Some hospitals reinstating mask requirements amid rise in COVID-19

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

Some hospitals reinstating mask requirements amid rise in COVID-19 (The Hill) — As COVID-19 and other respiratory infections rise across the country, some major health systems are bringing back mask requirements to stop the spread of infections. This week, Mass General Brigham, the largest health system in Massachusetts, said it will require masking for health care staff who interact directly with patients in clinical care locations starting Jan. 2. Patients and visitors will be “strongly encouraged” to wear a facility-issued mask. Masks will not be required for staff in hallways and common areas.  Testing negative but still feeling sick? Doctors explain why The health system in a statement said its policy is based on the percentage of patients presenting to emergency departments or outpatient clinics with symptoms of respiratory illness. Once this figure exceeded 2.85 percent for two consecutive weeks, the masking requirement took effect. It will end once the level falls below 2.85 percent for a week.  Most hospitals eas...

When do Austin's cold weather shelters activate?

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

When do Austin's cold weather shelters activate? AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin has revisited its criteria for activating cold weather shelters, which help keep people out of the elements overnight during dangerous weather. "We relook at it every year to make sure that we're still able to provide the services required when we do activate," said Greg McCormack, a program manager with the City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office. The threshold this year:If it's projected to be 32 degrees or lower overnightIf it's expected to be 35 degrees or lower with precipitation If it's forecasted to be 35 degrees or lower with a wind chill of 32 degrees or lowerThat last element is something the office recently added to the criteria. "When we talked with the different community members and understood that the wind chill has just as great a factor on someone who is outside...we decided to include that," McCormack said. As of this year, the Austin Area Urban League (AAUL) is doing all of the staffing for the overnight cold weather shelters,...

Tarrytown Expocare notifies individuals of potential data breach

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

Tarrytown Expocare notifies individuals of potential data breach AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, Tarrytown Expocare notified individuals of an "email security incident," according to a news release from the company.Tarrytown Acquisition Holdings, LLC, or Tarrytown Expocare, "is a healthcare provider that offers pharmacy services to the IDD and Behavioral Health communities across the United States."On Oct. 3, the company said it "detected and stopped an email security incident." A law firm that specializes in cybersecurity and data privacy began investigating the incident, the release said. "Third-party forensic specialists" were also asked to assist in the investigation.As of Thursday, the company said it "has not received any reports of suspicious activity in their email environment since the date of the incident (October 3, 2022)."On Dec. 20, the company distributed letters to anyone who may have been impacted by the incident. In those letters, additional information was provided about what happened along with an outline of specific personal info...

Report: Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez set to exercise option to become controlling owners of Timberwolves, Lynx

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

Report: Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez set to exercise option to become controlling owners of Timberwolves, Lynx Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez were expected to exercise their option to acquire majority ownership stakes in the Timberwolves and Lynx as early as Thursday, ESPN reported. The deadline to do so is Dec. 31.That’s not necessarily news as much as a procedural step in the process Rodriguez and Lore have followed over the past two and a half years.After exercising the option, the partners have time to produce the funds. The shift in majority ownership will then be subject to approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors, but that’s expected to go through.Rodriguez and Lore have purchased 20 percent stakes in the organization each of the past two years. This 40 percent purchase would move them up to 80 percent ownership, with current majority owner Glen Taylor maintaining the other 20 percent.This was all part of the process originally agreed upon in April 2021, when Lore and Rodriguez agreed to buy the team from Taylor at a $1.5 billion evaluation. Since then, the two have ...

The story of each interception that doomed Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

The story of each interception that doomed Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens The writing was on the wall for the Vikings to make another quarterback change. Though head coach Kevin O’Connell liked how explosive the offensive looked at times on Christmas Eve, he was clearly perturbed by fact that veteran quarterback Nick Mullens continuously turned the ball over in a 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.“We have to maintain possession of the football,” O’Connell said. “The turnover margin has been well talked about.”That’s why the Vikings have handed the keys to rookie quarterback Jaren Hall ahead of their New Year’s Eve game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. As much as O’Connell has harped on the turnover margin this season, he couldn’t in good faith continue to trot out Mullens under center.Asked if he thinks his desire to be explosive is the root of the issue, O’Connell sidestepped the question, instead noting that the interceptions from Mullens must be dissected in a vacuum,Her...

Albany Police arrest teen on weapon and drug charges

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

Albany Police arrest teen on weapon and drug charges ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A 15-year-old was arrested following a brief foot chase on Thursday morning. Police say the suspect had a loaded 9mm handgun and crack cocaine. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Officers responded to a report of an armed individual in the area of Central Avenue and Lexington Avenue. An individual matching the description of the suspect was located.Police charged the suspect with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Albany County Family Court on Thursday afternoon.The suspect's name will not be released due to his age.

What to know about Mizzou's Cotton Bowl game and how to watch

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

What to know about Mizzou's Cotton Bowl game and how to watch ARLINGTON, Texas - The grand finale to an exciting Missouri Tigers football season has almost arrived. Mizzou is getting ready for a big test on one of college football's biggest stages. The Tigers will battle the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 88th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday. The game will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT. Friday, and ESPN will carry the game broadcast. Fans can also stream the game with ESPN+, Fubo or Sling TV subscriptions. A whole month has passed since the Tigers' last game, a 48-14 Battle Line victory on the road against the Arkansas Razorbacks. That capped the program's first 10-win season in nearly a decade. What Missourians need to know as lawmakers return to Jefferson City The Tigers say they are trying to embrace the same routine they had for several months as they head into the match. Big stars Luther Burden III, Brady Cook and Cody Schrader are all expected to play...

St. Louis woman reported missing; mother hasn't heard from her since November

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

St. Louis woman reported missing; mother hasn't heard from her since November ST. LOUIS - Authorities are asking for the public's help with finding a St. Louis woman reported missing. Brittany Webb, 32, was reported missing out of St. Louis City on Dec. 20.Webb's mother told police she last heard from her on Nov. 15. She became concerned about her well-being after she did not show up for a Christmas holiday gathering as expected. Nursing home ransacked, burglarized after abrupt closure Investigators say the mother attempted to contact Webb on her phone around Thanksgiving. An unknown man reportedly answered the phone call and claimed to know Webb, but did not disclose further information about her. A recent attempted ping of Webb’s phone revealed it has been turned off sometime since that phone call. Webb is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall, and 130 pounds. If you have any information on her whereabouts, contact the missing persons unit of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department at 314-444-5738.

Man wanted after robberies at St. Louis pizza stop, gas station

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

Man wanted after robberies at St. Louis pizza stop, gas station ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the public's help with finding a suspect linked to two recent robberies. Police shared surveillance photos Thursday of a man accused in robberies at a Domino's Pizza shop and BP gas station in the City of St. Louis. Nursing home ransacked, burglarized after abrupt closure Investigators say the suspect entered the Domino's in the 1600 block of Ninth Street around 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 21 with a weapon, but did not display it. He reportedly demanded money from a cash register and took off with an undisclosed amount. A delivery driver spotted the suspect as he attempted to leave, and he allegedly indicated that he had a weapon. The suspect is also linked to a robbery hours later at a BP gas station in the 300 block of South Jefferson Avenue. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the public's help with finding a suspect linked to two recent robberies. (Photos courtesy: SLMPD)The St. Louis Metropol...

One killed, road closed in I-76 Frontage Road crash in Brighton

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:47:32 GMT

One killed, road closed in I-76 Frontage Road crash in Brighton One person was killed and three injured in a single-vehicle crash that closed the eastbound Interstate 76 Frontage Road in Brighton on Thursday afternoon.The crash was reported by Brighton police at approximately 2:15 p.m. on X. I-76 Frontage Road remains closed between 160th and 168th avenues, said spokesperson Kylynn McTague.The vehicle had four occupants, McTague said. The condition of the three people taken to the hospital was not immediately available, and it has not been determined if drugs, alcohol or speed were factors in the crash.This is a developing story.Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.