandemic, health experts have provided different responses to the question of when, and if, a widespread coronavirus vaccine will be available to the public.

Phase 4 of Milwaukee's virus reopening takes effect; businesses remain cautious: 'Follow the guidelines'

MILWAUKEE -- The City of Milwaukee entered Phase 4 of its COVID-19 reopening plan on Wednesday, July 1, allowing more people to gather in certain spaces, such as restaurants and retail stores.Some Milwaukee businesses, though, remain cautious and focused on safety as the citywide plan moves forward.Things are sizzling at Stack'd Burger Bar.

President Trump supports stimulus payments larger than $1,200 in next bill

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump supports another round of economic impact payments to individuals, he told FOX Business on Wednesday, July 1.President Trump told FOX Business’ Blake Burman that he supported the measure as part of another stimulus package, so long as it “done properly.”“I support actually larger numbers than the Democrats, but it’s got to be done properly,” President Trump said. “I want the money getting to people to be larger so they can spend it.

Groom dies of coronavirus, 100 others infected after wedding in India

NEW YORK - More than 100 people who attended a wedding in India tested positive for coronavirus and the groom reportedly died two days after he was married.The groom was believed to be a super spreader and infected the other guests at the event that was attended by nearly 400 people.The wedding took place in the state of Bihar, according to the Times of India.

Army quarantines 90 soldiers, instructors with COVID-19 at Fort Bragg

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — The U.S. Army has quarantined 90 soldiers and instructors who tested positive for the coronavirus during a survival course at Fort Bragg.A total of 110 people participated in the course, which was cut short after a single soldier tested positive.

Brothers Osborne rescheduled for 2021 Wisconsin State Fair Main Stage, tickets on sale now

WEST ALLIS -- Wisconsin State Fair Park Officials announced on Wednesday, July 1 the rescheduled Brothers Osborne State Fair Main Stage concert for 2021 Wisconsin State Fair.

Little evidence that protests spread coronavirus in US

NEW YORK — There is little evidence that the protests that erupted after George Floyd’s death caused a significant increase in U.S. coronavirus infections, according to public health experts.If the protests had driven an explosion in cases, experts say, the jumps would have started to become apparent within two weeks — and perhaps as early as five days.