China scales back 'zero COVID' policies

Julius Lasin, USA TODAY
·4 min read
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Chinese authorities announce changes to the country's "zero COVID" policies after nationwide protests. Commemorations are held across the U.S. for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. And New York Yankees star Aaron Judge agrees to a record-breaking deal.

Greetings! It's Julius. And it's time for Wednesday's news.

But first, what was the mysterious object found at a Florida beach? 🤔 After a group of archeologists uncovered the structure, experts say it is a shipwreck from the 1800s. 

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China announces adjustments to COVID measures after protests

China's health authorities announced sweeping changes to the country's "zero COVID" policies on Wednesday, about a week after nationwide protests against pandemic controls that separated families, forced people to quarantine outside their homes and appeared to be having mounting social and economic costs. Among the changes: Harsh lockdowns will be limited to targeted areas, such as a particular building or floor, as opposed to whole neighborhoods and districts; and people who test positive for the coronavirus can isolate at home rather than in crowded field hospitals. Many testing requirements also have been scrapped. Read more about the changes in China.

A man wearing a mask passed by a statue of a cartoon character in Beijing, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. In a sharp reversal, China has announced a series of measures rolling back some of the most draconian anti-COVID-19 restrictions.
A man wearing a mask passed by a statue of a cartoon character in Beijing, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. In a sharp reversal, China has announced a series of measures rolling back some of the most draconian anti-COVID-19 restrictions.

Remembering those who lost lives during attack on Pearl Harbor

Wednesday marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and the 81st anniversary of the attack. On Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese military made a surprise raid on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing 2,403 U.S. service members and civilians. The next day, Congress would declare war with Japan, leading the U.S. into World War II. Then-President Franklin Roosevelt famously called Dec. 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.” In 1994, Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – and each year commemorations are held in Hawaii and across the U.S. Take a look back.

In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, smoke rises from the battleship USS Arizona as it sinks during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941.
In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, smoke rises from the battleship USS Arizona as it sinks during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941.

What everyone's talking about

Warnock scores important win for Democrats in Georgia

One of the most expensive Senate contests ended with Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeating Republican challenger Herschel Walker on Tuesday. The Georgia race, which cost $380 million in total, did not change which party controlled the Senate in the upcoming Congress, but it expands Democrats' majority in the chamber and gives them more power to confirm judges and promote legislation. Much congressional gridlock is still likely with Republicans taking control of the House, but a 51-seat majority does give Democrats more control of committees and frees them from reliance on Vice President Kamala Harris' tiebreaking votes in the upper chamber. Read our takeaways from the runoff election in Georgia.

Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks during an election night watch party, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Atlanta. Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Tuesday's runoff.
Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks during an election night watch party, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Atlanta. Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Tuesday's runoff.

SCOTUS considers case some say could upend elections

The Supreme Court wrestled Wednesday with a novel legal theory that critics warn could upend federal elections but that proponents insist is needed to limit the power of state courts to overrule voting laws approved by state lawmakers. At least three justices signaled a willingness to embrace the idea that state courts should be curtailed in their power to strike down state laws governing federal elections. But other members of the conservative majority seemed to be searching for a less sweeping resolution. At the center of the litigation is North Carolina's congressional map, which the state's supreme court rejected as a unconstitutional gerrymander. Learn more about the case.

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Real quick

Aaron Judge signs a record-breaking deal to stay in New York

Reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge will remain a member of the New York Yankees after agreeing to a nine-year deal worth $360 million, according to a baseball official with direct knowledge of the contract. The official spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized and Judge needs to pass a physical. Judge’s $360 million contract is the largest for a free agent in baseball history. He will earn $40 million a season, the highest average annual payout for a position player. Judge had a remarkable contract year in 2022, hitting an AL record 62 home runs. Keep reading.

Aaron Judge is returning to the Yankees after agreeing to a nine-year, $360 million deal.
Aaron Judge is returning to the Yankees after agreeing to a nine-year, $360 million deal.

A break from the news

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pearl Harbor, Georgia runoff, China 'zero COVID.' Wednesday's news.