'You Cannot Mask Your Way Out Of This,’ Sen. Marco Rubio Pleads

ACROSS AMERICA — An increasing number of Republican lawmakers are turning to social media to plead with their constituents to get vaccinated as the number of daily coronavirus cases in the United States continues to rise.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) was among them this week when he called on unvaccinated Floridians to get the COVID-19 vaccine, rather than eventually deal with a statewide or local mask mandate.

"You cannot mask your way out of this," he said. "The only answer is to get as many people vaccinated as possible."

Florida is among the hardest-hit states in the newest surge of coronavirus hospitalizations. The Florida Hospital Association reported 12,041 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations statewide Wednesday, a new daily record.

"We don’t have a hospital surge because vaccinated people stopped wearing masks,” Rubio tweeted. “We have a surge because not enough people have been vaccinated.” Read the full story on Miami Patch

The Politics Of Fashion

President Joe Biden grabbed attention for something much more fashionable than politics on Friday when he stepped out for a news conference rocking a summer-approved tan suit.

Deliberate or not, the choice of attire appeared to be a nod to former President Barack Obama just two days after the 44th president's 60th birthday.

Conveniently, it was also seven years ago to the month that Obama donned his own beige suit, sparking a non-scandal of such proportions it even got its own Wikipedia page. Read the full story on Across America Patch

More Reads

4-Year-Old Shot: A 4-year-old girl was shot and killed inside of a Chicago home by another child, police said Friday, via Chicago Patch.

The Faces Of Homelessness: More than 200 unhoused people have moved off the streets in Venice Beach. These photos capture the moments before many left, via Venice Patch.

Taco 'Bout Good Luck: A Maryland woman who made a quick trip to the grocery store for taco supplies ended up winning $1 million on a scratch ticket, via Dundalk Patch.

United Airlines Mandates Vaccine: United Airlines this week announced that starting this fall, every U.S.-based employee will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, via Newark, New Jersey, Patch.

Dancing At Dizzy’s: A beloved spot for world-class jazz acts with a lavish Manhattan skyline as a backdrop is about to blow its doors open, via Upper West Side Patch.

'Fast 9' Car Visits Wisconsin: A 1968 Dodge Charger known in part for its ties to "Fast and Furious 9" will make an appearance at a Wisconsin car show Saturday, via Oak Creek Patch.

LGBTQ Books Booed: Attendees alternately booed, cheered and applauded during discussion over two LGBTQ books at a Wisconsin library board session this week, via New Berlin Patch.

Your Good News Fix: There's lots to make you smile in this week’s collection of uplifting news stories from Patch editors, via Across America Patch.

Trending Across Patch

• Tokyo Olympic Games Photos: Team USA's Best Week 2 Performances, via Across America Patch
• DeSantis Blames Biden, Immigrants For Florida's COVID Surge, via Bradenton Patch
• Lawyers Who Filed Colorado Election Lawsuit Must Pay Rivals' Fees, via Denver Patch
• New Jersey K-12 Students Must Wear Masks This Fall, via Moorestown Patch
• Newark Man Charged With Murdering New Jersey Teen, via Maplewood Patch
• Central Park Barred Owl Dies After Hitting Vehicle, via Upper East Side Patch
• More Than 16,700 New Illinois COVID-19 Cases Reported This Week, via Chicago Patch

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