The historic Route 66 turns 95 in 2021, but officials say plans for the 100th anniversary of the popular tourist destination received a boost last week when President Donald Trump
Nursing homes, contagious Clauses, toy drive boost: News from around our 50 states From USA TODAY Network and wire reports, USA TODAY
Alabama
Montgomery: A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit challenging the state’s mandatory face mask mandate, which opponents claimed is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins, in a decision Tuesday, dismissed the lawsuit calling it a “shotgun pleading” that makes a lot of accusations without organization or solid legal claims. The same judge in October had refused the suit’s request to block the mask rule, which health officials have credited with lessening the impact of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. The mask order, which was first imposed in the summer and extends at least through Jan. 22, requires anyone over the age of 6 to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors when it’s impossible to stay at least 6 feet away from others. The lawsuit was filed by former Alabama Chief J
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) A central Illinois city will give nearly $5,000 in coronavirus fines to a school district to help needy students and families.
“What better way to help this community than to find a way to help people who need it the most versus having the funds be absorbed by the city,” Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said Tuesday.
Bloomington District 87 tries to help families who might not be able to buy gifts and those who can’t afford food, rent or utilities, The Pantagraph reported.
Superintendent Barry Reilly said the district will be able to help 50 or more families with the city’s contribution.
Charlie Schlenker / WGLT
Bloomington Police officer Nolan Arjona testified he saw patrons eating and drinking inside the G.E. Road establishment the afternoon of Nov. 28 when police did a compliance check.
Attorney Tom DeVore argued the city had no authority to use the liquor code to enforce the governor’s executive order because it is not a regulation as specified under the code.
“This body has no jurisdiction to impede the department of health’s authority to make a premises off limits to the public. It’s their jurisdiction only,” said DeVore.
City Attorney George Boyle contested the point, saying a plain language meaning indicates the order is a regulation. Boyle also cited Black’s Law Dictionary. He said the liquor commission can impose penalties for several non-liquor offenses including the commission of crimes, and illegal gambling inside such a business.
City steering virus fines to help families during holidays
December 15, 2020 GMT
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) A central Illinois city will give nearly $5,000 in coronavirus fines to a school district to help needy students and families.
“What better way to help this community than to find a way to help people who need it the most versus having the funds be absorbed by the city,” Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said Tuesday.
Bloomington District 87 tries to help families who might not be able to buy gifts and those who can’t afford food, rent or utilities, The Pantagraph reported.
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Superintendent Barry Reilly said the district will be able to help 50 or more families with the city’s contribution.