Shoplifters coughing to elude security
SAN FRANCISCO -- There's a new breed of shoplifter, one who claims to have the coronavirus in hopes of eluding security, police say.But what suspects don't know is that what ordinarily could be considered a petty theft case could be elevated to a felony robbery prosecution, legal experts say.In Vallejo, police are trying to identify a woman who stole merchandise from the Target store and walked right past the cash registers without paying.When confronted outside, store security, police say she approached them and purposely coughed in their faces.It's a scene that's been repeated across the country in this age of COVID-19, "people who resisted arrest by either coughing at police officers or by claiming to have corona as their line of defense," said federal criminal defense attorney Nick Oberheiden.Vallejo police say the woman had shown no prior symptoms.
SAN FRANCISCO -- There's a new breed of shoplifter, one who claims to have the coronavirus in hopes of eluding security, police say.But what suspects don't know is that what ordinarily could be considered a petty theft case could be elevated to a felony robbery prosecution, legal experts say.In Vallejo, police are trying to identify a woman who stole merchandise from the Target store and walked right past the cash registers without paying.When confronted outside, store security, police say she approached them and purposely coughed in their faces.It's a scene that's been repeated across the country in this age of COVID-19, "people who resisted arrest by either coughing at police officers or by claiming to have corona as their line of defense," said federal criminal defense attorney Nick Oberheiden.Vallejo police say the woman had shown no prior symptoms.
'Couldn't catch my breath:' Minnesota woman, 40, describes COVID-19 experience in ICU
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A Minnesota woman is speaking out about COVID-19 after she ended up in the ICU.Melissa is 40 years old and has no pre-existing conditions.
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A Minnesota woman is speaking out about COVID-19 after she ended up in the ICU.Melissa is 40 years old and has no pre-existing conditions.
'It'll be different:' Saukville groomer eager to reopen under loosened restrictions; clients 'itching to get in'
SAUKVILLE -- Dog groomers, upholsterers, lawnmower repair shops and other nonessential businesses that able to offer contactless services can reopen starting Wednesday, April 29, the latest loosening of Wisconsin's stay-at-home order designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Gov.
SAUKVILLE -- Dog groomers, upholsterers, lawnmower repair shops and other nonessential businesses that able to offer contactless services can reopen starting Wednesday, April 29, the latest loosening of Wisconsin's stay-at-home order designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Gov.
'If you need to get tested, get tested:' 5 health centers to perform 400+ per day
MILWAUKEE -- If you don't have a primary care physician, health insurance or stable housing, Milwaukee County health officials want to hear from you, especially if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, or you've been around others who have.Between five Community Health Centers in Milwaukee, the goal is to perform upwards of 400 COVID-19 tests per day, while also providing continuing care for community members regardless of one's ability to pay for medical care.A lack of health insurance, long-standing community health disparities, one's immigration status or all of the above can contribute to whether people seek out medical care, which can be problematic amid a pandemic.
MILWAUKEE -- If you don't have a primary care physician, health insurance or stable housing, Milwaukee County health officials want to hear from you, especially if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, or you've been around others who have.Between five Community Health Centers in Milwaukee, the goal is to perform upwards of 400 COVID-19 tests per day, while also providing continuing care for community members regardless of one's ability to pay for medical care.A lack of health insurance, long-standing community health disparities, one's immigration status or all of the above can contribute to whether people seek out medical care, which can be problematic amid a pandemic.
DHS: 6K+ positive cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin, 286 deaths, 2K+ recovered, 61K+ negative
MILWAUKEE -- The number of positive cases of COVID-19 topped 6,000 Monday, April 27.
MILWAUKEE -- The number of positive cases of COVID-19 topped 6,000 Monday, April 27.
AG orders federal prosecutors to identify potentially unconstitutional COVID-19 restrictions
WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr on Monday ordered federal prosecutors across the U.S. to identify coronavirus-related restrictions from state and local governments “that could be violating the constitutional rights and civil liberties of individual citizens.”The memo to U.S. attorneys directs the head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division and the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan to coordinate the department’s efforts to monitor state and local policies and take action if needed.“If a state or local ordinance crosses the line from an appropriate exercise of authority to stop the spread of COVID-19 into an overbearing infringement of constitutional and statutory protections, the Department of Justice may have an obligation to address that overreach in federal court.”Barr’s memo comes about two weeks after the Justice Department filed a statement of interest in a civil case in Mississippi, siding with a Christian church where local officials had tried to stop Holy Week services broadcast to congregants sitting in their cars in the parking lot.The directive also comes as many stay-at-home orders are set to expire and governors eager to rescue their economies are moving to ease restrictions meant to control the spread of the coronavirus, even as new hot spots emerge and experts warn that moving too fast could prove disastrous.At the same time, protesters have staged demonstrations against stay-at-home orders, and in recent weeks, President Donald Trump has urged supporters to “liberate” three states led by Democratic governors.Trump was asked at Monday's coronavirus briefing about the strategy behind the decision by the Justice Department.“Well, you’d have to ask Attorney General Barr, but I think he wants to see — like everybody, he wants to see people get back and he wants to see people get back to work,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want people to be held up when there’s no reason for doing it.
WASHINGTON — Attorney General William Barr on Monday ordered federal prosecutors across the U.S. to identify coronavirus-related restrictions from state and local governments “that could be violating the constitutional rights and civil liberties of individual citizens.”The memo to U.S. attorneys directs the head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division and the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan to coordinate the department’s efforts to monitor state and local policies and take action if needed.“If a state or local ordinance crosses the line from an appropriate exercise of authority to stop the spread of COVID-19 into an overbearing infringement of constitutional and statutory protections, the Department of Justice may have an obligation to address that overreach in federal court.”Barr’s memo comes about two weeks after the Justice Department filed a statement of interest in a civil case in Mississippi, siding with a Christian church where local officials had tried to stop Holy Week services broadcast to congregants sitting in their cars in the parking lot.The directive also comes as many stay-at-home orders are set to expire and governors eager to rescue their economies are moving to ease restrictions meant to control the spread of the coronavirus, even as new hot spots emerge and experts warn that moving too fast could prove disastrous.At the same time, protesters have staged demonstrations against stay-at-home orders, and in recent weeks, President Donald Trump has urged supporters to “liberate” three states led by Democratic governors.Trump was asked at Monday's coronavirus briefing about the strategy behind the decision by the Justice Department.“Well, you’d have to ask Attorney General Barr, but I think he wants to see — like everybody, he wants to see people get back and he wants to see people get back to work,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want people to be held up when there’s no reason for doing it.
Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts among those appearing in global virus relief livestream
LOS ANGELES — Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and former President George W.
LOS ANGELES — Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and former President George W.
Illinois judge blocks Governor Pritzker's extension of stay-at-home order
CHICAGO -- A judge in southern Illinois on Monday, April 27 blocked Governor JB Pritzker's stay-at-home order extension through May 30.The ruling was issued by Clay County Circuit Court Judge Michael McHaney after Republican state Rep.
CHICAGO -- A judge in southern Illinois on Monday, April 27 blocked Governor JB Pritzker's stay-at-home order extension through May 30.The ruling was issued by Clay County Circuit Court Judge Michael McHaney after Republican state Rep.
Order allows dog groomers, small engine repair & upholstery shops, others to safely reopen
MADISON -- Dog groomers, upholsterers, lawnmower repair shops and other nonessential businesses that able to offer contactless services can reopen this week, the latest loosening of Wisconsin's stay-at-home order designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Gov.
MADISON -- Dog groomers, upholsterers, lawnmower repair shops and other nonessential businesses that able to offer contactless services can reopen this week, the latest loosening of Wisconsin's stay-at-home order designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Gov.
Los Angeles Lakers return $4.6 million from stimulus loan program
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have repaid a loan of roughly $4.6 million from coronavirus business relief funds after learning the program had been depleted.The Lakers applied for the loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, a part of the federal government's $2.2 trillion stimulus package.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have repaid a loan of roughly $4.6 million from coronavirus business relief funds after learning the program had been depleted.The Lakers applied for the loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, a part of the federal government's $2.2 trillion stimulus package.
Steak sale caused massive traffic jam, police response in downtown Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. -- A rare steak sale sparked a massive traffic jam in downtown Portland.Officials with the popular restaurant "RingSide Steakhouse" posted a message online -- saying they'd be selling their famed dry-aged steaks to the public.So many people wanted to pick up cases of the frozen meat, the line to buy stretched for blocks.Police had to be called out to help direct traffic.One man said he waited hours."So, we came down thinking we'd get here a little early, and low and behold, you know, we got lines everywhere, and there's over, you know, a couple hundred cars out here," he said. "I just came down here to get my wife some steaks.
PORTLAND, Ore. -- A rare steak sale sparked a massive traffic jam in downtown Portland.Officials with the popular restaurant "RingSide Steakhouse" posted a message online -- saying they'd be selling their famed dry-aged steaks to the public.So many people wanted to pick up cases of the frozen meat, the line to buy stretched for blocks.Police had to be called out to help direct traffic.One man said he waited hours."So, we came down thinking we'd get here a little early, and low and behold, you know, we got lines everywhere, and there's over, you know, a couple hundred cars out here," he said. "I just came down here to get my wife some steaks.
Hotels, Airbnb beef up cleaning standards to calm travelers
NEW YORK -- Hotels and home-sharing companies are beefing up their cleaning efforts in order to soothe jittery travelers.Hilton said Monday it’s teaming up with RB — which makes Lysol and Dettol disinfectants — and the Mayo Clinic to develop new cleaning procedures that will be in place by June.
NEW YORK -- Hotels and home-sharing companies are beefing up their cleaning efforts in order to soothe jittery travelers.Hilton said Monday it’s teaming up with RB — which makes Lysol and Dettol disinfectants — and the Mayo Clinic to develop new cleaning procedures that will be in place by June.
National Guard to test all Kenosha County Detention Center inmates for COVID-19; 15 confirmed cases
KENOSHA COUNTY -- Members of the Wisconsin National Guard are headed to Kenosha County to assist with COVID-19 testing of all inmates and employees at the Kenosha County Detention Center and Pretrial Facility.
KENOSHA COUNTY -- Members of the Wisconsin National Guard are headed to Kenosha County to assist with COVID-19 testing of all inmates and employees at the Kenosha County Detention Center and Pretrial Facility.
Coronavirus is expected to reduce meat selection and raise prices
DES MOINES, Iowa — Meat isn't going to disappear from supermarkets because of outbreaks of the coronavirus among workers at U.S. slaughterhouses.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Meat isn't going to disappear from supermarkets because of outbreaks of the coronavirus among workers at U.S. slaughterhouses.
Social distancing will continue ‘through the summer,’ Dr. Deborah Birx says
WASHINGTON -- The White House Coronavirus Task Force response coordinator said social distancing practices will need to continue through the summer to ensure the safety of Americans amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.“Social distancing will be with us through the summer to really ensure that we protect one another as we move through these phases," Dr.
WASHINGTON -- The White House Coronavirus Task Force response coordinator said social distancing practices will need to continue through the summer to ensure the safety of Americans amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.“Social distancing will be with us through the summer to really ensure that we protect one another as we move through these phases," Dr.
Flamingos take a tour of deserted Denver Zoo
DENVER, Colo. -- Flamingos at Denver Zoo in Colorado were recently given the chance to explore the facility as it remains closed to the public, footage released on April 26 shows.According to the zoo, staff regularly bring Chilean flamingo chicks for walks outside of their enclosure for physical therapy and exercise.
DENVER, Colo. -- Flamingos at Denver Zoo in Colorado were recently given the chance to explore the facility as it remains closed to the public, footage released on April 26 shows.According to the zoo, staff regularly bring Chilean flamingo chicks for walks outside of their enclosure for physical therapy and exercise.
Overcrowding could soon make California beach off limits
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Overcrowding at some California beaches and parks has given local officials second thoughts about keeping them open next weekend at the risk of reversing progress made in slowing the spread of the coronavirus and causing a deadly surge of cases.City officials in Newport Beach called on Sunday for a special meeting to consider shutting beaches for everybody in the next few weekends or closing roadways leading to the shoreline to keep visitors away.Over the weekend, a spring heat wave lured tens of thousands of people to the seaside town in Orange County, where residents compared the crowd size to something typically seen on July 4.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Overcrowding at some California beaches and parks has given local officials second thoughts about keeping them open next weekend at the risk of reversing progress made in slowing the spread of the coronavirus and causing a deadly surge of cases.City officials in Newport Beach called on Sunday for a special meeting to consider shutting beaches for everybody in the next few weekends or closing roadways leading to the shoreline to keep visitors away.Over the weekend, a spring heat wave lured tens of thousands of people to the seaside town in Orange County, where residents compared the crowd size to something typically seen on July 4.
NJ stay at home order continued indefinitely
NEW JERSEY -- There is no end in sight for the stay-at-home order in New Jersey due to the coronavirus outbreak that is blamed for the deaths of more than 6,000 people in the state.On Monday afternoon, Gov.
NEW JERSEY -- There is no end in sight for the stay-at-home order in New Jersey due to the coronavirus outbreak that is blamed for the deaths of more than 6,000 people in the state.On Monday afternoon, Gov.
New York nixes Democratic presidential primary due to coronavirus
NEW YORK -- In an unprecedented move, New York has canceled its Democratic presidential primary originally scheduled for June 23 amid the coronavirus epidemic.The Democratic members of the State’s Board of Elections voted Monday to nix the primary.
NEW YORK -- In an unprecedented move, New York has canceled its Democratic presidential primary originally scheduled for June 23 amid the coronavirus epidemic.The Democratic members of the State’s Board of Elections voted Monday to nix the primary.