States pass their own virus aid, not waiting on Washington

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — States are not willing to wait for more federal help and have been moving ahead with their own coronavirus relief packages. Maryland and California recently approved help for small businesses, the poor, the jobless and those needing child care. New Mexico and Pennsylvania are funneling grants directly to cash-starved businesses. The…

Missouri vaccination sites busy making up for last week

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Several Missouri health departments are preparing to administer extra vaccinations this week, the result of postponed appointments necessitated by last week’s brutal winter weather. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Tuesday that the weather delayed the expected delivery of 3,000 doses to St. Louis County. County officials this week expect to receive…

Garland says Justice Dept. must be politically independent

WASHINGTON (AP) — Merrick Garland, President Joe Biden’s nominee for attorney general, vowed on Monday to prioritize civil rights, combat extremist attacks and ensure the Justice Department remains politically independent. Garland appeared Monday before the Senate Judiciary Committee and faced questions about the investigation of Biden’s son Hunter as well as the fallout from the…