promoearn: US marks a terrible anniversary

Thursday, March 11

A florist demonstrates how to make floral arrangement for a funeral, amid the Coronavirus pandemic at a floral shop in Arlington, Virginia on February 22, 2021.

The WHO declared the coronavirus a pandemic one year ago, what's next for the relief bill and more news to start your Thursday.

Good Thursday morning to you, Daily Briefing readers. As unbelievable as it may sound, one year ago today, the World Health Organization declared that the spread of COVID-19 had become a pandemic. President Joe Biden is expected to speak to the nation about the somber anniversary Thursday evening in his first televised address.

And, as we approach the one-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death, Black women die every day at the hands of police. It's time we said their names.

Steve and Jane are back with Thursday's news.

But first, here is some news from Wednesday night, in case you missed it:

⚖ New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo faced a new allegation of inappropriately touching a female aide after a report said he summoned her to the governor's mansion and "aggressively groped her." According to the Times Union of Albany, the unnamed aide said in 2020, Cuomo allegedly reached under her blouse and fondled her. In a statement, Cuomo denied the claim.

⚜ Enraged Louisiana legislators and distraught student survivors grilled Louisiana State University Interim President Tom Galligan about his decision not to fire employees found to have contributed to the school's years-long, systemic failure to address sexual misconduct. An investigation was conducted after reporting by USA TODAY revealed widespread problems.

🎶 Season 5 of "The Masked Singer" kicked off and the show provided loyal fans with a couple of big surprises, including the eliminated contestant, who turned out to be (SPOILER!). Ken Jeong hailed the performer as "The most famous guest on 'The Masked Singer' ever!"

More news you might have missed: 👀

•	Andrea Sahouri, the Iowa journalist who was arrested as she reported on racial justice protests last summer, was found not guilty in a case that drew widespread condemnation from journalism and free press organizations.
•	The Senate voted to confirm Michael Regan, President Joe Biden's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, making him the first Black man to be administrator of the agency.
•	After Duchess Meghan revealed to Oprah Winfrey that she was previously suicidal, British TV host Piers Morgan was condemned for telling millions watching his program: "I don't believe a word she says." Alia E. Dastagir explains why that's so dangerous.

If you'd rather listen, check out the 5 Things podcast. 🎧

Here's what's happening today:

Biden TV address will mark one-year anniversary of lockdowns

President Joe Biden will make his first prime-time address Thursday night to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the start of coronavirus shutdowns. The address comes a day after Biden won final approval of his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden will discuss "the many sacrifices that the American people have made over the last year and the grave loss communities and families across the country have suffered." Biden is also likely to tout his administration's work in deploying COVID-19 vaccines, which have increased from a weekly average of 900,000 when Biden took office to 2.2 million last week. Biden spoke at a White House event Wednesday with the heads of Johnson & Johnson and Merck, the pharmaceutical company that is partnering with its competitor to help produce COVID-19 vaccines. The administration has arranged to purchase an additional 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine.

•	Claiming the win: Biden starts victory lap on COVID-19 relief bill while preparing for next big legislative push
•	Both parties plan to make COVID relief a key election issue. Republicans think history gives them the upper hand
•	Biden restarts program to help migrant children fleeing violence in Central America: But the message is, 'The border is not open'

What else people are reading:

💲 You've probably heard about the relief checks, but you might not know what else is in the COVID-19 relief package. These are 10 components you may not be aware of.

🚨 Five Oklahoma City officers are charged with first-degree manslaughter in the 2020 fatal shooting of a teen suspect who dropped his gun.

⚖ Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to hold up the COVID-19 stimulus bill. She has done this before.

⚾ Former Major League Baseball outfielder Johnny Damon brought up Blue Lives Matter and his support for former President Donald Trump during his arrest after a traffic stop last month.

The COVID-19 pandemic: It has been a year

One year ago today, the World Health Organization declared that the spread of COVID-19 had become a pandemic . From that alarming announcement, a national tragedy ensued. By the end of March 2020 the U.S. had the most cases of any nation; today, more than 529,000 Americans have died from the COVID-19 virus, with about 1,900 more still dying each day. Apart from the brutal death toll, Americans have had to endure masks and lockdowns, loss of jobs, and the interruption of countless pleasures great and small. The amazingly rapid development of vaccines has renewed hope for a swift end to the nightmare. Even so, experts say it may be many more months before we can truly declare victory over COVID-19.

•	US marks one year of pandemic as nation reaches 'critical nexus.' Latest COVID-19 updates
•	Fastest recession in history: How far the economy fell, then bounced back, a year after COVID changed everything
•	Then and now: 10 before and after photos that show how COVID has changed everyday life in America
•	What does victory against the COVID-19 pandemic look like? USA TODAY's vaccine panel weighs in

Todd Bailey sets flowers down in front of photos of people who have died due to COVID-19 at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park in Tempe, Ariz., on March 1, 2021.

Meg Potter, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK

The pandemic relief bill has passed. What's next?

The House has officially given the green light to the COVID-19 relief package containing $1,400 stimulus checks for millions of Americans. It now heads to President Joe Biden, who is expected to give his final stamp of approval Friday. It's hard to say when the checks will arrive, but the last round of payments arrived via direct deposit about two weeks after the bill was signed. Those who got a paper check had to wait longer. Meanwhile, there are others that stand to benefit from Biden's relief bill, such as schools, restaurants, farmers and event venues.

•	$1,400 checks are coming in the new coronavirus relief bill. Here's who will get them, and who won't
•	The COVID stimulus bill explained in 6 charts
•	Takeaways from the bill passing Congress: Weeks of partisan fighting comes to an end with a win for Biden

Minnesota Supreme Court weighs murder charge against Derek Chauvin

The trial will continue Thursday of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in a case that rocked the country and spurred worldwide protests after George Floyd's death . The first hour of the day will be dedicated to discussing potential conflicts in the trial. After that, jury selection will continue. On Wednesday, the court, for hours, heard from more potential jurors, with both Chauvin's attorney and prosecutors questioning them about their knowledge of the case, the protests and Floyd's death. Jurors faced questions about whether they could set aside any existing opinions to serve impartially. Thus far, five jurors have been chosen: four men and one woman. Three weeks have been set aside to choose the jury. Also Wednesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Chauvin, which could result in him facing an additional murder charge.

•	12 jurors must set aside what they saw in the George Floyd video. How will lawyers find an impartial jury?
•	Reckless disregard for human life or tragic accident? What to expect from the trial
•	Get caught up: Everything you need to know about this case

🌮 Taco Bell fans will be excited about what else is happening Thursday 🌮

The Quesalupa, which is a cross between a chalupa and quesadilla with the chalupa shell stuffed with melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheese, returns to Taco Bell restaurants nationwide Thursday. It was first introduced in 2016. That isn't the only item returning to the fast food chain's menu Thursday as former items featuring potatoes, the Cheese Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco, also will rejoin the menu. In recent months, the fast-food chain has been expanding its menu after cutting it in 2020 as it streamlined amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

More NBA teams get back to business as all eyes shift to San Antonio

On the heels of the league's All-Star break, the NBA ramps up its schedule Thursday as 22 teams face off in 11 games . Notable ones include the Boston Celtics traveling to face East powerhouse Brooklyn Nets (TNT, 7:30 p.m. ET), the Los Angeles Clippers hosting the Golden State Warriors (TNT, 10 p.m. ET) and two surprisingly strong teams meeting in Portland as the Trail Blazers (21-14) host the Phoenix Suns (24-11). The league likely thought its ceremonial second half would begin quietly Wednesday as just two games were on the schedule, but the San Antonio Spurs sent shockwaves when they announced seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge won't play another game for the team this season. "We've mutually agreed for him to work out some opportunities for him, and that'll be elsewhere," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. The trade deadline is March 25, and if the Spurs can't find a trade partner, the two sides will work on a buyout.

•	Six NBA teams that could make a big second-half push: What to know as the league ramps back up
•	NBA midseason awards: Why Curry, Embiid are favorites for MVP
•	NBA first-half winners and losers: Embiid putting it all together; Jazz winning, but getting disrespected

ICYMI: Our top stories published Wednesday

•	Checks of up to $1,400 are coming in the new coronavirus relief bill. Here's who will get them, and who won't
•	The Democratic-controlled House gave its final approval to the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill and it heads to President Biden for his signature
•	President Joe Biden hails the 'historic' COVID-19 relief package and says he will sign it Friday
•	There's a growing group of people who are becoming sober or significantly cutting back on drinking to improve their health and well-being. Chrissy Teigen is one
•	Private debt collectors can seize the $1,400 coronavirus relief checks to pay off creditors