News Roundup 09/04/2019
Hurricane Dorian to make landfall in U.S., claims one life
After ripping through the Bahamas and sliding up the coast of Florida, Hurricane Dorian is headed towards the coasts of North and South Carolina. As over a million residents evacuate, federal emergency declarations have been approved for Georgia, Florida, as well as North and South Carolina. The maximum sustained winds of 105 mph in the eye of the hurricane are moving in a northeastern direction toward Myrtle Beach. Landfall in South Carolina is forecast for Thursday or Friday. The storm has already claimed the life of a man making preparations for his home.
Ezekiel Elliot, Cowboys agree to 6-year, $90 million extension
The Cowboys have made Ezekiel Elliot the highest-paid running back in NFL history just in time for the regular season. The deal, which carries a guaranteed amount of $50 million, comes after a holdout by Elliot that lasted the entire off-season and five days before the season opener against the New York Giants. He hasn’t had any field work since minicamp in June, but trained in Mexico during training camp and preseason. In order to play on Sunday, the Cowboys would have to make a corresponding move on the 53-man roster.
Michigan bans flavored e-cigarettes
Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered a ban on flavored e-cigarettes after the state health department found youth vaping constituted a public health emergency. The ban will affect retail along with online sales. It will go into effect within the next 30 days with the help of health department, but will only last for six months. While the long term effects of e-cigarettes are largely unknown, Whitmer sees the perceptions and descriptions of safety to be misleading. The health department has said they will develop permanent regulations regarding flavored e-cigarettes.
Bill Flores to retire
U.S. Rep. Bill Flores (Tex.) announced his retirement, becoming the 15th House Republican to announce a resignation, retirement or change in office. He is also one of five Texas Republicans who have decided to not seek another term. In his statement he expressed he wants to spend more time with his wife and family, and intends to continue business activities in the private sector. His term will end in January 2021.
Washington Post, flores.house.gov
Measles outbreak over
New York City declared the biggest measles outbreak in 30 years to be over on Tuesday. Mandatory vaccinations have been lifted in the areas of Brooklyn where they were mandated. No new cases have been reported since the middle of July, surpassing the time of two incubation periods of measles, marking the end of the outbreak. Having had to close 12 schools during the outbreak, the New York law passed in June that ended religious exemptions for school vaccinations still stands.
Washington Post, New York Times